One of the holiest Hindu pilgrimages in the world, Char Dham Uttarakhand, includes the four sacred locations of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. The Uttarakhand government has set forward a number of initiatives this year to ensure that the Yatra is successful and trouble-free for everyone.
Why should someone go on a sacred pilgrimage yatra?
Along with Dharma, Worship, Sanskaras, and Observing Religious Festivals, the Pilgrimage Tirthayatra (Teerth Yatra) is one of the five duties of every Hindu. A pilgrimage is an exercise of determination, humanity, and faith when the devotee goes to frequently challenging regions, laying his worries at the feet of the Deity, and forgetting everything but God.
A pilgrimage is a serene experience, a direct connection between the seeker and the sacred. A devotee makes a pilgrimage to see holy people, to pray at sacred places, and to view the Deities that reside in old temples. An individual makes a pilgrimage to God in order to experience a life-altering, contentment, karma-eradicating contact with the Divine.
Char Dham Yatra Route -
The Chardham yatra is usually performed from west to east; as a result, the journey begins in Yamunotri and continues through Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Pilgrims traditionally first visit Yamunotri and Gangotri and bring with them the holy waters from the sources of the rivers, and offer abhishekams to Kedareshwara. Chota Char Dham of India is another name for the Char Dhams of Uttarakhand.
Popular Route: Haridwar→ Rishikesh→ Deo Prayag→ Tehri → Dharasu→ Yamunotri →Uttarkashi → Gangotri→ Gaurikund→ Kedarnath→ Joshimath→ Badrinath
Char Dham Registration -
Before going on the Chardham Yatra, worshippers must register. The Uttarakhand government has imposed a cap on the number of daily travelers in order to guarantee a smooth journey.
As a result, we respectfully tell you to visit registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in before your trip to confirm the portal's validity and register.
Health Advisory -
The Holy temples in the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand are located at high altitudes. The pilgrims may experience extreme cold, low humidity, increased UV radiation, and decreased air and oxygen pressure while traveling to these temples.
In light of the aforementioned statement, the following recommendations are given for a relaxing and secure Char Dham Tour:
1. After a complete health examination, all pilgrims should start their Yatra.
2. People with pre-existing illnesses should carry enough prescription medication, as well as their doctors' contact information and prescriptions.
3. Senior citizens, persons with comorbid conditions, and people who have already experienced COVID-19 should consider delaying or opting out of the journey.
4. Before reaching the final pilgrimage location, there should be at least one day of rest planned in the travel itinerary.
5. Please make sure you have plenty of warm, woolen clothing with you.
6. When traveling to high altitudes, people with heart disease, respiratory problems, diabetes, and hypertension should take special precautions
7. If you have symptoms such as a headache, dizziness, drowsiness, tightness in the chest, nausea, vomiting, coughing, fast breathing, or an increased heart rate, you should check a doctor right once or call the 104 or 108 helplines for support.
8. Avoid consuming alcohol and other drugs, and don't smoke.
9. SPF 50 sunscreen can be used to protect skin from the sun's rays.
10. Additionally, sunglasses can shield the eyes from UV rays.
11. Maintain a healthy level of hydration, and avoid traveling on an empty stomach.
12. While trekking or walking, take frequent breaks.
13. Avoid strenuous exercise at high altitudes.
14. Emergency lines [108 - National Ambulance Service and 104 - Uttarakhand Health Helpline] can be used in case of an emergency.
Tips for Tourism in Uttarakhand -
Things you should do -
1. Registration of your vehicle(s) is required.
2. A list of every passenger in the car should be kept by the driver.
3. Give way to vehicles going uphill on mountain roads first.
4. The driver must keep a spare stepney and all of the vehicle's legal documentation.
5. The green card must be obtained from the transportation office before traveling.
6. On the twists of the mountain roads, be careful to honk.
7. Use of the hand brake is required while parking the car. Parking must only be done in the designated area.
8. Bring proof of identity or a scanned QR code.
Things you should not do -
1. Avoid driving on mountain routes before 4 am and after 10 pm.
2. Do not overtake on the road turns.
3. Don't drive after drinking.
4. Do not travel sitting on the top of the vehicle.
5. Do not litter dirty clothes and polybags.
6. Do not use private vehicles for commercial purposes.