Chardham Yatra & Hemkund Sahab Information

Badrinath -The Abode Of Lord Vishnu
Cradled in the twin mountain ranges of Nar and Narayan is the holiest of the four main shrines, Badrinath along the left bank river Alaknanda. With the splendid Neelkanth mountains as the backdrop, it is an important destination on the scared itinerary of every devour Hindu.The temple of Shri Badrinathji on the banks of the Alaknanda river, dates back to the vedic times. Situated at an altitude of 3,133 mts., the present temple is believed to have been built by Adi Guru Shankaracharya.

Kedarnath - The Celestial Jyotirlingam
The majestic Kedarnath is one of the twelve 'Jyotirlingas' of Kedar or Lord Shiva. Lying at an altitude of 3584 mts. on the head of river Mandakini, the shrine of Kedarnath is amongst the holiest pilgrimages for the Hindus. Kedarnath is a majestic sight, standing in the middle of a wide plateau surrounded by lofty snow covered peaks. The present temple, built in the 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya, stands adjacent to the site of an earlier temple built by the Pandavas. Outside the temple door a large statue of the Nandi Bull stands as guard. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the exquisitely architectured Kedarnath temple is said to be more than a 1000 years old. A conical rock formation inside the temple is worshipped as Lord Shiva in his Sadashiva form.


Gangotri - The Eternal Gift of Bhagirath's Penance
Gangotri, the origin of the sacred river Ganges, attracts tourists in large numbers every year. The confrontation with the daunting rivers and attempts to unravel the mysteries of the supernatural world are ubiquitous sights here. Along with the thrill of conquering nature, what one experiences here is the mystical aura that India is so famous for.
The sacred stone near the temple denotes the place where Ganga first came down to earth. This is why Ganga is also called by the name of Bhagirathi.

 Useful Important Travel Tips to Visit Uttarakhand Chardham Yatra:-
Photography:
Still cameras, home video cameras are allowed in Himalayas but only inside the temple are normally not allowed. However please do check with the authorities concerned.


Communication:
All the places to make any S.T.D/I.S.D calls and please carry if you have any BSNL Mob. Number, it works whole trip, Kedarnath & Badrinath very good connectivity Reliance mobile numbers. Some times, please be informed that it may be difficult at times to get the connection. If any urgent messages have to be sent to any of the participants, then please contact us at Haridwar numbers.


Responsibility:
All arrangements within Chardham Yatra, reserves the right to change itineraries without prior notice, depending on the weather and road condition.


Fitness:
Please start to get in shape NOW!!! A good 15 minutes walk, jogging daily, stretching and regular exercise should put you in the right shape (Concentrate on your heart & legs - Aerobics). Porters will be carrying the bulk of your equipment, but it is recommended that you bring a good day pack and are fit enough to carry snacks, filled water bottle/small scissors and knife, waterproof matches, safety pins, Thermometer, Lighter, Dehydration salt (electoral) packets, Neoprene Powder and cream. Heat balm for muscles/joints, Vicksinhaler/vapourub, Chopsticks. Dry Fruits/snacks, camera, Film, Map, Jumper, Sun Hat, First Aid Kit, Light weight Rain Gear, Extra Cloth etc.

Altitude Sickness:

This is an environment related condition that can effect anyone who ascends too rapidly to high elevations without acclimatizing properly.

Suggested to read any book on trekking, which has a chapter on this, and also consult your doctor


Health Consideration:
All Tourist We do ask you to bring along your own small first aid kit (available at Pharmacies). Some of the items we ask you to bring in the kit are: Antiseptic cream or Wound disinfectant: Iodine and tube-squeeze cream. Foot care and Blister Treatment, band-aids, adhesive roll & strips, gauze pads, moleskin. (please bring ankle high boots to avoid muscle sprain.)

Antibiotics: (Triethoprim / Sulfamethoxazole - Bacterium DS or Septran DS

Anti - Inflammatory:

· Avil, Brufen or Mortin. Aspirin / Tylenol or general painkillers.
· Strong sunscreen oil, skin antibiotic cream.


Insurance:
We recommend that you insure yourself against sickness, EMERGENCY RESCUE, accident hospitalization, etc.. We are not liable and responsible for any damages or extra expenses that may arise from mishaps and the loss of their belongings during the pilgrimage.
 

Clothing's:
Clothing's for both extremes of climate and temperature. While driving to Chardham Yatra, it will be warm inside the vehicle and light clothing will be required, but as soon as you step out of the vehicle, warm clothing will be required to keep off the cold winds of the Himalayas. Evening will be generally cold and warm clothing will be required We recommend that you bring along the following clothing's and accessories with you:
01. Down Jacket - one
02. Warm thick pullover - One
03. Warm thin pullover - One
04. Warm pants - Two
05. Light loose cotton pants - Two
06. Warm windproof jacket - One
07. Cotton full sleeve T-Shirts - Four
08. Thermal under pants/long - Two
09. Thermal vest / warm full T-Shirts - Two
10. Rain coat with hood/ Poncho (should be roomy) - One
11. "Broken - in" pair of ankle high walking boots & one extra shoe laces.
12. Light tennis shoes & light rubber sandal.
13. Warm woollen socks-4
15. Large cotton or silk scarf-One
16. Warm gloves.
17. Soft paper tissue and handkerchiefs - Plenty
18. Monkey cap and Sun heat - one each
19. Towels (one big, one small)
20. Washing kit.
 

Accessories
1. Personal First Aid Kit
2. Toilet kit, Nail Clipper, Scissors
3. Flash Light with extra batteries (3 Set)
4. Sun Glasses, Sun Hat, Monkey Cap, Woollen Gloves
5. Water bottles- unbreakable (Min 1 litters capacity) can be purchased in Haridwar
6. Note book, Pen, Pencils
7. Camera and film and extra batteries for electronic camera
8. Binoculars recommended
9. Rain Gear-Your raincoat should be roomy and have a water proof hood.
10. Pocket knife , Sewing kit, Buttons, Cigarette lighter, towel, bags( a few of each size strong) dust masks, strong sun cream and chopstick, Moisturizers, Money pouch/belts etc.
11. Water purification tablets
12. Walking stick- Can be purchased in Gourikund/Hanumanchatti
13. Washing Kit

One oxygen cylinder on rental (50 Rs.) per day with mask will be provide you if required. Please note that oxygen is to be used only in case of emergency