Badrinath

1–2 daysBest: May–Jun, Sep–OctPilgrimage#char dham#temple#mountains

One of the Char Dham, temple by the Alaknanda

Why this weekend?

Badrinath templeMana villageTapt Kund hot springs

Some links below are affiliate links — booking through them may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

The day-by-day plan

Day 1 · Shrine & springs
- Temple morning aarti
- Tapt Kund and Narad Kund
- Old lanes and bazaar
- Neelkanth sunset view
Day 2 · Borders & ghats
- Mana village walk (Vyas Gufa)
- Saraswati gorge viewpoint
- Return to Joshimath or Chamoli

Geography & terrain

Badrinath sits at 3,300 m in the Garhwal Himalaya of Uttarakhand, cupped between the Alaknanda river and the 6,560-m Neelkanth peak — the northernmost of the Char Dham shrines, reached by the high valley road from Joshimath through the Badri narrows.

History & culture

One of the most ancient living shrines of North India — the Vishnu-pad stone and the temple recorded across centuries, including the Adi Shankaracharya restoration tradition of the 8th century and later kings' patronage. The present temple, with its gilded cupola, is the ritual seat of the mahant tradition, and the Char Dham circuit's faith draws lakhs each May–October season.

Where to stay

Budget

₹800–2,000/night

Mid-range

₹2,000–4,000/night

Comfort

₹4,000+/night

Things to do

Badrinath temple
Tapt Kund
Narad Kund
Mana village
Neelkanth peak views

Eat & drink

Kafuli (spinach curry)
Bhatt ki dal (black soybean)
Aloo ke gutke
Bal mithai (Almora sweet)

Getting there

Fly: Dehradun (DED)
Train: Haridwar, Kathgodam, Dehradun stations
Road from Delhi: 250–450 km depending on valley
Getting around: Shared taxis and buses on hill roads

Budget snapshot

Total: ₹2,500–6,500 (1 days)
Per day · Stay: ₹800–4,000/night
Per day · Food: ₹600–1,000
Per day · Transport: ₹500–900
Per day · Activities: ₹400–800

Month by month

Jan · Snow: −5–8°C · Snow rain
Feb · Snow: −3–10°C · Snow rain
Mar · Good: 2–14°C · Light rain
Apr · Best: 7–20°C · None rain
May · Best: 12–25°C · None rain
Jun · Good: 16–30°C · Moderate rain
Jul · Monsoon: 18–28°C · Heavy rain
Aug · Monsoon: 17–27°C · Heavy rain
Sep · Best: 14–26°C · Moderate rain
Oct · Best: 8–20°C · None rain
Nov · Cold: 2–14°C · None rain
Dec · Snow: −2–9°C · Snow rain

Practical info

Language: Hindi (English understood in tourist spots)
Best window: May–Jun, Sep–Oct
Connectivity: Patchy in high valleys — offline maps essential
UPI/cards widely accepted; keep small cash for hill and market stops

Practical tips

The season runs May–October only — winter closes the road
Altitude rules: hydrate, walk slowly, carry warm layers
Darshan queues peak at the festival weeks — mornings before 8 are calmest

Frequently asked questions

When is Badrinath open?

Roughly the Akshaya Tritiya (May) to Diwali (October–November) weeks; the portal dates are announced each year.

Is it hard to reach?

The road from Joshimath is steep but paved; acclimate there or at Chamoli before the final climb.

Can I do Char Dham by bus?

Yes — regular GMVN and private buses run the circuit; private cars face permit checks in season.