Uttarkashi Goes Digital: A single-window portal called “Explore Uttarkashi” was introduced for hassle-free trekking permits

Uttarkashi Goes Digital: It will no longer be necessary for visitors to rush from one department to another in order to get authorization for hiking and adventure tourism inside the district. The district government took the initiative to develop a new site called exploreuttarkashi.com. The goal is to thoroughly modernize, make transparent, and control the administration of adventure and trekking activities.

All authorized treks, registered trekking companies, qualified guides, the trekking pass system, and online registration and payment options will all be accessible via this platform.

Overcoming Past Obstacles
It’s important to remember that Jagran recently brought attention to the new portal’s debut delay. In the past, the district’s hiking activities used an offline system. In order to fulfill a number of procedures, such as agency verification, document checks, confirmation of guide credentials, safety equipment inspections, and the granting of trekking permits, tourists and trekking agencies had to repeatedly visit the Forest Department and the SDM office.

Last year, work on creating a “Single Window System” gateway started in response to these difficulties. After much anticipation, the new site, exploreuttarkashi.com, was formally unveiled on Thursday.

New Guidelines and Directives for Agencies
any trekking agencies in the district have been instructed to update the portal with their agency profiles, registration information, guide credentials, experience records, and any other required information, according to District Tourism Development Officer KK Joshi.

Every agency must now register a minimum of two qualified and authorized guides. These guides need to have their identification papers completely checked and submitted to the system, along with their mountaineering training from an accredited institution, first aid and high-altitude certifications, and experience information.

Processing and Verification Time-Bound
To guarantee that the trekking procedure runs well and within the allotted time, agencies are supposed to process any applications filed by trekkers within 24 to 48 hours.

Verifying the information, documentation, and travel insurance that the trekker provides will be entirely the responsibility of the relevant trekking agency. Furthermore, the hiker will have to send in an undertaking via email.