Char Dham Yatra Experience
Char Dham Yatra
Jai Shree Ganesh ji
Char Dham Yatra
State of Uttarakhand, India
Yamunotri, Gangotri. Kedarnath, Badrinath
Update on 16th November 2013:
The information on this page was written after my char dham yatra experience in June 2010. However, after the June 2013 floods in Uttarakhand all the information mentioned in this page may not be correct now. I suggest you do not travel to char dham yatra at least till 2014 May. Char dham temples would open in May 2014. Make a fresh enquiry then about the yatra and plan accordingly. I would try to get latest information about traveling there and update this page.
Contents
- Char Dham yatra overview.
- Travel Arrangements
- usual travel itinerary
- Important points while traveling
- Important points while trekking
- Darshan details of each of the temples in char dham
- Maps
- Important points to remember and main things to carry
- Questions
- Photos
1. Char Dham Yatra Oveview:
Char dham yatra is one of the most sacred pilgrimages of Hindu religion.
In this pilgrimage we visit following temples in the state of uttarakhand in India.
- Yamunotri
- Gangotri
- Kedarnath
- Badrinath
(Hence the name: char dham yatra. Char = four , dham = sacred place, yatra = journey )
Most of the people usually start this journey from Haridwar. Haridwar city is in uttarakhand. People start journey to char dham from haridwar and come back to haridwar after visiting char dham.
Most of the people visit the 4 temples in the order I mentioned above –
Haridwar – Yamunotri – Gangotri – Kedarnath -- Badrinath. -- Haridwar
Important: Out of 4 temples above, yamunotri and kedarnath are not accessible by road. You need to trek certain distance. For Yamunotri vehicles only go till janaki chatti and you need to trek 7 kms from Janaki chatti. In case of kedarnath the trek is 16 kms.
For Gangotri and Badrinath vehicles go till the temples so no need to trek.
The entire journey takes around 9-10 days for most of the people. The entire journey will be in hilly areas only and hence your driver must be comfortable driving in those hilly areas.
The char dham temples open from month of May to October only. (Usually temples open on Akshya trirtya which occurs mostly in month of April or May). Most of the people visit temples in May-June time. In October the temples will be closed again for next 6 months.
2. Travel Arrangements
There are lots of bus tours from Haridwar. The bus tours cost quite less and usually arranged by most of the travel agencies there. They take care of travel, accommodation and food for passengers.
If you have your own vehicles and but if you are not comfortable driving in hilly areas please don’t try. Better hire a driver from any travel agency in Haridwar. I am not sure how much it costs, but I heard that driver takes 300 Rs. per day, I am not sure about this. But I suggest you must NOT driver yourself.
If you are not having your own vehicle, you can hire car from any travel agency. We had hired a Chevorelet Tavera from a travel agency. He charged us 2300 Rs. per day, nothing extra. The prices may vary from time to time. When temples open sometime in month of May prices will be higher. May – June time the prices will be higher compare to later months.
You can also book entire tour from Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Limited (GMVNL). It is a government agency. You can get more information about them from their website: http://www.gmvnl.com/newgmvn/
3. This is the usual travel itinerary.
Day 1: Start early morning from Haridwar and reach either Syana chatti or hanuman chatti. Yamunotri is 20 kms from syana chatti and 13 kms from hanuman chatti. There are many hotels in syana chatti and hanuman chatti. You must take room in hotel here and stay here in night and leave for yamunotri early morning.
Day 2: Reach Janaki chatti early morning. Start climbing up for yamunotri from here. It is 7 kms and nearly takes 3-4 hrs to reach temple. After Temple Darshan Come back to janaki chatti and drive back to your hotel in syana chatti (or hanuman chatti).
Day 3: Start early morning to reach Gangotri. You can not reach gangotri in entire day travel. You need to halt in the middle. We halted at Netala (8 km north of Uttar Kashi on the way to Gangotri). Netala is very beautiful place. You can also stay in Uttar Kashi.
Day 4: Start early morning. Gangotri is 90 Kms from Netala. It takes 4 to 4.5 hrs to reach Gangotri usually from here. Reach Gangotri, do darshan and come back to Netala to stay overnight.
Day 5: Start early morning from here.to reach Kedarnath. You can not go to Kedarnath by vehicle. You reach Gauri Kund in vehicle stay here in the night.
Day 6: Start climbing up to reach Kedarnath. The total distance you need to walk from Gauri Kund to Kedarnath is 16 Kms. It takes usually 5-6 Hrs. Visit Kedarnath temple and stay kedarnath in night.
