Chardham Yatra is one of most holy pilgrimage journeys that any pious Hindu long to undertake. The four Chardhams set in the high altitudes of Uttarakhand or God’s own Abode aren’t easy to reach however and need enough practice, patience and preparation on the part of the pilgrims. This article below will introduce you to some do’s and don’ts that you need to abide by to make your chardham pilgrimage yatra successful and fulfilling.
There are same basic rules which will help make your Char Dham Yatra experience better. Learn more about the rules.
What to Do During Char Dham Yatra
- Please remember that there is heavy rush during the Char Dham Yatra season. If you do not book your hotel or accommodation option in advance you may not get a place to stay at all!! Book well in advance minimum 2-3 months)
- You will be visiting high altitude places during your Char Dham Yatra trip. Eat only freshly made food that is cooked locally.
- Do carry heavy woolen garments like sweaters, body warmers, mufflers, Wind Cheaters, warm trousers, monkey caps as you are likely to experience biting cold during your Char Dham Yatra trip.
- Do carry raincoat, water resistant paint, sleeping bag, walking stick and torch. Ladies should wear salwar kameez or pant t shirt instead of loose floppy dresses like sari.
- Do cover the head with the monkey cap or any warm garment as there will be freezing cold in Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri.
- Do carry some dry eatable food with you like candies, chocolates, biscuits, dry fruits, honey lemon, dry fruit and other types of tinned food. You never know when you might feel hungry and it’s not advised to travel on an empty stomach.
- Do carry your own tumbler, saucer, plate and water bottle.
- Do make sure that the pony wallah, dandy man or porter whom you are hiring is a registered person having valid papers. Do make sure that you are in touch with them during journey. Do remember to tie the luggage properly before handing it over to the porter.
- Start trekking in one direction in short slow steps and don’t compete with fellow pilgrim or trekkers. Remember to take steady, evenly spaced slow steps as this is going to be a long laborious trek/ pilgrimage for you.
- Do cooperate with security officials at different check points and remember that they are there for your safety as well as well being. Respect local customs and cultures during your Yatra.
- The Tap water can be used safely as available in eateries and designated water supply points. If you are cautious about drinking tap water then get boiled water from tea stalls.
- Don’t bank on getting ATMs as per your convenience. You are travelling to relatively remote areas so make sure that you carry plenty of cash with you.
- Do carry your own medical kit comprising of eye ointment, antipyretic, analgesic, ointment for joint aches like Iodex, skin infection cream, Painkillers like Novalgin, Antiseptic medicine, Intestopan for Diarrhea and medicines for B.P/SUGAR and any other medical condition that you might have.
- While trekking suck on sweet candy or sip on glucose water at intervals as this will ensure the flow of glucose giving you energy during the long arduous trek.
- Do be kind to pony wallah/ local help porter etc and offer them tea/ snacks on your journey. This will encourage them to serve you better.
What Not to Do During Char Dham Yatra
- Don’t throw chocolate wrappers, candy foils; banana peels etc on the Char Dham Yatra road or forest trek road. There will be designated dustbins on the route to Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri.
- Don’t strain yourself and try to walk faster. If you are walking on steep gradients then this will tire you off faster.
- Don’t sit and relax near points where there are warning signs as these would be potentially dangerous areas.
- Don’t try to jump queue or overtake other pilgrims unnecessarily. Maintaining traffic discipline will help you all reach your destination smoothly and fast.
- Don’t wear heavy jewelry (especially gold and silver items) you might lose them and they will anyway make you feel uncomfortable during your journey.
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