Things To Do
in Barkot
Barkot is a quiet hill town in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, perched along the banks of the Yamuna River and framed by pine and oak forests. It serves as a common gateway and acclimatization stop for pilgrims and trekkers heading to Yamunotri and nearby Himalayan trails. The town blends traditional Garhwali culture with a small but friendly tourism infrastructure of guesthouses, tea shops and local bazaars.
Scenic riverbanks, mountain viewpoints and easy access to high-altitude meadows make Barkot a restful base for nature trips and short pilgrimages.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Immerse yourself in the crisp mountain air as you wake up to panoramic views of the Garhwal Himalayas and savor a traditional Kumaoni breakfast featuring steaming chai and aloo ke gutke. Check into a charming riverside guesthouse in Barkot, where rustic wooden décor and handwoven blankets echo local heritage. Spend time meeting your host family and learning about the legends of the Yamuna River that flows nearby.
After lunch, take a leisurely stroll along the Yamuna River banks, listening to the soothing murmur of the flowing water. Wander through the village market, interact with friendly vendors selling handcrafted woolens and aromatic spices harvested from nearby terraced fields. Capture photographs of quaint stone houses adorned with prayer flags fluttering in the breeze.
Return to your guesthouse for a traditional Kumaoni dinner of saag and bajra rotis cooked on a wood-fired stove. As twilight falls, join your hosts around a crackling bonfire, sharing stories and singing local folk songs under a star-studded sky. Let the cool mountain night lull you into a peaceful slumber.
Set off at dawn on a scenic trail that weaves through dense pine and oak forests, breathing in the tang of forest herbs carried on the breeze. Pause at viewpoints to admire the snow-capped peaks rising above emerald valleys. Reach the hamlet of Janki Chatti by mid-morning and be greeted by the sight of traditional Kumaoni farmhouses.
Enjoy a packed lunch by the Yamuna River as it gurgles over smooth stones, then explore the verdant woodlands surrounding the settlement. Observe villagers tending to their terraced fields of potatoes and buckwheat, and learn about their simple way of life. Photograph the sun-dappled forest floor sprinkled with blue Himalayan violets.
Set up camp near a meadow, where you can watch the sunset paint the sky in crimson and gold. Dine on freshly prepared dal, rice, and local pickles heated over a campfire. As night deepens, fall asleep to the gentle chorus of crickets and distant river sounds.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍛Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-5 |
| ☕Tea / Coffee at a stall | $0.5-1.5 |
| 🚖Local taxi/jeep to nearby trailheads | $6-20 |
| 🏨Budget guesthouse per night | $10-30 |
| 💧Bottled water (1.5L) | $0.3-1 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, scenic base for Himalayan treks and pilgrimages
- Authentic Garhwali culture and simple, home-style food
- Affordable accommodation and low tourist crowds outside peak pilgrimage times
- Limited nightlife and modern amenities
- Roads can be narrow, winding and affected by monsoon or snow
- Healthcare and emergency services are basic compared with large cities
- "Namaste" - Hello / respectful greeting
- "Dhanyavaad" - Thank you
- "Kripya / Meherbani karke" - Please
- "Kitna hua?" - How much is this?
- "Suniye / Maaf kijiye" - Excuse me / sorry
Places to Visit in Barkot
Visit one of these nice places.
Low-angle river shots with flowing water, pebbled banks and reflections of surrounding pine forests—excellent at sunrise and sunset.
Panoramic viewpoints above the town for wide-angle shots of terraced fields, the town and distant snow-capped peaks on clear days.
Trekking paths, local villages and mountain-swept landscapes that capture pilgrimage life and Himalayan terrain; best during clear weather.
Candid street photography opportunities—colourful prayer flags, local textile crafts and temple rituals reflect Garhwali culture.
Food in Barkot
Barkot Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A nutritious Garhwali spinach and greens curry often eaten with roti or rice; find it in local homestays and small restaurants.
Must-Try!
Spiced dry potatoes topped with coriander and chilies; a ubiquitous mountain snack served in roadside dhabas and tea shops.
Finger millet flatbread common in the region—served at traditional guesthouses and family kitchens.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small weekly bazaar and daily street stalls where you can try steaming momos, parathas, chai and seasonal fruit; look for local vendors selling walnuts and apples.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Always remove shoes before entering temples, dress modestly, and observe silence during rituals; photography in temples should be done only with permission.
Use 'Namaste' with a slight bow or folded hands as a respectful greeting. Address older locals with courtesy and avoid loud behavior.
Do not litter—carry out all non-biodegradable trash. Avoid cutting live vegetation and respect grazing lands and local agriculture.
Safety
Tipping in Barkot
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory—round up bills at restaurants, give Rs 50–200 ($0.6–$2.5) to helpful drivers or guides depending on service and trip length.
Cash (Indian rupees) is king in Barkot; small shops, taxis and guesthouses may not accept cards. Some hotels accept UPI or cards—carry sufficient cash for remote areas and small purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
April to June brings pleasant days (15–25°C) and cool nights—best time for trekking and visiting Yamunotri; mornings and evenings can still be chilly, pack layers.
July to September has heavy rain and high landslide risk; many trails and high passes can be dangerous and road disruptions are common—travel with caution or avoid heavy travel.
October to November offers clear skies, crisp air and prime photography conditions after the monsoon; crowd levels are moderate with stable roads.
December to February is cold with possible snowfall at higher elevations; some roads and pilgrimage routes toward Yamunotri may close—bring warm gear and check local travel advisories.
Barkot at Night
Hiking in Barkot
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
The main pilgrimage trek that leads to Yamunotri Temple—options vary from a shorter mule/pony-supported route to longer footpaths; seasonal access and weather-dependent.
Scenic high-altitude freshwater lake in the Uttarkashi region reached by rough roads and trekking—known for clear waters and camping (requires planning and local guidance).
Numerous short trails around Barkot for half-day hikes, village visits and viewpoint walks—good for acclimatization and casual exploration.
Airports
How to reach Barkot by plane.
The nearest major airport (IATA: DED), about 150–190 km by road depending on route and traffic; reachable by taxi or bus with a long scenic drive of several hours—most travelers hire a taxi to Barkot or take a combination of bus and taxi.
A larger hub with more frequent flights; about 250+ km from Barkot, used mainly when flight options to Dehradun are limited—requires long road travel or overnight stops.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The dominant local community—people involved in agriculture, small trade, hospitality and seasonal shepherding, speaking Garhwali and Hindi.
Seasonal influx of Hindu pilgrims traveling to Yamunotri and other nearby shrines, especially in summer months.
Indian and occasional international trekkers and nature tourists using Barkot as a base for short treks and camping.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cricket is widely popular and played informally in open ground and village fields.
Trekking, trail running and mountaineering are popular recreational activities for locals and visitors drawn to the Himalayan terrain.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Barkot.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available—most places will serve dals, vegetables and rotis; clarify if preparations include ghee if you avoid dairy.
Vegan requests are manageable (rice and vegetable dishes) but less common; gluten-free alternatives are limited—carry snacks if you need guaranteed gluten-free options.
Small kitchens may not manage strict cross-contamination; carry essential medications and communicate allergies clearly in Hindi (e.g., "mujhe nut allergy hai").