Day 7: Climb down to Gauri Kund from Kedarnath and start traveling to Badrinath. You need to halt in the middle at Joshi math . Stay night in Joshi Math.
Day 8: Start from Joshi Math to reach Badrinath. It will take 2-3 Hrs (may be more sometimes). Stay in Badrinath.
Day 9: Start from Badrinath to reach Haridwar. You can halt at Vishnu Prayag on the way.
Day 10: Start early morning to reach Haridwar. Hrishikesh comes on the way, you must visit this.
4. Important points while traveling
- The driver MUST be expert in driving in hilly areas. If possible hire a driver from Haridwar or hire a car from any travel agency in Haridwar.
- Plan for every day’s travel in advance
- Start traveling early morning every day of travel usually by 6:30 AM
- Avoid traveling in night. Stop driving when it gets dark.
5, Important points while trekking
As I mentioned earlier that, yamunotri and kedarnath Temples are not accessible by road. You need to trek certain distance. For Yamunotri vehicles only go till janaki chatti and you need to trek 7 kms from Janaki chatti. In case of kedarnath the trek is 16 kms.
For Gangotri and Badrinath the vehicle go till the temples so no need to trek.
There are various options to trek if you don’t want to walk.
- Pony or Horse
- Palki
- Kandi
On the trek you would get lots of shops and restaurants to have food. Mostly you would get Paronthas (paranthas), Maggi Noodles, Lemonade, Tea, Drinking water etc.
Don’t carry lot of luggage while trekking. If you are planning to stay overnight (Mostly you might have to stay overnight in Kedarnath), then carry one pair of clothes. There are lots of restaurants and hotels near Temples, so no need to carry much stuff even if you stay overnight.
When you are trekking you may not feel much cold as you would be sweating a lot, but still carry warm clothes.
It is advised to carry camphor (kapoor) while climbing up. While trekking you must keep camphor in you hand (or put it in cloth or handkerchief) and keep smelling it while climbing up. It is helpful since some times there can be lack of oxygen.
Asthmatic patient or those who have any sort of breathing problems should not walk the distance. You MUST go on palki/kandi/pony and also keep camphor with you. In kedarnath you get oxygen cylinders also. You can keep them with you while climbing up, if you feel you might need it. It could cost nearly 50 Rs and when you come down you can return the cylinder. They would ask for deposit (may be 500 Rs) and they refund this money when you return the cylinder after getting down. I hardly saw anyone carrying oxygen cylinder, so I think it is usually not needed and I think it is good for people having any breathing problem or Asthmatic patients.
Sometimes it might rain when you are trekking, so if possible carry a raincoat as well. But on the way while trekking you would get cheap raincoats (10 / 20 Rs.) at most of the shops, so even if you don’t carry you can buy on the way if it rains.
The entire trekking experience is very smooth and you would not find any problems. There will be so many people who would be trekking and also many shops and restaurants you would not find any problems.
Even the people who carry kandi/Palki are very good. I found them very good natured and hard working. You would not find cheaters or fraud people there. Most of them are nice and honest.
Following is list of things to carry while trekking:
- Medicines
- Warm clothes
- Rain coats or umbrella (you get these on the way while trekking, may not need to carry it)
- Torch/Candles (helpful if you planning to stay overnight, though there is full electricity supply in all places, but still in case you need it)
- Camphor
6. Darshan details of each of the temples in char dham
6.1 Yamunotri
Trekking for Yamunotri starts from Janaki chatti. Vehicles will be parked at Janaki Chatti and people start climbing up from here to Yamunotri Temple. Total trek is nearly 7 Kms. It takes 3-4 Hrs totally. Pony and kandi cost less but palki costs nearly 1500 to 2000 Rs (may vary). This includes climbing down as well.
Yamunotri Temple.(Yellow colored)
There is a hot water spring at the temple. It is called Surya Kund. People bath here and then visit the temple. Temple has statues of Goddess Yamuna, Ganga and Saraswati.It is an awesome place.
Adjacent to temple there is a place where goddess Yamuna is worshiped. Below is picture of that place.
Godess Yamuna worship places
Many people take water from Yamuna in small plastic bottles and take it home. There are many restaurants there and also small hotels to stay if you want.
