How to register for Chardham Yatra 2024
Char Dham Yatra also referred to as Chota Char Dham Yatra consists of four holy Dhams: Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri located in the Garhwal Himalayas ranges in Uttarakhand. It is believed that the yatra should be done in a clockwise direction according to the geographical location. Firstly, one should go to Yamunotri moving towards Gangotri then onto Kedarnath ending on Badrinath.
All these places are in the lush greenery or snow-capped mountains of Uttarakhand. The Char Dham Yatra is closed between November to April i.e., in the winter season. It is a wonderful way to explore the spectacular views of the Himalayas by taking this spiritual trip. Thousands of pilgrims from and outside India visit every year to witness the tranquility of these sacred places.
Importance Of Char Dham Yatra
Chota Char Dham yatra is very important in Hindi Culture. Badrinath is the shrine of Lord Vishnu, Kedarnath is the shrine of Lord Shiva, Gangotri is the shrine of Goddess Ganga (source of river Ganga) and Yamunotri is the shrine of River Yamuna (source of river Yamuna).
According to Hindu Mythology, one should visit Char Dham at least once in his/her life. If you want to minimize sins and get free from the cycle of birth and rebirth, do this Char Dham Yatra.
This year as per the Government portal, the Yatra will commence on 10th May 2024 for Gangotri Dham and Yamunotri Dham both. Kedarnath Dham will start on 14th May 2024 and Badrinath Dham on 16th May 2024. These are tentative dates but final dates are also shared early enough so that all the people who want to plan can do it easily. The closing dates of Kedarnath and Gangotri are 2nd November 2024 and Yamunotri is 31st October 2024 and Badrinath on 9th November 2024.
Modes of travel for Char Dham Yatra
There are various modes of travel for Char Dham Yatra as follows:
- 1. By Air: Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport from where you can start the Yatra. This airport is in Dehradun so further you can start from Dehradun to Haridwar.
- 2. By Train: Many cities of Uttarakhand like Haridwar, Rishikesh, Pathankot, and Dehradun are connected by rail. You can opt for any station from your city to here. Further, you can book a taxi to move forward.
- 3. By Bus or Taxi: One can hire a taxi or book a bus, tempo traveller on rent from any nearby city like Mathura, Agra, Delhi, Noida, tempo traveller in Gurgaon, Haridwar, to Dehradun directly.
- 4. By Helicopter: One can easily book the whole Yatra by Helicopter from Dehradun and Phata. Reach any of these locations to start Char Dham circuit. Char Dham yatra is very complicated due to weather conditions, rugged surfaces, and narrow lanes so the Government started this Helicopter service. Whosoever is not that physically fit or wants to save time can opt for this service. This makes the journey less challenging and hassle-free. For Chardham helicopter booking, visit its official website: https://heliyatra.irctc.co.in/
Registration Process for the Char Dham Yatra 2024
The registration process can be done in both offline and online mode. This year it will start on 20th February 2024 and applications will be accepted by 31st March 2024. This biometric registration is compulsory for all those who want to go to Char Dham Yatra. Pilgrims can also download the mobile app for easy registration of the state tourism department. If you wish to attend Rudra Abhishek, an online registration is required. But for normal Darshan, a token system is implemented.
One can easily register for Char Dham Yatra online by following the Uttarakhand tourism link: https://registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in/
Note: There are no fees to be paid for the registration process. An identity proof is a must for whosoever is traveling to Char Dham yatra.
Char Dham Yatra 2024 Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive at Haridwar and stay overnight there. One can attend the Ganga aarti at Har ki Pauri and take a dip in the holy River Ganga.
Day 2: Drive to Barkot and on the way, you can go to Kempty Falls in Mussoorie. Stay at Barkot for the night.
Day 3: Early morning drive to Jankichatti and a small trek of 6 km to Yamunotri is followed. Pray at the temple and come back to Jankichatti. Drive back to Barkot and again overnight stay.
Day 4: Drive to Uttarkashi in the morning and visit the Vishwanath temple. This night's stay at Uttarkashi.
Day 5: This morning drive to Gangotri and visit the temple. Perform rituals and pray in the temple. Drive back to Uttarkashi and stay there again.
Day 6: Drive to Guptkashi and enjoy the spectacular views en route. Also, the river Mandakini comes from Kedarnath which can be seen during the drive. Stay the night at Guptkashi.
Day 7: Drive to Gaurikund and then a trek to Kedarnath of 16km. The trek will take from 6 to 8 hours. You can take a helicopter service also or ride on a pony/doli till there. Attend the evening aarti in the temple and overnight stay at a room near Kedarnath temple.
Day 8: Wake up early and get ready by 4.45 a.m. for Kedarnath Shiva’s Abhishek. After this start trekking back to Gaurikund. Drive to Guptkashi and stay there.
Day 9: Drive to Badrinath via Joshimath. Visit Badrinath temple, attend Aarti and rituals, and overnight stay at Badrinath.
Day 10: Drive to Rudraprayag and stay overnight there.
Day 11: Drive to Haridwar and depart for your city.
Things to take care of while traveling to Char Dham Yatra:
- One must take sufficient cash as many remote areas are there on the whole route so no ATMs.
- For a hassle-free journey, plan timely as registration has a time limit, and lakhs of pilgrims travel every year.
- You must carry clothes according to all seasons as the Shrines are in the Himalayas. Also, carry medicines, a first-aid kit, and insect repellent.
- Never forget to carry your Identity card as without it no one is permitted to travel.
- Keep eating healthy and light while traveling as all the routes are mostly on mountains. To avoid any health issues, stay hydrated and eat right.
- Carry your power bank and charger, as well as all toiletries as many things might not be available easily.
- If you have time, you can cover a few offbeat destinations on the route as the places are just breathtaking.
- Hire a porter to carry your stuff so that you can enjoy your journey and practice breathing as Oxygen might be an issue for you at higher altitudes.
- Enjoy the Yatra with peace of mind, and stay calm and patient as many people travel so there can be a little chaos at a few places. Be prepared mentally for this much travel.
- Be physically and mentally prepared for Kedarnath Trek as it is one of the challenging and longest treks which need strong physical stamina.
Plan the Char Dham Yatra from Delhi and enjoy the journey throughout with a comfortable tempo traveller booking. For best Chardham yatra tempo traveller rental package, contact us. Chardham tour package cost 96000 Rs approx. with 12 seater tempo traveller for round trip to and from Delhi.