Char Dham Yatra begins: From Yamunotri to Badrinath - registration, route and health advisory explained

These four places are considered extremely sacred in Hinduism. They are believed to be the homes of important deities, Goddess Yamuna, Goddess Ganga, Lord Shiva, and Lord Vishnu respectively. Pilgrims believe that by visiting these places, all their sins will be washed away, and they will move closer to achieving salvation.

The shrines are located at high altitudes in the Himalayas, and due to heavy snowfall during winter, they remain closed for almost half the year. The temples close around October or November and reopen in April or May when the weather improves. Every year, thousands of devotees wait eagerly for the opening dates to begin their spiritual journey.

The Char Dham Yatra is done in a specific order. It begins at Yamunotri, moves on to Gangotri, then to Kedarnath, and finally ends at Badrinath. Following this order is believed to be important because it reflects a journey from the origin of two holy rivers to the two great deities of Hinduism. The yatra can be undertaken by road, trekking, or even by air, as helicopter services are available. Some pilgrims, who may not have enough time or strength for the full journey, choose to do a "Do Dham Yatra," where they visit just Kedarnath and Badrinath.

All about the four dhams

Yamunotri: Yamunotri is located at an altitude of about 3,293 meters (10,804 feet). It is the source of the Yamuna River, which is considered the second most sacred river in India after the Ganga. The main temple here is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. The temple usually opens on Akshaya Tritiya and closes on Yama Dwitiya, the second day after Diwali.

Gangotri: Gangotri is located at an altitude of about 3,100 meters (10,200 feet). It is the origin of the Ganga River. The Gangotri temple, dedicated to Goddess Ganga, opens alongside Yamunotri on Akshaya Tritiya and closes around Diwali. Pilgrims also visit the glacier at Gaumukh, which is considered the real source of the Ganga.

Kedarnath: Kedarnath is located at a height of around 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) and is perhaps the most challenging and spiritually powerful stop on the Yatra. It houses one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, sacred representations of Lord Shiva. It is believed that the Pandavas from the Mahabharata built the original temple. The temple opens a few days after Akshaya Tritiya and closes around Bhai Dooj.

Badrinath: Badrinath is located at about 3,133 meters (10,279 feet). It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus. The temple was established by the philosopher-saint Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. Badrinath temple opens a few days after Akshaya Tritiya and closes around Vijayadashami (Dussehra).

Registration process for Char Dham Yatra

The Uttarakhand government has made it mandatory for all pilgrims to register before beginning the Char Dham Yatra. Registration can be done online through the official portal registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in. There is also a daily limit to the number of pilgrims allowed, to ensure safety and to prevent overcrowding.

In addition to registration, the government recommends that all pilgrims get a health check-up before travelling. Those with heart conditions, breathing issues, diabetes, or other serious illnesses are advised to either postpone their trip or take extreme caution. People who have recently recovered from Covid-19 are also asked to be extra careful.

Verification of vendors

The Uttarakhand government has kicked off a verification drive for vendors, street hawkers, and slumdwellers. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday chaired a meeting with all district magistrates and senior officials, and said landlords failing to verify tenants would face legal action.

Uttarakhand CM ordered the officials that the verification of individuals living in makeshift settlements, as well as vendors and street hawkers, must be completed promptly and that strict action would be taken against those responsible for issuing ration cards, Aadhaar cards, electricity connections, Ayushman cards, and other documents to ineligible beneficiaries.

Dhami also said that robust security arrangements must be ensured at all religious and tourist sites, with special focus on the Char Dham Yatra. District magistrates were instructed to conduct regular monitoring of security measures in their respective districts. CM Dhami also directed that immediate action be taken against individuals or groups spreading fake news through various platforms, particularly during the Char Dham Yatra and “in other sensitive matters”.

Avoiding accidents and casualties

The government has also advised the tourists and pilgrims taking the Char Dham Yatra to take necessary precautions to avoid any kind of accident or deaths.

However, despite precautions, accidents and deaths do happen. In 2024, around 246 pilgrims lost their lives during the Char Dham Yatra, The Hindu reported. Most deaths occurred in Kedarnath, followed by Badrinath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri. In 2023, over 230 pilgrims died. The tough terrain, sudden weather changes, and health issues at high altitudes contribute to this unfortunate loss.

Health advisory

The major challenge of the Char Dham Yatra lies in its high-altitude terrain. At these heights, the oxygen levels are much lower than at sea level. Normally, the air we breathe contains about 21 per cent oxygen. But as one climb higher, the air becomes thinner, the oxygen molecules are farther apart, making it harder for the lungs to absorb the needed oxygen.

This lack of oxygen can cause several health problems. Initially, people may experience faster breathing and heartbeats as the body tries to adjust. However, prolonged exposure without rest can lead to dehydration, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and even serious conditions like Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

In particular, the 16-km Kedarnath trek is known to be very demanding. According to trekkers, the narrow paths get very crowded, and sudden drops in temperature and oxygen levels in the last few kilometres make the journey even more difficult. Horses and mules are used on the path, but they can also cause accidents if not handled carefully.