6.2 Gangotri
On the way to Gangotri there is hot water spring place called Gangnani. Gangani comes after uttarkashi. People take bath here and then continue journey to Gangotri. After reaching Gangotri you visit Gangotri temple. Gangotri temple is temple of Goddess Ganga. Temple will be closed in afternoon (I think from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM) so try to reach before 2:00 PM. There will be small queue for Darshan. Go around the temple and see beautiful natural places.
Following is picture of Gangotri temple.
Gangotri Temple
Near temple there are lots of restaurants for food.
6.3 Kedarnath
Kedarnath is Lord Shiva temple and is one among the 12 jyotirlingam. The trekking for kedarnath starts from Gaurikund. Total distance you need to walk is 16 Kms. If you don’t want to walk the entire distance you can take Pony or Palki or Kandi. I mentioned details of these above.
For Kedarnath there is option of taking helicopter service as well. You can take helicopter to reach to kedarnath. It takes 10 mins to reach kedarnath. There are good helicopter services. The cost would be 7200/ per person for round trip. You can also take one way service. The one way cost would be nearly 4000 Rs per person (may be less). They only operate during day time (mostly close the service by 4 or 5 PM). If weather is not good, then they do not operate. Even if you have taken a round trip option then also you can stay overnight you can come back next day in helicopter. Clarify everything in their office. You would find their office near Gauri Kund. I had taken the helicopter service for one way and found it good. No problem in the service.
If you are trekking it would take 5-6 Hrs to reach kedarnath. So you must start by at least 8 AM. Mostly you can not come back on the same day. You must stay night in Kedarnath and come down next day. Once you reach kedarnath, you can do darshan here and also take a room in hotel. There are plenty of hotels nearby temple. Apart from darhshan, if you want to do puja inside the temple then you can contact the temple office (adjacent to temple) for additional sevas (e.g. abhisheka). The sevas are performed early morning 2 AM to 6 AM and then temple opens for usual darshan. You can take morning abhishek which would be at 3 AM (earlier or later). In this abhishek you do puja of main kedarnath lingam and do abhisheka. It would be for 15-20 mins. So good for those who would like to do pujas. You MUST take bath and then only go for early morning pujas (sevas/abhisheka). You must tell your hotel people to arrange hot water early morning in advance so that you don’t get delayed for puja. Please DO NOT go without taking bath. Its an offense.
Kedarnath is Lord Shiva temple and is one among the 12 jyotirlingam. The trekking for kedarnath starts from Gaurikund. Total distance you need to walk is 16 Kms. If you don’t want to walk the entire distance you can take Pony or Palki or Kandi. I mentioned details of these above.
For Kedarnath there is option of taking helicopter service as well. You can take helicopter to reach to kedarnath. It takes 10 mins to reach kedarnath. There are good helicopter services. The cost would be 7200/ per person for round trip. You can also take one way service. The one way cost would be nearly 4000 Rs per person (may be less). They only operate during day time (mostly close the service by 4 or 5 PM). If weather is not good, then they do not operate. Even if you have taken a round trip option then also you can stay overnight you can come back next day in helicopter. Clarify everything in their office. You would find their office near Gauri Kund. I had taken the helicopter service for one way and found it good. No problem in the service.
If you are trekking it would take 5-6 Hrs to reach kedarnath. So you must start by at least 8 AM. Mostly you can not come back on the same day. You must stay night in Kedarnath and come down next day. Once you reach kedarnath, you can do darshan here and also take a room in hotel. There are plenty of hotels nearby temple. Apart from darhshan, if you want to do puja inside the temple then you can contact the temple office (adjacent to temple) for additional sevas (e.g. abhisheka). The sevas are performed early morning 2 AM to 6 AM and then temple opens for usual darshan. You can take morning abhishek which would be at 3 AM (earlier or later). In this abhishek you do puja of main kedarnath lingam and do abhisheka. It would be for 15-20 mins. So good for those who would like to do pujas. You MUST take bath and then only go for early morning pujas (sevas/abhisheka). You must tell your hotel people to arrange hot water early morning in advance so that you don’t get delayed for puja. Please DO NOT go without taking bath. Its an offense.
There are lots of restaurants nearby temple and enjoy the good food there.
Among the 4 temples, I found kedarnath little tougher (because of longer trek and cold) but the experience was so great and different that I cant describe in words.
6.4 Badrinath
Badrinath is abode of Lord Vishnu. Badrinath is the last temple in char dham yatra. Vehicles go directly till badrinath and you do not need to trek at all. Once you reach there you must take room in any hotel and stay there. There is hot water spring called tapta kund here where you must take bath and then do darshan.
