In this article, we bring to you all the details of the car/taxi rental and tips for a fuss-free tour. We will also explain to you how to get a cheap rental car and the terms and conditions of the service providers.
Types of Vehicles Available
Sedans
If you have a small family or are traveling with your spouse you can opt for a sedan. It is very comfortable for small families and offers the utmost comfort and convenience during your Chardham trip. With air conditioning and ample legroom and headroom you can travel in style without any fuss.
SUVs
For large families and those traveling with groups SUVs can be the go-to choice. They are also ideal for exploring the hilly areas that take you to Chardham shrines. They lend regular cars comfort with extra space. These higher-riding vehicles come with roomy interiors and all-wheel drive, making them the best car rental choice for both outdoor adventures and city driving.
Luxury Vans and Minibuses
For pilgrims traveling together in large numbers, minibuses, and luxury vans can be the best choice as they offer plenty of seating and all the modern amenities you need for an enjoyable and comfortable journey. Whether you're traveling with a religious group or extended family, these rental car options ensure that everyone travels in utmost comfort.
How to Book
Booking a rental car is an easy process. You can make the booking through any online travel agency, or directly with the rental car companies. You can send your enquiry to the car rental company and their customer care agent will reach out to you as soon as possible.
Important Things to Remember
- Check out for any hidden charges as they can significantly increase your car rental bill. If you are someone under 24, you may be required to pay a daily underage surcharge. Before you return the car make sure to refuel it. If upon return the petrol tank is not full car rental company might charge you additional fees.
- Ensure that the vehicle you're renting is fully insured. Whether you're renting the car from New Delhi railway station to Chardham or any other place you should take care it is insured.
- Before you leave the rental car, click photos of the car and check for any additional damage that might not be mentioned on the report.
- Carefully read the car rental's terms and conditions.
Documents Required
To have a fuss-free experience you should ask the car rental company to provide the following documents.
- RC copy
- Insurance copy
- PUC to know if the car you're renting is under pollution control
Benefits of Travelling by Rental Car
Let's take a look at the benefits of travelling by rental car.
- Car rental allows you to travel at your own pace. You can create your own itinerary and travel as per your own schedule. You can explore the nearby sites and make stops on the way to relax and unwind.
- You can choose from different vehicle options depending on the size of your group. If you're a small family or couple you can opt for the sedan and if you have a big family you can choose SUV. Those travelling in large groups can travel by minibus.
- In remote destinations such as Chardham sites where public transportation is scarce, a rental car gives you access to areas that can be otherwise challenging to reach.
- You can book rental cabs and taxis even at the last minute. Even if you make plans to visit Chardham at the last minute you can get rental cars for a hassle-free journey.
- With car rental you get more flexibility as there is no baggage limitation, unlike a helicopter journey.
- If you're traveling in a group, it can be more cost-effective to rent a car than purchasing tickets for multiple public transportation. It also saves you from the hassle of coordinating schedules, offering each traveler immense flexibility.
- If you book in advance you can get a great discount on car rentals ensuring you can have a budget-friendly journey to Chardham.
Terms and Conditions
- If you're travelling to Chardham sites in the peak seasons, then because of demand-supply constraints, the rental taxi service price may be higher than before.
- Due to uphill roads, you may not be allowed to switch on the AC as in rough terrain it impacts the engine performance.
- The drivers have great expertise in mountain driving, and they know about the local routes. So you should not insist they increase the speed or follow your personal itinerary. They will drive as per the guidelines and described itineraries in the Chardham Rental Package.
- Your visit will be arranged by Rental Car only to the destinations mentioned in the package. If you're planning on visiting additional sites, you may be required to pay the additional cost.
- Discuss the drop-off and pick-up locations when booking the rental car service to Chardham sites.
- If you get stuck midway during the Yatra due to a traffic jam, landslide, or other issue, then you should cooperate with the driver.
