Helpful Guidelines for Char Dham Yatra

A journey of four holy rivers of India, namely Ganga, Yamuna, Mandakini, and Alaknanda, is an experience you don’t want to miss. It is a trip, taking you to the four prominent holy destinations and is an unforgettable experience for all the devotees. Chota Char Dham is a spiritual tour of four pilgrimage sites in India, namely Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, all present in Uttarakhand. Hindus believe that everybody must visit these places during their lifetime.

Best Time to Visit

Although, the four places remain open from Akshaya Tritiya to Bhai Dooj. The best time to visit them is between May and June as the weather is pleasant and the climatic conditions work in our favor. It takes approximately 11-12 days to complete the Yatra. You will meet people from around the world, some worshipping, while others just exploring these mesmerizing sites.

Opening Dates

• Yamunotri: 10th May 2024
• Gangotri: 10th May 2024
• Kedarnath: 15th May 2024
• Badrinath: 16th May 2024

Closing Dates

• Yamunotri: 31th October 2024
• Gangotri: 2nd November 2024
• Kedarnath: 2nd November 2024
• Badrinath: 9 November 2024

Places to Visit Along the Way

Tapovan: It is a seasonal home to several sadhus living in caves, huts, etc. In the past few years, it has transformed into a popular trekking destination and people from far-off places come to see the expansive grasslands of Tapovan, which are decorated with different flowering plants.

Gaumukh: This glacier acts as the source of water for the River Ganga, and this is why it is really special to the Hindus. It is at a walking distance of 18 kilometers from the Gangotri Glacier. The place where this glacier ends resembles a cow’s mouth, and so the name Gaumukh.

Chopta: This valley is quite famous among tourists. It’s located away from all the hustle-bustle. You can come to relax here, or you can also take part in adventure sports.

Hemkund Sahib: This Gurudwara, situated near a lake, is dedicated to the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Govind Singh Ji. Find your inner peace by meditating at the Gurudwara and you can admire its beauty at the same time.

Auli: A cold haven, visited by many all year round. It’s a skiing hub and is surrounded by all sorts of vegetation. The snowy mountain peaks and the thick forests, give it a warm and cozy feel.

Vasuki Tal: It’s a lake that lies nears Kedarnath. The most beautiful landscape that you will ever come across. The lake freezes in winter and there is no sign of any vegetation around it.

The Journey

This is the basic outline of how your Yatra would be.

Yamunotri Dham

It will probably begin from Barkot. You will drive up to the Yamunotri Dham which will be followed by a 7 km trek. Or you could also visit Uttarkashi, which is just about 100 km from the Gangotri Dham.

Yamuna, the second most sacred river in India, originates from Yamunotri. The Yamunotri temple is believed to be constructed by the king of Tehri, Naresh Sudarshan Shah in 1839. It is one of the pilgrimage sites you will see on this tour. The temple itself is a work of art, and the devotees make it more serene and beautiful. The Yamuna River looks breathtaking while flowing down from one side of the temple.

Gangotri Dham

Located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, this is one of the four sites which make up the Chota Char Dham. The shrine is very special to the Hindus because of its incomparable beauty. Another key factor is that legends believe that this place is the origin of the river Ganga after it descended from heaven. The present shrine was built by Gorkha Commander, Amar Singh Thapa in the early 18th century. The river has always been considered the purest. People visit this place to attain Moksha.

Kedarnath Dham

From here, you can drive to Kedarnath, which is about 180 km from Uttarkashi, which will be followed by a 21 km trek uphill.

In this ancient temple, we find inscriptions written in Pali. The present temple was built by Adi Shankaracharya Ji. On the inner walls of the temple, there are sculptures of various deities and scenes from mythology. On the outside of the temple, there is a large statue of the Nandi Bull. The temple is set amidst the mountains of the Garhwal Himalayas. The Kedarnath shrine is surrounded by breathtakingly beautiful snow-covered mountains. You will definitely feel at peace after visiting this place.

Badrinath Dham

Then on to Rudraprayag which is just 160 km away from Badrinath Dham, the final Dham in your Yatra.

Situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, this religious site is set in the backdrop of the Neelkanth mountain peak, which leaves one breathless. Believed to be the home of Lord Shiva, this place holds a lot of myths and legends. People from around the world visit this place, to listen to the tales of the gurus and the sadhus. This place is especially busy during the festival of Mahashivratr.

Alternative Options

You may want to complete your Yatra within a few days. To do this, opt for the Chardham Helicopter Tour. Beginning from Yamunotri, the journey continues on to Gangotri, Kedarnath, and concludes at Badrinath. It will take around 4-5 days, but you will be able to enjoy the trip at your own pace.

Some Last-Minute Tips

• Wear comfortable and warm clothing at all times.
• Do not attempt to do the journey, if not feeling well.
• Carry all kinds of medicines with you.
• Stay close to your, family/friends.
• Carry some kind of identity card, in case of an emergency.
• Hire a guide/use maps, if you are not sure of the routes.
• Carry a cheap/local cellphone for safety purposes.

Have a safe journey!

Kedarnath Badrinath Yatra Package

We are back with our another spiritual tour package i.e. Kedarnath Badrinath Yatra Package. This 4 nights / 5 days long meticulously designed package is tailored beautifully and is inclusive of deluxe accommodations, transports, and sightseeing destination visit. Browse our most customized tour package and visit the two holiest places in Uttarakhand which are the most important parts of the Char Dham circuit. Besides attaining spiritual experience you can also get mesmerized with the surreal beauties adorning this beautiful state.

Duration of the trip: 4 Nights / 5 Days

Destinations to be covered under the package: Haridwar – Guptkashi – Kedarnath – Badrinath – Joshimath – Rudraprayag – Haridwar

Trip Highlights

• Participate in the early morning puja ceremony called Abhishekam and in the prayers at the shrine.
• Explore the nearby astonishing places in and around Badrinath like Mana Village which is renowned among tourists as the last village in India and also visits the Mata Murti Temple.
• Visiting Badrinath shrine which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
• Explore Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula which are the major attractions of Rishikesh.

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Haridwar – Guptkashi

Welcome to the gateway of Devbhoomi! Our tour representative will join you at Haridwar and then will take you towards Guptkashi via Rudraprayag and Devprayag. While moving towards Guptkashi enjoy the beautiful view of gorgeously flowing River Ganga and River Alaknanda. In Guptkashi you can visit Ardh Narishwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Upon arrival at Guptkashi, check-into one of our listed hotels. Post-check-in freshens up and relax in the cozy hotel environment and stay overnight.

Fact about Guptkashi – The literal meaning of this place is “hidden Benarasi” and the place holds a great religious significance in Hinduism. According to Hindu mythology, Pandavas in the urge of seeking freedom from their sins of doing fratricide performed a deep penance in order to please Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva didn’t want to forgive them so easily and so transformed himself into a bull and then hid at Guptkashi. It is believed that during the winter months when the Kedarnath shrine is closed then priests of the shrine shift to Guptkashi and reside there.

Day 2: Guptkashi – Kedarnath – Guptkashi

By Helicopter – Early in the morning our driver will take you to the pre-booked helipad. After visiting the sacred Kedarnath shrine, our tour representative will pick you and drop you to the hotel for rest.

By Trek: However, it is quite challenging to return back to the hotel on the same day by trek but if you avail the facility of pony rides or helicopter services to reach the shrine then it is easily possible to explore the place. Be informed that there is parking issue at Sonprayag and even vehicles are not allowed to move further so we request you to stay calm and co-operate with the driver.

Facts of Kedarnath: One of the most important and divine jyotirlingas among 12 jyotirlingas in India, Kedarnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This huge ancient shrine is nestled beautifully at an elevation of 3584 meters above sea level. Interesting Hindu mythology states that Pandavas after defeating Kaurava in the Kurukshetra war were burdened with the guilt of fratricide and performed a deep penance to Lord Shiva. But Lord Shiva didn’t want to free them so easily and he took the form of a bull. When one of the Pandava brothers recognized him and chased him when he dived into the ground and his body parts were shattered. His hump was found in Kedarnath and so since then, Shiva is being worshipped at Kedarnath in the form of a bull hump.

