Badrinath is one of the four key spots in the religious Char Dham Yatra, known to be one of the most sacred pilgrimages in Hinduism. Sitting atop an elevation of 3,300 meters above sea level, the temple is situated on the banks of the holy Alaknanda River. If you wish to visit the temple, here’s how to reach Badrinath Temple.
How To Reach Badrinath Temple
About Badrinath Dham
The name ‘Badrinath’ originates from ‘Badri,’ referring to a region abundant in berries. Known for its captivating landscapes, rich heritage, and spiritual significance, Badrinath stands out as a top travel destination. Beyond its divine allure, the town offers thrilling trekking opportunities and exciting activities.
With its breathtaking beauty, tourism flourishes in Badrinath throughout the year, however is especially prominent in the months of May to October. The temple is a part of the Chota Char Dham as well as the Char Dham circuit. Many devotees take part in these pilgrimages and chronologically visit these temple towns.
How To Reach Badrinath From Delhi
By Road
Delhi is extremely well-connected by roads to many towns and villages around the city. Badrinath is about 536 kilometers (km) away from the capital. However, regular government and private buses operate from Maharana Pratap Inter State Bus Terminal that lead to both Haridwar and Rishikesh.
From these cities, onward travel to Badrinath is easily accessible. The journey is filled with scenic spots like Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Karnprayag, Srinagar, Joshimath, and Pauri, making the trip both convenient and visually delightful.
By Rail
Rishikesh Railway Station is the closest railway station to Badrinath, at about 284 km away. The railway station is connected to Delhi’s Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Junction, with regular trains operating between the two. The train journey takes about 5 to 6 hours.
From the Rishikesh station, you can get a taxi to reach Badrinath Dham. This route will cover Rishikesh – Rudraprayag – Joshimath – Badrinath and will take another 10 to 11 hours depending on the weather conditions.
By Air
The closest airport to Badrinath Temple is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. It is situated approximately 314 km from Badrinath Dham. It is well-connected to Delhi with frequent flights, and travelers can continue their journey to Badrinath via helicopter or road transport.
However, if you’re from other cities, you can first fly down to Delhi’s International Airport. From there, you can continue via road by hiring a taxi or taking a bus. This route will be as follows: Delhi – Dehradun – Sahastradhara Helipad – Badrinath.
How To Reach Badrinath From Kedarnath
Kedarnath is also a part of the Chota Char Dham Yatra circuit, meaning that devotees taking part in the circuit visit Kedarnath as well as Badrinath in one go. However, there aren’t any direct buses from Kedarnath to Badrinath.
You must first trek from Kedarnath to Gaurikund, which is 18 km long. From Gaurikund, you must then make your way to Sonprayag, located about 5 km away. From Sonprayag, you can get a cab to reach Badrinath, located about 211 km away. The route passes through Ukhimath, Chopta, Mandal, Chamoli, Joshimath, and finally Badrinath.
There is one more alternative route that goes via Rudraprayag, however, with a distance of 224 km, it will take more time to reach that way.
How To Reach Badrinath From Rishikesh
Rishikesh is one more holy city easily accessible by Badrinath. It is known for its magnificent temples and rivers that hold significance in Hinduism. To reach Badrinath from Rishikesh, you can hire a cab or take a bus from Rishikesh.
The route, about 286 km long, will run through other holy temple towns like Rudraprayag, Karnprayag, Chamoli, and Joshimath, finally reaching Badrinath.
Rishikesh has its own railway junction that has operational trains running from Delhi and other cities.
Best Time To Visit Badrinath
It is recommended that you visit Badrinath in the months of April-May or September-October. The weather is comparatively pleasant during this time. However, during the rainy season usually from June to September, the region might experience unexpected rainfall or heavy downpour. This also makes the region more prone to landslides, so we recommend staying updated about such news.
Tips When Traveling To Badrinath
- Refrain from eating non-vegetarian food and alcohol when you’re in Badrinath. The town holds immense significance in Hinduism, so it is recommended that you respect local culture, including food practices.
- No matter what season you’re traveling to Badrinath in, the weather will be chilly. We recommend that you carry enough winter clothing to protect yourself from the cold.
- Check local weather conditions before traveling anywhere – be it to or from Badrinath. Many roads might experience temporary shutdown due to landslides, so keep an eye out for such updates.
- You might encounter a shortage of breath or other conditions, depending on your health. We highly recommend that you consult your family physician before setting out to Badrinath. We also recommend that you carry all necessary medication with you as finding a pharmacy in remote areas can be quite challenging.
- Keep a handy list of emergency contacts on your mobile phone as well as in a written way on a paper. Make sure you include important numbers like police, ambulance, other emergency landlines, as well as contacts of your friends and family.
Summing Up
Now that you know how to reach Badrinath Temple, you can plan your Char Dham Yatra. Keep in mind that it is best to visit the temple in the summer months of April and May and the months of September and October. Visit the temple for its spiritual ambience and immerse yourself in divinity that’s best experienced in-person!
FAQs
What To Wear In Badrinath?
We recommend that you wear appropriate clothing like kurta, salwar-kameez, sari, shirts, and trousers when visiting the temple. Make sure you avoid clothes like crop tops, ripped jeans, and other such clothing. Also, make sure you carry enough winter-appropriate clothing like jackets and shawls.
What Is Special About Badrinath?
Badrinath is special as it is one of the four temples in the Char Dham as well as the Chota Char Dham circuit. The temple here is also one of the 108 holy Divya Desams – temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the Vaishnavite tradition.
Can Kids Visit Badrinath?
While there is no official restriction on kids visiting Badrinath, it is generally recommended that the elderly and children avoid the Chota Char Dham Circuit. This is because the journey is extensive, exhausting, and might not be suitable for people that are too young or too old.
