Packing is a fundamental part of travelling. People often overlook this process. Amateurs think packing means stuffing a few clothes. But it is not so. Forgetting even something small can ruin the entire trip. Therefore a packing checklist is necessary.

Whether you visit the Char Dhams in summer or winter, warm clothes are necessary. Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri are all located at altitudes. In summer, the days are hot, and the nights cold. Whereas in winter, the days are cold and nights are freezing.

NOTE:- Detailed guide to the Char Dhams.

I visited Uttrakhand at the end of October when winter had just begun. During the day, the temperature is in two digits, and at night, the temperatures fall to single digits. Throughout my trip, I encountered people freezing because of unsuitable winter clothes. So, if you want to avoid that, check out my Char Dham Yatra packing checklist.

CLOTHES PACKING CHECKLIST

• Long-sleeved t-shirts:- It gets windy up in the mountains. Even if the sun blazes, the wind is chilly against your body. Wearing long-sleeved t-shirts protects you against the chill.
• Walking shoes:- Treks to Yamunotri and Kedarnath are long. You can rent a horse, mule or palanquins (palkhi) to the top. But if you want to trek, you need proper walking shoes. There are paved lanes to all temples, so you don’t need hiking or trekking shoes. But a good pair of walking shoes is a necessity.
• Full-length joggers:- The temples are high up in the mountains. At the top, the temperature is low. So warm full-length pants or trousers are needed.
• Woollen socks:- They are a must-have. In winter, the Char Dhams, especially Kedarnath, are cold. Regular socks are insufficient. Don’t forget to carry thick woollen socks.
• Woollen gloves:- This is an optional item. You require gloves only in winter. From April to September, you can forgo the gloves. But from November onwards, gloves are required.
• Winter jackets:- Many people think sweaters are sufficient when travelling to the mountains. During summer? Yes! Cardigans can suffice, but not in winter. Winter jackets keep the cold out and you warm.

Carrying these items doesn’t guarantee you won’t feel cold. Wear many layers to keep warm. I visited Kedarnath in November. During the day, the highest temperature was 15°C, and at night, it was 6°C. I was wearing layers of clothing and still shivering. So wear layers of clothing.

ELECTRONICS PACKING CHECKLIST

Uttrakhand is a mountainous area. So electricity is sometimes an issue. At times there may be no electricity for days. Hotels and guesthouses have backup generators, but they function for a limited time. Therefore charge your electronics whenever possible.

• Phone and camera chargers
• Power banks
• Extra batteries for electronics like cameras, GoPro etc.

DOCUMENTS CHECKLIST

You require these documents for every trip. So, always have both soft and hard copies of your documents. Most places accept soft copies, but some don’t. Also, sometimes our phones might not work. So having a hard copy can save the day.

• Vaccination certificate:- It is a mandatory document for visiting many places.
• Identification:- You are asked to present IDs at hotels and tourist places. Carry soft and hard copies of IDs.
• Booking confirmations:- Carry extra printouts of your hotel, flights or transportation confirmations.

I like taking road trips across India. Do you? If yes, then here’s a checklist of all the car documents you will need.

• Driver’s license:- Always have your driver’s license.
• Registration Certificate:- Carry your vehicle’s registration certificate.
• PUC:- This is optional. Some states have strict rules regarding PUC, whereas some don’t.
• Car insurance:- This is optional as well. But it’s better to have car insurance.

USEFUL TIPS FOR A HASSLE-FREE CHAR DHAM YATRA

• Petrol pumps are available in big towns and cities. However, that’s not the case in small towns. Sometimes only petrol or diesel is available. At times there are no petrol pumps between settlements. So keep an eye on the fuel gauge.
• Many restaurants and small stalls don’t have enough change. They have to travel to big cities to get change. So carry smaller notes ( ten, twenty, hundred, two-hundred). And many places don’t accept cards or online payment.
• Many people don’t book hotels in advance. In the low season, it is not a problem. But in peak season, finding lodging is difficult, especially in Kedarnath. Many people spend the night in the cold due to lack of booking.
• The Char Dhams are high altitude places. Oxygen level is low, and visitors often suffer from altitude sickness. So, exercise regularly.
• Carry extra medication if you are on any. Medicals and pharmacies are available only in big towns. And even they have limited supplies. So don’t forget your medicines.
• Seven companies offer helicopter services to and from Kedarnath. So book the helicopter services in advance. Because at the last hour there are no empty seats available. Visiting Kedarnath by helicopter is ideal for the elderly and families with children.

NOTE:- Learn all about visiting Kedarnath by helicopter. Or directly book your seats via their online portal.

No journey is without hurdles. But that’s the beauty of travel. These tips won’t guarantee a hurdle-free trip, but they will lessen your troubles.

I hope this packing checklist helps in the smooth planning of your Char Dham Yatra. Don’t get discouraged by the problems because

Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.

andre Gide