Janaktal Trek in Uttarakhand (World’s 2nd Highest Trek) Travel Guide

On 27 February 2025, PM Narendra Modi laid the foundation of the Janaktal Trek, the World’s 2nd highest trek route. Also, the PM will inaugurate the second trek Neelpani-Muling La in Uttarkashi. The opening of two trek routes is to boost tourism for his next vision “Winter Yatra” held in Mukhba (Mukhwa) village, Harsil on the route of the Gangotri pilgrimage. This big initiative aims to boost tourism in India by inviting all domestic and International tourists to this unexplored gem in Uttarakhand near the Chinese border. This is a big step towards the economy of India and making Devbhoomi, an important vacation hub for winter. To know more about the Janaktal trek, now no longer a hidden jewel, read the full blog to learn its worth and all the necessary information.

All About Janaktal Trek

Why is Janaktal Chosen as the World’s 2nd Highest Trekking Route?

Location: Janaktal is in the Jadung(Jadhang) Valley of Uttarkashi in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand.

The Janaktal trek in Uttarkashi is the 2nd highest trekking route in the world because of a higher elevation of 5400 meters (17,716 ft) than any other trekking destination after Mount Everest Base Camp. The other trek route is Neelapani to Muling La Pass at 17,000 ft. This is because of Modi Ji’s “One District, One Destination” project. Adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts will be amazed to explore such a highly elevated location in our country. The beautiful views of the valleys and peaks at a high altitude with alpine vegetation are a treat to the trekkers. The base camp for their trek is in Jadung Village at a distance of 11 km. Opening for the first time for tourists, the trek routes were restricted due to Inner Line Permits regulations and it was converted into a military cantonment in 1962.

With the inauguration of this beautiful trek in Jadung Village inhabited by Jad Bhotiyas, Bhairav Ghati, Nelong Valley, Jadung and Sonam Valley will also be open for tourism. The Gangotri Highway also falls under the Inner Line Permits and Gangotri National Park, so people here were not allowed to stay until 5.00 pm. However, these restrictions will be altered to promote tourism.

Special Highlights for the Winter Yatra Inauguration 

• Inauguration of “Winter Yatra” by our renowned Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi ji on 27 February 2025 in the Mukhba or Mukhwa village.
• PM Modi will pay obeisance to Maa Ganga in the Ganga Mata Temple, Mukhba and visit Harsil Village, the abodes of River Ganga.
• The PM will inaugurate two trekking routes, with Janatak Trek being a major limelight of the ceremony.
• One is Jadung Village(Nelong Valley) to Janaktal(11 km) the 2nd highest Trekking Route in the world opening for National and International tourists.
• The other trek will connect Neelapani to Muling La Pass (25 km)in North Gangotri having a difficulty-level trek.
• The Motorbike rally and other adventure activities in Jadung are planned by the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board(UTDB).
• During the ceremony, PM Modi will wave a flag at a Motorbike rally, the All Terrain Vehicle(ATV) Rally and the Rough Terrain Vehicle(RTV) by the Indian Army from Harsil to Jadung Village.
• The Nehru Institute of Mountaineering(NIM) and Indo-Tibetan Border Police(ITBP) will expedite the first trek from Jadung village to the Janaktal trek route(11 km).
• The second trek route will also be headed by the ITBP from Neelapani to Muling La Pass in the North of Gangotri(25 km).
• An exhibition displaying the Garhwali culture, products and handicrafts of this region for displaying its cultural and economic significance.
• The Secretary Chief Minister & Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey and other senior officials will supervise Harsil to Mukhba(3km) arrangements for the ceremony such as security, lights, seating, parking, traffic management, parking, cleanliness, etc.

When to go for the Janaktal trek?

The Janaktal Trek route was opened on 1 April 2022, but there were limitations in visiting some unexplored sites as they were previously under military cantonment during the Indo-China War. However, PM Modi’s initiative to facilitate tourism through “Winter Yatra 2025” in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, will modify the rules for tourists to visit these Inner Line Permits, such as Nelong Valley, Jadung, and Sonam Valley.

• According to sources, the winter of mid-November to February is a difficult time for the Janaktal Trek because of heavy snowfall in the hilly terrains at higher altitudes.
• The preferred time to visit is March to June (Summer or Pre-monsoon months) and September to mid-November(Autumn Season).

