Uttarakhand is a northern Indian state that’s home to some of the country’s most beautiful scenic spots. And on top of picturesque views, this region also has a unique local culture and history, so whether you’re a nature lover looking to go hiking or a history buff looking to broaden your horizons, Uttarakhand has something for everyone.
As with any other vacation, safety should be your top priority when visiting Uttarakhand. Local weather conditions can be quite chilly in winter and stiflingly warm in summer, and travellers who aren’t careful might get lost while exploring one of the region’s many hiking spots.
In this article, we’ll give you some safety tips to make sure your adventure in Uttarakhand goes off without a hitch.
Read the Weather Forecast
Uttarakhand is famous for its natural beauty, but both locals and visitors will attest to the fact that the weather here can get quite volatile. You might face intense heat, white snow or torrential rains depending on when you visit.
This is why we highly recommend knowing the climate at the time of your visit and keeping up with the weather forecast during your stay. Among the best ways to do this is to use a PDF maker to create a compilation of the forecasted weather for each day of your trip and bring a printed version along with you.
There are three seasons in Uttarakhand: summer (March to June), the monsoon season (July to September) and winter (October to February). If your goal is to spend plenty of time in the great outdoors, summer is the best time to visit, as long as you’re aware of some of the state’s cooler spots in case it gets too hot.
Winter, on the other hand, is perfect if you want to have fun in the snow and play winter sports like skiing and snowboarding – just make sure to bring warm clothing, as the temperature can drop far below zero.
We don’t recommend visiting during the monsoon season if you want to spend time outside, but if you do find yourself in Uttarakhand between July and September, make sure to bring umbrellas and drive carefully if you’re renting a car, as the roads can get very slippery.
There are few places as beautiful as Uttarakhand, and the best way to make the most of your trip to this northern Indian state is to be prepared for the local weather.
Stay Hydrated
Many tourists come to Uttarakhand to hike, which should come as no surprise: the area is home to some lovely treks including the Valley of Flowers, Kuari Pass and Har Ki Doon.
When trekking or performing other demanding physical activities, make sure to always drink plenty of water. Dehydration is a serious medical risk that can cause headaches, dizziness and, in extreme cases, death. In the summer, there’s also the risk of getting a heat stroke.
Staying hydrated is also important in the winter, even though you might not feel your thirst as keenly as when the weather’s warmer. Make sure to bring your water bottle with you wherever you go if you plan to engage in physical activities.
In addition to dehydration, altitude sickness is a concern when hiking in higher elevations. Symptoms can include nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath, making it crucial to pace yourself, drink plenty of water, and give your body time to acclimate.
If you’re trekking above 2,500 meters, consider ascending gradually, avoiding alcohol and listen to your body. If symptoms worsen, descending to a lower altitude is the safest option.
When it comes to drinking water, do not drink from taps, streams, or any unsealed sources – contaminated water can carry bacteria and parasites that cause serious illnesses like dysentery, giardiasis, and cholera.
Always drink bottled water that is sealed, or use a high-quality water purifier if you’re unsure about the source. If you forget to bring it, make sure to buy water in a grocery or convenience store before you head out into nature.
Be cautious with ice as well, since it’s often made from tap water. A stomach infection can ruin your trip fast, so staying vigilant about water safety is just as important as staying hydrated.
Enlist a Local Guide
Among the best ways to ensure your safety while visiting Uttarakhand is to go with a tour guide.
Besides simply knowing the must-visit destinations in the area, a guide will also be able to give you safety tips for each site you visit. Moreover, your tour guide will also know exactly who to call if you should run into unforeseen circumstances.
Another benefit of touring with a local guide is that they can help you navigate the local languages and culture. While the official language of the region is Hindi and many people possess a high level of English, some locals may be more comfortable conversing in languages such as Garhwali, Kumaoni and Nepali.
Uttarakhand’s street food is a treat for the senses, but food safety should always be a priority. A guide will help you stick to vendors that are busy and serve freshly cooked food, as high turnover means a lower chance of contamination. Avoid raw or uncooked foods like salads or cut fruits, as they may have been washed in untreated water.
A tour guide can also make sure you don’t break any cultural taboos: every place has its own dos and don’ts, and Uttarakhand is no different.
Stay Connected With Loved Ones
Whenever you’re visiting a new place, you should always keep in touch with loved ones back home. This is no different when exploring Uttarakhand.
Enable location sharing and make sure at least one person back home can see where you are at all times, especially if you plan to go on long hikes, as getting lost is a real danger.
Luckily for anyone who loves to travel, staying connected is infinitely easier today than it was in the past. We’ve already mentioned location sharing, which is a feature most modern smartphones offer.
Some other ways to keep in touch with loved ones include instant messaging apps, video calls and email. Make sure to connect with people back home regularly to assure them that you’re safe and healthy.
Enjoy Uttarakhand with Peace of Mind
Uttarakhand ranks among India’s top tourist destinations, and it’s not hard to see why.
The area is filled with absolutely stunning natural beauty, and flocks of tourists visit every year to explore its mountains, lakes and valleys. Uttarakhand is also home to a vibrant local culture and beautiful architecture, so there’s something for everyone.
While Uttarakhand is known as a safe place for tourists to visit, it’s still important to be aware of potential dangers such as bad weather, dehydration and getting lost in nature. Follow the safety tips we’ve just covered to make sure your trip to Uttarakhand goes smoothly.
