The pilgrimage starts from Delhi. Delhi, Mathura and Haridwara are 708 ft, 570 ft and 1870 ft respectively above sea level. The terrain of these regions is flat and hence the travel wouldn't be tedious. During the month of June, the temperature in these three places would be high.
Hrishikesh is located at an altitude of 1236 ft. The mountainous terrain begins from here. Kindly note that the entire route from Hrishikesh to all Himalayan places pass on mountains of high altitude. Roads are narrow and all the way curvy. It has a lot of vehicular traffic also. So buses do not run beyond 40KMPH. Approximate duration of journey between different places is as given. below.
- Haridwar - Badrinath : 10+ hours.
- Haridwar - Barkot : 8 Hrs
- Barkot to Yamunotri : 3 Hours
- Barkot to Gangotri : 6 Hrs
- Gangotri to Uttarkashi : 4 Hrs
- Uttarkashi to Joshimath : 10 Hrs
- Joshimath to Badrinath : 3 Hrs
Travel though this mountainous region will be of a slow pace. Yatris who have no prior travel experience through such terrains may find it a little difficult initially. It is common for travellers to experience abdominal churning and nausea. As a precautionary measure, one may consume Vitamin C or anti-nausea tablets before the commencement of the travel. It is advised to consult with your doctor and carry prescribed medicines for the same. It is also advised to keep lemon juice or oranges handy.
Usually in places located above 6000 ft, oxygen deficiency is a possibility. Difficulty in breathing and an increase in heart rate may be experienced. This is not necessarily the case for everyone. However, it would be prudent to take precautions. First, we need to reduce the pace of our body's activity. Walking and talking aloud as in our daily routine must be avoided. One must adopt a slow walking and breathing pace. This would enable the body to acclimatize to the available oxygen. Some may experience blocked ears. This is an effect of atmospheric pressure in high altitudes. Moving the jaw up and down for 4 - 5 minutes would enable the body to adapt.
Avoid uneven pathways and walk on the main pathways to prevent fatigue.
The weather at Himalayas can change rapidly. A temperature of 25°C at noon 3 PM can drop to 5°C at 3.10 PM. It can be 0°C at night. Always wear your thermal clothing, sweater, monkey cap, gloves and socks. Those who cannot tolerate cold weather must refrain from bathing in the river. Take a leisurely walk and bathe in the hot water. It is advised to cover yourself with a shawl even while performing shraddha rituals.
Difficult stretches:
The stretch between Barkot to Yamunotri is the most difficult part of Himalayan Tridham/Chardham yatra. It need multiple mode of journey to reach Yamunotri from Barkot as given below.
- Barkot to Jankichatti 35KMs : By Jeep
- Jankichatti to Yamunotri Temple : 6KMs : By Trekking / Mule
- Those who can not go by a trekking can hire a mule. trekking of 6 KMs oneway. This stretch lies on an approximate altitude of 10000 Ft from the sea level.,
The village of Mana is another difficult terrain in this Yatra. It involves around 3 kms of trekking.
Yatris with difficulties in breathing or yatris who have undergone major heart surgery or diabetic yatris may find the aboce two stretches very difficult. We advise those yatris not to undertake this trekking. They can visit some shops at the entrance and spend time with nature.
Rainy season usually begins in the second week of July in and around Chardhams. Our yatras are designed in such a way that it comes down from the mountains range before rains start. During this span, rains and landslides are hardly experienced. However, rain may exceed our expectation. And in some cases, landslides can occur too. During such instances, the government will take necessary measures along the road to restore travel. At such cases, yatra will be stopped at a safe distance. It will continue once the mud piles of landslides are cleared to facilitate the traffic. In such a case, the yatris should listen to the direction of the road clearance staff, without fearing or running around.
Note. All these changes or problems won't last long. Not everyone is likely to face all these conditions. But it can be taxing if caution is not exercised. Those with prior heart conditions must be extremely careful. Doing so would enable you to have a trouble free and immersive experience at Himalayas.
Those who bathe in the river should follow all cautionary measures. The responsibility for their protection lies with themselves. vasudevayatra.in is not responsible for any mishaps.