Char Dham by walk?

Just wondering if anyone has attempted to visit all the dhams by walk or if it is possible to walk a portion of this journey (for example, Yamunotri to Gangotri) by walk?
Per Google Maps, the distance between the dhams is around 200+ km except for the Yamunotri to the Gangotri.
However, I believe there is a pahadi road which does not show up on the Google Map. As I believe, earlier people used to travel to all the four dhams by walk.
Any thoughts?
Note: Char Dhams I am referring are Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri

You are correct, earlier people used to do Chardham yatra on foot.

Still there are a lot many people who do so!

Yes, it isn't uncommon for pilgrims to undertake the Char Dham Yatra by foot. Walking between the dhams would take a very long time though, they're not so close together as you can see below. But it is doable, I reckon, with proper planning as to where you intend to make stopovers.




(Source)

For Kedarnath, the roads lead up to Gaurikund from where you're meant to trek up to the temple. (A distance of 14Kms). Likewise, the Yamunotri temple is accessible by a 12/13 Kms trek from Hanuman Chatti, or a 6/7 Kms walk from Janki Chatti, the point upto which motorized vehicles may go.

A car can easily get you all the way up to Gangotri as well as to Badrinath.

It is certainly doable, if you have the time, but honestly I dont see the charm if it is done using the motorable route as there would be no peace and lot of dust on these routes during Yatra season, but yes if parts are done as a trek using old routes can be fun

If you mean on highways, of course you can walk, it's all yours. I have done some parts, and it is even more fun if you just join some group of sadhus going to any dham (yes, there are believers who still do Chardham walking all the way).

If you plan to take the trek route, you will still have to cross highways now and then (ignoring the very high altitude treks). For instance, you can trek from Hanuman chatti to Uttarkashi via Dodi tal. But needles to say, it requires a lot of preparation, equipment, trekking experience and other such stuff.

Lastly, never ever attempt this walking thing in summers, go in the last month before the dhams close.

I trekked to Dodital back in '98. It's one difficult trek but well worth it. The lake is beautiful.

Guys thanks for the inputs. Is there anyone willing to join me?

Hi streetcat I like to trek chardham...... Can you five your final plan to me

@kranthi444india,
Unfortunately the time I have selected to visit the Char Dham coincided with Pitru Paksha (I was told it is not a good time to visit holy places). Hence, I have scrapped my plan.
God willing, I will do it in near future!
As of now, I am sorry to inform you that I am little help to you.

Ohhh Can you give Guidance from your knowledge to plan my trip

Recently I read a book "Sacred Waters" by Stephen Alter, who did Char dham yatra on foot in 1999 & 2000. ( in multiple seasons). He also used motor transport at places. But he tried to follow the traditional foot paths and camp at the old dharamshalas where ever possible. I highly recommend this book to any one who wants to "experience" the trek sitting in the arm chair.. Like all good travel books it's a a blend of the experience on road, people, culture, society, mythology, spirituality, history, environmental issues, changes brought by modernity.
Happy reading and happy trekking ( if you attempt the yatra on foot) !

Dear Friends,

I am willing to Chardham by foot. Can anyone suggest me route.
I am going for the first time. No one influenced me, but out of my inner feelings I'm doing this & mentally well prepared.

During my school days I have done overnight camps as a part of NCC. So traversing in forest is an lovely affair for me. Only a feasible route is a major concern for me.
I do practice Yoga. So its my pleasure to sit & mediate where ever I find suitable.

Regards,
Vijay

You can follow the highways, but if you are planning on trek routs, then you will have to do a lot of research. Get a map, find villages, routes that connect those and plan accordingly, google earth will come in handy too. The last thing you would want is to be lost in forests all alone, if that is not in your plan.

Dear Vijay

In the book by Stephen Alter, which I have mentioned earlier, he says he did not carry map. It's his conscious choice. And this was done before Google maps and GPS. His plan is to follow the old pilgrim track wherever possible. And ask for directions from people and went from village to village. He lost his way sometimes...but he had a previous trekking experience and a sense of finding his bearings. So he did n't face any serious problems. And he did it solo !

You must read that book not only to know the route but to be inspired and to know the true purpose and spirit of pilgrimage on foot, which is lost in the days of fly-by-heli and motorable transport based spiritual tourism.
It's also a must read for people who want to trek in Garhwal Himalayas.

Rajkumar,

I agree with your view. The locations of CHARDHAM is well established in my mind by studying maps.
Conscious choice is a preferable option & language Hindi not a barrier fro me.
I will manage through villages.

Definitely I will read that book.
If any of you guys come across any contacts of local guide/trekking group over there pl inform me.

Regards,
Vijay