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Char Dham Yatra 2021: IRCTC special train, package costs, trip details and more

Covering over 8,500 KM in the distance, the Char Dham Yatra tour package features a state-of-the-art deluxe AC Tourist Train with two fine dining restaurants, a modern kitchen, shower cubicle, modern washrooms, foot massager and more

By Ishita Goyal
Published on :
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Char Dham Yatra 2021: After the success of Shri Ramayana Yatra, Indian Railways has recently launched a special Deluxe AC tourist train for Char Dham Yatra under the ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ program. Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation’s (IRCTC) special train will cover the popular pilgrimage circuit in 16 days.

The tour starts from Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station and covers Rishikesh, Joshimath, Badrinath, Puri, Rameshwaram, Dwarka, and back to Delhi. The tourists will get a chance to witness Ganga Aarti and visit popular locations like Lakshman Jhoola, Triveni ghat, Ramjanm Bhoomi, Hanuman Garhi, Saryu Aarti, Nandigram, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Jagannath temple, Golden Beach Konark Sun Temple, Chandrabhaga Beach, Ramanathaswamy temple, Dhanushkodi, Dwarkadhish Temple, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, Shivrajpur beach and Bet Dwarka.

Covering over 8,500 KM in the distance, the Char Dham Yatra tour package features a state-of-the-art deluxe AC Tourist Train with two fine dining restaurants, a modern kitchen, shower cubicle, modern washrooms, foot massager and more. There are two types of accommodations available that are 1st AC and 2nd AC. Security features like CCTV cameras and security guards for each coach make the journey safer.

The 16-day Char Dham Yatra includes a six-night stay in deluxe category accommodation available as per the location and a nine-night stay on the train during the journey. Please note that only vegetarian food will be served during the tour, both on the train and in hotels. Travel insurance is included in the ticket price.

The exclusions

The package does not include additional services like boating and adventure sports. The meals for the tour are preset, and there is no choice available for the menu. If a passenger chose room service, it would be available at extra cost. The cost of sightseeing, entrance and local guides is not included in the packages. Additional services like laundry, mineral water, snacks and drinks are not included in the package other than the menu provided by the Railways.

Char Dham Yatra Terms and Conditions

  • All passengers above the age of 18 must be vaccinated against Covid-19 with at least one dose.
  • IRCTC can make changes in the itinerary depending on unforeseen circumstances, including natural calamities, strikes, delays of trains etc.

Char Dham Yatra Do’s and don’ts

  • Every passenger must install the Aarogya Setu App on their smartphone.
  • Tourists should wear a face mask and hand gloves.
  • Frequent hand washing is advised even if the hands are not visibly dirty.
  • At the boarding point and reception, the luggage should be disinfected.
  • Tourists are advised to avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with their hands.
  • The tourists must follow the guidelines provided by state or local administration.
  • Tourists should not share phones, water bottles, umbrellas etc.
  • Social distancing must be followed at all times.
  • Spitting is strictly prohibited.
  • Touching idols, holy books etc., is not allowed.
  • Physical offerings or sprinkling holy water (Gangajal) is not allowed.
  • Physical contact while the greeting is not allowed.
  • Do not be rude to the locals or indulge in any arguments.
  • Photography may be restricted based on location. Follow the guidelines as per the local regulations.
  • Please note that IRCTC has the right to remove any passenger in the middle of the tour if he or she is found breaking the law or ignoring rules and regulations.

The cost of the package starts at Rs. 1,09,595 for a single 1AC ticket and Rs.90,985 for 2AC ticket. The price will depend on the choice of occupancy. There are 48 seats available in 2AC and 72 in 1AC. The next tour starts on October 17, 2021. One can book the tour from here.

Chardham Tour FAQs

Is Char Dham yatra booking available in 2021?

  1. Chardham tour may be open in phase manner. All vaccinated tourists will be allowed for Chardham Yatra from 15th September 2021.

What is the best time to go on a Chardham tour?

  • The Chota Char Dham circuit created in the 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya comprises Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. April to June is the best time to visit Chardham as the weather remains pleasant and you can do with some layering, although you would need sweaters after sunset as the temperatures drastically plummet. You must avoid a trip to Chardham in monsoon or winter when it gets very cold and the rains make the treks and hikes extremely treacherous.

Which are the places included in a Chardham trip?

  • While the Chardham yatra involves Badrinath, Dwarka, Rameswaram and Puri, the Chota Char Dham includes a visit to Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. Kedarnath being the abode of Lord Shiva, Badrinath that of Vishnu, Gangotri Temple near which is the source of the Ganga River and Yamunotri Temple, a temple built on a site which is close to the source of the Yamuna River.

What will be the route taken on a Chardham tour?

  • You will begin from Haridwar and go to Barkot, Barkot is about 200 kilometre away and close to it is the source of Yamuna, Yamunotri. From Barkot, head for Gangotri which is 210 kilometre away. From Gangotri, visit Uttarkashi which is 95 kilometre away. From Uttarkashi, head out to Sitapur, about 212 kilometre away, and from there to Gaurikund, which is the starting point of your 14 kilometre trek to Kedarnath. Post your visit to Kedarnath, head to Rudraprayag which is 75 kilometre away and then to Badrinath which is 160 kilometre away. From Badrinath, reach Birhi which is 95 kilometre away, and further to Rishikesh which is another 160 kilometre away. You can take a cab to Haridwar from Rishikesh and take the train to your onward destination.

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