Things one must carry for Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand

Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand is one of the most favourite pilgrimage of Indians. The temples are set to open for people from the start of May to the end August or September. Due to heavy snow fall, the temples are inaccessible and hence, the idol of deities are brought down to the nearby villages, down the hill. I happened to be on Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand with my parents and an aunt at the end of May 2022, just two years after the lockdown. It was too crowded! The roads were jam, there were people everywhere, from all regions of India.

Yet, it was an incredible experience! Both, good and bad. The view from each of the dhams amazed us! We learned a lot throughout our journey. There were many such moments when we said, “we should have done/thought about this earlier” and that is the reason I am mentioning a few things, we thought, are important to carry when on Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand.

1. Diamox Tablet

Diamox is a tablet which is supposed to be taken when one is heading to high altitude areas. This particular is to be taken from Eight days prior to your trip to Eight days on your trip. Please discuss the dosage with your physician before initiating intake of this tablet. This tablet helps to reduce high altitude sickness like headache, nausea, tiredness, dizziness which helps us retain energy and store oxygen in our body.

2. Knee Cap

Because it is Himalayas, no road is easy. You are going to walk for more than 4 hours, be it going up or coming down the hills. A good quality of Knee caps will protect your knees and are a must carry accessory irrespective of your age.

3. Thermos Bottle

Thermos bottle or flask is necessary as you would experience a lot of climatic changes and because the temples are at high altitudes, surrounded by snow covered mountains. In such case, if you carry a normal bottle, the water might turn too cold to drink. Carry warm water as one can experience throat infection due to travel and climatic changes because of varying altitudes.

4. Warmer and sweat shirt

A pair of skin fit warmer is an important asset to carry on this trip as the area you walk or trek is surrounded by snow covered mountains and since there is a possibility to rain any moment, the climate might get colder. Remember, that the warmer has to be skin fit for its best effect. The same goes with sweat shirts or jacket. It would be a cherry on the cake if your sweatshirt or jacket has an attached hood.

5. Poncho or Rain Coat

As mentioned in the previous paragraph, there is a possibility that it might rain anytime and hence, having a good quality poncho or a pair of raincoat is necessary. You can purchase a temporary, use and throw poncho at your location for a cheaper price, but trust me, the quality is that of a polythene bag which vegetable seller provides us, the one, which can easily be torn even if you try to scratch your back. Carrying a good quality beforehand, would be a precise practice.

6. Medical Kit

This is one of the most important part for any of our travels. For this yatra, do carry pain relief spray and tablets, muscle relaxing tablets, paracetamol, medicines for throat infections, band aids along with your regular medicines. Last but not the least, please have a refresh eye drop to calm your eyes, just in case the dusty roads causes discomfort to your eyes.

7. Sugar Candy

Sugar candy not just for zig zag hilly roads but also to help you climb up the mountains on this yatra. The climate is dry and walking steep slopes might make your mouth and throat dry and sugar candy helps you retain energy and walk seamlessly through difficult slopes. You can also carry dried gooseberry (Amla supari/candy) for the hilly roads.

8. Scarves

As the yatra is through the hilly roads of Himalayas, where the construction of roads is carried out throughout the year due to land slides, the roads are too dusty. The ACs in the vehicles are shut on such roads. Hence, it becomes necessary to protect yourself from dust and therefore, scarves are must to cover your face and head. Note: Please, also carry a good Sun Glass as well, if possible.

Do take care of the elderly in your group, keep eating food, even if you don’t wish to. Drink a lot of water which helps to maintain the oxygen levels. Visit a physician for proper medications, prior to or on your travel. If you feel that you are unfit to proceed for a particular Dham, do not hesitate to skip. Your life is important, not just for you, but for all your loved ones too. Keep tracking the weather before visiting a particular area, keep tacking your BP, oxygen levels from time to time.

Taking care of yourself is important but, do not forget to enjoy the views around, while you travel or trek or walk. Himalayas is simply beautiful, where the canvas keeps changing every few minutes.

Do let us know, if you feel we missed out any “must carry” things. Share this article with whoever, you feel needs it.

Enjoy your Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand while taking care of your health.