I remember when I was a kid, my parents used to be there for me at every moment, from my first race to the last Boards exam I gave. They stood by me as strong pillars and supported me throughout every phase. Someone has rightly said that our Parents are like the roots and we are the fruits. It is only because of them that we are here.
I know I can never compensate for the unconditional love, support, and care I got from them. But I decided to make their marriage anniversary special by sending them on a special trip. For the longest time, I have seen them make travel plans and never go on one because they had three kids to raise. They happily sacrificed their leisure time to be with us. But this year I decided to make it special for them as they have always made my everyday.
I started my research for the best travel operators for CharDham Family Tours, and after long hours of my search, finally landed at BizareXpedition Char Dham Itinearies. The booking process was smooth, so I booked the tour instantly, but I was skeptical.
The Anxiety Strikes Before the Journey Begins
Planning a trip for myself is easy with last-minute bookings and impulsive packing. But making a travel plan for my parents was a hard nut to crack. They had spoken about Kedarnath and Badrinath for years, always with a quiet longing in their voices. Yet the thought of long drives, steep treks, and unpredictable mountain routes made me hesitate. I wanted the journey to feel spiritual, not exhausting.
The moment we set out for Uttarakhand. I could see them happy. Their smiles were contagious, and I was beginning to be relieved that I made the right decision. My mother kept looking out of the window just like a kid, while my father just observed, trying to soak in all the merriment.
When I was exploring the tailor-made travelling solutions, what stood out to me consideration. A trip so personalized, as if it were only designed as you wanted, and gradually made me confident. The idea of Chardham helicopter service and smooth transportation facilities was no longer a luxury. But it felt more like reassurance.
What surprised me most was how seamlessly the travel unfolded. Comfortable car transfers allowed us to experience the mountains slowly, without the stress of navigating unfamiliar terrain. For longer and more demanding routes, helicopter transfers offered strong support.
Kedarnath: A Moment That Stayed with Us
The three of us paid our homage at Yamunotri and Gangotri, the first Do Dhams in a Chardham Yatra. Then we boarded our helicopter that took us to the next destination-the holy land of Kedarnath! Even though I had jitters before the journey, we reached Kedarnath in almost no time. When we reached the shrine, their excitement knew no bounds. Maa quickly closed her eyes in prayers and Father simply stood there, watching the snow-capped peaks.
But I noticed something peculiar. My parents were not tired or overwhelmed. They were just staying at that moment. Maybe the effortless helicopter journey to Do Dhams or the smooth 2-hour journey to the land of Shiva allowed them to save their energy for what truly mattered: the spiritual experience itself.
The darshan was swift and lucky for us, and due to the Priority darshan pass, we didn’t have to stand in the long queues. After the pooja, we made our way back to the hotel, which was nearby. Thankfully, my parents had the ground-floor room as both of them had knee problems.
The Joy of Shared Happiness- Badrinath Darshan
The last leg of the journey was Badrinath. If Kedarnath felt intense and emotional, Badrinath felt calm and comforting. We left Sersi helipad and in just 1.30 hours, reached the pious journey of Badrinath Dham. One thing that stood out to me was that there was no paperwork pending at the last minute. Everything was done prior to us leaving for our Chardham Journey from Haridwar. For me, travelling has always meant adventure, but for the first time, this calmness was intoxicating for me.
On our way back, my mother was all emotional, holding my hands, she thanked me for the trip. How happy I was to see her enjoying and immersed in spirituality, just the way she always wanted to.
The accommodation was welcoming and greeted us with warm vibes and hot food. Not for a moment did my parents feel that we truly left our home! When I truly reflected on this journey, I concluded that this trip was not just about visiting temples. It was more about my parents- a trip that gave time to reflect, to rest, and to feel cared for.
Effortless Journey and Tailor-made Details: The Journey that Stayed with Me
Honestly, planning the trip felt overwhelming at first. But as the journey unfolded, my worries melted as I saw my parents smile with glee. As we returned home, our hearts were full, and I felt at peace. I was satisfied that this journey was exactly what my parents needed. And this would be my best anniversary gift for them. And perhaps that’s what thoughtful travel is meant to do. Not just take you somewhere new, but allow you to be fully present with the people who matter most.
Also Read: Registration fee to be charged for Char Dham Yatra online registration to curb fake bookings
