Things to Carry for Char Dham Yatra

Before one embarks on any journey, one ought to make sure one has all the items required to finish it successfully. This is more so when the journey in consideration is Sacred Char Dham Yatra, a pilgrimage known for the many difficulties it presents to its pilgrims. With Char Dham opening dates for 2018 having been declared, thousands are preparing themselves to undertake the pilgrimage within 2-3 months. In fact, date for opening of Yamunotri and Gangotri is fixed on 18 April. While Kedarnath Temple would open its doors on 29 April, Badrinath would open for Darshan on 30 April. With pilgrim season just around the corner, you cannot afford to postpone preparing well for the perils of the journey. We have prepared this guide as to let you know what all you ought to keep in mind before packing for char Dham Yatra.

Woollen, Woollen and more Woollen Clothes

As one is travelling towards such cold environ as Himalayas, woollen clothes are never going to be enough. Remember that all the four Dhams remain closed for half a year due to extreme cold weather. Thus, make sure you carry enough woollen sweaters, body thermal wears, socks, monkey caps, mufflers, warm shawls etc.

Sunscreens, Moisturisers, Other Face and Body Lotions/Creams

If you don’t want to let the journey leave its undue marks on your skin, you ought to take excellent care of the skin. Remaining well hydrated during the course of the journey would go a long way in ensuring the same. In addition to that, you cannot afford to miss carrying moisturisers, lotions and creams for body as well as face. Also, just because you are travelling to cold climates does not mean you can afford to skip sunscreen lotions. Ensure that you carry sunscreen with enough SPF to avoid your skin being sun-damaged.

Medication for common ailments like fever, aches, sore throat, cold , headache + Routine Medication, if any for blood pressure, respiratory ailments etc.

One may not able to find adequate stock of medicines in such remote places. Thus it is advisable to pack painkillers, antibiotics, antiseptic creams and cough-cold medicines before one embarks char Dham Yatra. Also, ensure that you consult a doctor and get his/her opinion on your fitness levels before starting the journey. Make sure that if you happen to suffer from respiratory ailments or blood pressure issues, you have adequate stock of medicines to last the entire course of the journey. You ought to know the higher altitude and its ensuing environ aggravates the probability of many diseases.

Stuff for Monsoons

If you are one of those rare people choosing to go on char Dham Yatra during monsoons, ensure that you carry umbrella, raincoat, waterproof bags (minimum two, so as to separate dry from wet clothes).

Some Additional Must-Haves

You ought to carry torch, lighter, extra batteries for mobile phone, camera etc. because you might encounter frequent power failures. If you are someone who likes to keep the memories of the journey alive, do remember to carry camera with extra films, additional batteries etc.

Dry Food Stocks

It is advisable to carry stocks of dry food for quick and efficient supply of energy while on treks. Thus, carry sufficient stock of dry food like biscuits, candies, glucose, milk powder, dry fruits, chocolates, candies etc. so that you can restore your depleting energy levels.

Cash!

You may not come across ATMs at every nook and corner while on char Dham Yatra. This is understandable owing to the remote location of its shrines. Thus, do remember to carry sufficient cash to last your entire journey.