Important Note, Chardham Yatra suspended for 2021
What is Char Dham Yatra ?
Char Dham Yatra is a journey all about four holy rivers of India, and these four holy rivers are Ganga, Yamuna, Mandakini, and Alaknanda. These four rivers are located in Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Spirituality boosts one to get on a divine journey to attain tranquility and peace, and this sacred journey is known as Char Dham Yatra. It is recognized as the best opportunity to explore intriguing Hindu cultures as well as fascinating snow clad Himalayan exquisiteness. It is a trip through the four prominent holy destinations and is nothing less than an unforgettable experience for the devotees.
Best time to undertake Char Dham Yatra
The foremost thing you should know which the best time to undertake this spiritual journey is. The Char Dham Yatra begins from April May and is open till Diwali months that is October November every year. The Char Dham Yatra is closed in winters because of the extreme climate. Traveling in the months of July and August should be avoided as at this time Garwal region experiences heavy rainfall that can make your trip problematic. There is the threat of heavy rain as well as landslides during these months. The best month to undertake Char Dham Yatra is September because it is the time after rains and the beauty of the region will be doubled. You can enjoy and explore the awe-inspiring views along with verdant landscapes.
Opening as well as closing dates of Char Dham Yatra
Opening dates
- Yamunotri Dham: 14th May 2021
- Gangotri Dham: 15th May 2021
- Kedarnath Dham: 17th May 2021
- Badrinath Dham: 18th May 2021
Closing dates (dates may change)
- Yamunotri Dham: 06th Nov 2021
- Gangotri Dham: 05th Nov 2021
- Kedarnath Dham: 06th Nov 2021
- Badrinath Dham: 19h Nov 2021
The best route to follow during Char Dham Yatra
Generally, all pilgrims start it Char Dham Yatra from the west to east, i.e. from Yamunotri to Gangotri and then to Kedarnath and end up in Badrinath. The best route for Char Dham Yatra is as follows
- Yamunotri Route: Rishikesh – Narendra Nagar – Chamba – Brahmkhal – Barkot – Hanuman Chatti – Phool Chatti – Janki Chatti – Yamunotri
- Gangotri Route: Barkot – Uttarkashi – Gangotri
- Kedarnath Route: Uttarkashi – Guptkashi – Kedarnath
- Badrinath Route: Kedarnath – Pipalkoti – Badrinath
How to Reach Char Dham
There are three ways to reach Char Dham where people use to offers prayers to the god and search for inner peace:
By train – The nearest railway stations for Char Dham are Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun as well as Kotdwar. There are many taxis, buses, and cabs available outside these stations.
By Air – The nearest airport for Char Dham Yatra is Jolly Grand Airport also known as Dehradun Airport. Many helicopters along with small private planes are also available to make a landing at the airport.
By Road– there is a well connected and well-laid road to reach Char Dham in a relaxed and hassle-free way. Intercities taxis and other transportation services are accessible on a frequent basis. You can board buses from Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun, Gangotri as well as Uttarkashi.
Essential things to prepare for your Char Dham Yatra
Char Dham Yatra in Uttrakhand is considered a very difficult tough journey in India as it means exploring sacred shrines all the way through tough trekking routes. This is the ultimate way of spiritual redemption and regeneration according to Hindu mythology. It is one of the most challenging journeys in India in spite of its dangerous and rugged routes. It is the essential journey for almost all devotees to visit the sacred shrines at least once in their lifetime. Exploring these tough Char Dham Yatra routes are quite challenging for devotees. To make your journey hassle free keeps in mind below listed essential things to prepare prior to commencing your Char Dham Yatra.
Essential things to keep in mind For a successful and managed Char Dham Yatra journey follow below-listed tips:
Best Timings for Yatra
Once you have decided to go to Char Dham Yatra, the first thing you should know is the best time to start this journey. The best months will are those in which you can visit the shrines as the doors are open. Yatra generally begins in April May and ends in October November but peak season is the month of September. During May month the place is full of devotes and which can lead to many problems.
Hire a Guided or Tour Operator
You should choose that you will go for a self-managed tour or you will hire a guided tour operator. The best experience of Char Dham Yatra can be attained if you plan your journey by hiring an experienced tour operator. They will arrange for you the best services like arrival, departure, accommodations and other convenience for entire Yatra.
Physical Fitness
Before starting your Char Dham Yatra, please ensure your physical fitness for the journey. Get yourself checked at least three months prior to the Yatra. You should make a check on your high blood pressure, diabetes. Cardiac disease or any such problems. It’s better to have a proper check up and get appropriate medications before heading towards Char Dham Yatra.
Clothings
Carry comfortable, warm and woolen clothings with you as in your entire Char Dham Yatra you will get cold temperature. Undoubtedly, in high altitudes, it is not possible to survive in light cool clothings. You should also carry with you a cell operated torch along with extra cells which will help you out on the ways at nights.
Plan in a Group
Always plan your Char Dham Yatra in a group with your friends or family as the routes are quite challenging and you may face some difficulties. Going in groups will get you assistance which will be needed at difficult routes.
Things to Carry for your Char Dham Yatra
Medicines
You should carry the medications prescribed by your doctor during your Char Dham Yatra. In case of emergencies, it will be useful for the yatri themselves and also for fellow pilgrims. You should carry analgesics and antipyretic drugs with you along with some antiallergic drugs. First aid box is one of the most necessary items to be carried during Char Dham Yatra.
Documents
Some documents which you should keep handy all the time during your Char Dham Yatra will include or Identity card, your address proof. You should also keep photocopies of the documents which can be helpful.
Clothings
Woolen clothings are obligatory in Char Dham Yatra as all the temples will be located at extreme cold locations. Pilgrims should carry with them ,
- Woolen cap
- A muffler
- Woolen gloves
- Pair of socks
- Warmers
- Sweaters
- Sunglasses
- Windcheaters
- Jackets
Route maps
Route maps during Char Dham Yatra are also compulsory. Generally, Yatra begins from west to east as it starts from Yamunotri, then Gangotri, then Kedarnath and after that Badrinath.
Local phone
Carrying a local phone is necessary as in your entire Char Dham Yatra you will not get any sort of Wifi services or else internet facilities. So you should not bring your Smartphone during your journey and should carry a local and cheap phone with you. You can also pick a local sim card so that you can be well connected to go anywhere. Airtel and BSNL services are best in Himalayan terrain so opt for them.
Above mentioned tips will help you out to complete your spiritual journey. Besides all these tips you should also keep in mind that you have determination so that you can complete your Char Dham Yatra without any hassle.