Chardham Yatra: Tips for safe & affordable journey

John H. Vincent once said, “We are pilgrims, not settlers; this earth is our inn, not our home” and as a human being we could never agree more.

In our life, a certain phase comes when we search for emotional and spiritual support and well-being. It is the time when our spiritual energy seeks asylum or divine energy that can only be obtained through the sacred journey of Chardham Yatra amidst the enchanting Himalayas and in the lap of Mother Nature. In the Hindu religion, the Chardham Yatra is considered as the auspicious journey. In fact, there are many who believe that it doesn’t only believe to wash away all your sins but also releases you from the cycle of life and death.

However, it doesn’t mean that this holy journey is only reserved for old people who want to spend the rest of their remaining lives by performing religious activities devoted to God. There are many youngsters who consider Chardham Yatra as a magnificent opportunity to learn more about the traditional Hindu cultures while exploring the inimitable beauty of snow-clad Himalayas.

Better road condition in Chardham sector (Chardham All Weather Road), easy commute & access of the vehicles, Chardham Yatra by Helicopter service, reliable travel agents, and Chardham tour packages, has made this divine journey accessible to even people with health limitations. Now even heart patients, arthritis patients, elderly people, kids, and family can plan Chardham Yatra by both Helicopter and surface.

Smart research on how to plan Chardham Yatra will make this journey memorable, hassle-free & affordable Chardham Yatra.

Chardham Of Himalaya

Also known as Chota Char Dham or Char Dham of Garhwal

The journey- Yatra covers the four spiritual sources of four holy rivers; the Yamuna (at Yamunotri), the Ganges (at Gangotri), the Mandakini (at Kedarnath), and the Alaknanda (at Badrinath). Although there are several paths to complete the holy journey of Chardham, the helicopter ride is the best option for elders as well as travelers with certain health conditions such as; arthritis, high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, etc. that limits down their physical capabilities. If you are thinking about going on this auspicious journey then, here is the essential guidance you need to ponder before heading forward.

How to prepare yourself for this divine journey?

Every year thousands of people across the globe visit the sacred sources of Chardham Yatra to get blessings and forgiveness of their sins of this life from deities. Along with its religious value, the Chardham Yatra is also known for its difficult routes which adds more difficulties to people whose capabilities are limited by any physical or mental diseases. Therefore, devotees whether going on this divine journey through the surface, helicopter, or taking a trek to shrine should prepare their minds and bodies to conquer the challenges they will face on this Yatra. How would they do it, how to plan Chardham Yatra? Well, essential preparation is the key and when it comes to it, we’ve got your back.

Figure out the best time to visit

The first thing you need to ponder upon is when to begin this divine journey to Chardham. Situated in the laps of Himalayas, the holy shrines of Chardham are known for their snowy and cold weather that stays very similar throughout the entire year. While the Kapats (Temple gate) are closed during winters as the temperature falls down below the zero degrees and the snow engulfed the entire temples of Kedarnath and Badrinath.

The gates of the temples are re-opened on the eve of Akshaya Tritiya- usually the first week of May. The best time to visit these places is between May to June and September to October. The sacred journey again becomes challenging to be completed by road as the heavy downpour begins from July and continues until the august. The journey during this time is recommended to be avoided as heavy rainfall can lead to many problems such as slippery roads, landslide, and the harsh flow of rivers. The month of September is again ideal for the journey as the rainfalls fill the entire area with heart-capturing views and verdant sceneries.

Physical fitness of the travelers

Image Credit: Vijayant

Yatra by road and especially trekking at Yamunotri and Kedarnath is challenging and requires fitness. If you are not completing your journey through a helicopter, then you need to walk upon trekking routes at Kedarnath that require pilgrims to trek for miles on rugged terrains and inevitable weather conditions that make the roads slippery to walk. Hence, the pilgrims are required to be both physically and mentally fit to complete this religious journey to some of the high altitudes.

Pilgrims with conditions like high blood pressure, arthritis, heart diseases are recommended to go through helicopter services to complete their sacred journey of Chardham. In addition, the consultation with the physician prior to the journey is also required to ensure the devotee can go for this journey. Oxygen cylinders are available with Chardham sector government officials, and one needs to inform in advance to the officials for their requirements.

Moreover, those who desperately want to go for once in a lifetime Yatra but couldn’t trek can consult with known travel agencies like Trek N Tales or Chardham By Helicopter to book the helicopter services to arrange the seats. Trek N Tales team will advise all necessary tips for how to plan Chardham Yatra.

What to carry on this journey?

