The gates of Gangotri National Park in Uttarkashi, located along the China border, have been closed for the winter season. Entry will reopen for tourists on 1 April next year. A total of 29,162 tourists visited the park this year, generating revenue of ₹80.96 lakh. The visitor count remained lower than expected due to the Dharali disaster, which impacted movement for nearly one and a half months.
On Sunday afternoon, park staff locked the gates near Gartang-Gali and Kankhu barrier in the presence of Deputy Director Harish Negi. The park is usually closed on 30 November each year due to harsh winter conditions.
The park administration had set a revenue target of over ₹85 lakh this season, but the target could not be achieved because of reduced tourist inflow following the disaster.
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Before closing the gates, trap cameras were installed on major trekking routes to monitor wildlife activity during winter. The park is a natural habitat for snow leopards, and their estimated population inside the area is around 35.
