- Pack everything thoughtfully including rainproof attire, warm garments, a comprehensive first aid kit, sturdy hiking boots, essential toiletries, and personal medications.
- Honor the local customs of the region. Ensure that you remove your shoes before entering any of the spiritual sites, wear modest attire, and engage with the locals with utmost respect.
- Book your accommodation in advance especially if you’re traveling during the peak tourist season.
- Acclimatize yourself. Gradual acclimatization is important, and if you experience any symptoms, seek medical support immediately.
- Drink enough water and stay hydrated throughout the trip.
The opening time of Char Dham temples is on Akshay Tritiya or after that. So the best time to visit the Chardham sites would be from May to the end of June. During these months, the daytime weather is pleasant, but nights and evenings are cold. However, you should also keep in mind that most of the sites are overcrowded during this time and you’ll have to pay premium rates everywhere. You may even have to stand in long lines for darshan. If you’re traveling during the peak season you should book the rooms and helicopter services beforehand.
- Meditation and Yoga: You can meditate and practice yoga at the ashrams and yoga centers in Rishikesh to soothe your body and mind.
- River Rafting: River rafting on the Ganges is an exhilarating experience combining natural beauty and adventure.
- Scenic Drives: Embark on scenic drives through famous hill stations such as Almora and Mussoorie to witness the natural beauty and appreciate the picturesque valleys and hills.
- Pooja and Darshan: Perform pooja and have the darshan of the deities at the Chardhams and other religious sites.
- Trekking: You can undertake the most rigorous treks and experience the hidden treasures of nature.
- Cultural Exploration: Learn about the local culture of the people inhabiting the region you’re visiting and take part in festivities and rituals.
- Harsil Valley: Harsil Valley is known for its pristine and untouched beauty. This is the area through which the Bhagirathi River flows. It is dotted with green meadows and deodar trees.
- Hanuman Chatti: Hanuman Chatti is known to be the starting point for Dodi Tal, Yamunotri, and Darwa Top. It houses the Hanuman Temple, one of the most famous religious sites.
- Janki Chatti: Janki Chatti is the base camp for the Yamunotri Temple trek. The six-kilometer trek takes you through breathtaking vistas, offering a scenic and spiritual experience.
- Mukhba Village: Mukhba is a small village known for its spiritual significance and beautiful landscape. It houses ancient temples such as the Mukhba Temple.
- Auli: Auli is perched at more than 2909 meters in height. This hill station is situated at a distance of around 15 km from Joshimath. It is also a paradise for skiers.
- Rudraprayag: Rudraprayag is the place where the Mandakini and Alaknanda rivers meet. It is dotted with lush greenery and offers picturesque views.
By Flight: Nearest Airports
- For Gangotri and Yamunotri: Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport is the closest, situated approximately 250 and 210 km away respectively.
- For Kedarnath: Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport is the closest about 238 km away.
- For Badrinath: The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport, situated roughly 310 km away.
You can take buses or hire taxis from Jolly Grant Airport, to reach the pilgrimage sites or base towns.
By Train: Nearest Railway Stations
- For Gangotri: Haridwar and Rishikesh are the proximate railheads, approximately 270 km and 250 km away respectively.
- For Yamunotri: Haridwar and Dehradun are the nearest railway stations, located about 220 km and 175 km away respectively.
- For Kedarnath: Haridwar and Rishikesh are the closest stations, about 241 km and 210 km away respectively.
- For Badrinath: Haridwar and Rishikesh are the closest railway stations, situated roughly 320 km and 295 km away respectively.
From these railway stations, you can easily hire taxis or board buses that will take you to the Char Dham sites.