Similar to kedarnath, there are queues for darshan and you can take sevas here also. The sevas are different here. We had taken Vishnu Sahasranamam sevas where they chant the Vishnu Sahasranamam and we sit and listen inside the temple in front of God and it will be for 10-15 mins. If you want to see god from near then do take sevas.
Many people also do “pitru tarpan” at Badrinath Temple for their ancestors or grand parents. Do ask elderly people at home about it before doing it here.
Following is Badrinath Temple’s Picture:
MANA Village
3 Kms from Badrinath is a village called “Mana”. This is last Indian village before India china border. Do visit this village as there are some good places to see there. Lot of people go there. There is a place in Mana village where Lord Ganesha had written Mahabharata with Rishi Ved Vyasa. Following is picture from Mana Village.
7. Maps
char-dham-map
badrinath-map
kedarnath-map
gangotri-map
yamunotri-map
hemkund-sahib-map
8. Important points to remember and main things to carry
- ATM, You would not find ATMs frequently,. I suggest withdraw cash from any city before each of the place you visit.
- Food You would mostly get north Indian food, paronthas, curries, Maggi, tea at pilgrims.
- Medicines
- Carry religious books to read on the way (buy from haridwar) – This is necessary as you also get good religious background and knowledge about places before visiting them.
- Mobile Networks – You would not get signals at many places. STD booths exist at all places. I think BSNL signal is mostly found at these places.
- Water bottles on the way, In case you want to buy mineral water buy it on the way. People usually buy a pack of 10 mineral water bottles each 2 liter. You would get it at plenty of places on the way.
- Camphor, Candles, Torches etc.
9. Questions:
If you have any questions regarding char dham yatra, please write them in comments sections below by clicking this link: "Post a Comment"
10. Photos:
Photos from my journey
posted by Subhash at
10:00 AM
71 Comments:
complete this blog sooner...
12:35 PM
complete this blog soon...
12:36 PM
According to hindu myths the journey of chardham is equal to the journey of moksha. The Chardham tours1 has been the destination of thousands of tourist from india as well as from foreign countries to travel char dham.
Video Chardham tour:
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/4857983/chardham_yatra_tours_and_travel/
10:53 AM
very good information.
Thanks. Only point i disagree is buying 10 bottles of 2 litres each.
it might be difficult to carry this much of water while trekking. Water should be available at the restaurants on the way.
1:13 AM
@chand
We used to keep the water while traveling in the vehicle or night stay. while trekking we did not take it, as you rightly said its very difficult.. we used to take from restaurants while trekking.. :)
11:19 AM
Hello Subhash,
can you pls tell how much time it takes by walk to trek kedarnath and is it pref able to trek by walk
1:30 AM
@Jitendra,
Hi Jitendra,
I mentioned it in section "usual travel itinerary" that it takes usually 5-6 Hrs to trek kedarnath by walk. For young people it should be possible to trek walking. Still you can take pony/palki to trek. Please read whole blog all these details are there. Let me know if you have any more questions.
10:28 AM
How much money normally requir to cover char dham yatra with hemkunth sahib if we r taking tavera from haridwar with all expenses like normal foood and accomodation in air conditioning room anki 1 palki all tym at every place as my mother cant climb.regards Deepak Thakur
5:26 PM
@Deepak.
I can tell you cost which I paid for each thing you mentioned
1. We took tavera from haridwar. It was 2300 per day. This price was for just visiting char dhams only. It did not include Hemkund sahib. If you want to include Hemkund sahib or any other places on the way, it costs extra for that place.
2. You would never need AC rooms there. Its very cold already. The room tariff varies from places to places. On all the places I mentioned we paid nearly 800 Rs per day on an avg. Again you can get more costly and less costly from this amount at any places. It depends on the hotels. There are less costly places as well.
3. Normal food would normally cost 100 Rs per person. More or less possible.
4. As I mentioned Palki is needed only at 2 places. Yamunotri and Kedarnath. I mentioned palki prices in the blog. Please read it completely.
Please read entire blog once. I mentioned lot of information in it. If you need more information please put a comment here.
Thanks,
Subhash
11:37 PM
Thanks Subhash, it was really helpful. We are from down south (Bangalore) and elders in our family were a bit skeptical about the treks. They are much relieved after going through your blog.
I have a question, would you know the weather conditions and suitability of visiting the char dhams during the month of October, as thats the time our family is planning to travel.
