The Hindus from ancient times have travelled far and wide on pilgrimages. These pilgrimages have always been very tough partially due to poor means of communication, partly due to inclement weather conditions and partly also due to a total lack of creature comforts either en route to the places of pilgrimage or the destinations themselves. In 2003 the Leisure Hotels group changed all this with the setting up of the concept of Chardham Camp.
The Char Dham refers to the four especially harsh pilgrimages. These pilgrimages are all in Uttarakhand, the Himalayan region in India. The pilgrimages are to Gangotri, the origin of the River Ganges, Yamunotri, the origin of the River Yamuna, Badrinath, the abode of Lord Vishnu and Kedarnath, the abode of Lord Shiva. Chardham Camps have been set up near each of these four places of pilgrimage. Therefore, there is one each at Joshimath for Badrinath, Guptkashi for Kedarnath, Barkot for Yamunotri and Harsil for Gangotri. The object of these Chardham camps was basically to offer comfortable living conditions to the traveler to cope with the harsh journey.
The accommodation at the Chardham Camp is unique. It is in the form of the Cottage Camp Concept. It consists of spacious all-weather tents with thatched roof. These have attached baths and toilets with running hot and cold water. The food is also unique in that wholesome meals are offered to all guests. This food is basically vegetarian and the type of cuisine served represents the different regions in India. There are amenities on offer too such as hot water bottles at sundown and total assistance for shrine visit besides the facility of ponies and palanquins for the Kedarnath tour.
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