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Overview
Amongst the most sacred and cherished of Hindu pilgrimages in Chardham yatra, takes pilgrims to four sacred dhams hidden in the Garhwal Himalayan of India’s state of Uttarakhand. The four adobes connecting on this route are Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. All presents immense spiritual importance as traveling is considered to expiate sins and bring moksha. For devout Hindus, completing the circuit, usually clockwise. This route often involves a 9 to 12 days itinerary covers bus transfer and any necessary high-altitude treks, along with traversing the treacherous mountain roads.
Chardham Yatra Package by Bus Rental –
Embarking on a Chardham yatra by bus rental is a prudent and cost-effective option, especially for large families, business groups or religious organizations. A private bus is highly revered for the entire tour, usually taking 10 to 12 days. While government religious in terms of vehicle size and road safety on mountain dictate the general route, it offers the group with options on the itinerary, comfort level and speed. The bus rental will sometimes include gas, toll tax, driver’s fees and sometime permits. Luxury bus rental with air-conditioning and push-back and push back seating enhance comfort, challenging terrain to move together in a compact unit.
Chardham Group Tour –
Individuals’ pilgrims book seats on a common bus as part of an organized pilgrim package called a Chardham group tour by bus. The tours are fairly organized with set departure dates, a standard 9-to-12-day schedule, advance booking of accommodation, vegetarian meals included and often from major places like Haridwar or Delhi. Devotees travel along with similar-minded individuals on group tours, enhances the spiritual journey by promoting a feeling of togetherness and commitment.
Yamunotri – The westernmost temple of the Char Dhams and the source of the River Yamuna is Yamunotri, the initial dhams of the circuit. The bus tour ends at Jankichatti. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna; pilgrims must undertake the hard trek of approximately 6 kms from here. The trek is hard and bumpy, but for the weak, there are options to ride ponies or dolis.
Gangotri – The sacred river Ganga begins here at Gangotri and therefore is the second most important dhams. With its stunning gorges, the bus journey from the last stop, Uttarkashi is one of the most scenic throughout the tour. Built at the site where the river is reported to have first descended to Earth after its liberation from Lord Shiva’s matted locks, the Gangotri Temple is dedicated to the Goddess Ganga.
Kedarnath – One of the 12 jyotirlingas is preserved at Kedarnath, the third and most dhams is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The devotees are left at the trekking base, either Gaurikund or Sonprayag by the bus. Besides having helicopter and pony services, a strenuous 16 to 18 km tour. The physically most strenuous portion of the tour is owing to its massive scale and high altitude.
Badrinath – Lord Vishnu’s sacred abode, Badrinath, is the final and most famous Dhams. The tour is facilitated by the direct bus connectivity to Badrinath. Located on the banks of the Alaknanda River, the temple lies centrally between the Nar and Narayan Mountain peaks. In the late evening aarti is a very much sought-after spiritual experience; the temple complex is bustling.
Best Time to Visit in Chardham Yatra –
Two different seasons are best suitable for the Chardham yatra – summer (May – June) and autumn (September – October). The temple officially opens on the Hindu auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya in mid-April or early May. Due to the heavy snowfall, they close in October or November around Diwali. The ideal time to explore is during the summer months, when it’s 10°C to 20°C and trekking is good. Autumn is the best season to have a peaceful darshan as it offers clear sky for good mountain views, pleasant weather and fewer tourists.
FAQ for Chardham Yatra by Bus:
Is the Chardham Yatra by bus safe, considering the hill roads?
Indeed, if you choose a reliable operator. Kullu Manali Packages buses have experienced, government-approved drivers familiar with navigating the turning, mountainous roads of the Himalayas. Tempo Travellers and modern buses undergo regular checkups and safety procedures.
Do the treks to Kedarnath and Yamunotri have separate buses?
The group is brought to the roadhead for the treks by the main bus. Take the bus that halts at Jankichatti for Yamunotri. It halts at Sonprayag or Gaurikund for Kedarnath. Pilgrims must reach the temple on foot, horseback, dolis or local shared transfer. The whole trip to these two dhams is a daylong affair and the bus remains waiting at the roadhead while the pilgrims complete the darshan.