The gates of Gangotri National Park and the adventurous Gartang Valley have officially closed for the winter season, marking the end of a highly successful year for tourism in the ecologically sensitive region.
According to a news article by The New Indian Express, despite challenges from recent natural events, the park welcomed a record number of visitors and generated substantial revenue.
Officials confirmed that 29,162 tourists visited the park this season, a remarkable achievement given the disruptions caused by the recent Dharali disaster.
Harish Negi, Deputy Director of Gangotri National Park, highlighted the financial success, saying, “The park has received a revenue of Rs 80,96,750 from entry fees alone.”
This is a significant rise from the approximately Rs 61 lakh earned in 2023, even as the park managed 28,500 visitors in 2022.
“While the Dharali disaster slightly reduced the footfall compared to initial projections, the revenue saw a marked increase,” Negi added.Tourists will now have to wait until April 1, 2026, to re-enter the park.
Pradeep Bisht, Range Officer for Gangotri National Park in Uttarkashi, echoed the positive sentiment, saying, “A large number of tourists flocked to the tourism destinations within the park this season. Both the number of visitors and the revenue have set new records.”
Even during the closure, park authorities remain vigilant, with over 50 camera traps installed to monitor rare wildlife such as snow leopards, Argali sheep, bears, and red foxes across the 1,553 sq km area reaching elevations of up to 7,000 meters.
Closure ceremonies took place at key entry points, including the Kankhu Barrier, Bhairavghati Barrier, and Lanka Bridge Barrier leading to Gartang. Popular trekking routes to Gaumukh and Tapovan also saw high visitor numbers.
The Gartang Valley, renowned for its precarious 150-meter-long wooden pathway near the India-China border, concluded its season successfully.
Historian Jai Singh Rawat explained, “The world’s most dangerous path, carved into the steep Himalayan hillside in the Nelang Valley, was constructed by Pathans from Peshawar around the 17th century, nearly 300 years ago,” highlighting its historical significance as part of the India-Tibet trade route.
This season underscores the enduring appeal of Gangotri National Park and Gartang Valley, emphasizing their importance in promoting adventure tourism and supporting the local outdoor recreation economy.