Things I learned after completing Chardham Yatra last year

After completing Chardham Yatra by road, the biggest lesson is that planning matters more than speed. Rushing the journey leads to fatigue and altitude-related issues. 

What an experience! Here's what I wish someone had told me:

Physical prep is REAL. Those temple stairs aren't joking around. Start walking/climbing at least 2 months before. My knees thanked me for the pre-training.

Pack light but smart. Carried way too much initially. Essentials: good trekking shoes, warm layers (even in summer mornings!), raincoat, basic meds, and portable charger. Everything else is just dead weight.

Patience is your best friend. Long queues, unpredictable weather, road blockages - accept it all as part of the journey. Fighting it only drains you.

Start early, always. Beat the crowds and get better darshan. Plus, mountain mornings are pure magic.

Book accommodations ahead during peak season. We scrambled twice - not fun after 8 hours on bumpy roads.

The journey is the pilgrimage. Every mountain pass, every stranger who helped, every shared meal - that's where the real transformation happened, not just at the temples.

Most importantly: it's not a race. Absorb it. Feel it. Let it change you.

Would I do it again? In a heartbeat. 🙏

Comments welcome! Fellow yatris, are you also planning the trip this year? Find here- A Complete Guide to Estimate Chardham Yatra Budget