Day 3: Guptkashi – Badrinath

Post enjoying the relishing Garhwali cuisine in breakfast, drive towards Badrinath. On reaching Badrinath check-into the pre-booked hotel. Loosen up yourself and get ready to drive towards the holy shrine of Lord Vishnu. There is a ritual to take a dip into the hot thermal spring of Tapt Kund so after taking holy bath pay homage to Lord Badri and if time permits you then participate in the grand evening Aarti ceremony at the temple. You can also visit Brahmakapal to perform the Shraddha rituals of your ancestors. You can also visit the other sightseeing destinations encircling Badrinath like Mana Village, Vyas Cave, Charanpaduka, Bhimkund, Mata Murti, and other places. Return to the accommodation after the day exploration and then go for a relaxing overnight stay.

Badrinath, one of the most important dhams in Char Dham pilgrimage circuit is nestled at an astounding elevation of approx. 3100 meters above the sea level and is adorned with two majestic mountain peaks named as Nar and Narayan. The place is studded beautifully with forests of berries and is so named as Badrivan.

Tapt Kund – A natural hot water spring which is located on the holy Alaknanda River where taking bath before entering the Badrinath Shrine is an important custom.

Mana Village – Reckoned as the last village in India and is located on the border of India and Tibet and is a habitat to the tribes belonging to Indo-Mongolian tribes.

Vasudhara Falls – The name clearly depicts the significance of this place. This magnificent waterfall is quite appealing and alluring to the tourists that it has now become a must visit place in all the itineraries designed for Badrinath visit. One needs to cover a distance of almost 5 km from Badrinath to reach this place and 2 kilometers of the distance is covered by the motorable roads.

Day 4: Badrinath – Joshimath – Rudraprayag

After savoring the morning meal drive towards Rudraprayag via Joshimath. On the way to Rudraprayag make a visit at Narsingh Temple located in Joshimath.

Post breakfast, drive towards Rudraprayag via Joshimath and on the way to Rudraprayag you can visit the popular Narsingh Temple located in Joshimath and after paying a visit to the temple return to Rudraprayag by following the same route. On reaching Rudraprayag, check-into the hotel, freshen up yourself and then go for a relaxing overnight stay.

Significance of Joshimath – The place holds a great religious significance in Hinduism as it is located on the confluence of two holy rivers Dhauliganga and Mandakini. It is also one of the most important and highly frequented maths established by the great Hindu philosopher Adi Shankaracharya and the place is also reckoned as winter abode of Badrinath. During the winter season when the Badrinath Temple is closed then the idol of Lord Badri is brought here.

Day 5: Rudraprayag – Haridwar

After enjoying the lavish breakfast, our representative will assist you in reaching Haridwar via Rishikesh. Also called as “place of sages” is a highly revered spiritual city located on the holy banks of River Ganga and is adorned beautifully with the Shivalik Ranges located in the Garhwal Himalayas. His tough penance pleased god and he appeared in front of as “Rishikesh” and this is how the place got its name.

Upon your arrival at Rishikesh, check-into the hotel and get ready for the spiritual tour in Rishikesh. Visit the majestic temples and other sightseeing destinations including Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula, the two huge iron suspension bridges. After Rishikesh excursion, you will be dropped at Haridwar from where you can get the transport to get back home.

Significance of Rishikesh – This holy city in Uttarakhand has been dedicated to Lord Vishnu and holds a great religious significance in Hinduism. Also called as “Yoga capital of India”, Rishikesh boasts a number of ashrams where one can participate in the meditation and yoga classes. Enjoy white-water rafting activity, go for a rejuvenating hang-out, and base of all trekking trails.

Significance of Badri Kedar Yatra

The Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand which is also known as the Chota Char Dham Yatra in India, this Hindu pilgrimage circuit is considered to be extremely importance. As per Hindu mythology, the prominent saint and philosopher Adi Shankaracharya established these holy destinations and shrines of Badrinath Kedarnath Yatra, with an aim of evoking a spiritual feeling within the soul of devout Hindus. It is believed that if an individual goes on this pilgrimage to these holy centres then they will attain moksha (freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth). Every year, annually these vital Dhams caters to almost 2 lakh devotees and tourists from all over the subcontinent and across the globe. Not only are these abode of the lord extremely sacred but the surrounding captivating beauty makes the journey worthwhile.

