Traveling Tips for Chardham
The Char Dham or God’s Abode of Uttarakhand is perched amidst the Garhwali Himalayan ranges and has great significance in Hinduism. Thousands of devotees embark on the Char Dham Yatra every year to visit the shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri and Gangotri. The doors of the temples remain from May to November. Due to heavy snowfall, the routes get blocked during the winter.
During the pilgrimage, one should not commit any action that can hurt anyone’s religious sentiments or can be hazardous to the scenic environment. There is a list of travel tips mentioned below to set on for a memorable Char Dham Journey.
1. Get the accurate information regarding the exact opening and closing dates of the sacred journey.
2. Plan the trip well in advance and conduct prior bookings for transportation and accommodation.
3. Avoid planning for Char Dham Yatra in the rainy season due to avoid getting stuck in landslides and floods.
4. Always be particular to abide by the religious values and rules of the Char Dham temples, like removing shoes, or covering your head before entering the temples.
5. Ensure cleanliness and environment friendliness throughout the entire religious trip. Throw away the litter in the designated places.
6. Carry moderate woollen clothes during the summer season, as nights get cold during summer. In winter, carry enough woollen clothes to prevent catching a cough and cold.
7. Remember to carry all the essential items like medicines, water, snacks, clothes, power banks, lotions, sunscreens, etc.
8. Carry a medical kit and include medicines like painkillers, antibiotics, antiseptic creams, pain relief spray, medicines for cold and fever, regular medicines and first aid stuff.
9. Do not take photos stealthily wherever photography is prohibited.
10. Practice some exercises at least a month before the journey to adjust your body to the high altitudes.
11. Avoid having alcohol or non-vegetarian food during the religious journey.
12. As visiting the temples involve long treks, it is better to wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
13. Do not forget to carry water. It is very necessary to stay hydrated while traversing the high altitudes.
14. Learn about the local customs and traditions and respect the same.
15. Carry enough cash, as cards might not be applicable in small shops and ATMs might not be available everywhere.
16. Be mindful of keeping your belongings safe.
17. Avoid indulging in any adventure activities if not in practice. Exhausting your body before or during the Char Dham journey is not advisable.
18. Hire local guides to learn about the history, legends and other information about the Char Dham shrines.
