The Chardham Yatra is a pilgrimage circuit consisting of four sacred shrines located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand - Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. The Yatra usually begins in late 25th April or early May and lasts until October or November, depending on the weather conditions.

As of now, the exact dates for the Chardham Yatra in 2023 have not been announced yet. However, the Yatra generally opens in the last week of April or the first week of May and closes in October or November.

It is advisable to keep checking the official website of the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board or the Chardham Yatra authorities for updates on the Yatra dates and other important information. Additionally, it is recommended to plan and book your travel and accommodation well in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles.

Chardham yatra Route

The Chardham Yatra route covers four sacred shrines located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand - Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. The pilgrimage circuit can be covered in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction, but the most common and recommended route is as follows:

1. Yamunotri: The first stop of the Chardham Yatra is Yamunotri, located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. The shrine is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna and is situated at an altitude of 3,293 meters above sea level. The trek to Yamunotri begins from Janki Chatti, which is about 6 kilometers away.
2. Gangotri: The second stop is Gangotri, located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. The shrine is dedicated to Goddess Ganga and is situated at an altitude of 3,100 meters above sea level. The trek to Gangotri begins from Gangotri town, which is about 18 kilometers away.
3. Kedarnath: The third stop is Kedarnath, located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. The shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated at an altitude of 3,584 meters above sea level. The trek to Kedarnath begins from Gaurikund, which is about 14 kilometers away.
4. Badrinath: The final stop is Badrinath, located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The shrine is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is situated at an altitude of 3,133 meters above sea level. The shrine can be reached by road from Joshimath, which is about 42 kilometers away.

The entire Chardham Yatra circuit covers a distance of around 1,600 kilometers and takes around 10-12 days to complete. However, the duration and itinerary of the Yatra may vary depending on the mode of transportation, accommodation options, and individual preferences.

Best Option to Travel for Chardham Yatra

The best option to travel for Chardham Yatra largely depends on your personal preferences, budget, and the time you have for the Yatra. Here are some popular options for traveling to Chardham Yatra:

1. By road: The most common and economical way to travel for Chardham Yatra is by road. You can hire a taxi, jeep, or bus from Haridwar or Rishikesh, which are well-connected to major cities in North India. However, the roads are narrow and winding, and the journey can be tiring and time-consuming, especially during peak season.
2. By helicopter: If you have limited time or wish to avoid the strenuous trekking, you can opt for the helicopter services provided by the Uttarakhand government or private operators. The helicopter services operate from Dehradun, Phata, or Guptkashi, and provide a breathtaking aerial view of the Himalayas.
3. On foot: For the adventurous and spiritually inclined, trekking is the best option to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of the region. The trek routes to Yamunotri, Gangotri, and Kedarnath are well-marked and offer stunning views of the Himalayan peaks and valleys. However, trekking requires a good level of fitness and preparation, and may not be suitable for everyone.
4. By private car: If you prefer privacy and comfort, you can hire a private car or taxi from Haridwar or Rishikesh. This option allows you to travel at your own pace and schedule, and stop at scenic spots or local markets along the way.

It is advisable to plan and book your travel well in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid any last-minute hassles. Additionally, it is recommended to carry adequate warm clothing, medicines, and other essentials, and follow the safety guidelines and instructions given by the authorities.

When Char Dham yatra start in 2023?

As of now, the exact dates for the start of Char Dham Yatra in 2023 have not been announced yet. However, the Yatra generally opens in the last week of April or the first week of May and closes in October or November.

The dates for the opening of the Yatra depend on the auspicious dates determined by the priests and astrologers of the four temples. These dates are usually announced a few weeks before the start of the Yatra.

It is advisable to keep checking the official website of the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board or the Char Dham Yatra authorities for updates on the Yatra dates and other important information. Additionally, it is recommended to plan and book your travel and accommodation well in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles.

Chardham Yatra 2023 Registration

As of now, the registration process for Chardham Yatra 2023 has not started yet. However, the Uttarakhand government usually opens the registration process a few weeks before the start of the Yatra.

The registration process for Chardham Yatra can be done online or offline through authorized travel agents or government offices. The registration is mandatory for all pilgrims, and it helps the authorities to keep track of the number of visitors and provide necessary assistance and facilities.

Here are some documents that are required for the registration process:

1. ID proof: Any government-issued ID proof like Aadhaar card, voter ID card, passport, etc., is required for the registration.
2. Medical certificate: A medical certificate from a registered doctor stating that you are fit to undertake the Yatra is mandatory.
3. Covid-19 negative report: As per the current guidelines, all pilgrims are required to carry a negative RT-PCR or Rapid Antigen test report conducted within 72 hours of arrival in Uttarakhand.
4. Yatra permit: After the registration process, pilgrims are issued a Yatra permit, which is mandatory for undertaking the Yatra.

It is advisable to keep checking the official website of the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board or the Char Dham Yatra authorities for updates on the registration process and other important information.

How to Prepared for Chardham Yatra

Preparing for the Chardham Yatra is crucial to ensure a comfortable and safe journey. Here are some essential tips to help you prepare for the Chardham Yatra:

1. Physical fitness: The Chardham Yatra involves a lot of trekking and walking, so it is essential to be physically fit. Start exercising and walking regularly a few weeks before the Yatra to build your stamina.
2. Clothing: Pack warm clothes like jackets, sweaters, and shawls as the weather can be cold, especially at higher altitudes. Also, wear comfortable trekking shoes with good grip, and carry raincoats and umbrellas.
3. Medical essentials: Carry a first-aid kit with essential medicines, pain relief sprays, and bandages. It is also recommended to carry altitude sickness medication after consulting a doctor.
4. Food and water: Carry sufficient food and water supplies as the availability of food and water is limited in some areas. Pack dry fruits, energy bars, and glucose supplements.
5. Cash and cards: Carry enough cash and cards as there are no ATMs available in some remote areas.
6. Safety guidelines: Follow the safety guidelines and instructions given by the authorities. Avoid taking shortcuts or trekking during the night, and always stay with the group.
7. Other essentials: Carry a torch, power bank, camera, and binoculars to capture the stunning views of the Himalayas.

It is also recommended to check the weather conditions and the condition of the trek routes before embarking on the Yatra. Additionally, it is advisable to book your travel and accommodation well in advance and carry all the necessary documents like ID proofs and Yatra permits.