Plan Around the Yatra Season and Your Fitness
The yatra typically runs from around April or May through November, with routes closing for winter after that. Some of the temples involve a fair amount of walking or trekking at altitude, so it helps to be reasonably fit and to pace yourself rather than rushing between shrines. Checking with your doctor before the trip is a good idea if you have any existing health conditions.
What to Carry for the Journey
Warm clothing is essential even outside winter, since temperatures drop sharply at higher altitudes, along with comfortable walking shoes for the trekking sections. Basic medication, a first-aid kit and something for altitude discomfort are worth packing, along with a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. Keeping some cash handy is also useful, since card acceptance is limited in many of the smaller towns along the route.
- Plan your yatra between April/May and November
- Pace yourself on the trekking sections, especially at altitude
- Pack warm clothing even outside the winter months
- Carry basic medication and stay hydrated throughout
- Keep cash handy for areas with limited card acceptance