The holy natural springs of Yamunotri, the pious waters of Gangotri,



The spiritual ambience of Kedar Dham, and the divine heavens of Badri Dham,



When these sacred four pilgrim destinations come together, the sanctified circuit is called Chardham.





People who know about India and its religious heritage are also well aware about the importance of the Chardham pilgrimage. It’s a pious journey, which is devoted to Goddess Yamuna, Goddess Ganga, Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. As per the Hindu beliefs, this holy journey is a must for attaining salvation from the lifecycle of death and birth. Thus during the peak season, the Chardham circuit is over-flooded with the devotees coming from different corners of the globe.



Besides holding a spiritual value, the respective journey is also known for its challenging route, as you will have to trek up and down the rugged terrains, cross rivers and peaks. Thus, before you head off for this religious odyssey, there are a few things that must be kept in mind.





Mentioned below are some of the tips describing how to prepare for a Chardham Yatra:



Know the right time to visit



The ideal time for this sacred journey is when the doors of the shrines are opened. Generally, the pilgrimage is carried out between April-May and October-November. However, the best season for Chardham Yatra is September, as during June-August the region witnesses heavy rainfall and the expedition becomes more difficult, and during May it is over-flooded with the pilgrims. In September, after the rains, the area regains its natural beauty and thus, it is the best time for the Yatra.





Check out for a reliable tour guide



This is the most popular pilgrimage circuit and therefore, there are lots of tour operators that will be happy to be at your disposal. However, you need to select a reliable tour guide for making the trip safe and sound. A leading tour guide will have a plethora of different packages. In addition to this, the respective tour company will also have tailor-made packages just to match your specifications.





Cross check the authenticity of the travel operator via word of mouth



In order to verify the authenticity of the tour operator, check out the feedbacks of the clients. Furthermore, you can also ask a friend or family member to help you in the same. Their opinions and suggestions will be of great help that will safeguard you from any inconvenience.





Physical fitness is a must



As stated before, this is a challenging journey. You need to be physically strong and mentally sound for this tour. People who have acrophobia (fear of heights) or breathing problem must think twice before opting for this expedition.



The journey to the four sacred abodes of God includes trekking, which certainly is not everyone’s cup of tea. However, those who are very keen to go on a Chardham pilgrimage but don’t wish to trek can opt for a helicopter ride. There are various tour operators who would be more than happy in arranging a helicopter for your Chardham pilgrimage.





Carry all the essential medicines



In case you are already on some medication, then make sure to carry all the required pills. Furthermore, always keep a first aid box with you for the accidents that might occur by chance. The must haves of the first aid box are crepe bandages, pain killers, sprays, antiseptics and bandages.





Pack warm clothes



Located in the foothills of Uttarakhand, the Chardham circuit is bestowed with snow-draped peaks. Thus, it is important to pack heavy woolen and warm clothes like jackets, sweaters, shawls and so forth.





Carry some quick snacks



Some quick snacks like dry fruits, chocolates, glucose biscuits, wafers, chips, energy drinks and a bottle of water must be a part of your bag-pack (certainly not all of them but a few). You can stop at the particular points for lunch, but still it is recommended to have some light snacks that can satiate the little hungers.





Travel light



While trekking, carry only essential items. The lighter the luggage, the faster the steps you can take. Thus, travel light and enjoy the journey.





Try to travel with family or friends



Chardham Yatra is a long and audacious tour, which becomes hard to accomplish if travelling alone. Though your tour operator will take you in a group, the group will be of unknown people. Therefore, it is better to travel with either family or friends.





These are some of the smart tips to prepare for Chardham Yatra. Consider these simple points and relish a lifetime experience of visiting the holy circuit.





Travel tip shared by Harendra

www.chardham-tours.com