Badrinath Snowfall Blankets the Region, but Pilgrim Footfall Remains Strong

Fresh snowfall around Badrinath Dham in November 2026, with snow-covered Himalayan peaks in Chamoli, Uttarakhand.

Badrinath, Uttarakhand | November 3, 2027 : Fresh Badrinath snowfall on November 2 has brought colder temperatures and icy winds to the high-altitude pilgrimage destination in Chamoli district, covering the surrounding Himalayan peaks in white.

Pilgrim arrivals are still high, despite increasingly cold weather. Over 10,000 pilgrims registered on a single day over the weekend, taking the number of devotees visiting Badrinath to over 22 lakh during the 2026 pilgrimage season.

The snow fall began just before the temple’s scheduled winter closure on November 16, 2026 at 9:37 PM. Devotees have less than two weeks to complete their pilgrimage.

Badrinath Snowfall Transforms the Region

Badrinath Dham, situated approximately 3,133 metres above sea level, experienced another spell of wintry weather on the night of 1–2 November.

According to DD India, fresh snowfall covered the high-altitude mountains surrounding the shrine, while cold winds caused temperatures to fall sharply.

Amar Ujala also reported snowfall at Badrinath, with the surrounding mountains appearing covered in white.

The latest snowfall follows another spell of rain and snow across Uttarakhand’s Char Dham region on 29 October.

Although the snow-covered landscape offers spectacular views, pilgrims are experiencing increasingly cold conditions, particularly during the early morning and evening hours.

Badrinath Temperature: Freezing Conditions Grip the Region in November 2026

Weather reports indicate that temperatures around Badrinath have fallen significantly following the snowfall.

Some weather providers indicated minimum temperatures approaching −8°C, while other reports suggested temperatures around −9°C during the morning.

These figures are weather-provider estimates and have not been independently confirmed as official IMD station observations.

Weather DetailReported Information
Latest snowfall1–2 November 2026
Badrinath altitude3,133 metres
Reported minimum temperature estimatesApproximately −8°C to −9°C
Snowfall accumulationNo verified measurement available
Temple closing date16 November 2026
Temple closing time9:37 PM

Visitors should prepare for sub-zero conditions and monitor the India Meteorological Department’s official weather updates.

Badrinath snowfall
Badrinath snowfall

Pilgrim Footfall Remains Strong Despite Snowfall and Cold

One of the most notable developments is the continued arrival of pilgrims despite the deteriorating weather.

According to Amar Ujala’s report published on 2 November, Badrinath’s cumulative pilgrim footfall crossed 22 lakh during the first weekend of November.

The publication reported that:

  • Total pilgrim visits stood at 21,92,054 on Saturday, 31 October.
  • More than 10,000 pilgrims visited on Saturday.
  • The cumulative figure crossed 22 lakh by Sunday, 1 November.
  • Pilgrim arrivals remained substantial despite cold winds and snowfall in the surrounding mountains.

The figures demonstrate continued demand for Badrinath darshan during the final phase of the pilgrimage season.

However, cumulative footfall should not be confused with daily visitor numbers, which may fluctuate as the temple’s closing date approaches.

Mana Village and Nearby Mountains Gets Covered in Snow

The snowfall has also transformed the high-altitude landscape around Mana village, situated approximately 3 kilometres from Badrinath Temple.

Located at roughly 3,200 metres above sea level, Mana is one of Uttarakhand’s best-known border villages and a popular excursion for Badrinath pilgrims.

The village is known for attractions including Vyas Gufa, Ganesh Gufa and Bhim Pul.

Recent snowfall has covered the surrounding Himalayan heights, creating winter scenery across the upper Alaknanda valley. However, the exact extent of snow accumulation within Mana village itself on 2 November has not been independently confirmed.

According to Uttarakhand Tourism, Mana is generally best visited between May and early November, with heavy winter snowfall affecting accessibility later in the season.

Travellers planning to combine Badrinath darshan with a Mana village visit should confirm local road conditions before proceeding.

Administration Arranges Bonfires for Pilgrims

With temperatures falling, the Badrinath administration has arranged bonfires at public locations to help pilgrims and residents cope with the cold.

According to The Pioneer, arrangements have been made around the temple complex, bus stand, major intersections and important roads.

The measures are particularly helpful for devotees waiting outdoors during early-morning and evening hours.

Pilgrim Arrivals Expected to Rise Again After Diwali

Akshay, founder of Travel Vaidya, shares his perspective on seasonal pilgrimage trends:

“Pilgrim footfall and hotel occupancy in Badrinath usually see a brief dip around Diwali as families celebrate at home. However, we expect arrivals to pick up again after the festival, particularly with devotees from South India visiting Badrinath as part of their Divya Desam Yatra. This traditionally brings renewed pilgrimage activity before the temple’s winter closure.”

Badrinath Temple to Close on 16 November at 9:37 PM

The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee has announced that Badrinath Temple will close for the winter on Monday, 16 November 2026, at 9:37 PM.

According to Dainik Jagran, the traditional Panch Puja ceremonies will begin on 12 November.

The five-day ritual programme will conclude with the closing of the temple doors on 16 November.

The ceremonial procession associated with the shrine’s winter worship arrangements is scheduled to depart on 17 November.

Is the Badrinath Highway Open After Snowfall?

No verified official announcement confirming a complete closure of the Joshimath–Badrinath highway following the latest snowfall was available at the time of reporting.

However, unrestricted vehicle movement has not been independently confirmed either.

Travellers should check highway conditions with local authorities, particularly when planning early-morning or evening journeys.

Those visiting Badrinath and Mana should carry warm clothing, waterproof footwear, essential medicines and sufficient drinking water.

What Travellers Should Know

The fresh snowfall has brought beautiful winter scenery to Badrinath, but freezing temperatures and changing mountain weather require careful planning.

With more than 22 lakh pilgrims already recorded this season and the temple scheduled to close on 16 November, the remaining pilgrimage period is expected to remain important for devotees.

Travellers should prioritise updated weather forecasts, verified road conditions and official temple announcements before planning their journey.

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