General Travel Tips for Chardham Yatra

Chardham yatra is one of the holiest pilgrimage yatras a pious Hindu longs to undertake due his or her lifetime. The journey is difficult, the path being hilly and the dhams being situated all in high altitudes. Each moment your endurance, your religious fervour is put to test. If you prepare yourself with the right tips quite in advance, the yatra can of course be completed in a much fulfilling way.

Chardham of Uttarakhand

Chardham Yatra is one of the most coveted pilgrimage journeys for the devout Hindus. Perched high atop the Himalayan peaks of Uttaranchal, the four holy spots that the devotees yearn to visit during char dham pilgrimage yatra are Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath; each dedicated to the respective deities. The picturesque Himalayan setting seems to be charged with some divine energy that pulls the devotees through the rugged terrain to meet their beloved Lord. It is generally believed that unless the Divinity calls, no one can put their feet on this heartland of God.

Opening and Closing Dates

Due to heavy snowfall the holy shrines remain closed all through the winters. The holy shrines open for the pilgrims around April-May and closes down around October-November. The opening and closing dates of Chardhams follow the age-old almanac and is decided by the priests and temple governing committee.

Yamunotri: Opens on Akshay Tritiya (last week of April or early May) and closes on Bhatri Dwitiya (Bhai Dooj that falls on 2nd day of Diwali)
Gangotri: Opens on Akshay Tritiya and closes on Deepavali.
Badrinath: Opens on Basant Panchami and closes on Vijaya Dashami.
Kedarnath: Opens on Maha Shiv Chaturdashi and closes on Bhatri Dwitiya.

Prohibited Items

Alcohol, non-vegetarian food items, drugs or any other items that may offend the pilgrims and the locals are included in the prohibited list. Therefore, such items should not be carried during the pilgrimage. Moreover, the pilgrims should respect the custom of the locals.

Things to Carry

Windcheaters, raincoats, sleeping bags, woolen blankets, water-proof tents, water-proof shoes with good grips, high battery torch and walking stick are must-carry items. In addition to this, dry food products like biscuits, dry fruits, candies, honey, lemon and tinned food items should be carried. Moreover, carry water bottle, spoon, glass, plate and tumbler. It is very important to carry personal medical kit and first aid box. Also, carry enough money to pay for the personal expenses.

Photography

Photography might be restricted inside the sanctum sanctorum and it is advised to follow the rules of the shrines. The picturesque mountainscape and the valleys provide ample opportunity for photography and you can capture the beauty to your heart’s content provided you do not lag behind the group.

Communication

Carry your cell phones with you but sometimes there might not be any connection owing to the remoteness of the shrines. For any serious medical emergency dial 108, the mobile emergency service of the Uttarakhand Government. But, making fake calls is a punishable offence.

Fitness

The journey demands physical fitness and stamina. For a smooth trek, it is advised to include physical exercises and breathing exercises in daily routine much before partaking in the journey. It will keep you fit and therefore health hazards during the journey can be avoided.

Altitude Sickness

To prevent altitude sickness, cover the head with monkey cap, walk slowly but steadily, inhale through nose and not through mouth, take rest when you feel tired. When you feel thirsty, do not drink water too much, just take a sip or two. Climbing mountains needs discipline in every sense.

Health Consideration

It is advised not to go on yatra without the consent of the doctor as the hilly terrains might be troublesome. Even after consultation of doctor one must carry one’s own personal medical kit if on medication of any kind like blood pressure or sugar. The first aid box should be included too. It must contain painkiller tablets/spray, Vicks ointment/candies, Iodex/Relexil, antiseptic cream and lotion, bandages, band-aids, inhalers, tablets for dizziness, fever and diarrhea.

Anti - Inflammatory

The trekking on hilly path might be tiresome for the unaccustomed feet. So, to counter inflammations and muscle pain, analgesic medicines should be carried.

Insurance

Carry important insurance papers particularly medical insurances and travel insurances to play safe.

Clothing

It is advised to carry sufficient woolens to fight the chill. It includes sweaters, mufflers, thermal body warmers, woolen trousers, monkey caps, gloves and socks. Women are advised to wear body hugging clothes like jeans or salwar kameez. Saree is a strict no-no for climbing mountains as it can prove hazardous and sometimes even life threatening.