Best Time to Visit Chardham Sites
April to June is considered to be the best time to visit Chardham sites as the weather is pleasant and comfortable offering immense accessibility for tourists and pilgrims alike. During this time of the year, the average temperature ranges from 4°C to 22°C. Chardham shrines open their doors during this time. Snow starts to melt during this time and the roads become clear. May is considered to be the peak month and hence is very crowded. In early May or late April, the doors of the Chardham shrines open, marking the pilgrimage season's commencement. September to October (pre-winter months) is another great time to visit Chardham sites.
From November to March Chardham shrines remain closed each year due to heavy snowfall in the region. These months are considered to be unsafe and challenging for travel. During this time of the year, the temperature ranges from 4 degrees to 19 degrees Celsius. In Chardham sites monsoon season lasts from July to August when the region encounters heavy rainfall, causing road blockage and landslides.
Places to Visit during Chardham Journey
We bring you a list of the places you can visit in and around Chardham sites.
Around Kedarnath
- Kedarnath Temple: Kedarnath Temple is around a thousand years old and is considered to be the most popular place to visit in Kedarnath. This temple is home to one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.
- Bhairavnath Temple: Situated on a hillock, Bhairavnath is one of the best temples you can visit in Kedarnath. This temple's deity is said to be Kedarnath temple's protector.
- Vasuki Tal: Vasuki Tal is a beautiful lake located over the hills of Kedarnath at a height of 4135 m. From this lake, you can have an up-close and magnificent view of many peaks. This lake's water is crystal clear and you can easily spot the rocks beneath it.
- Sonprayag: Sonprayag is situated in the Rudraprayag district at a height of 1829 m. It is believed to be the confluence point of the holy rivers Mandakini and Vasuki.
- Shankaracharya Samadhi: Shankaracharya Samadhi is believed to be Guru Adi Shankaracharya's resting place. It has a hot spring and Spatika lingam which is believed to have healing properties.
Around Badrinath
- Badrinath Temple: Badrinath Temple is dedicated to Lord Badri and it houses a black stone deity of Badri Narayan.
- Mana Village: Mana Village is the last Indian village situated near the Tibetan-Chinese border.
- Bheem Pul: Bheem Pul is believed to have been discovered by Bheem while they were passing by. It is a natural stone bridge situated on the Saraswati River near Badrinath.
Around Gangotri
- Gangotri Temple: Gangotri is the most important and the highest temple of Goddess Ganga.
- Gangotri Glacier: Gangotri Glacier is situated within Gangotri National Park in the Uttarkashi district of India. It is one of the largest glaciers in the Himalayas.
- Surya Kund: Surya Kund is one of the most breathtaking waterfalls in Gangotri situated near Gangotri Temple. It is believed that Lord Shiva's wife Goddess Parvati used to take a bath here.
Around Yamunotri
- Yamunotri Temple: Yamunotri Temple is one of the Char Dhams and a sacred shrine that is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna.
- Janki Chatti: Janki Chatti is considered to be the source of the Yamuna River and the base for the Yamunotri trek.
- Hanuman Chatti: Hanuman Chatti is a key stop for pilgrims who want to visit Yamunotri. It is a small hamlet known for its breathtaking beauty.
FAQs
Q-1: Can you book a rental car for the Chardham sites at the last minute?
Ans: Yes, you can book a rental car for the Chardham sites at the last minute from any of the trustworthy sites.
Q-2: Can you book a one-way cab to Chardham sites from New Delhi?
Ans: Yes, you can book a one-way cab to Chardham sites from New Delhi. Choose a reliable cab service provider and select the type of vehicle that will suit your unique needs.
Q-3: How can you choose a trustworthy car rental agency online?
Ans: You can check ratings and reviews on car rental websites from previous customers to get an idea of the vehicles and the quality of service offered by different agencies.
Q-4: What kind of vehicles can you book for the Chardham Yatra?
Ans: You can choose from different vehicle options depending on the size of your group. If you're a small family or couple you can opt for the sedan and if you have a big family, you can choose SUV. Those travelling in large groups can travel by minibus.
Q-5: What are the benefits of booking car rentals?
Ans: Car rental allows you to travel at your own pace. You can choose from different vehicle options depending on the size of your group. With car rental, you can make stops wherever needed and visit nearby destinations.