Char Dham Yatra has spiritual significance in Hinduism. As per Hindu beliefs, visiting these four shrines can lead to attainment of Moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death). It basically involves four sacred shrines:
1. Yamunotri: It is the source of Yamuna river and this temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna.
2. Gangotri: Origin of Ganges river and is dedicated to Goddess Ganga.
3. Kedarnath: A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in the backdrops of the mighty Himalayas. Kedarnath is amongst one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.
4. Badrinath: This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is situated in the town of Badrinath.
A visit to Dhari Devi temple and trip to Haridwar.
If you are planning for your Char Dham Yatra, this blog is definitely going to help you plan yours!
We will be sharing the important tips you need to know before you start your spiritual journey of Char Dham.
Let’s begin…………..
Table of Contents
Best time for Char Dham Yatra
Char Dham Yatra largely depends on the weather and the accessibility of the region as these are high altitude regions. Every year due to harsh climate conditions the shrine board has to stop the yatra in between. Ideal time considered for the Yatra is:
1. Late April to Early June: Summer
2. Late September to Early November: Autumn
Tip: Please check for the weather, news and Yatra timings while planning for the Char Dham Yatra. Every year it tends to update as its dependent on various factors like weather at these regions, melting of snow, road conditions, etc.
Things to carry in your backpack
- Woollen clothing.
- Walking/hiking shoes. Preferably water resistant.
- Umbrella or rain jacket.
- Sunscreen lotion with high SPF.
- Sunglasses.
- First aid kit with essential medicines.
- Reusable water bottle.
- Light snacks.
- Thermal Layers.
- Insects/mosquito repellant.
- ID proofs, medical insurance.
- Power bank.
- Travel map in case of low network coverage area.
Travel Permit for Char Dham Yatra
Please click here and register yourself before planning your Char Dham Trip. Travellers can also opt for an easy offline permission available in Rishikesh ISBT. Just visit there with a valid government-approved ID card and you will get your permit. Please do preserve the permit till the end of your trip.
Travel/Health Insurance
Travel Insurance is not mandatory. However, we suggest our readers kindly check your health, especially, your blood pressure and sugar level, before planning your trip. Carry all the essential medicines and those mentioned in the “Things to Carry” point.
Things to keep in mind before you book your Stay
We have chosen our stay considering the below points. Also, for budget travellers, these will be helpful.
- Check out the stay options, which are located close to pilgrimage sites.
- Check out the availability in advance as these tends to fill out quickly due to high demand.
- There are various type of stay options available such as hotels, lodges, dharamshalas. You can choose as per your budget and preference.
- Look out for the food options nearby.
- Also, you can check for the reviews of the stay property.
- Check out the cleanliness and hygiene around the stay area.
Food Options
You can get all kind of food available here. Would recommend our readers to check out for the food options with their hotels in prior. Also there are nearby restaurants, dhabas, hotels where you can get Indian food along with the local flavours.
Local Transport
As these pilgrimage sites are located at pretty high altitudes, transport can be challenging at time due to harsh weather conditions. You can look out for shared taxis or jeeps, local buses, pony or mule rides. Helicopter services are also available which is bit expensive but will save you time and energy, these needs to be booked in advance. You can checkout at their official website.
Currency and Sim Card
Due to high altitudes, network coverage may not be that good. Would advise keeping multiple SIM cards, such as BSNL, Jio, and Airtel, which might help. Also, keep Indian Rupees in smaller denominations as small shops might not have change for big notes or might not accept digital payment.
Budget Breakup for the Trip
Stay options:
Rishikesh: Budget travellers can easily get stay options in hostels for 500-800 INR per person per day in Rishikesh. The hostels are generally around 6-7 km away from the main city centre. If you wish to stay close to the city centre, the cost per person could be around 1500-2000 INR per day.
Hanuman Chatti: There are only a handful of stay options at Hanuman Chatti. The cost would be around 1500-2000 INR per person. Be aware that the rooms would only be decent for an overnight stay. Most of them prefer offline bookings.
Uttar Kashi: There are decent homestay options that can cost you around 700-1000 INR per day. However, you will find many stay options close to Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Uttarkashi Bus Stand.
Guptkashi: There are many stay options in and around the Guptkashi Market. The cost may range from 1200-1500 INR per day. In case you opt to stay on the outskirts of Guptkashi, you will find rooms for less than 1000 INR per day.
Badrinath: Rooms in and around the Badrinath Temple would cost around at least 1800-2000 INR per day.
Joshimath: Due to the recent damage in Joshimath due to landslides. Stay options have become limited. The stay would cost around 1500-2000 INR per day.
Haridwar: There are numerous stay options ranging from as low as 500 INR per day. We would suggest you stay by the Haridwar-Dehradun Highway. You will find easy conveyance along the highway rather than staying close to Har Ki Pauri.
Transport: When you land in either Haridwar or Rishikesh, you need to rent a car for your Char Dham Yatra Trip. The cost can vary from 4000 INR to 7000 INR per day, depending on your negotiation skills. Be aware that during May, June and October, there is an increase in the demand for car services in and around the Garhwal Region.
Solo travellers can also avail the public transport from the bus terminal at very affordable rates.
Food: The average food cost could be around 500 INR per person daily. Food is not an issue while travelling in the Garhwal Region.
Cost to reach Rishikesh or Haridwar: There are many ways one can opt to reach Char Dham.
By Train & bus: By train, you can either reach Haridwar or Rishikesh to start your Char Dham Yatra. Regular bus services are available from the Kashmere Gate in Delhi, and train services are also available from Delhi. The journey fare for both bus and train can vary anywhere between 150 to 800 INR per person. Delhi is well connected by rail, road and air across the country.
As we took this trip through our partner travel site Suruby, it cost us 24000/- INR per person inclusive of food, accommodation, transfer, and local sightseeing for 13 days and 12 nights. We visited in June 2022. Also the cost may vary depending on the season. Visit their website to know more details. In case you plan to visit on your own, you can also look at the above cost breakup.
Places we visited during our Trip
1. Rishikesh: Yoga Capital
Plan a Perfect Thrilling Trip to Rishikesh in 2024 With These Insider Facts
2. Yamunotri : Temple dedicated to Goddess Yamuna
Plan a Perfect Holy Trip to Yamunotri in 2024 With These Insider Facts
3. Gangotri: Temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga
Plan a Perfect Mesmerising Trip to Gangotri in 2024 With These Insider Facts
4. Kedarnath: One of the twelve Jyotirlinga
Plan a Perfect Trip to Kedarnath Temple in 2024 With These Insider Facts
5. Badrinath
Plan a Perfect Trip to Badrinath Temple in 2024 With These Insider Facts
6. Trip to Dhari Devi Temple and Haridwar
Plan a Perfect Trip to Dhari Devi Temple and Haridwar in 2024 With These Insider Facts
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by mitkau