Accommodations

• Homestays and Accommodations near Harsil
• Skyard Hostel Harshil Valley
• Mini Swiss
• Srishti Guest House
• Laxmi Narayan Homestay
• Hinwali Kanthi Riverside Camp and Cottage
• Homestays and Accommodations near Mukhwa/Mukhba
• Sunder Homestay
• The Tibaari Riverside
• Hill River View
• Homestays and Accommodations near Harsil
• Jadung Homestay
• Mountain Village Stay
• Woods n Peaks

Must Explore:

• Exploring the remote hilly terrains, Jadung Gad stream and the vibrant blue Janaktal, a lake named after King Janak.
• There is an old temple of Goddess Durga near Janaktal with Tibetan Inscriptions on rocks.
• During Janaktal Trek, you can explore Janak Glacier and Jadung Kund at (4,600 km).
• Sight viewing of pinnacles surrounding the Jadung Village, Nelong Valley, Jadung and Sonam Valley.
• Stargazing at the star-filled night sky of Nelong Valley is an ideal location for astronomy enthusiasts.
• Camp in Lal Devta Campsite in Jadung way to Bharal Kill point.
• Enjoying mountain bike riding on motorable roads.
• Enjoy the amazing views of the valleys, lofty peaks, alpine forest and vegetation.
• Explore Gangotri village, 35 km from Janaktal.
• To explore the wildlife such as Snow Leopards, Brown Bear, Bharal, Himalayan Monal, etc. in the Gangotri National Park(requires permits).
• See the astonishing views of Nelong Valley, a lost trail, called Ladakh of Uttarakhand on the Indo-Tibet Border.
• View the incredible vistas of Chaukhamba, Kedarnath, and Mount Shivling.
• Enjoy the village culture and cuisines of Garhwali and Indo-Tibetan locals.
• Hike to the nearby excursions like Sonam Valley, Nelong, Neelapani Valley, Glacial lakes, religious temples, etc., see the Indo-Tibetan culture, and taste the authentic Garhwali cuisines with a touch of Tibetan spices.
• You can see many water streams, especially Jadhganga originating from Teenpani in Tibet and a river to Kinnaur.
• Walk on the Wooden Bridge, a trading point for India and China.

How to Reach and Trek Details

Janaktal Trek Itinerary

• Reach Uttarkashi in the Garhwal Region of Uttarakhand from Rishikesh or Haridwar
• Now from Uttarkashi, go to Jadung Village(76.2 km) in Bhatwari Tehsil of Uttarkashi by vehicle.
• Bhaironghati(Gangotri) and Nelong are the nearest villages at 24.4 km and 16 km to Jadung.
• From Jadung you need Inner Line Permissions to go further.
• Your trek begins from Jadung village to Bharal Kill Point (7.5 km).
• Finally, trek from Bharal Kill Point to Janaktal (2.5 km).
• This is an easy Janaktal trek (11 km).

Neelapani-Muling La Pass Trek Itinerary

• Reach Uttarkashi in the Garhwal Region of Uttarakhand from Rishikesh or Haridwar
• Now from Uttarkashi, go to Neelapani Valley near the Indo-China border, the base for the trek.
• Trek down from Neelapani to Muling La Pass(25 km) for panoramic views.
• This trek is difficult in rough terrain.

• Nearest Airport to Harsil, Uttarkashi: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (235 km)
• Nearest Railway to Harsil, Uttarkashi: Rishikesh Railway Station(205 km)

How Janaktal Trek will Benefit Uttarakhand?

1. The “Winter Yatra” will enhance tourism in the Uttarakhand region making it a popular tourism hub in India.
2. The unravelling of these untouched trekking routes is a gift by PM Modi to all trek enthusiasts.
3. The establishment of the Janaktal trek as the world’s second-highest trek will increase the importance of this place and will attract many domestic and international tourists.
4. With the tourism boost, the employment opportunities in the Nelong Valley will increase.
5. The ancient structures of Mukhba village will be reconstructed including the pedestrian path to Ganga Mata Temple will be built.

Future Endeavours for this Place?

The government of Uttarakhand is planning to bring some development in this region to assist facilities and convenience to tourists:-

• First, trek routes are opened to invite visitors from all places.
• Secondly, 20+ new accommodations by the State Tourist Department and GMVN are under construction in Jadung village near the Indo-China border to relax and acclimatize before going on these trek routes. This is going under the Centre’s Vibrant Village Scheme to resettle the villagers evacuated in the 1962 Indo-China War.
• Also, three viewpoints will be introduced for sightseeing in Nelong Valley.
• A 3 km stretch to the Janaktal trek is being prepared to ease it for the adventurers.
• The state government is promoting undiscovered jewels of Uttarkashi such as Nelong Valley, Sonam Valley and Jadung and is looking to develop the area to facilitate tourism.
• PM Modi’s visit will also encourage the Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage, a religious tour in Uttarakhand.
• With the increment in tourism activities, employment opportunities will also increase in the coming future.

Remember Key Points Before Visiting Here?

• Take permission from the SDM Office, DC Office or Forest Department of Uttarkashi to enter the Inner Line Border area and Gangotri National Park.
• Take your ID card like an Aadhar card, driving license, PAN card, etc for bookings or taking permits.
• Keep warm with woollen clothes, fleece jackets, mufflers, caps, and body warmers for cold weather.
• Wear trekking boots to ease your walk in the snow.
• Take a trekking pole
• Plenty of water for hydration.
• Skincare creams and moisturizers to protect your skin.
• Medical kit for emergency.
• Cash in remote areas as electronic means of money(ATM or UPI) may not work.
• Keep all essential goods like electronics, hygiene products, etc in your backpack.

FAQs

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