Thanks in advance,
Phani
11:21 AM
@Phani
I am glad that my blog helped them.
October may not be Good time to visit for two reasons mainly:
1. It could be still raining there or might be very cold weather. So not good for elderly people.
2. Also the Temples start getting closed in October for next six months. As far as I know (not 100% sure about this) temples close nearly Dashara or Diwali and hence you may not get Darshan in all places.
I would suggest not to go in October. Temples will be closed from Diwali time and reopen on Akshaya Tritiya. I suggest you plan for Akshaya Tritiya next year.
I stay in Bangalore only. You can send me your email id, I will send my phone number if you want detailed information on anything.
12:24 PM
Dear Subash,
I am planning for chardham yatra this year (2012) with family during May. Your blog was very helpful. I am planning to book Tata Sumo or Innova from Haridwar for 14 days. Is Tavera price is same as the above vehicles? Is it necessary to book hotels on the way well in advance?
Kindly reply me agniputras@gmail.com. We are from Mysore. MAY LORD SHIVA BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. -Jaishankar
2:51 PM
@Jaishankar, I did not check the prices of Tata Sumo or Innova, but innova price could be more than Tavera.
You may not need to book hotels in advance. There are plenty of hotels there and you would definitely find good ones when you reach there. Mostly driver would know all kinds of hotels there since they drive there only.
I am glad that this blog helped you. I live in Bangalore only. Please feel free to ask queries you have. I will send you my email id.
Thanks,
Subhash
3:50 PM
Nice blog it was very useful
if possible please post the total budget details u spent for the trip
travel and accomodation
Thnax in advance!!!!!
11:51 AM
@Anonymous,
I have put up break up of travel and accommodation cost in the blog. Also read comments for additional information.
For any specific query you can add question.
12:14 PM
dear subhas
first of all lot of thanks for sharing your experience.
please let me know how may days at least required for this chardham yatra tour.
PAVAN PAREEK
JODHPUR
9:29 PM
@PAVAN PAREEK,
Hi Pavan,
As I mentioned in the blog it takes 9 to 10 days to complete the char dham yatra.
Let me know if you have any questions.
11:35 PM
WE R PLANNING TO GO IN THE MONTH OF MAY MY INLAWS ,ME,MY HUSBAND AND MY 11 YR.OLD CHILD...IS IT SAFE TO TAKE MY KID WITH ME ...
10:32 AM
@tejal
Should be fine to take 11 year old kid to the pilgrim. Make sure you take warm clothes and some raincoat as well for kid. I have seen people taking kids younger than 11 years. So no problem :).
10:52 AM
@ Subash
Hello,
We r also planning to travel kedarnath and badrinath this year 2012 may.Is it required to book A/C hotels and A/C vehicle to tavel.Since we are not aware of temperaure there?We r also from blore and 4 aged peple and one 4 yr kid is accomodating us
1:24 PM
You would never need A/C for cooling there, since these are cold places. Take some medicines for cold problems as well.
@ Subash
Hello,
We r also planning to travel kedarnath and badrinath this year 2012 may.Is it required to book A/C hotels and A/C vehicle to tavel.Since we are not aware of temperaure there?We r also from blore and 4 aged peple and one 4 yr kid is accomodating us
4:44 PM
i m planning to go chardham on 23 april. should i go with travel agency from mumbai costing 35 500 rs from mumbai or from haridwar. which cost less. i m travelling with kids . one 13 years one 10 years. i m worried about kedarnath. will there high cold? that my kids cannot bear? food will goodthere .
10:01 AM
@ila
Both options are fine. 35000 for entire family from Mumbai is not very costly, you can take that. But I would suggest to go from Haridwar. Since that would be less tiring as well.
It should be fine to travel with 10 & 13 years old kids. Kedarnath is colder than other places. But it is manageable cold. Kids would bear that, just take enough warm clothes. You can take Helicopter service to avoid climbing Kedarnath trek. Though Kedarnath trek is long but its not steep, its easy to walk, infact kids will love trekking there. You can take kandi or palki for kids.
Regarding food: you would find good food there. There are lots of restaurants there and no problem of food.
Let me know if you have any queries.
12:46 PM
i m planning to go chardham yatra on 14 May. Planning to start travel from haridwar with kid who is 3 1/2 years old . will it be safe to travel with small child specially kedarnath. will the cold there be bearable ? If yes then what needs to be taken care with child . This year just saw two days back in news that weather conditions are also not good there. do we require oxygen cylinder to be taken while trekking .
