This Badrinath temple travel guide gives you all the useful info you need to plan a smooth and easy trip to this holy town in Uttarakhand. Badrinath sits at 3,100 meters and is about 316 km from Haridwar, with the last big stop being Joshimath, 45 km away. The temple opens in May and shuts by November. This guide tells you how to get there—by road, rail, or chopper—along with weather tips, places to visit nearby, hotel options, simple food info, and darshan timings. It’s made for families, senior citizens, or first-timers who want a clear idea of what to expect. No fluff—just straight-up details on transport, stays, costs, and safety so you can travel with confidence. If you’re looking for a peaceful, well-planned Char Dham yatra, this guide will save you a lot of stress.
Table of Contents
Why Visit Badrinath?
Badrinath is an important stop in the Char Dham Yatra and is mainly visited for darshan at the Badrinath Temple, open from May to November. It’s believed that Adi Shankaracharya set up the temple in the 8th century to bring back spiritual practices in the area. Places like Mana Village, Tapt Kund, and Vasudhara Falls are close by, making it a simple and peaceful trip for families and older travelers.
- Badrinath is part of the Char Dham route and a top pilgrimage spot in Uttarakhand.
- Temple stays open from May to November—most people visit in these months.
- Place is quiet, clean, and surrounded by mountains and the Alaknanda river.
- You can also see Mana Village, Tapt Kund, and Vasudhara Falls nearby.
- Good for families and older people—easy to walk around, basic things available.
How to Reach Badrinath
Badrinath is 316 km from Haridwar and 535 km from Delhi. You can reach by road, train, or air, but the last stretch is always by road. The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, about 290 km away. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant in Dehradun, around 315 km away. Most people stop at Joshimath before going to Badrinath. Roads are open from May to November. Avoid travel during heavy rain or snow.
By Road
Badrinath is well connected by road but the drive is long and through hilly terrain. You can start from Delhi, Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun. Regular buses, shared jeeps, and private cabs are available during yatra season.
- From Delhi: ~535 km, takes 14–16 hours by car or tempo traveler
- From Haridwar: 316 km, takes around 10–12 hours
- From Rishikesh: 290 km, approx. 9–10 hours
- Shared jeeps run from Joshimath to Badrinath (₹150–₹300)
- GMVN and UTC buses are available from Haridwar and Rishikesh daily
By Train
There’s no direct train to Badrinath. You’ll have to get down at Rishikesh or Haridwar and continue by road.
- From New Delhi to Haridwar: 4.5 to 6 hours by train
- From Haridwar to Badrinath: 316 km, takes 10–12 hours by road
- Rishikesh has a smaller station; Haridwar is better connected
- Trains to Haridwar run daily from Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow, etc.
Tip: After you get down at Haridwar or Rishikesh, book a cab or bus up to Joshimath or Badrinath.
By Air
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. Direct flights come from Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Pune, and other cities.
- Dehradun to Badrinath: 315 km, takes 10–12 hours by road
- You’ll need a taxi or bus to reach Joshimath and then Badrinath
- Helicopter services are available from Dehradun to Badrinath (May–June)
- Helicopter booking must be done in advance; weight limits apply
Best Time to Visit Badrinath Temple
The best time to visit Badrinath is from May to June and again from September to October. These months have better weather, open roads, and a good balance between crowds and safety. The temple generally opens during April / May (around Akshay Tritiya) and closes around October / November (During Diwali). One should avoid traveling in deep winter since the temple and Badrinath area is closed. also check road conditions if you’re planning a trip during the rainy season.
Weather in Badrinath in Summer (May to June)
Summers is the most popular and comfortable time to visit. The weather is cool and clear, with daytime temperatures between 10°C and 18°C. It’s the peak yatra season, so temple activities are in full swing. But it also means more crowds and higher hotel prices, so book everything in advance.
Weather in Badrinath in Monsoon (July to August)
Monsoon brings regular rainfall across the region. Roads may stay open, but delays are possible due to fog or landslides. Travel during this time is less crowded, and the landscape looks fresh and green. If you’re visiting now, keep your plans flexible and check weather updates before the trip.
Weather in Badrinath in Autumn (September to October)
Post-monsoon is a great time for a quieter visit. The skies are clear again, and the temperature ranges from 5°C to 15°C. Pilgrim crowds reduce, and it’s a peaceful time to explore nearby spots like Mana Village and Vasudhara Falls. Nights are colder—pack warm clothes.
Weather in Badrinath in Winter (November to April)
The temple closes for winter after Bhai Dooj. Snowfall starts by mid-November, and temperatures fall below –5°C to –10°C. Roads to Badrinath are shut, and the area becomes inaccessible. No darshan or tourist travel happens during this period.
What to See in Badrinath
Badrinath Temple is the main highlight, but there are several important places nearby like Tapt Kund, Mana Village, Vyas Gufa, Ganesh Gufa, Bhim Pul, Charan Paduka, Vasudhara Falls, Saraswati River origin, and Brahma Kapal that are worth visiting. Most are within 3–5 km and can be covered in a day or two. These include sacred sites, easy treks, and natural spots linked to Hindu mythology. Here’s a list of key places to see around Badrinath.
