Uttarakhand Chardham Yatra 2018:The pilgrimage will start from April 18.

While the tentative date of the opening of both the Yamunotri and Gangotri Temples is April 18, the Kedarnath Temple will be opened on April 29, and the Badrinath Temple will be opened on April 30. All of the shrines will be closed on November 9, with the exception of the Badrinath Temple, which will be closed on the day of Vijaya Dashami.

Read also: know-the-history-of-char-dham-yatra-in-uttrakhand

All those who are planning to travel to the Chardham need to know a few things before they start this difficult trekking journey. The yatra covers the very famous Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath shrines that are based in different locations of Uttarakhand region. This is the reason why Uttarakhand is also called Devbhoomi or the land of gods. The journey to the four abodes is quite challenging as you have to trek through difficult routes and you should be well prepared before you decide to go to this yatra.

But, even though the journey is tough, it is inspiring as well. It teaches you to be more resilient and patient. The journey can be a good experience or a bad one basis how prepared you are. So, things to carry during Chardham yatra first, start preparing for this yatra in advance. There are a few more things that can be taken care of before you leave for your trip. Here is a list of some traveling tips to visit Chardham yatra that will make your Chardham yatra a memorable and hassle-free one.

1. Pack your bags with not many but all types of clothes as you have to travel through mountain areas and the weather can change anytime. In that case, you should be geared up for every situation.
2. Don’t drink regular water. It is important that you drink only packaged water or boiled water as consuming water that is unfit for drinking can ruin your entire trip and, of course, your stomach.
3. At times, there are long jams as well and while trekking, you might feel weak, so make sure that you have packed a lot of candies, chocolates, and dry fruits. You can also keep Glucose (Glucon D). They will provide your instant energy during the trekking and during long jams.
4. As there is a heavy rush during the onset of the yatra, make sure that you have booked your hotel rooms in advance if you are traveling close to the temple opening dates so that your plan doesn’t suffer.
5. Make sure that you must pack a medical kit with antibiotics, cough lozenges, Iodine, Antiseptic cream, painkillers, tube-squeeze cream and medicines for cold and fever.
6. Do not travel in the rainy season as there are a lot of landslides during that time.
7. Non-vegetarian food or Alcohol is not allowed during Char Dham Yatra Tour.
8. In case of any serious medical emergency, call 108 (The Mobile emergency service from Government of Uttarakhand). Don’t make fake calls, as it is a punishable offense.
9. Traveling Tips:

• Train Connectivity: Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Kotdwar are well connected to major cities of India by Railway Network. From here you can get a bus or you can hire a taxi as well.
• Air Connectivity: Helicopter service to Kedarnath and Badrinath is available from Delhi, Dehradun, Phata, Augustmuni, and Gauchar near Rudraprayag and Jollygrant Airport Dehradun.

10.  Driving Tips in Uttarakhand during Chardham yatra

• Always keep your vehicle on the left side of the Road.
• Use horn at curves on hills, never overtake the overtaking vehicle.
• One should not drive more than 8 hours a day in the hilly region.
• Avoid driving after sunset, as it is not allowed in the hilly area of Uttarakhand.
• Use shoes instead of slippers while driving.
• Check your Brakes and Hand Brakes before starting a journey.
• Check the Headlights, Break light and Parking lights of your vehicle.
• Always give way to uphill vehicles.
• Keep your vehicle’s valid documents with you to avoid inconvenience.
• Before the journey, make sure that fuel tank of your vehicle is full; in case of landslides, you might have to take alternate long routes.
• Ensure to refill, where ever easily you get a chance, during the season there might be long queues in Petrol Pumps at main stations.
• Carry first aid box with you.
• Do not drink and drive.
• In case of traffic jam, park your vehicle at the end of the queue. If you initiate a parallel queue, the traffic from another side might force you to drive in reverse gear, till you reach again at end of the original queue. And you may find it very difficult to drive long in reverse gear on a hilly road.
• Do not compete with local vehicles/drivers. They know the terrain very well.

The above following yatra tips will assist to make your Chardham Yatra comfortable, hassle free and will keep you healthy and fit during the entire trip.