2:10 AM
@joshila79
Dont worry much about weather, it keeps happening there. It should not be problem unless weather is too bad there or its raining a lot there. You may not need oxygen cylinders. Regarding 3-1/2 year old kid, take good amount of warm clothes and medicines as well. It also depends on kids. Some kids can bear the cold and some may not. You might like to keep some raincoats as well while trekking. For kids, I suggest hire a palki, kandi etc while trekking, so they dont get tired. Have a good journey. Let me know if you have more questions.
1:21 PM
The article is very useful. I would just like to know whether there will be any provision of Doctors
11:29 AM
@Stuti,
Thanks. You would find doctors at either main temples or cities nearby. But on the way there are small villages so not much medical facilities on the way. I saw good medical facilities at badrinath since its most popular among all. Less at Yamunotri and Gangotri. But you would get medical shops at all places easily. Let me know if you need more info.
1:09 PM
Dear Subhash, I am Taking my parent my uncle and aunt and elder brother aged 70 (Father and Uncle) 65(Mom and Aunt) 50 (brother & Bhabhi)all physiclly fit for there respective age, except for my mom ( She has knee problem). I have booked a 9 seater tempo traveler for whole journy, booked all hotels
I am little apprehension about comfort in tempo traveler, about health issue of elderly in kedarnath.
can you help me that.
thanks
Bharat Tiwari
5:07 AM
@Bharat
I dont have much experience of traveling in the tempo traveler. But I think, it must be comfortable. I suggest if possible make arrangements for folding some seats so that you get enough space for elderly people to stretch legs while traveling. We did it in Tavera, folded back side seats. My mom too has knee problem so we asked her not to climb walking, she was mostly in palki/kandi while climbing.
About health issues in kedarnath, I would say dont worry too much. Kedarnath trek is longer but its very easy to climb. For elderly people you must hire palkis (as I mentioned in blog), probably 1 for each. Once you reach Kedarnath take room and settle there. Also you can arrange wood fire to warm up.
Let me know if you need any more information.
3:04 PM
Thanks for your promt reply, Would you suggest for helicopter ride at kedarnath
7:52 PM
@Bharat,
Yes, that would be helpful for elders. But it also depends on weather conditions. When weather is not good they dont run the service during that time. But I think weather would be suitable to fly during May & June, most of the time.
8:05 PM
Hi Subhash,
Very useful information, thanks.
We are planning to go Badrinath & KedarNath in Mid August 2012.
Is it a good time? Also we have only 5 days, so which place we can cover up.?
11:44 AM
@rAvi,
During august it rains and there are chances of road blockages because of land sliding. But lot of people visit during this time as well. All the springs would be full of water and you would see good views.
5 days is not enough time to cover all 4 places of char dham yatra. I suggest you increase it to 10 days because when u go so far, its good to cover everything. Still if your plan is for 5 days only, I suggest you at least visit Badrinath since you dont need to trek there. If you still get time, do cover Gangotri since there is no trek there as well. Do visit Haridwar.
3:01 PM
Hi Subhash I want to visit Chardham including valley of flowers during mid September this year. Is it suitable time to travel?
10:40 PM
@soumyadip
Hi Subhash I want to visit Chardham including valley of flowers during mid September this year. Is it suitable time to travel?
In September its going to get cold and also it could rain. So plan accordingly. May be later september or early october might be fine. But it will be cold. I dont know much about valley of flowers, so cant comment about that.
7:24 PM
Hello Subhash!
Good to read your blog...got lots of information...thanks a lot...
I have two questions..
1. When are the doors of chardham closing for this year i.e, 2012?
2. I am planning to visit chardham with my family, 4 people in total including me..would oct end be suitable time to visit chardham?
Thanks a lot...
Yashodha
11:06 PM
@Yashodha,
I am glad this blog helped you. I dont know when doors will close this year 2012. But it would be sometime near Diwali or in October.
October end is not advisable time to visit char dham when you have elderly people or kids with you. Its going to be very cold there. So plan accordingly. Also do check temple closing dates before going. I dont know exactly how can you find this out. If you want me to find it, I can try that, let me know.
11:26 PM
Thanks a ton Subhash!!
Yes..will you be able to find out the closing date?? It will be of great help...
And, there are not kids in our family...My dad is 52 yrs old and I am the youngest in mid twenties...so do u suggest us to visit chardham during Oct end?? I am stressing Oct end as we have some leaves issues..we all would be getting off during Oct end for sure...
