How to reach Chota Chardham Yatra 2024?

The Chota Chardham Yatra is an annual pilgrimage that draws spiritual seekers and adventure enthusiasts across India and nearby regions. Taking place over four sacred temples dedicated to various gods and goddesses (Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath), each temple boasts its history – making this trip truly unforgettable for both spiritual seekers and adventure enthusiasts.

Completing a pilgrimage journey offers both spiritual revitalization and breathtaking mountain landscape views. This Yatra in the Uttarakhand region will undoubtedly transform lives. From the holy vibes to the beautiful landscape and the stunning places to visit along the way – the Yatra is a fulfilling journey.

In this post, we will share some important details about this Yatra and some essential information about the Chardham Yatra packages by Helicopter and Road from LIH Travel. Let’s check.

Here is a brief history of the Chota Char Dham Yatra:

Yamunotri:

History: Yamunotri is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, and it is believed to be the source of the Yamuna River. The temple at Yamunotri was constructed by Maharani Guleria of Jaipur in the 19th century.

Significance: Pilgrims visit the temple to seek the blessings of Goddess Yamuna, and it is an essential part of the Chota Char Dham Yatra.

Gangotri:

History: Gangotri is dedicated to Goddess Ganga and is considered the origin of the Ganges River. The temple was built by Amar Singh Thapa, a Gorkha Commander, in the 18th century.

Significance: Pilgrims believe that taking a dip in the Ganges at Gangotri cleanses them of their sins, and the temple is an important pilgrimage site.

Kedarnath:

History: Kedarnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. Adi Shankaracharya built the present temple in the 8th century, although the original temple is said to be much older.

Significance: Pilgrims visit Kedarnath to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva, and it holds immense religious importance.

Badrinath:

History: Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the 108 Divya Desams. The current temple was built by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century, although the area has been a place of worship for much longer.

Significance: Badrinath is a crucial pilgrimage site for Hindus, and it is believed that visiting the shrine helps in attaining salvation.

The Chota Char Dham Yatra is traditionally undertaken from the west to the east, starting with Yamunotri, then Gangotri, Kedarnath, and finally Badrinath. Pilgrims believe that completing this sacred circuit washes away their sins and brings spiritual enlightenment. The Yatra usually occurs during the summer months when the weather is more favourable for travel in the Himalayan region.

Important Details About The Chota Chardham Yatra

1. Planning and Preparation

Proper planning and preparation are essential. You need to know about the opening and closing dates of the temples, the weather and road conditions, and the Chardham Yatra Route. Accordingly, you can proceed with the Yatra.

2. Reaching Dehradun/Haridwar/Rishikesh

Depending on your preferences, you can begin the Chota Chardham Yatra from either Dehradun, Haridwar or Rishikesh.

Dehradun, which serves as the capital city of Uttarakhand and acts as a gateway to the Chota Chardham Yatra, provides travel access through air, rail or road transportation modes.

Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun provides direct links with major Indian cities, while train travel options at Dehradun railway station offer comfortable travel alternatives. Additionally, well-maintained roadways link Dehradun with various parts of North India, providing scenic mountain drives through Dehradun itself. Also, Chardham Yatra helicopter services are available from Dehradun.

3. Yamunotri

Your journey begins at Yamunotri, the origin of the Yamuna River. Starting from there, you can travel by Road to Hanuman Chatti. From there, you can embark on a trek to Yamunotri. Alternatively, you can even hire ponies or palanquins to assist you during this part of your pilgrimage journey.

Regardless of which option one chooses, one must be adequately equipped given the challenging terrain and fluctuating weather conditions – planning and packing accordingly is critical!

4. Gangotri:

After visiting Yamunotri Dham, Gangotri is the next Chardham Temple on the Chota Chardham Yatra. The white-coloured temple worships Goddess Ganga, and the Bhagirathi River flows alongside the temple. There are direct buses available that will help you reach Gangotri temple.

5. Kedarnath:

Kedarnath is next on your Chota Chardham Yatra journey, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and Panch Kedars. From Gangotri, pilgrims can head toward Guptkashi for their trek. Also, some prefer more comfortable options, such as helicopter services, for quicker or easier routes to Kedarnath. Note that helicopter services are only available from Dehradun.

Once at Kedarnath Temple, they may seek blessings at this revered site.

6. Badrinath:

The last stop on the Chota Chardham Yatra is Badrinath Dham. The temple worships Lord Vishnu and is also a part of the original Chardham Yatra. You can also visit and dip at the nearby Tapt Kund, a thermal spring.

7. Accommodations and Amenities:

When planning the Chota Chardham Yatra, you must also consider accommodations. During your travel, you need comfortable and hygienic accommodations. Hence, you should consider early bookings of accommodations.

Chota Chardham Yatra Travel Packages By LIH Travel

Travelling in the Uttarakhand region and planning the entire Chardham Yatra Route can be challenging. Also, one may not be familiar with the routes to the Chardham Temple. Hence, choosing a reputable tour operator for your needs would be best.

At LIH Travel, we provide two options for the Chardham Yatra: one by Helicopter and the other by Road. Our comprehensive packages cover transportation services, meals, accommodation, and more based on your preference. In addition to the temple darshan experience, pilgrims can also explore destinations during their journey.

The helicopter package lets you choose to complete the Chota Chardham Yatra in 4-5 days. Meanwhile, completing the Yatra by road can take 10 to 12 days. Hence, you can complete the Yatra depending on your budget and preferences.

Essential Considerations When Planning The Chota Chardham Yatra

1. The most essential thing when considering the Yatra is knowing about the opening and closing dates of the Chardham Yatra temples.
2. Apart from the dates, you must also be aware of the weather conditions and consider the best time to travel. Avoid the monsoon at any cost and consider planning the Yatra during summer or post-monsoon.
3. Do not carry any valuables along with you.
4. Also, it would be best if you didn’t travel alone to this region. Instead, you prefer going on a group trip with your friends or relatives.
5. Take the help of a travel agent like LIH Travel to help you with end-to-end planning.
6. Always carry all your essential medications and a first-aid kit.
7. Pack warm clothes, as temperatures can drop at any time.

Conclusion

The Chota Chardham Yatra of 2024 will be physical and spiritual, testing one’s resilience and devotion along the journey. Planning the entire Yatra may seem a challenge. LIH Travel can help you with planning the whole trip. Let the experts at LIH Travel help you with planning the Yatra.