Importance of Badrinath Dham Yatra

Located on the right bank of holy River Alaknanda and perched at a height of 3,133 metres, Badrinath Dham is one of the oldest Hindu sites of worship. The towering peaks of the majestic Nar Narayan snowcapped mountain forms the backdrop of this vital temple. This is the largest Dham among other five Badris and just like every Dham it is also dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The name ‘Badri’ is inspired from the availability of the wild berries available here and was reestablished during 9th century.

Myths Related to Badrinath Dham

There are numerous myths related to the establishment of Badri Dham, some say that since Lord Vishnu was meditating in the Badri forest his consort gave him the name of Badri Vishal which later became the name of the temple, another reason is that since the gods knew that the earth won’t be able to withstand the force of the holy River Ganga so they split the river into 12 different tributaries one of them being River Alaknanda which passes by Badrinath Dham. All these reasons along with numerous others make Badrinath Dham Yatra extremely pious.

Importance of Kedarnath Dham Yatra

Kedarnath Temple

Situated at a high altitude of 3,584 metres above sea level, and being home to home of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, Kedarnath is said to be the seat of Lord Shiva. People believe that people visiting this Dham will be cleansed of their sins leaving their souls purified; this fact attracts lakhs of pilgrims and Shaivites to this holy destination. Kedarnath houses several Kunds (pools or tanks) which are religiously significant and bears significant natural healing properties which is said to rid the pilgrim from their body pains and aches. Adi Shankaracharya is to be credited with the re-establishment of this holy centre. It is also believed that if a devotee visits the Kedarnath Dham after Badrinath Dham then he is guaranteed to achieve some peace of mind.

Myths Related to Kedarnath Dham

As per ancient Hindu Vedic and other scriptures, Lord Shiva had agreed to dwell in this place at the hearty request of Nar Narayana. It is also said that the Pandava brothers, after the Kurukshetra war, where they had to kill their cousins, came to ask for forgiveness from Lord Shiva so they constructed this temple here in order to pray for penance. The earliest reference for Kedarnath has been seen in Skanda Purana dating back to 7th and 8th century.

When to Go For the Do Dham Yatra

The best time to visit these Do Dham Yatra sites are between the months of June and September since the temple doors are opened and accessible only during the summer months. One can be a part of the opening or closing ceremony of the main Dwar during the ‘on’ season which is considered to be an extremely auspicious time for all the devotees.

Travel Tips for Visiting Badrinath Dham Yatra

Seated against the majestic backdrop of the snow clad twin peaks of Nar and Narayan, Badrikashram or the holy city of Badrinath sits at an elevation of 3,133 metres above sea level with the main temple of Badrinath as its primary attraction. Along with being a crucial pillar of the all India Char Dham Yatra (which includes Jagannath temple of Puri, Dwarkadheesh temple of Gujarat and Ramanathaswamy Temple of Rameshwaram) Badrinath is also a vital part of the Chota Char Dham Yatra that takes place in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand (this includes Kedarnath, Yamunotri and Gangotri).

There are numerous legends and myths related to the original creation and establishment of this holy Dham. One of it involves a tale of how Lord Vishnu was performing his penance and his consort goddess Lakshmi stood in the form of a jujube or Badri tree (Badri tree was once a commonly occurring tree in this region) tree to keep him safe from the harsh weather conditions. Another legend tells a tale about how the twin brothers and sons of Lord Dharma Nar and Narayan decided to set up a hermitage here due to the incredible beauty of this place, and perform their penance there. Whatever the legends say the only thing that is true is the fact that Badrinath is one of the most sought after pilgrimage destinations in the Char Dham Yatra circuit and is visited by people from various parts of the nations.

About the Temple:

Standing majestically on the banks of the holy river Alaknanda, the presiding deity is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is constructed using bright and eye attracting colors. The current temple is believed to have been created by the kings of Garhwal at duration of almost 200 years back and is home to 15 different idols all of which are carved in gleaming black stone. Initially the stone idol of the lord was placed in a cave of Tapt Kund close to the temple and during the 16^th century after the construction of the temple this idol was then moved to the temple by the king of Garhwal. The golden gilded roof of the temple can be seen from far away along with a façade of arched and colorful windows.