And a very important question, is it necessary to go for tour packages to visit chardham or can we plan ourselves?? I mean how is the transport and accommodation facilities in chardham...do we need to book in advance??
Once again, thanks a lot for providing the useful information..
Regards,
Yashodha
1:25 PM
@Yashoda,
Yes I will try to find out the closing dates
1. If there is no problem with cold and low temperatures then it should be okay.
2. You can plan the tour yourself. You can hire one taxi from Haridwar. We had taken taxi from following travel agency:
Jai Mahesh Tour and Travels
Sri Dhar Ashram, Dudhadhari Chowk,
Bhupatwala,
Haridwar.
Office: 01334-327218
Resi: 01334-262900
Mobile: 9837129573
They provided good driver. Last week my uncle did same. He hired one Tavera from them and completed char dham yatra. Probably you can do same. There is nice hotel 'Ginger' near this travel agency. Probably you can take accommodation there.
Ginger -- http://www.gingerhotels.com/haridwar/city-info.aspx
You can also take package service but flexibility in terms of stay and food would be less in that. You dont need to book it in advance. October end of off season for char dham yatra.
2:03 PM
Thanks a ton Subhash!
You have provided me all the required information..really thankful to you..
Please let me know the closing dates if you get to know.
God bless!!
Thanks & Regards
Yashodha
3:09 PM
Well Done Subhash. Meticulously written with minute details and covering all the details. Fantastic. Well the Char Dham Closing dates for 2012 are on the day of Deepawali i.e. around 14 Nov, 2012. Full accolades to you for this Beautiful and highly informative piece of information. Ajay Kumar Sharma (Aks)...
12:21 PM
I am planning for char dham with my mother and wife in the month may 2013. Besides GNVL who r the good govt. organisations to help us regarding this. Another thing if i have not booked helicopter service to kedarnath then can i avail the service on the same date when i reach since i cannot know the date when i am planning all the four place withen 12 days. Another thing how much money i should carry with me for 3 of us while trekking to yamunoti and kedarnath. manojpadhi2003@yahoo.com
6:48 AM
@anonymous (manojpadhi2003@yahoo.com)
I dont know government organizations other than GMVNL. Yes, you can avail the helicopter service on same date as you reach. You dont need to book in advance. However, you must reach early morning there because there could be rush. There are couple of helicopter services there, but if there is lot of rush, then you might have to wait there. So better go early. Also it depends of weather that day, if its raining or not suitable time to fly, then also you would have to wait. So better go early in morning so you can plan accordingly. If for some reason you cant fly you can trek by hiring palki/pony/kandi. Those are also good options and while coming down you can take helicopter service.
While trekking to Yamunotri and Kedarnath necessary expenses would be on food and stay only. Stay depends of which hotel/place you choose to stay. You can assume 500 to 1000 per day for decent stay. You can estimate food expenses yourself. You probably would not need to stay overnight in Yamunotri since you can come back in same day, if you want. Let me know if you have more questions.
Subhash
12:15 PM
is this journey of climbing kedarnath and yamunotri difficuly? and did u go to rishikesh to enjoy the water rafting activity? can u provide me some information on this water sports because i m gonna visit this place after 10 days.. thank u :)
3:44 PM
@tourist
Its not difficult. There will be many people climbing along with you and lots of shops on the way. If you have a group of people, then it will be fun. Keep taking breaks while climbing. We did go to Rishikesh but did not do rafting. River Rafting in Rishikesh is rated number one in World. I dont have much information about this. I saw lot of people going for rafting. Have good time in your journey.
4:47 PM
I have an question regarding the yatra i am planning to go on the same on 6th oct. 2013. In total we 5 people is travelling ( my parents age around 65 year , me and my wife and our child 2 and a half year. My question is as per weather condition and toughness of path is it safe to take infant with us. Please suggest i am into a confusion for the same.
1:32 PM
I would suggest not to go in October with 2.5 year old infant and your parents. October will have more cold than other months. I suggest go in June itself. In July-August rain starts so if possible take them in June itself. Let me know if you have more questions.
3:36 PM
hi subash garu may i find how much money is needed to complete chardam yatra and i have some doubts my about language email me the cost and used language kuchimanchisankaradc@gmail.com and mobil 9247383532
3:56 PM
Hi Subhash Ji,
I am planning to visit Yamunotri this may-2014, Is it safe to took my 2.5 years old kid along with me.
thanks
7:12 PM
@Gaurav Pal Singh
2.5 year old should not be problem I guess. Keep all kinds of medicines though for precaution.
