Chardham Yatra from Mumbai
Embarking on the sacred Chardham Yatra from Mumbai is a spiritually enriching journey that many devotees undertake to seek divine blessings. The Chardham Yatra includes visiting four holy shrines: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, located in the picturesque state of Uttarakhand. This pilgrimage holds immense religious significance for Hindus and offers an opportunity to experience the serenity and beauty of the Himalayas. Here, we provide a comprehensive guide to planning and executing the Chardham Yatra from Mumbai.
Also Read: Chardham Yatra from Delhi
Chardham Yatra Itinerary from Mumbai
Planning a Chardham Yatra requires meticulous preparation due to the long distances and challenging terrain. Here’s a suggested itinerary to help you organize your journey effectively:
Day 1: Mumbai to Delhi/Haridwar
- Travel: Take a flight or train from Mumbai to Delhi or Haridwar.
- Accommodation: Stay overnight in Haridwar.
- Activities: Attend the evening Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri.
Day 2: Haridwar to Barkot
- Travel: Drive to Barkot (approximately 200 km, 7-8 hours).
- Accommodation: Check-in at a hotel in Barkot.
- Activities: Rest and prepare for the Yamunotri visit.
Day 3: Barkot to Yamunotri and back
- Travel: Drive to Janki Chatti (36 km), then trek or hire a pony/palanquin to Yamunotri (6 km).
- Activities: Visit Yamunotri Temple, take a holy dip in the hot springs, and return to Barkot.
Day 4: Barkot to Uttarkashi
- Travel: Drive to Uttarkashi (approximately 100 km, 4-5 hours).
- Accommodation: Stay overnight in Uttarkashi.
- Activities: Visit Vishwanath Temple and Shakti Temple.
Day 5: Uttarkashi to Gangotri and back
- Travel: Drive to Gangotri (100 km, 3-4 hours).
- Activities: Visit Gangotri Temple, perform rituals, and return to Uttarkashi.
Day 6: Uttarkashi to Guptkashi
- Travel: Drive to Guptkashi (220 km, 8-9 hours).
- Accommodation: Stay overnight in Guptkashi.
- Activities: Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Day 7: Guptkashi to Kedarnath
- Travel: Drive to Gaurikund (30 km), then trek or take a helicopter to Kedarnath (16 km).
- Accommodation: Stay overnight in Kedarnath.
- Activities: Visit Kedarnath Temple and perform rituals.
Day 8: Kedarnath to Guptkashi
- Travel: Trek back to Gaurikund, then drive to Guptkashi.
- Accommodation: Stay overnight in Guptkashi.
Day 9: Guptkashi to Badrinath
- Travel: Drive to Badrinath (160 km, 7-8 hours).
- Accommodation: Stay overnight in Badrinath.
- Activities: Visit Badrinath Temple and perform evening Aarti.
Day 10: Badrinath to Joshimath
- Travel: Visit Tapt Kund and Brahma Kapal in Badrinath, then drive to Joshimath (45 km, 2 hours).
- Accommodation: Stay overnight in Joshimath.
Day 11: Joshimath to Rishikesh
- Travel: Drive to Rishikesh (250 km, 8-9 hours).
- Accommodation: Stay overnight in Rishikesh.
- Activities: Visit Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula, and attend the evening Ganga Aarti.
Day 12: Rishikesh to Delhi/Mumbai
- Travel: Drive to Delhi or Haridwar and catch a flight/train back to Mumbai.
Chardham Yatra Route Map from Mumbai
The route map for the Chardham Yatra from Mumbai involves traveling from Mumbai to the starting point of the pilgrimage in Haridwar or Delhi, followed by a carefully planned itinerary covering each of the four dhams. Here’s a simplified route map:
- Mumbai to Delhi/Haridwar
- Haridwar to Barkot
- Barkot to Yamunotri
- Yamunotri to Barkot
- Barkot to Uttarkashi
- Uttarkashi to Gangotri
- Gangotri to Uttarkashi
- Uttarkashi to Guptkashi
- Guptkashi to Kedarnath
- Kedarnath to Guptkashi
- Guptkashi to Badrinath
- Badrinath to Joshimath
- Joshimath to Rishikesh
- Rishikesh to Delhi/Haridwar
- Delhi/Haridwar to Mumbai
Best Route for Chardham Yatra from Mumbai
The best route for the Chardham Yatra from Mumbai involves a combination of air, road, and trekking:
- Fly from Mumbai to Delhi/Haridwar: Start your journey by flying to Delhi or taking a train to Haridwar.
- Road Travel: Hire a cab or take a bus from Haridwar to reach Barkot, the starting point for Yamunotri.
- Trekking and Helicopter Services: Use trekking or helicopter services where applicable, such as the trek to Kedarnath from Gaurikund or taking a helicopter ride for a quicker journey.
- Road Travel: Continue by road to cover the remaining dhams – Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
- Return to Mumbai: After completing the pilgrimage, travel back to Haridwar/Delhi and then fly or take a train back to Mumbai.
