Religion and spirituality are the priority in India, and Chardham Yatra is a highly significant spiritual pilgrimage for all the pilgrims. The yatra provides you with an opportunity to see the four holy Dhams – Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri – which are situated in the holy Himalayan valleys of Uttarakhand. If you also want to do your Chardham Yatra peacefully and trouble-free, then starting your Chardham Yatra from Haridwar can be a great thought. For the first time, Haridwar is a holy city, but Chardham Yatra tours are also available from Haridwar easily which make your travel easy and hassle-free.
Why start your Chardham Yatra from Haridwar?
Haridwar is a highly religious pilgrim city of Hindu religion and also called the gateway of ‘Devbhoomi’. Haridwar is a holy place at holy bank of river Ganga, which is full of sacred environment and sanctity. There are different benefits of starting the Chardham Yatra from Haridwar. Pilgrims get a culture and religion environment by starting it from here. Har Ki Pauri bath at Haridwar and Ganga Aarti provide the whole journey with a strong spiritual fragrance.
Besides this, Haridwar is also an important transportation city, so traveling to Chardham by road and train is also very simple. There are Chardham packages also from here which is making it comfortable to travel. Haridwar is also an important place at a religious point of view since there are few renowned temples like Mansa Devi, Chandi Devi and Maya Devi here. So due to all these, traveling to Chardham from Haridwar is an effortless option.
- Cultural and spiritual setting: Ganga Aarti and holy bath at Har Ki Pauri can be a great beginning of your Haridwar tour.
- Simple transport: Haridwar is well linked with the rest of India by a huge railway station and bus stand. Chardham packages are easily available from here too.
- Religious importance: There are some other religious places at Haridwar, Mansa Devi Temple, Chandi Devi Temple and Maya Devi Temple under various names of Hindu gods, which can be visited prior to the Chardham Yatra.
Optimal time to conduct Chardham Yatra from Haridwar
Chardham Yatra is possible for a number of months of a year because temple gates remain shut because of heavy snowfall in the Himalayas during winter months. Chardham Yatra can be performed in May and October months.
- May-June: These are favorable months for weather during the trip to be pleasant. Pilgrim traffic is the heaviest for these two months and also there is a very huge crowd.
- July-August: Rainy season, the journey is not at all comfortable as there is a lot of rain and slides.
- September-October: During these months the journey is thought to be best. Rain ceases, fine and clear weather, and also human beings are relatively lesser in number.
If you prefer to travel in comfort along with for a lesser duration, then Chardham Yatra by Helicopter is also an easy option, for which you are taken to all the sacred dhams in a lesser duration of time.
What to look forward to for Haridwar’s Chardham Yatra?
Chardham Yatra is important not just on the spiritual plane but also on the adventurous experience plane. Ascending steep mountains, traversing tough routes and weathering weather conditions are all a part of the journey. But the experience of this tiresome travel is simply divine and irreplaceable. If you take a Chardham Yatra package, your own travel can be hassle-free and taken care of. The package organizes arrangements like transport, accommodation and dining, so you can focus on your spiritual path.
- Transport: Haridwar by bus or taxi is possible and Chardham Yatra through road is achievable. If you want to complete the tour within a shorter time, then helicopter Chardham Yatra would be a fine idea, which can be completed within 4-5 days.
- Accommodation: Guesthouses, hotels and dharamshalas are available at numerous points on the way. Accommodation in Haridwar and Chardham places is available to fit every budget. All Dharamshalas are affordable, while hotels vary from moderate to luxury. Hotels and resorts as part of the Chardham Yatra package can be chosen for more relaxation.
- Food: Natural vegetarian food is well supported by Uttarakhand. Puri, paratha, dal-rice, khichdi, and light breakfast are delicious here. Local hill food items are also found in most other places on the tour, which are cooked differently to taste. If you have booked the package of Chardham Yatra, then there is food arrangement in the package as well, so that you are served clean and healthy food.
- Climatic conditions: In higher regions, it is cold and the cold temperature is especially higher in the morning and evening. Therefore, wear warm clothes, gloves, and woollen caps. In monsoon, it rains and even landslides can happen. Therefore, carry raincoats and water-proof coats too. Weather becomes unpredictable midway and therefore proper preparation becomes highly necessary.
- Travel Time: Chardham Yatra typically takes 10-12 days. But if you are undertaking Chardham Yatra by Helicopter independently, then this tour can also be completed in just 4-5 days, which is not a time and effort-consuming task.
Key Travel Tips for Haridwar to Chardham Yatra
- Be Physically Fit: As the journey is completed in. hill areas, walk, jog, and climb stairs every day to get your body used to the environment. This will help in the build-up of endurance. Other than this, yoga and pranayama must be performed so that you do not suffer from breathing problems, which are quite common at high altitudes. Good eating habits and proper water intake are also very essential, so that you don’t feel weak and tired during the journey.
- Keep Important Documents Handy: Keep Aadhar Card, Travel Permit, Hotel Booking Receipts and Medical Certificates handy while you are traveling. Along with that, keep your travel insurance document and list of required contact numbers handy as well. All these documents not only safe the trip but are also useful in the event of any emergency. Apart from the soft copy, carry a hard copy with you so that you don’t face any problem in the event of any accident.
- Pack according to weather: Pack warm attire, caps and gloves so that you won’t feel cold while traveling. Pack a raincoat and water-proof bag so that you won’t get wet due to rain. Pack medicines such as cold-cough, headache and altitude sickness medicines. Pack a torch, power bank, sunglasses and first aid kit so that you don’t face any issue while traveling.
- Adhere to the regulations of religious sites: Photographing is not allowed inside temples, so abide by the rules. Guests are requested to dress traditionally and modestly. Saree or salwar-kurta for women and dhoti or kurta-pyjama are acceptable for men. Except for this, all the temples prohibit leather wear like a belt and a purse, so keep them outside.
- Advance booking: As Chardham Yatra is highly popular, advance booking is definitely necessary. Connect with good tour operators like Dream Tour Planner so that your pilgrimage is convenient and well-planned. Booking early will make it possible to book better hotels, transport and other facilities.
Conclusion:
Haridwar to Chardham Yatra is a sacred trip which provides the pilgrims with spiritual bliss and spiritual peace. You can simplify and make a journey meaningful via Chardham Yatra Packages. This journey is not only religious but also offers a chance to see the scenic valleys of the Himalayas. If you are looking for quick and hassle-free traveling, then Chardham Yatra by Helicopter could be a good option for you. Spiritually enrich your life with God’s grace and enjoy this journey to the fullest with proper planning and advance booking.