Imagine walking on a wooden bridge that hangs high on a steep cliff. Below you, a river flows fast. Above you, there are tall mountains. The path is narrow, and the view is scary but beautiful. This is the Gartang Gali Trek. For many years, no one was allowed to go here. It was a secret path. But now, it is open for you. If you love adventure and history, this place is a must-visit in Uttarakhand. In this blog, I will tell you everything about the Gartang Gali Trek. I will share the opening dates for 2026, the ticket price, how to reach, and where to stay. I am sharing this from my own experience of 15 years in travel, so you can trust this guide completely. What is Gartang Gali? Gartang Gali is not just a bridge. It is a piece of history. It is a 136-meter-long wooden bridge built on a vertical rock face. It looks like a balcony hanging in the sky. The Amazing History Over 150 years ago, traders used this path. These traders, called Pathans, came from Peshawar (now in Pakistan). They built this bridge to trade goods like salt, wool, and spices between India and Tibet. It was part of the old Silk Route. In 1962, after the war between India and China, the government closed this bridge. No one used it for almost 60 years. The wood rotted, and the path became dangerous. But in 2021, the government repaired it. They used strong Deodar wood to make it safe again. Now, you can walk on the same path where traders walked 100 years ago. Quick Facts at a Glance Before you plan your trip, here are the key details you need to know. Feature Details Location Nelong Valley, Uttarkashi (near Gangotri) Altitude 11,000 feet (approx.) Trek Distance 2.5 km (one way) Difficulty Level Easy to Moderate Ticket Price (Indian) ₹150 – ₹200 (approx.) Ticket Price (Foreigner) ₹600 – ₹850 (approx.) Opening Time 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Best Time to Visit May to June & September to October Gartang Gali Opening Dates 2026 The Gartang Gali Trek is not open all year round. In winter, the area gets very heavy snowfall. The roads get blocked, and the bridge becomes unsafe. For 2026, the expected opening date is around April 15, 2026. The exact date depends on the weather. If there is less snow, it might open a few days early. If there is heavy snow, it might open in May. Always check the local news or ask your travel agent before leaving. How to Reach Gartang Gali Reaching the start point of the Gartang Gali Trek is an adventure in itself. The start point is Lanka Bridge, which is near Bhaironghati. It is about 90 km from Uttarkashi main town. Here is the best way to reach there: 1. By Air The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. 2. By Train The nearest railway stations are Rishikesh or Dehradun. 3. By Road (The Most Popular Way) Most people drive or take a taxi. The route is very scenic. You will see the river Bhagirathi flowing with you. The Route: Dehradun -> Mussoorie -> Chinyalisaur -> Uttarkashi -> Bhatwari -> Harsil -> Lanka Bridge (Start Point). Pro Tip: Do not try to go from Dehradun to Gartang Gali in one day. It is too tiring. Stay the night in Harsil or Uttarkashi. The Trekking Experience: Step-by-Step Let me describe what it feels like to do the Gartang Gali Trek. Step 1: The Check Post You start at Lanka Bridge. There is a forest check post here. You have to show your ID card (Aadhar Card is best). You pay the entry fee here. They will check your bag to ensure you are not carrying plastic bottles or alcohol. Step 2: The Forest Trail The first part of the trek is through a dense forest. It is a mix of Pine and Deodar trees. The path goes up and down, but it is not very steep. You will walk for about 1.5 km to 2 km on a dirt path. It is peaceful and quiet. You can hear the birds singing. Step 3: The Wooden Bridge (The Main Part) Suddenly, the forest ends, and you see the cliff. Here begins the famous Gartang Gali wooden bridge. You walk on this wooden path for about 136 meters. This is the best place for photos. You can see the Nelong Valley ahead. Step 4: The End Point The bridge leads to a small open area. This used to be a resting point for traders. You can sit here, drink some water, and enjoy the view. You cannot go further towards the China border without a special permit. From here, you turn back and return the same way. Ticket Price and Permits You do not need to book online months in advance like Kedarnath. You can get the permit on the spot at the Lanka Bridge Check Post. Note: The forest department is strict about time. If you reach after 3:00 PM, they will not let you enter. Best Time to Visit Gartang Gali Choosing the right time is very important for a good view and safety. Summer (May to June) This is the best time. The weather is pleasant. The days are sunny. The snow has melted, and the valley looks green. It is perfect for trekking. Monsoon (July to August) Avoid this time if possible. The roads in the mountains can get blocked due to landslides. The wooden bridge can get slippery when wet. Autumn (September to November) This is my favorite time. The sky is crystal clear blue. The trees start turning yellow and orange. The air is crisp and cold. It is very beautiful for photography. Winter (December to March) The trek is CLOSED. The area is covered in snow. Where to Stay? There are no hotels exactly at Gartang Gali. You have to stay in nearby towns. 1. Harsil