Image Credit: Sumit Chattarjee

Another key point to consider before going on this journey is what to carry in your backpack? As you already know the holy shrines are located in the Himalayas and surrounded by the snow-covered mountains it is important to carry warm clothes with you. Bodywarmers, caps, mufflers, jackets, woolen gloves, sweaters, and trekking shoes are some of the essential accessories you must carry while going on this journey. As these shrines are situated at the peaks, they lack the medical facilities, therefore, it is suggested to avoid getting sick on such a high altitude by carrying enough warm clothes.

Along with the clothes, other essentials you need to carry in your backpacks include prescribed medicines, torch, matchboxes, candles, umbrella, raincoat, light snacks, chocolates, glucose, and water bottles. Although you can find the necessary things while traveling, it is important to pack these things to make sure you have a lifetime experience on your journey to sacred places.

Elder people, especially heart patients, arthritis patients should carry their regular medicines, as while traveling you might not get chemist shops frequently.

Which is the best route to follow to reach the Chardham temples?

Generally, the hallowed journey of Chardham is carried by devotees from the west to the east. It means it will begin with the Yamunotri, cover Gangotri, and then Kedarnath before finally completing at the Badrinath. The significant path that will allow devotees to complete their journey without any difficulty is explained below:

Yamunotri Route: – Haridwar – Dehradun – Mussoorie – Barkot – Yamunotri.

Gangotri Route: – Yamunotri – Uttarkashi – Bhatwari – Harshil – Gangotri

Kedarnath Route: – Gangotri -Uttarkashi – Devprayag – Guptkashi – Kedarnath.

Badrinath Route: – Kedarnath – Chopta- Joshimath – Badrinath.

How to reach Chardham destinations?

Image Credit: Sumit Chattarjee

There are several modes of traveling that allow devotees to reach the holy temples of Chardham to offer their prayers to God while accomplishing the inner peace and spiritual strength:

All Chardham destination is In Uttarakhand state and all four shrines of Chardham are close by to Haridwar. Traditionally most people start their journey from Haridwar unless you are not doing your Yatra by helicopter. For Chardham by helicopter yatra, it is advised to arrive at Dehradun.

The helipad is at Dehradun and helicopter Yatra begins from the Sahastradhara helipad which is approx 40 km from Dehradun domestic airport and approx 15 km from the railway station.

Step by step guide for reaching Chardham destinations

In case you are planning a road trip

Step 1: First reach to New Delhi

Step 2: From New Delhi to Haridwar ( By Road / Train)

Step 3: From Haridwar Take a Taxi

State bus is not advisable on Chardham routes

In case you are planning a helicopter Yatra

Step 1: Arrival at New Delhi

Step 2: New Delhi to Dehradun (By Flight / Train)

Step 3: From Dehradun Take a Helicopter

How to Reach Haridwar / Dehradun?

By Train: – The closest train station from Chardham of Himalayan is Haridwar and Dehradun. As most of the people like to stop at Haridwar to take a holy dip in river Ganges, you can do the same before continuing your journey to Char Dham. If you are arriving at New Delhi, then you can take trains which are mostly night trains and takes approx 7 to 8 hours and will reach by early morning to Haridwar or Dehradun. Nanda Devi Express and Mussoorie Express are recommended trains if you prefer the night journey. Shatabdi express can be the best choice in order to travel during the day. The train departs for Haridwar/Dehradun every day from New Delhi Railway Station in the early morning.

By Road: – The well-developed network of interstate roads including all-weather road has made it possible for devotees to easily reach Chardham in a hassle-free way. Buses and taxis are available frequently from neighboring states of Uttarakhand to take you to Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun. You can also arrive in New Delhi and can take a comfortable bus like Volvo services from the ISBT (Inter State Bus Terminal) bus stand for Haridwar/Dehradun. The normal bus can take approx 7 to 8 hours. There are private taxis available for those who prefer private vehicles and don’t want to stick with a fixed time table. Private taxis can be reserved with reliable Chardham by Taxi operators.

By Air: – One needs to reach Dehradun Jolly Grant domestic airport. There are various flights from New Delhi domestic and International airports. The fly time is tentative of one hour and most flights take off in the morning from New Delhi. The distance of the Sahastradhara helipad from the Dehradun airport is 45 km. It is advised to land up a day ahead at Dehradun if you are planning for Helicopter Yatra as all helicopter flights take off mostly in the morning time. Check with your Chardham tour operator for a complimentary stay at Dehradun, if you booked your Yatra by Helicopter.

Book in advance to cut the hassle.

As mentioned earlier, May to June and September to October are the peak months when thousands of religious people across the world gather at Uttarakhand to get a glimpse of their Gods in the shrines. In such rush months, all the helicopter riding slots, hotels, resorts, camps, and private taxis in the Chardham circuit are pre-booked.