Chardham Yatra from Mumbai 2024 in Low Budget
For those seeking a budget-friendly Chardham Yatra from Mumbai, here are some tips to keep your costs low:
- Early Bookings: Book flights, trains, and accommodations well in advance to get the best rates.
- Shared Transport: Opt for shared taxis or buses instead of private vehicles to reduce transportation costs.
- Economy Accommodations: Choose budget hotels, guesthouses, or dharamshalas for your stay.
- Pack Essentials: Bring essential items like medicines, snacks, and warm clothing to avoid purchasing expensive supplies on the way.
- Local Food: Eat at local eateries instead of restaurants to save on food expenses.
- Group Travel: Traveling in a group can help share costs and avail group discounts on transportation and accommodations.
How to Plan Kedarnath from Mumbai
Kedarnath is one of the most significant stops on the Chardham Yatra. Here’s how you can plan your journey specifically for Kedarnath:
Step 1: Travel to Haridwar/Rishikesh
- Flight/Train: Fly from Mumbai to Delhi or take a direct train to Haridwar/Rishikesh.
Step 2: Haridwar to Guptkashi
- Drive: Hire a taxi or take a bus from Haridwar to Guptkashi (220 km).
Step 3: Guptkashi to Gaurikund
- Drive: From Guptkashi, drive to Gaurikund (30 km).
Step 4: Trek or Helicopter to Kedarnath
- Trek: Trek 16 km from Gaurikund to Kedarnath. Alternatively, you can hire ponies or palanquins.
- Helicopter: Book a helicopter service from Phata, Sersi, or Guptkashi to Kedarnath for a quicker and more comfortable journey.
Step 5: Kedarnath Temple Visit
- Activities: Upon arrival, visit the Kedarnath Temple, perform rituals, and explore the surroundings.
Step 6: Return Journey
- Trek/Helicopter: Return to Gaurikund by trekking or taking a helicopter.
- Drive: Travel back to Haridwar/Rishikesh from Gaurikund.
Tips for Kedarnath Visit
- Physical Fitness: Ensure you are physically fit for the trek as the journey can be strenuous.
- Warm Clothing: Pack adequate warm clothing as temperatures can drop significantly.
- Hydration and Nutrition: Carry water and light snacks to keep yourself hydrated and energized.
- Accommodation: Book your stay in Kedarnath in advance as accommodation options are limited and can get fully booked during the peak season.
How to Reach Mumbai
- Mumbai, the bustling financial capital of India, is well-connected to various parts of the country and the world. Whether you prefer to travel by air, train, or bus, there are multiple options available to reach this vibrant city. Here’s a detailed guide on how to reach Mumbai by different modes of transportation.
By Air
Mumbai is served by the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), one of the busiest airports in India. It handles both domestic and international flights, making it a convenient option for travelers from across the globe.
Key Points:
- International Flights: Mumbai has direct flights to major cities around the world including New York, London, Dubai, Singapore, and more.
- Domestic Flights: Frequent flights connect Mumbai to almost all major cities in India such as Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Pune.
- Airlines: Major airlines like Air India, IndiGo, Vistara, SpiceJet, Emirates, British Airways, and many others operate flights to and from Mumbai.
- Facilities: The airport offers various amenities such as lounges, duty-free shopping, restaurants, free Wi-Fi, and transportation services.
By Train
Mumbai is a major hub in the Indian railway network with two primary railway stations: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Mumbai Central. Both stations are well-connected to various parts of the country.
Key Points:
- Major Trains: Prominent trains like Rajdhani Express, Shatabdi Express, Duronto Express, and many other superfast and express trains connect Mumbai to cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad.
- Railway Stations: Besides CSMT and Mumbai Central, other important stations include Dadar, Bandra Terminus, and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus.
- Booking: Train tickets can be booked through the Indian Railways official website or mobile app, as well as at railway reservation counters.
By Bus
Mumbai is accessible by an extensive network of state-run buses and private buses. The city has several major bus terminals from where buses operate to and from various regions.
Key Points:
- State-run Buses: Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) operates buses to and from neighboring states and cities.
- Private Buses: Numerous private bus operators provide comfortable and convenient services with options like sleeper, semi-sleeper, and luxury coaches.
- Major Bus Terminals: Major bus terminals include Mumbai Central Bus Depot, Parel Bus Depot, and Borivali Bus Stand.
Top Bus Routes to Mumbai
Here are some of the top bus routes to Mumbai, which are popular among travelers and you can easily book Mumbai bus tickets on AbhiBus
- Hyderabad to Mumbai bus
- Pune to Mumbai bus
- Bangalore to Mumbai bus
- Goa to Mumbai bus
Conclusion
The Chardham Yatra from Mumbai is a fulfilling spiritual journey that offers a blend of devotion, adventure, and natural beauty. By planning your itinerary carefully, choosing the best route, and keeping your budget in mind, you can ensure a memorable and hassle-free pilgrimage. Whether you opt for trekking, road travel, or helicopter services, the experience of visiting these sacred shrines amidst the majestic Himalayas will be a cherished memory for a lifetime.
