News Update: Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand will start from Saturday. The Kapat of Yamunotri and Gangotri will open on 22 April. The darshan of Kedarnath will start on 25th and Badri Vishal on 27th April. We took stock of the preparations by traveling a distance of more than 1,550 km between the Char Dham just before the yatra.
Earlier this Yatra used to take at least 7 days (7-8 hours travel daily) to complete Chardham Yatra by road from Rishikesh, this time the journey can be completed in 6 days (7 hours travel daily) as 85% of the route is covered. It has become easy. However, if intermittent travel is intended, it will take 9 to 10 days. Most of the devotees start the Char Dham Yatra from Bhadrakali Tirahe in Rishikesh. Here the registration ID and green card of the vehicle etc. will have to be checked at the checkpost. The second checkpost is at Brahmapuri on the Rishikesh-Badrinath highway. You can start the journey after the green signal from the administration.
Gangotri
You may start the 264 km long journey to Gangotri from Bhadrakali Tirahe. On the way a small tunnel meets the Himalayan range in Chamba. The Tehri Lake at the foothills is enchanting. You can stop on the side and watch the view. There is a double lane all weather road till Uttarkashi. The 100 km distance of Gangotri can be covered in three and a half to four hours. One can stay at village Harshil, 25 km before Gangotri.
Yamunotri
From Gangotri to Yamunotri one has to come to Dharasuband of Uttarkashi which is 150 km away. From here one has to take the 102 km long Jankichatti route. There is a risky track of 6 km from Jankichatti to Yamunotri. There is a steep climb at many places. There is facility of mule and palanquin.
Badrinath
From Yamunotri will come back to Dharasuband for Badrinath. Will go to Rudraprayag 150 km away. Then go to Joshimath and from there to Badrinath. The real test will be after Pandukeshwar, 20 km from Joshimath. The bridge work is pending here. Widening is going on everywhere. The road is narrow in many places. There may be jams. One can stay inside the Pandukeshwar or Badrinath complex. 25 thousand people can Stay in Badrinath. Only 15 thousand people will be able to come for darshan in a day. Vehicles will not come.
Kedarnath
Come from Badrinath to Rudraprayag. Kedarnath is 90 km from here. Widening is going on in many places. There is a 10 km long unpaved road before Guptkashi. More than 40% is single lane. Something is old. There is a danger of rock fall in many places. Avoiding jam is a big challenge. One can reach Sonprayag by vehicle or bus. From here one has to take a local taxi to Gaurikund. There is an 8 feet high snow corridor on the 17 km long inaccessible track from Gaurikund.
Helicopter Yatra
Helicopter service is increasing for Chardham Yatra. 5-6 companies are operating 18-20 helicopters. The journey from Haridwar to Badrinath via Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath is completed in 4 days and 5 nights. 6 people go in a helicopter. If your weight is more than 75 kg then Rs 1000 per kg. Will cost extra. No charge for children below two years. The company will pick up from Dehradun station or airport.
