Kedarnath and Badrinath – the most prominent sacred places of Do Dham Yatra for tour gardeners from the high lands of the Himalayas, and the two of the most auspicious holy shrines for Hindus.
Each year, many people put to a severe test their passion and readiness for intense hikes and journeys to Shiva’s and Vishnu’s temples to get their blessing. By planning meticulously, packing thoughtfully, and embracing the spiritual essence of the journey, you can ensure a transformative and unforgettable Do Dham Yatra experience.
If you are planning your Do Dham Yatra, here are 6 important things you must know before embarking on this spiritual adventure: If you are planning your first Kedarnath and Badrinath Yatra, here are 6 important things you must know before embarking on this spiritual adventure:
Six Important Things to Note Before Completing Do Dham Yatra
1. Work On Your Physical Fitness
For example, the hiking from the Kedarnath temple itself is said to be around 14-16 kilometers, while to get to Badrinath, there is no need to trek. Consequently, ascertain that all the human measures required to bring you to the optimal level of physical fitness before you undertake the journey are put in place.
The new environment of space will become challenging to your body, including oxygen deficit and cooling. For the upcoming weeks, you can go jogging and do some breathing exercises, which will be good for the trip. In case you have physical limitations or health conditions, consider booking Do Dham Yatra by Helicopter.
2. Select Comfortable Clothes along with Convenient Tools.
In Kedarnath to Badrinath, the climate is reliably cold and windy, and you may have to deal with air temperatures less than zero degrees instead of positive ones during the summer seasons. Therefore, you should definitely take along woolen clothes in layers. Sweaters, jackets, mufflers, socks and thermal inners should be there in your carry.
For the uphill trek to Kedarnath, wear shoes that support ankles or are waterproof. This prevents knee pain. Don’t forget gloves, a wool hat, an LED flashlight, sunglasses, sunscreen, walking sticks, a first aid kit, and any medicine you take. Having the right gear keeps you dry, warm and steady.
3. Monitor for Symptoms of Altitude Sickness
Altitude Sickness, known as AMS, affects many pilgrims due to high elevation. Symptoms like headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue and sleep issues often accompany this condition.
Monitor your health at every stage, and do not ignore any abnormality noticed upon reaching higher levels. Once symptoms worsen or get unmanageable, decrease the altitude without delay.
Having medicines that can prevent and treat this condition is better carried along. In addition to that, drinking lots of water and abstaining from alcohol or smoking as well will be very helpful. You need to do a complete health checkup before you plan your Do Dham Yatra so that you know you are physically fit.
4. Have Realistic Expectations
Be sure to make the required theoretical and strategic preparations for this arduous trip, taking two of the holiest dhams across the country. Developing a realistic life outlook on basic services as well as living conditions will ultimately help you keep a positive attitude during the Do Dham Yatra.
The main things you need to anticipate are very simple conditions without almost no food. You will mostly eat just vegetarian food like porridge, limited internet access, very cold weather, badly damaged roads, and so on. In such a way, it is the fact that you encounter a number of obstacles and overcome them. All these things make the Do Dham Yatra a life-changing experience for most of the pilgrims.
5. Book Your Travel and Lodging in Advance
With millions of people traveling for the Do Dham every year, securing train tickets or bus slots and hotels in Kedarnath/ Badrinath at the last minute is not a tenable thing. To illustrate, the overbooked hotels and guest houses join a queue long before the date starts. Therefore, if you book your whole trip, from start to end, at least 2-3 months before the travel, you will be able to find appropriate deals and enjoy a better service.
6. Secure Necessary Permits and Permissions
Certain areas along the Do Dham Yatra may require permits or permissions for entry, particularly if trekking through restricted zones is on your agenda. Research the requirements in advance and obtain any needed permissions from authorities so as to avoid last-minute complications during travel. Keep your identification documents, permits and permissions ready during the journey for quick passage at checkpoints and entry points.
Conclusion
A trip well in advance, at the required fitness level, putting essential gearing, a realistic mindset, advanced preparations, and being sensitive are all a must to make sure of a place of successful Do Dham Yatra. This checklist will be helpful for preparation before starting the journey of a lifetime!
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