But I suggest make good enquiry about roads and routes before going, since this is first yatra after the disaster last year. I am not sure if routes are changed. I suggest dont go till first 2 weeks after temple opens, let some people travel and come back and tell their experiences. Keep in touch with travel agencies for latest information on routes before going.
Wish you happy journey. If possible do post some information here after coming back, so I can update this blog with latest information.
7:43 PM
Dear SUBHAS,
Thanks for your valuable informations, this will help me in my journey. I am planning to visit chardham with my wife in 2nd week of may'15, I am taking one big trolley bag along with a ruck sack, So I am doubt full during my every mountaineering where would I keep my trolley & other luggages can you kindly help me out with this requisite problem .
3:17 PM
I am planning with my 14 months baby. Will it safe.
9:04 PM
@pralhad mandhane
14 months might be little early. It depends on the kid as well. My opinion would be NO.
5:42 PM
hi subhash,
thanks for sharing the info of chardham. want to know how about travelling to chardham around december-january period. planning to take tour around this time. what do you suggest
11:03 AM
@Deepthi Shrikant
Char dham Temples will be closed for darshan near Diwali because of snow. It reopens near Akshya Tritiya for darshan. So December January you can not go.
11:09 AM
Hii ....I am from Delhi .and my family do planning to go char dham yatra in September ..start 5september to 15 Sept ...is it okay to go chardham in early September... Pls give your suggestions..
11:49 PM
We want to visit garhwal in December 2015, which places should we visit? We are 4 young people. Can you please make a trip chart for us??
11:39 AM
@swarnendu I dont know much about other places in Garhwal region. You must search more on internet. Remember in December its going to be a lot colder there.
11:48 AM
Hi Subhash,
I want to visit Chardham including valley of flowers during mid September this year. Is it suitable time to travel?
11:40 AM
@aanandaholiday
September is rains and chances of landslide do exist. If all are young people then may not be a problem I think.
1:13 PM
Hi subash, nicely written with detailed information very useful, just wanna ask weather there will be long que for darshan, specially at kedarnath
2:51 PM
@Anonymous
There could be some queue, but not long queue. I had visited in 2010, we had darshan in 30 mins. But after 2013, it would be even less I believe. Feel free to ask any other information.
2:59 PM
Friend
I am writing you this mail from Karnataka. I want visit kedarnath temple in this month. Please inform how to reach kedaenath temple bus from Delhi in step by step. And also other medical check up details.
Thanks
Giriah
10:03 AM
Friend
I am writing you this mail from Karnataka. I want visit kedarnath temple in this month. Please inform how to reach kedaenath temple bus from Delhi in step by step. And also other medical check up details.
Thanks
Giriah
10:04 AM
@N Girish,
From Delhi go to haridwar. From haridwar you can get direct buses till Gaurikund. Buses can not go to Kedarnath temple directly. You need to trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath. Once you reach haridwar take bus from there to reach Gaurikund (or near by place). Start walking from Gaurikund to Kedarnath temple.
I am not sure how many hotels are there right now in Kedarnath. Do more enquiry in Haridwar. Also the temple usually open on Akshya Tritiya (Ugadi in Karnataka). It will not open before that. So check that temple is opened before starting.
No Medical checkup is needed. If you have asthama or blood pressure problem, do take extra care.
If you have any questions ask me.
I SUGGEST YOU TO READ THIS PAGE COMPLETELY. IT HAS ALL THE DETAILS.
11:07 AM
Thank you Mr Shubhash for sharing your experience,can you tell me that is it necessary to make the bookings for hotels before starting yatra or we can hotels on arrival,and what about helicopter service to kedarnath,for this also we have to make the prior booking or we can the tickets on arrival.we are planning to start our yatra in the month of june 2016
4:12 PM
@trideep. I would suggest not to book in advance for hotels or helicopter. U will get it at the spot. There may not be much rush for helicopter and there are plenty of hotels available
11:17 AM
Thanks Subhasji,I got nearly all answers from u for Chardham Yatra. We 8 persons will go from Odisha in May 2017. From Haridwar Where do I get cheapest vehicle (bus or taxi) and accommodations for char dham. Thanks..
7:05 PM
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2:21 PM
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2:23 PM
Nice Blog, this is the wonderful blog about the Chardham yatra
4:53 PM
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