Benefits of Using a Rental Car for Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand Chardham Yatra is a rigorous enough and difficult pilgrimage journey. But every pious soul longs to go there at least once in his lifetime. To make the journey hassle-free and more organized car rental services can help, Read on to learn more-

For devout Hindus the Chardham yatra is a must-perform pilgrimage at least once in a lifetime. It is a sacred duty and is said to wash away sins.

Chardham Car Rental

The Char Dhams

The four destinations comprise Yamunotri, Gangotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath. Yamunotri is the source of the Yamuna River and this is where you find a temple dedicated to Yamuna devi. Gangotri is said to be where Ganga descended to the Earth from the Heavens and starts as Bhagirathi, joined by other holy rivers downstream until finally morphing into the Ganges at Devprayag. Kedarnath is home to Lord Shiva and one of the 12 jyotirlingas in India, located on the banks of the River Mandakini. Badrinath is the final stop, home to Lord Vishnu and it is located on the banks of Alaknanda River.

Travel Methods

You can undertake the pilgrimage in different ways:

• Join a group tour organized specifically for the char dham yatra;
• Go on your own by air, train, bus, and private taxi as may be convenient to reach each location.
• Rental car or SUV.

Pros and Cons of Each:

• A group tour is convenient in that everything including travel, accommodation and meals, is taken care of by the organizer. Cons are that you do not have freedom of movement and the price may be high.
• If you travel on your own then you can plan your schedule as you like. Cons are that it may not be easy to get the train, or bus tickets or it may take too much time and effort. Private taxis are known to charge exorbitantly.
• Travel in a rental car or SUV is the best option since the car takes you right to the closest point at a time convenient to you. You can also use the car to explore neighboring places of interest. Cons are that it may be somewhat more expensive but given the advantages, this does not matter much.

Benefits of using a Rental Car for Chardham Yatra

• Hiring a rental car from Rishikesh or even from Delhi is quite advantageous. You have absolute freedom of movement and can travel at a time of your choosing, stop where you want to stop, and visit all locations.
• If you proceed to Yamunotri from Rishikesh you can stop at Suryakund and worship Divya Shila. You can also visit Uttarkashi or go right up to Hanumanchatti and leave your rental car here, proceeding all the way to the temple by foot or palanquin or pony.
• The next stop is Gangotri. Apart from visiting the temple, you can use this opportunity and the rental car to visit nearby places of interest such as Harsil, Barkot, Dodital, Gangnani and the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Kedarnath is the third and most beautiful of the char dhams with exquisite views. Floods in 2013 caused damage to the regular road so you may have to go a longer route via Sonprayag and your rental car comes in quite handy here. You have time and leisure to explore Chorabari Tal, Vasukital, Gaurikund, Ukhimath, Madmaheshwar and the lovely Chopta, all at your leisure.
• The final stop is Badrinath in Chamoli district. Once you complete your prayers at the temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu you can go on excursions to the Vasudhara Falls and to Chamoli using your rental car.
• With the entire car at your disposal, you have ample space to carry luggage, foodstuff, woolens and blankets shoes and other gear.
• These four destinations are not in a straight line. You have to go to one, return to a base hotel and then go on to the next. A rental car proves invaluable in saving time and exertion.
• Uttarakhand is full of delightful surprises so when you go on a Chardham Yatra, spare more time to visit other tourist attractions and come away fulfilled.
• With a car at your disposal, you can stretch out inside in comfort. If you share it with family members you have a cozy and pleasant time while on the road.

The only drawback is the cost. However, since you are going on a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage, just do not consider it. Rental car conveniences outweigh all other travel modes.