Duration: 4–5 days if planning to visit Mana village
Best Time to Visit: May to June, September to mid-November
Altitude: 3,133 m (10,279 ft)
Famous For: Sacred pilgrimage, stunning Himalayan views, and hot spring.
🌟 Why Visit Badrinath?
Badrinath, one of the Char Dham and Chota Char Dham pilgrimage sites, sits gracefully between the Nar and Narayan mountains, with the sacred Alaknanda River flowing beside it. More than just a temple—it's an experience of spirituality, breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, and timeless legends.
🧳 My Journey to Badrinath via Chopta
From Chaukhamba to Neelkanth – nothing could be more exciting for a Himalayan gazer!
While many travelers take the Rishikesh–Joshimath route, my trip to Badrinath was a little different—I started directly from Chopta, after exploring the meadows and Tungnath trek.
From Chopta, I took a private cab to Badrinath. The route was scenic yet thrilling, with winding mountain roads and sudden glimpses of snow-capped peaks. This route can be covered through shared cabs but it would be tiring and depends on availability.
🗺️ Routes & Travel Options from Delhi to Badrinath
Via Rishikesh (Popular Route)
Direct Bus: An early morning bus from Rishikesh to Badrinath (seasonal, check schedule in advance).
Multiple Connections: Delhi → Rishikesh → Joshimath → Badrinath using a mix of buses and shared cabs.
Overnight Stay: Usually at Joshimath if you split the journey.
Private Cab Option
Cost: ₹4,000–₹5,000 per day (can be shared among travelers).
Ideal if you can manage 12 hours of driving one way without breaking the journey.
Flexibility to stop at scenic points like Devprayag, Karnaprayag, and Vishnuprayag.
Via Chopta (My Route)
Perfect for combining a visit to Tungnath & Chandrashila with Badrinath.
Shared cabs or local buses connect Chopta → Joshimath → Badrinath.
More adventurous, but requires flexible timing as transport can be irregular.
🏨 Stay in Badrinath
I stayed in a guest house with a clear view of the Neelkanth Peak, and waking up to that sight was a blessing in itself. Accommodation options in Badrinath range from:
GMVN Tourist Rest House (budget & reliable)
Small guest houses with river or mountain views
Basic dharamshalas for pilgrims
Pro-tip: During peak Char Dham Yatra season, book your stay in advance.
🛕 Day in Badrinath
Reached Badrinath by dawn.
Took rest in a hotel and went for early morning darshan next day.
Later, explored Mana Village—the last village before the Indo-Tibetan border, famous for Bheem Pul and the Saraswati River.
🌄 The Scenic Beauty of the Himalayas
The star of Badrinath’s landscape is the Neelkanth Peak—standing tall at 6,597 m. Watching the sunrise over Neelkanth is an unforgettable moment. As the first golden rays hit the snowy slopes, the mountain glows with a divine aura.
There is no trek required to visit Badrinath Temple—vehicles take you right up to the town, making it accessible for all age groups.
🛕 The Badrinath Temple Experience
Before darshan, a dip in the Tapt Kund is not mandatory but definitely adds to the experience, a natural hot spring believed to have medicinal properties. The most fascinating part? Right next to this steaming hot water flows the ice-cold Alaknanda River—a miraculous co-existence of two extremes.
Nearby is Brahma Kapal, where pind daan (ritual offerings for ancestors) is performed.
Inside the temple, photography is strictly prohibited.
I attended the early morning darshan, with the Vishnu Sahasranam being recited in the background—a soul-stirring experience that words cannot capture.
If you miss the morning darshan, be prepared to stand in long queues later in the day.
⚠️ Important Travel Information
Yatra Registration is mandatory for the Char Dham Yatra. You can register online or at designated counters.
Weather can change quickly—carry warm clothes even in summer.
The temple is open from 4:30 am to 1 pm and 4 pm to 9 pm (timings may vary).
Public transport is available but irregular—start early if you rely on shared cabs or buses.
đź“Ť Places to Explore Around Badrinath
Mana Village – The last Indian village before the Indo-Tibetan border. Visit Bheem Pul, the Saraswati River, and Vyas Gufa.
Charan Paduka – A short hike to a rock believed to bear Lord Vishnu’s footprints.
Can cover the Kalpeshwar Mahadev, fourth Kedar, which is around two hours drive from Joshimath and no major trek needed.
đź“Ś Travel Tips
Even in summer, carry warm clothes—temperatures drop drastically at night.
If traveling by public transport, start early to avoid being stranded mid-route.
Private cabs are costlier but save time and give more flexibility for photography and sightseeing.
Check temple timings before visiting (usually 4:30 am–1 pm & 4 pm–9 pm).
🌄 Final Thoughts
Whether you reach Badrinath via the traditional Rishikesh route, a private cab, or like me through Chopta’s alpine meadows, the journey is as memorable as the destination itself. The towering peaks, rushing rivers, and the temple’s divine aura make it a soul-stirring experience.
If you’re planning your own trip—be it from Delhi, Rishikesh, or Chopta—I can help you with a custom itinerary so you can focus on the experience, not the logistics.