- Badrinath Temple – The main temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, open from May to November. It sits on the banks of the Alaknanda River and sees lakhs of pilgrims each year.
- Tapt Kund – A natural hot water spring located right next to the temple. Pilgrims usually bathe here before darshan.
- Mana Village – Just 3 km away, this is India’s last village near the Indo-China border. You can see mythological spots like Vyas Gufa, Ganesh Gufa, and Bhim Pul.
- Charan Paduka – A rock said to bear the footprints of Lord Vishnu. It’s a short uphill trek (about 3 km) with great views.
- Vasudhara Falls – A 400-ft high waterfall near Mana Village. The 5 km trek is peaceful and scenic, best visited in summer.
- Saraswati River Origin – Near Mana, where the Saraswati River emerges from a rock crevice before disappearing underground.
Where to Stay in Badrinath
Badrinath doesn’t have too many high-quality hotels, so it’s important to book early—especially during peak Char Dham season. If you’re looking for a proper stay with clean rooms, good food, and comfort, these are the top 5 hotels available in Badrinath right now:
- Amritara The Avadh – Premium stay with mountain views, spacious rooms, and reliable service. One of the best available.
- Lords Palace – Premium property with neat rooms, peaceful vibe, and proper veg meals. Good for families and senior citizens.
- Hotel Snow Crest – Deluxe category hotel, close to the temple, with comfortable rooms and helpful staff.
- Sarovar Portico – Well-known mid to premium range hotel, modern facilities, walkable distance to temple.
- Saraswati Retreat – One of the best standard stays in the area, clean, decent food, and suitable for short-stay pilgrims.
These hotels are in high demand and usually get fully booked weeks in advance.
If you’re on a tight budget, GMVN guest houses and local dharamshalas are also available. They’re basic but serve the purpose for 1-night halts.
All hotels serve only vegetarian food. No alcohol or non-veg is allowed in Badrinath. Hot water may be limited during rush hours. Always check room access if you’re travelling with senior citizens.
Where to Eat in Badrinath
Food options in Badrinath are simple and vegetarian. Non-veg and alcohol are completely banned in the entire temple area. You won’t find fancy restaurants here, but there are enough local dhabas, canteens, and hotel kitchens to get proper meals during your stay.
Most good hotels like Amritara The Avadh, Lords Palace, Sarovar Portico, Snow Crest, and Saraswati Retreat offer in-house meals—usually breakfast and dinner are included in your stay package.
If you’re eating outside, here’s what to expect:
- Local dhabas near the temple serve thali meals—puri sabzi, dal chawal, rajma rice, roti, and tea.
- You’ll find Maggi, paratha, and chai stalls around the town and on the way to Mana Village.
- During yatra season, small canteens also serve tea, snacks, and basic lunch plates.
Food is clean and filling, but don’t expect restaurant-style menus. It’s good for a spiritual trip, but those with special diets should carry snacks or dry items. Also, avoid eating too heavy if you’re trekking or travelling early in the morning.
How to Commute In Badrinath
Badrinath is a small town, so getting around is pretty easy. Most of the places—like the temple, Tapt Kund, Brahma Kapal, and local markets—are within walking distance from your hotel. The roads are narrow, and vehicles don’t go right up to every spot, so be prepared to walk a bit.
If you’re planning to visit nearby places like Mana Village, Vasudhara Falls, or Charan Paduka, here’s how it works:
- Shared jeeps and local taxis are available from the Badrinath taxi stand to Mana Village (approx. ₹150–₹300 per person).
- Walking is the best way to explore the town and nearby spots. The terrain is easy for most people.
- No autos or local buses run inside Badrinath—only private vehicles, jeeps, and on foot.
If you’re travelling with senior citizens, try to stay in a hotel near the temple so that you don’t need to walk uphill or too far. A walking stick, good shoes, and some rest in between can make local movement much easier.
Travel Tips for Senior Citizens & Families
Badrinath is a peaceful place to visit, but it’s still a high-altitude Himalayan town—so planning ahead helps, especially if you’re travelling with elders or kids. Here are a few things to keep in mind for a safe and comfortable trip:
- Avoid monsoon months (July–August) due to road risks and possible landslides.
- Carry warm clothes, even in summer—mornings and evenings get cold.
- Choose hotels near the temple to avoid long or uphill walks.
- Take breaks on the road, especially during the Joshimath to Badrinath stretch (it’s tiring and has sharp turns).
- Keep basic medicines, ORS, and dry snacks handy—pharmacies are limited.
- Stay hydrated and walk slowly to avoid altitude discomfort.
- Avoid heavy meals if you’re doing short treks like Vasudhara Falls or Charan Paduka.
- Use walking sticks or local help if someone has trouble walking.
