“Is Uttarkashi safe to visit” I am sure this will be one the questions bothering you, if you are newbie to Uttarkashi in Garwhal division of Uttarkhand. Well if that’s the case don’t worry I’ve got you covered.
Based on my extensive travels in Uttarkashi, I’ll be putting to rest all the others that you might have in terms of safety like solo travel, weather, natural hazards to name a few.
Is Uttarkashi Safe to Visit?
Uttarkashi is the gateway to many Himalayan treks, Ancient pilgrimage sites, pristine valleys and more. But how safe is Uttarkashi you would ask as a first time traveler. Which is genuine question to have.
Therefore, I am curating this blog to help address queries that my fellow travelers. By the way, if you are a first time traveler to Uttarkashi, here is a detailed blog on how to reach Uttarkashi.
Is Uttarkashi Safe To Visit For Solo travelers
Absolutely Yes without any hesitation. I personally traveled solo in Uttarkashi town and many places in the district like Harsil valley, Supin valley, and I had no problems whatsoever.
Uttarkashi town is the administrative headquarters and is like any other major mountain town. While the rest of district is full of rustic villages. Locals are very warm and welcoming especially in the far-flung villages.
Just make sure you travel by public transport, stay in homestays & always remain cautious when traveling solo in Uttarkashi or anywhere in general.
Me posing at Leka Top perched above Jakhol. I traveled solo in Uttarkashi and it was a wonderful experience without any issues. The picture clicked by my guide.
Is Uttarkashi Safe to Visit for Couples ?
As I said the locals are very welcoming and friendly in Uttarkashi. Therefore, It doesn’t matter if you married or an unmarried couple, locals won’t bother you.
Several kinds of tourists and travelers head towards Gangotri, Yamunotri, Harsil valley, Sankri, Dayara bugyal etc. And therefore a lot of villagers and locals are involved in tourism and can cater to tourists.
By the way, Here is a blog 8 reasons compelling reasons to visit Uttarkashi which will hopefully motivate you to pack your bags and head to Uttarkashi.
Are Public Places Safe In Uttarkashi ?
Public places like markets, bus stands, are pretty safe in Uttarkashi from what I observed. So there should be no problems whatsoever.
Just note one thing to note, public places get secluded quite early in the night in Uttarkashi. Most shops close down by 9.00 PM and there are hardly any people on the streets.
So make sure you keep your pending tasks in the night which require you going out to the market. If you are looking for what mobile network works best in Uttarakhand, here is a detailed blog on the same.
Market of Sankri !
Is Uttarkashi Safe to Visit – In Terms of Natural Calamities & Hazards
Uttarkashi is a mountainous region. And places with mountainous terrains are much more susceptible to widespread destruction during a natural calamity.
Due to erratic weather patterns, flash floods have been commonplace leading to perilous consequences like landslides, damage to roads & bridges, loss of property & life.
Earthquakes are rare in Uttarkashi. But again chances of hazards are maximum during monsoon. So generally avoid peak monsoon if possible.
Is Uttarkashi Safe to Visit – In terms of Hiking
Hiking and trekking is one aspect that I feel Uttarakhand is way ahead of any other states in the country. The popular trails are very well-marked trails.
Some popular trails have 6 feet stone pathways built so that there is no chance of losing the way. For instance treks like Dayara bugyal have such well-marked trails.
The only real threats are heavy rain or heavy snow and of course the wildlife. But again, that is nature. So avoid hiking or trekking solo in less frequented trails. And end your journey before the dark.
This is what I was exactly talking about. Most popular treks with high tourist footfall have such well-marked paved paths. The trail to Dayara bugyal from Barsu.
Is Uttarkashi Safe To Visit – In Terms Weather
Weather in the Uttarkashi town is moderate. The summers are very hot, but the winters are extremely cold. And there is monsoon as well.
Mid-altitude regions almost have pleasant weather throughout the year. They do receive snow. But monsoon is the season one should be very careful in Uttarkashi.
Is Uttarkashi Safe to Visit – In terms of Homestays
Yes absolutely. In fact as a solo traveler, I always prefer to stay in the homestays instead hotels or guesthouses.
There a couple of simple reasons. Staying with a local family ensures that I get a sneak peek into the local lifestyle along with being safe and homely cooked food.
In fact, I would also advise you do that same, especially if you are a solo traveler.
Is There A Threat Of Wild Animals In Uttarkashi ?
Dangers of Animals like Leopards, bears always looms large in many areas of Uttarakhand. Unless they feel threatened they won’t attack humans.
Therefore, make sure if you are hiking or trekking, try to reach your destination before dark especially if it is a forested area. Also, make the animal aware of your presence by creating some kind of noise.
On a personal level though I never encountered any wild animals while in Uttarkashi. But again be aware and ask about the threat of wild animals in the region you are in Uttarkashi.
To conclude, I hope now have the answer to “Is Uttarkashi safe to visit”. Uttarkashi is absolutely safe to visit as a traveler, but certain things need to be kept in mind when traveling which I’ve discussed in help.
In case of any queries do drop them in the comments below. I’ll be happy to answer them.