NELONG VALLEY - Geography, History and Culture of the Cold Desert of Uttarakhand

In the northernmost corner of Uttarakhand, in Uttarkashi district lies Nelong Valley. A trans-Himalayan region, the entire valley is situated above 3200m in altitude, and since monsoon doesn't quite reach here, it is essentially a cold desert, like Ladakh or Spiti in Himachal Pradesh. The home of Jadh Ganga, which meets Bhagirathi at Bhaironghati, Nelong is nearly desolate. Yet, even in this harsh terrain, the valley once was bustling with culture, commerce and life. The people who lived there, called Jadh carried out trade between India and Tibet, carrying salt, grains, pulses and borax on their goats over 5000m high Himalayan passes into Tibet and back to India. This video covers geographical, historical & cultural aspects of the region, and takes you on a journey to this really little-known region, along the route that passes through popular and beautiful destinations like Harsil, Bhaironghati, Gangotri and Mukhba. Then we cross into the unknown through the road less taken, and see the valley and gems it is hiding, like the ruins of Jadhung, and the absolutely clear, blue water of Janak Taal. Enjoy!