When it comes to booking hotels, taxi, helicopter service, and other accommodations, it is wise to book in advance with the reliable tour operator as per their needs and budget. The Trek N Tales Helicopter Services leave no stone unturned when it comes to providing unmatchable hospitality to their guests who have come to this divine journey. All the necessary facilities are provided by the Trek N Tales staff to ensure that the entire journey is memorable for the devotees. Email or call them for how to plan Chardham Yatra Cheap Budget Packages, and they will come with the most affordable Chardham Yatra package.

How to Plan Chardham Yatra By Taxi?  A Road trip you will always cherish.

Breath in the beauty and the aura of the almighty by traveling to Garhwal Chardham through the surface. As there is a famous saying “when life gives you stress, go where you have never been”, completing the journey of Chardham through the surface cannot only give you utmost peace but also fill you with the will power to face all the challenges, life throws at you. Trek N Tales brings the affordable Chardham Yatra by bus/taxi/ tempo packages including meals, accommodation, and transportation for pilgrimages looking for budget Chardham yatra packages.

How to Plan Chardham yatra By Helicopter? A lifetime experience for you and your parents.

Make your Chardham Yatra more memorable for your loved ones by adding the indelible experience of Chardham helicopter ride from Dehradun. By availing the Chardham by Helicopter, you will not only complete the Yatra on time but also be able to explore the natural beauty of the Himalayas from a unique viewpoint while adding the religious significance to your lifetime memorable journey. The helicopter Yatra is an ideal solution for devotees who want to complete their Chardham Yatra but couldn’t do it due to their physical and healthcare challenges.  You can easily book your limited helicopter seat through the Chardham Yatra by helicopter in advance. Remember, the helicopter ride can be a gift for Chardham Yatra for a heart patient, arthritis patient, kids, and senior citizens. Check with Trek N Tales for affordable Chardham Helicopter Yatra packages.

Custom packages to make your Chardham Yatra successful

There are various Chardham travel operators, which conduct Char Dham, Do Dham, and Ek Dham tours by helicopter and by surface.  By opting with a reliable tour operator of the Chardham sector, one has the choice to select the right package to fit into your budget and needs.

Most Popular Chardham Yatra Helicopter Packages

• 4 nights 5 days Chardham Yatra ( Cost comes between 1.40 to 1.60 Lakhs per person )
• 7 nights 8 days Chardham Yatra (Taxi+Helicopter)
• 3 nights 4 days Badri Kedar Yatra
• Do Dham Yatra Kedar and Badri- Same day

Affordable Chardham Yatra Package  by Surface / Taxi

• 11 nights 12 days Chardham Yatra (Yamunotri-Gangotri-Kedarnath-Badrinath)
• 9 nights 10 days Chardham Yatra (Yamunotri-Gangotri-Kedarnath-Badrinath)
• 9 nights 10 days Chardham Yatra (Kedarnath-Badrinath)

The above prices are tentative. All packages come with accommodation, meals, and shuttle services/ transfers in private vehicles.

Dos and Don’ts of Chardham Yatra.

Chardham is one of the holiest pilgrimage journeys in the Hindu religion. However, reaching God’s abode is not easy to reach and also requires patience, practice, and preparation for some part of the journey.

Do’s

You need to register for the Chardham Yatra

You need to be physically fit to go on this sacred journey. If you are above 50 then, you will be required to submit medical fitness certification during Helicopter Yatra or whenever Chardham authority asks for it. Therefore, it is recommended to consult with your physician regarding your current medical condition before planning this trip.

You need to maintain your weight before planning the Chardham Yatra as a maximum individual weight for the helicopter and 5 to 6 passengers can fly together.

Kids above the age of 2 years will have a full ticket price(For Helicopter). So, please carry the adhar card of date of birth proof of your children below the age of 2 years.

Please provide the exact information of you and your family members while registering for the helicopter service. Hiding any weight and age-related information of you and your family members can lead to violation of strict aviation rules and cancellation of the helicopter Yatra without any REFUND.

An individual can only carry the luggage with a maximum weight of 5kg during Chardham Yatra by helicopter. Extra charges will be imposed if you carry more than approved baggage weight.

You will be traveling to high altitudes during this Yatra so make sure to carry all essential stuff like warm clothes, warmers, money caps, blankets, mufflers, and dry foods.

Keep your luggage, eatables, and important stuff during the journey to avoid any sort of inconvenience.

Do carry enough cash to pay for necessary items.

Don’ts

Don’t carry alcohol on this holy journey as it is strictly prohibited.

Don’t overload your luggage with unnecessary stuff

Don’t wear heavy jewelry during this Yatra

Do not hide any medical history while providing the informed required by the Chardham authority

In the end, we hope that the above blog post will help you to obtain necessary information about How to Plan Chardham Yatra that will further help you to complete this sacred journey with wonderful memories and unmatchable experience.

Note: Chardham Yatra 2020 is affected because of COVID 19, for updates and recent news please tune with Trek N Tales Team