The Char Dham in Uttarakhand elevates the inward beauty of the verdant nation; millions of views increase its allure, and visitors are mesmerised by the stunning majesty of nature. During this holy yatra, the first shrines to be visited are Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. The Char Dham route is really simple and uncomplicated.
According to Hindu mythology, the Chardham Yatra is lucky and ought to be taken in a clockwise direction from West to East. The yatra makes its way from Yamunotri to Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath in that order. To experience the yatra’s adventures, you can hike along its path. You can also use a car or a helicopter to get there.
Chardham Yatra Route Map
The dhams of Badrinath and Gangotri are easily accessible by road from Rishikesh, Haridwar, Kotdwar, and Dehradun. To get to Yamunotri, you must take a trip from Janki Chatti (approx. 210 km from Rishikesh). A trek to Kedarnath begins at Gaurikund in a manner similar to that (93 km from Rishikesh).
These four pilgrimage destinations, which are spread out across a distance of roughly 1,607 kilometres between Haridwar and Rishikesh, start at Yamunotri and end at Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Your Chardham Yatra might potentially start in Delhi.
The Route Itinerary
The ideal way to travel to the Chardham Yatra is to have a well-planned vacation where you are aware of all the benefits and drawbacks and can travel fast to the sights. So let’s look more closely at a route that will enable you to safely navigate the yatra roads.
- Barkot to Haridwar on Day 1 (220 km, 7 hours)
- Yamunotri – Barkot on Day 2 (36 km by road, 7 km by trek)
- Barkot to Uttarkashi Day 3 (100 km, 4 hours)
- Uttarkashi to Gangotri (100 km, 4 hours)
- Day 5 Uttarkashi to Rudraprayag (180 km, 7 to 8 hours)
- Rudraprayag to Kedarnath on day 6 (74 km by road, 20 km by trek)
- From Rudraprayag to Badrinath Day on the 7th day (160 km, 6 to 7 hours)
- Day 8th from Badrinath to Rishikesh and finally ending the Dham Yatra here (297 km, 10 to 11 hours)
- On the ninth day, departure from Rishikesh.
The Best Accommodation En-Route
There are many ashrams and dharamshalas where you can stay at a reasonable price. Basic amenities and services are also offered by a lot of privately owned hotels. If you’re looking for a luxury hotel, you won’t find many along the Chardham Yatra route. GMVN, or Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam, provides inexpensive lodging in Uttarakhand with a selection of hotels, bungalows, and holiday rental properties. Hotels are also accessible by GMVN on the Chardham Yatra itinerary in quiet areas.
What food Can be availed En-Route
Although there would be few food options, a double combo would undoubtedly be healthy and tasty. The food is straightforward but nutritious, with little variety. Only vegetarian food without onions or garlic is available, especially near the temples, particularly Yamunotri. You will find cauliflower, cabbage, and potatoes in a normal sabzi.
Helicopter Route – Chardham
Many people enjoy the adrenaline rush of flying, so they can choose a helicopter ride for the Chardham route. So why not try this route and enjoy aerial views of hills and valleys and the holy sites along the way, you can book a Chardham yatra package by helicopter. From Dehradun, take a helicopter to Yamunotri, then continue on a 6- to 7-day helicopter tour to Badrinath.
Let us check on the helicopter routes;
- Helicopter from Dehradun to Kharsali Departure from Dehradun’s Sahastradhara Helipad by helicopter Arrival at Yamunotri’s Kharsali Helipad.
- Helicopter from Kharsali to Harsil Departure by helicopter from Kharsali Helipad in Yamunotri Arrival at Harsil Helipad in Gangotri.
- Helicopter from Harsil to Kedarnath Departure by helicopter from Harsil Helipad in Gangotri Arrival at Kedarnath Helipad (Base Camp).
- Helicopter from Kedarnath to Badrinath Departure by helicopter from Kedarnath Helipad Arrival at Badrinath Helipad.
- Helicopter from Badrinath to Dehradun Departure by helicopter from the Badrinath Helipad Arrival at the Dehradun Helipad.
En-Route Travel Tips
It is critical that you are prepared to handle any situation that may arise while travelling, so a well-planned travel backup should be carried and followed at each Chardham location. They would look like this:
- Check the weather before booking the tour.
- Cover your head and remove your clothes before entering the temple.
- Wear a sturdy pair of shoes for easy walking.
- Sarees should be avoided because they make walking difficult (not necessarily).
- Please leave no litter on the Chardham Yatra. Maintain the cleanliness of Mother Nature.
- Maintain contact with other yatris.
- Because the weather is always cool, bring heavy woollen clothing. Dress in layers.
- Keep a medical kit on hand that includes pain relievers, antibiotics, and basic cough, cold, and fever medications.
- Stock up on snacks such as biscuits, glucose, dark chocolates, candies, and so on.
- Carry extra camera batteries with you; electricity is not available in remote areas.
- Prepare thoroughly for the Chardham Yatra, as it is one of India’s most difficult yatras, requiring both physical and mental fitness.
- Avoid coming to this yatra in the monsoon season as it may cause landslides and road blockage.
- Respect areas where photography is not permitted. And, unless otherwise stated, always seek permission.
- Pack sunscreen, moisturiser, and hand cream to protect your skin from sunburn.
- Book your hotels ahead of time before the temples open to avoid the crush of pilgrims and last-minute hassles.
- During the yatra, alcohol consumption should be avoided.
- Take care of your fellow yatris.
Special Update on Chardham Yatra Rail Route
One of the largest and possibly most ambitious projects in the Himalayan region, the Char Dham railway project, will reduce travel time between Rishikesh and Karnaprayag to slightly more than two hours. It will improve access to Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, the four Hindu pilgrimage sites.
The Economic Times reports that it will include India’s longest tunnel, stretching 14 kilometres between Devprayag and Janasu. The Rishikesh-Karnaprayag route will include 35 bridges, 17 tunnels, and 12 stations (Rishikesh, Muni Ki Reti, Shivpuri, Manjilgaon, Sakni, Devprayag, Kirtinagar, Srinagar, Dhari, Rudraprayag, Gholtir, Gauchar, and Karnaprayag).
These places of worship are very important to devotees. Other formation structures will be established in the Uttarakhand districts of Dehradun, Tehri, Rudraprayag, and Chamoli. When completed, the travel time between Rishikesh and Karnaprayag will be reduced from seven to slightly more than two hours.
It will also make it easier to visit the Himalayan Char Dham shrines of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Badrinath, and Kedarnath in the Garhwali region. As a result, tourism, adventure sports, trade, and transportation will benefit. In addition, it will improve and simplify military operations in the defence sector.
With this news update in mind, it appears that pilgrims will be able to complete their divine yatra much faster in the future by taking the rail route. So, why delay? Pack your bags, plan your trip, and take the recommended route for an unforgettable experience of divinity and adventure with the best Chardham Yatra Package.
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