The Chardham Yatra takes you on an expedition to the holiest sites in India including Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Thousands of pilgrims undertake this Yatra to fulfill their desire to achieve salvation. However, the journey to these sacred shrines can be a bit challenging as the Chardham sites are located at high altitudes and you may have to trek for hours to reach these divine sites. For a safe and hassle-free Yatra, you need to follow a few guidelines that are issued by the government. The advisory instructs the pilgrims on what not to do and what to do during the Yatra. We have curated a list of the important guidelines that pilgrims visiting the Chardham sites should definitely follow.
Latest Guidelines for Chardham Yatra
Take a look at the latest guidelines for the Chardham Yatra that have been issued by the government for a safe and smooth travel experience.
- As per the Chardham Yatra’s latest rules, this year, everyone visiting these divine sites must undergo mandatory registration.
- Strict rules have been implemented this year as a larger number of pilgrims are visiting these sites every year.
- Without compulsory registration, none of the pilgrims would be allowed to visit the sacred temples.
- Through the City Portal of Dehradun Smart pilgrims can complete their registration online by submitting their important details.
- Offline registration can also be done at registration centres that are situated in different locations throughout the Chardham route.
- This year devotees do not need to show their Covid-19 vaccination certificate.
- During the Chardham journey if a devotee is found COVID positive they will be sent back immediately for further investigation.
- As per the latest Chardham Yatra guidelines, pilgrims are not allowed to touch bells, religious books, and statues in the temple courtyards.
- Residents of Uttarakhand do not need to register themselves for the Yatra.
- As per the latest guidelines of Badrinath and Kedarnath Yatra Guidelines, after completing the registration process, you can visit Char Dham sites without any hassle and roam anywhere in Uttarakhand.
- The daily limit in each Dham for the visitors has now been increased. Kedarnath: 13000, Badrinath: 16000, Yamunotri: 5000 and Gangotri: 8000.
- Trip registration and a Green Card are compulsory for those visiting the Char Dham sites.
- Heli Tickets from Phata, Siri, and Guptkashi to Kedarnath can be booked from the Uttarakhand Govt/ GMVN’s website only. For booking helicopter tickets this is the only website that has been authorized by the government.
Advisory Issued by Health Government for Pilgrims
- Before undertaking the Chardham Yatra all the pilgrims should get their medical health checkup done to ensure they are fit for the journey.
- Pilgrims with any kind of health-related complications should consult with their healthcare professional and carry all the important medicines with them.
- Those with serious health complications, elderly people, or those who have had COVID earlier should not undertake the Chardham Yatra.
- According to the Government of Uttarakhand’s travel policy, it is mandatory for all pilgrims to register both their vehicles and themselves before undertaking the journey to Hemkund Sahib and Char Dham sites. Additionally, once you have reached each shrine, you will have to verify your identity.
- Those who’re traveling from the plains should take an adequate amount of rest day before starting their journey. This will help in acclimatize themselves to cater to the harsh weather conditions and low oxygen levels at higher altitudes.
- Pilgrims need to carry warm clothes and water bottles with them.
- While traveling to high altitude areas, pilgrims suffering from heart diseases, diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure or lung diseases should take extra care.
- If you experience any of these symptoms including anxiety, higher pulse rate, headache, nausea, or difficulty breathing, you should contact 108/ 104 helpline numbers or the nearest health centre.
- While traveling to the Chardham sites do not drink liquor or smoke.
- Regularly take liquids such as juices, water, etc to keep yourself hydrated.
- Carry snacks, dry fruits, and other edibles to stay energized throughout the Yatra.
- Take short breaks while trekking to ensure you do not get over-exhausted during the Yatra. Never be in a hurry to complete the treks in very little time.
- At higher altitudes, avoid doing any kind of physical exercise.
- If you face any medical emergencies during the Yatra, you should call 104/ 108
Preparation Guidelines
- The minimum duration of your Chardham trip should be a minimum of seven days.
- Give yourself optimum time to acclimatize as the Chardham sites are located at very high altitudes.
- Practice breathing exercises daily for five to ten minutes. You should also walk daily for at least half an hour.
- If you’re 55 years of age or have any of these health complications such as high blood pressure, heart disease, asthma, or diabetes, you should get a check-up done to ensure you’re physically fit for the Yatra.
Must Know Things
Let’s take a look at the important things that you must know about the Chardham Yatra.
- You can only visit the Char Dham sites out of the year for six months. These months are from September to November and March to May.
- More than a million people visit the Char Dham sites every year.
- The Government of Uttarakhand and the Central Government are putting efforts into constructing better roadways. Moreover, they are focusing on offering better amenities and enhancing healthcare facilities. Infrastructure is also being updated by the government. Air connectivity, roads, and train networks are being improved.
- Helicopter tours are now available at the Chardham sites. Many well-known tourist agencies specialize in offering this service.
- It is mandatory for all pilgrims to obtain an ID card. From the Uttarakhand government, registered pilgrims can get this ID card. In an emergency, this will help the government in locating you.
- Before the Yatra, practice walking and do light breathing exercises for extended periods to deal with low-oxygen levels at high altitudes.
- Those with serious health complications won’t be allowed to undertake the Chardham Yatra.
Conclusion
Chardham Yatra is a sacred journey that takes you closer to the divine and allows you to relish the breathtaking Himalayan views. However, this journey can be physically draining as it involves challenging treks and lots of walking. For a safe and worry-free trip, you can follow the guidelines mentioned above by the government. By following these guidelines you’ll have the most memorable Yatra of your life.
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