CHAR DHAM YATRA

24 MAY 2024 – 6 JUNE 24

Char Dham Pilgrimage is considered one of the most popular and sacred pilgrimages in India. It consists of four holy shrines of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath.

State: UTTARAKHAND, Country: India

I had always wished to undertake this yatra sometime in my life, ideally before turning 60. Little did I know, destiny already had plans, and this dream came true far earlier than I anticipated. A casual phone call with my cousins from Vadodara led to us signing up for the trip. The cost quoted for the trip was reasonable, which meant I could expect no luxury or comfort along the way. I quickly accepted that, preparing myself for whatever challenges lay ahead. It was this mindset that became my anchor, guiding me through a profound journey of self-realization.

Banks of River Ganga
Bustling River Yamuna
Entry Gate to Gangotri Shrine
Almost there… Kedarnath mountains view
Most beautiful hills around…!
One of the beautiful bridges in Hrishikesh

The Char Dham Yatra is not just a physical journey or a trip for sightseeing and darshan. It is a deeply spiritual experience.
It’s a journey of the soul, where one should meditate, recite mantras, pray, and engage in self-reflection and introspection. The ultimate goal is to unite the mind and body with the Divine, transcending the external world to experience inner peace and divine connection.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE CHAR DHAM YATRA

  1. Shift Your Mindset
    Begin by shifting your mindset and embracing the journey as it comes. Accept situations as they are and minimize complaints. This yatra will teach you to appreciate what you have, rather than criticize it. Approach it with gratitude and openness.
  2. Build Physical Strength
    Start preparing your body well in advance. Incorporate daily activities like climbing stairs, walking steep hills, and aim to walk at least 5 km each day. A month of physical training is recommended to build the stamina needed for the journey.
  3. Adopt a Sattvic Diet
    Begin eating sattvic food at least a week before the yatra. Avoid tamasic food, as it can drain your energy and lead to increased fatigue. A sattvic diet, on the other hand, helps conserve energy and keeps you refreshed throughout the journey.
  4. Pack Smart Apart from mental and physical preparation, make sure you pack essential items such as:
    • Sunglasses
    • Comfortable, durable shoes
    • Rain gear
    • Sunscreen
    • Hat or cap
    • Warm socks
    • Thermal wear
  5. Medicines for Common Ailments Pack basic medications for common travel-related issues, such as:
    • Paracetamol (for fever)
    • Throat lozenges (for sore throat)
    • Vicks inhaler (for congestion)
    • Pain balm (for aches)
    • Motion sickness tablets
    • Altitude sickness medication (if necessary)
  6. Respect Religious Customs
    At the pilgrimage sites, respect local customs and traditions. Ensure you eat vegetarian food only, refrain from alcohol, and wear modest clothing when visiting temples. A head covering is not required.
  7. Reduce Plastic Waste To minimize plastic waste, carry your own reusable water bottle and refill it at places that offer filtered water, like restaurants or temples.
  8. Prepare Spiritually
    While not mandatory, it can be enriching to read about the legends and mythologies associated with each of the Char Dham location before you embark on the journey. Understanding the stories behind the sites can enhance your experience and make the yatra even more meaningful.

Char Dham Yatra Itinerary

Day 1 – 25 May 2024:

  • Arrival in Haridwar by 4 PM.
  • Night stay in Haridwar.

Day 2 – 26 May 2024:

  • Travel from Haridwar to Barkot (192 km; approx. 7 hrs).
  • Night stay in Barkot.

Day 3 – 27 May 2024:

  • Drive from Barkot to Janki Chatti (45 km, 2 hrs).
  • Trek to Yamunotri Temple (7 km one way) and return to Barkot.
  • Night stay in Barkot.

Day 4 – 28 May 2024:

  • Travel from Barkot to Uttarkashi (82 km, 3 hrs).
  • Night stay in Uttarkashi.

Day 5 – 29 May 2024:

  • Drive from Uttarkashi to Harshil (79 km, 3 hrs).
  • Visit Gangotri Temple (26 km, 1 hr) and return to Uttarkashi.
  • Night stay in Uttarkashi.

Day 6 – 30 May 2024:

  • Travel from Uttarkashi to Guptakashi (230 km, 8 hrs).
  • Night stay in Guptakashi.

Day 7 – 31 May 2024:

  • Drive from Guptakashi to Sonprayag (40 km, 3 hrs).
  • Trek to Kedarnath Temple (18 km one way).
  • Night stay in Kedarnath.

Day 8 – 1 June 2024:

  • Return from Kedarnath to Phata.
  • Night stay in Phata.

Day 9 – 2 June 2024:

  • Travel from Phata to Tungnath (55 km, 2.5 hrs).
  • Continue to Pipalkoti (66 km, 2.5 hrs).
  • Night stay in Pipalkoti.

Day 10 – 3 June 2024:

  • Drive from Pipalkoti to Rudraprayag → Joshimath (114 km).
  • Visit Badrinath Temple (39 km).
  • Darshan at Badrinath followed by Night stay in Badrinath.

Day 11 – 4 June 2024:

  • Travel from Badrinath to Srinagar.

Day 12 – 5 June 2024:

  • Travel from Srinagar to Haridwar.

Day 13 – 6 June 2024:

Flight from Dehradun to Mumbai.