Planning Uttaranchal Chardham Yatra - 2010

(posting my reply to the PM from bks, for everyone else)

Interesting piece of info. Well, it's quite obvious that the original heavy stone idol cannot be moved from Badrinath. The moving of idol to Joshimath is pretty much symbolic, they do it by moving a small shaligram and various metal idols instead, as the main temple is closed for winter. Same is the case for Kedarnath, the actual lingam is a rocky outcrop that obviously cannot be moved to Ukhimath. The mail from the temple committee must've been talking about original idol. So, I don't think the info on Internet is wrong, it just lacks clarity.

Our priests find it too hard to digest that Gods can take care of themselves in winter, and need constant pampering. Hence, the movement. Do you know that during the Kumbh Mela in 2010, the Uttarakhand govt. arranged for those "symbolic" idols of all 4 dhams to be brought to Haridwar?

Religion is much about symbolism, tradition, mythology, and public sympathy. Less we apply rational thought, the better. Personally, apart from the trivia, I'm least bothered about whatever they want to do with their idols.

Agreed, except for the last point. There are several funny anecdotes about various religions' concepts of hell, will post on the jokes page someday.
There is NOTHING scientific about ANYTHING religious. The only simple practical reason of shifting the idols is that the priests don't wanna spend cold winter months cut out from the rest of the world. They need the means of their livelihood with them where ever they go.

Dash it, that was going to be MY answer!

Dear IM buddies,

After a gap, my tour dates are again nearing...

I am happy to write about my next tour to Garhwal Himalayas. I have originally (i mean for now) planned to visit Gangotri (Gaumukh), Uttarkashi, Devriatal, Tungnath, Auli, Badrinath? & Panchprayags? between 6-18 May 2011. By re-reading few threads, I have collected some info regarding the destinations I have intended to visit. But it's become a ritual () for me to take few advices and updates from IM experts before starting to Uttarakhand.

I am traveling alone (as always) and follow the season. I hope to experience a whole new Garhwal (in comparison with that i've seen in last monsoons) this May. I have been relieved a lot by hearing that early-mid May wouldn't be so crowded (please confirm), and since it's not unseason, I wish a pretty more transport options and better roads too all through my travel...

I am planning Mussoorie for 1 day after Har-ki-Pauri bath and leave next early morning to Uttarkashi.
Last time I got bus to Gaurikund at Garhwal bus stand in Rishikesh, Will I find Gangotri buses also in the same place, if i have to skip Mussoorie?? (it should be I think!?)
I will fax Gaumukh permit request to DFO (Uttarkashi) before this friday (Is it late??).
How will it be on Gangotri-Gaumukh trek path in mid-May, i mean thawed or still few snow patches etc., so that I can go with extra care/ preparation to walk on snow and all (sorry if i sound naive).
I'm scared to ask this question, but can't stop... how about clear skies in Mid-may? (early mornings only??)
Please suggest any good place (views & economical) place to stay in Gangotri.
I forgot the place name near Gangotri (some short trek), which offers views of Sudarshan peak (if i'm not wrong), please suggest about that place.
Coming to Gangotri-Chopta travel, what is the best and shortest route (public service) and where should I break for the day en route?
If still my time permits (depends on NZM-HYB train date), then I would visit Auli and Panchprayag or at least Devprayag.

Please help me with travel info and guidance when ever and where ever you would like to advise or alter through my tentative tour plan.

Thanks again for your consistent help...

Luvadarsh...

Dear IMs,
I am from Bangalore. I want to head for chardham yatra in the 2nd week of May along with other 2-3 guys of middle age. I have totally 8 days time (+1 if needed). Can I make it ? anybody explain me the route which I have to take to complete chardham yatra as I was going on this route for the first time.
Regards
VSK

@vsksk-

for chardham yatra you need minimum 9 days. id you have 10 days that will be much more better. and 2nd week of may will be much crowded because of tourist.

and your rote would be...

Day 01: Haridwar-Mussoorie-Barkot ( 220 kms, 06 hrs drive)


Day 02: Barkot-Yamunoti return
Drive to Jankichatti then trek 07 kms to reach Yamunotri to visit the Yamunotri Dham

Day 03: Barkot-Uttarkashi (115 kms, 5 Hrs dive)


Day 04: Uttarkashi-Gangotri-Uttarkashi ( 200 kms round trip)
In the morning, we will move to Harsil -

Day 05: Uttarkashi- Guptakashi/Rudraprayag/Gaurikund (250 kms/8 hrs)

Day 06: Gaurikund-Kedarnath (40 kms , 1 1/2 hrs)

Day 07: Kedarnath –Rudraprayag 90 kms)

Day 08: Rudraprayag - Badrinath (220 kms / 8 hrs)

Day 9: Badrinath – Joshimath/Auli: ( 55 Kms, 2Hrs)

Day 10: Joshimath– Rishikesh (260 kms, 8-9 hrs)

Dear Vikram,
Thank you for your prompt reply. One more thing. What about weather there ? Can we take govt. buses or shared vehicles for the whole yatra, which is affordable? Kindly revert back.
Regards
VSKSK

weather will be quite warm around haridwar and rishikesh and lower area. but will be cold around kedarnath and badrinath ...

yes you can take shared buses and jeep but during that time it will be peak yatra season so its very hard to find taxi and public transport so better you hire taxi for you for your trip.

Dear Vikram,
Again thank you for your reply. which month will be less crowded - May or June? Please suggest me which month is better, because I am short of time.
Regards
VSKSK

if you talk about may or june june end will be better to visit these places.

Yes, June end or early July.

Hi Dilliwala,
I have read many of your posts. Now, I want tight itinerary for my chardham yatra in the 3rd week of May so that I can finish the yatra in max 7-8 days (even if it needs night journeys). kindly help me out.

Satish (VSKSK)

vsksk, you want tight itinerary...kool, let me help you
day I haridwar to janki chatti
day 2 janki chatti-yumnotri-barkot-uttarkashi
day 3 uttarkashi-gangotri-uttarkashi
day 4 uttarkashi-gaurikund-rambara
day 5 rambara-kedarnath-rambara-gopeshwar
day 6 gopeshwar-badrinath-joshimath
day 7 joshimath to rishikesh...

all 7 days you need to give a head start...

Very tight itinerary Tilak Bhai... one must be in very good condition to complete this trip. "Is Yatra ke baad to bhagwaan aashirwaad de hi denge!!"

very true said

@vsksk, if you go as per my plan then lots & lots of my wishes are with you you shall create a record of sort..
btw the plan is NOT impossible, can be done, only determination needed