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Published: February 9th 2015
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Chardhams, perched in the heavenly ambiance of the Garhwal Himalayas is a true abode of the Gods. But the route is difficult and risky as it’s a high altitude location. To make things easy for you, here are certain important things that one needs to bear in mind before setting out for the chardhams. Read on to learn more.
Chardham lies in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand amid the snow clad lofty peaks unique both in terms of natural as well as spiritual significance. Chardham yatra is an exceptional small circuit tour carried out by thousands of devotees coming from all parts of India. This yatra is of enormous religious significance for the pious Hindus who make it a point to visit the Chardhams at least once in their life time.
It is believed that journey to Chardhams can wash away all mortal sins, releasing one from the never ending cycle of life, death and rebirth. ‘Char’ in Hindi means four and ‘dham’ means abode. These are four abodes of four major Hindu deities. Devotees begin their Chardham yatra either from Haridwar or Rishikesh. They consider it to be auspicious to take a dip in Holy Ganges River and attend evening aarti before setting out for Chardham yatra. First they visit the Yamunotri dham followed by Gangotri dham, next Kedarnath dham and finally Badrinathdham which marks the end of the yatra.
Yatra commences on day of Akshaya Tritiya which falls in the month of April/May and ends in the month of Oct/Nov after Deepawali Pooja. Rest of the year due to heavy snowfall, temple remains closed. The yatra to chardhams is not easy; it involves traversing across a rugged hilly and steep terrain and the weather conditions too are often harsh and erratic. Thus before embarking on the yatra of the Chardhams, you need to keep certain vital things in mind. Let’s see what those are-
Important Travel Tips
Health
Make sure body is in right shape as sufficient walking is required because most of the path leading to Chardham runs through hilly terrains. It is important to lose all the extra pounds and improve your fitness quotient. Stamina and endurance are very essential to complete the chardham yatra. People suffering from various ailments like high blood pressure, asthma , cardiac disease should take utmost care and as prescribed by their doctors should carry proper medications to rule out any risk. All four abodes are located at very high altitudes. Thus, one should take proper care and set out only if doctor sanctions post a thorough health check-up
Clothing
Weather conditions in hilly areas can change drastically. While in the plains or foothills or while still ascending the hills, one may require light clothing. On reaching high altitudes, to protect oneself from extreme cold one requires heavy woolen clothing. Thus, carry both thick and thin pullovers, jackets, thermal wear, monkey caps, woolen socks, gloves and all those accessories which can keep body warm enough to sustain at low temperature. In hilly areas, one can experience light showers or snowfall all of a sudden even in summers. To cope up with all that carry raincoats, umbrellas, high walking boots.
Necessary Accessories
Always carry all accessories in sufficient amount and number. For example, carry two or more pairs of socks so that if by chance one pair gets soaked, the other comes in handy. Walking stick, handy torch with extra batteries helps in walking. As far as health is concerned, patients must carry all the medicines prescribed by their physician. In general, band-aids, pain relieving sprays, cotton rolls, antiseptic creams, and disinfectants, first aid kit along with anti-inflammatory and antibiotics drugs should be carried in a small back pack. Also carry water bottle, light snacks and electoral packets. For protection from sun, good sunscreen lotion, sunglasses, sun hat etc also hould never be forgotten.
Insurance
When you go on a difficult and risky route to keep oneself and family secure from worst scenarios its best to get an insurance done. The insurance will offer you coverage in case of sickness, ailments, critical rescue as well as cover the hospitalization too
Plan Wisely
Make reservations quite in advance at least when going in Peak season. Hotels are almost full and finding a decent vacant room may seem impossible and tiring. Government operated and private run packaged tours can also be booked for convenience as they will take care of everything.
Chardham yatra though a very
popular spiritual tour is not a very easy one. Wise decisions and proper precautions can avoid mishap and make the tour a truly fulfilling one.
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