Char-Dham Nomenclature

Well the first thing people think when they hear “Char-Dham” (Yamunotri, Gongotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath) is “Religious, spiritual ….” But this is a trek that is very very picturesque and refreshing. I believe one must do it in young age to be able to really enjoy the treks and soak in the nature beauty.  Reaching these places is not easy wrt connectivity. Slow but extreme driving is common there. The paths are narrow and land slides often put boulders on the way. Personally, a drive with 3 or 4 turns would pounce my heart and I would close my eyes and better put myself to sleep with the hope of waking up only if all is good 😊. Sights of accidents where vehicles falls into deep valleys are also common. Unless there is a vehicle behind, an accident could remain unnoticed.

At each of the religious place there is a trek. There are aided horses, Pittus and Dolies to help pilgrims reach the destination. They earn as they assist each pilgrim. Horses might not be actual horses but mules. “Pittu” is a basket in which one would sit and the basket would be carried over shoulder of a person. One would get an endless view of the sky for hours making them feel sick and depressed sometimes. Doli or palki is nothing but a chair tied to sticks there would be 4 people to carry and one can comfortably sit in a chair.

The horses, Dolies and pittus rush and brush through the crowd and sometimes it gets annoying to the pilgrims on foot as the paths are narrow with deep valleys. The paths at some points are stinky with horse shit. Showers are expected often. One would feel hot due to exhaustive steep walks, drenching in rains and cool breezes at high altitudes would make you feel the chillness. This would be a very unique experience.

The hardwork of the Pittu and Doli folks to ferry pilgrims is truly touching. Lots and lots of efforts. Also the stall owners still serve something for few little bucks While they really put in a lot of efforts to get their stocks.