Here are a few important tips that you should keep in mind during your visit to Badrinath Dham:

Best and the Cheapest Way to Get to Badrinath Dham:

The road distance between Haridwar to Badrinath is 323 km and the aerial distance is that of 157 km which can be achieved by availing Badrinath travel tour packages. However although a helicopter ride to Badrinath Dham is extremely comfortable it can get a bit over budget. There is almost at least 1 state bus running between Haridwar to Badrinath. The time taken for the bus to over the journey will be of 7 hours and 30 mins.

Stay Options at Badrinath Dham:

There are a number of accommodation facilities available in and around the main Dham temple of Badrinath. From GMVN tourist rest houses to heap hotel facilities there is a lot of hotels available which you can choose from to fit the needs of your budget.

When is the Best Time to Visit:

Badrinath Dham experiences extreme weather conditions due to its location at a high elevation. The Dham sees peak seasons during the months of May to June when the weather is pleasant and the travel is comfortable. However make sure you have your Dham Yatra and hotel bookings done way beforehand. Also remember not to visit Badrinath during the monsoon months since the entire region remains prone to torrential rains and unexpected landslides which will put your and your loved ones life at risk.

Pack Woolens:

Be it the summer months or winter months the all over temperature and weather conditions at Badrinath Dham remains extremely chilly and cold. Especially, at night when the average temperature touches 10 to 5 degrees Celsius the region experiences cold and freezing winds. In order to keep yourself warm you should also carry some winter travel accessories like – woolen mufflers, woolen socks, thermals, woolen gloves etc, which will keep you warm and comfortable during your journey.

Store up on Package Food:

Recent studies have shown that the food served at the Dham site’s food stalls and eateries are not completely pure and are adulterated to some extent. It is advisable for you to carry some amount of packaged, portable food or the type of food which gets easily prepared by just adding boiling hot water which can be acquired from a bunch of available tea stalls. Also make sure to carry a good amount of dry fruits since you will be walking a lot and this requires a lot of energy and dry fruits are a good source for instant energy.

Drink Only Packed Bottled Water or Boil It:

It is a common issue among the visitors of the Dham sites who face stomach problems due to the bad quality of drinking water available. You should only buy yourself completely sealed bottles of packaged water or if you don’t get that you should make sure to get the water boiled at any of the tea stall or food stalls that are available all along the way.

Pack Important Medicines:

This goes without saying that you should carry along some important and vital medicines since there is a dearth of medicine shops and emergency medical services. Make sure to carry along with you some anti-fever medicines, pills for cough and cold, antibiotics, medicines for vertigo or motion sickness and also for diarrhea. Due to its elevation you may experience some altitude sickness and fever so make sure to carry these medicines along with your during your visit.

Carry Portable Chargers:

The electricity availability at Badrinath Dham is a huge issue. So if you are planning on carrying along your digital camera or your mobile phones then bringing your portable games along with you is a wise decision. Not just for Dham Yatra carrying a portable charger can really come in handy during your other travels as well.

Interesting Facts About Badrinath Dham

Badrinath is one of the prime spiritual destinations in India where Shaivites from across the globe gather to offer their prayers and perform puja rituals here when the temple’s gates open up for Darshan. The history of Badrinath temple dates back to the ancient ages when it was first constructed during the 9^th century CE. The entire ambience of the temple and its surrounding town is engulfed in deep devotion with rhythmic hymns, thought-provoking mantras, soul enriching chants and the divinity of the Lord. However, just like every temple in India, Badrinath temple shrine also have a number of facts that one should be aware of before planning a trip to this holy place.

Given below are some facts about the mystical Dham of Badrinath:

1- The Main Shrine

The main shrine of the temple is home to a 1 metre high image of Badrinarayan in the form of a black stone. This image is holding a Shankha (conch) in one hand and a chakra (wheel) in the other, whereas, two of his arms are resting on his lap in a Padmasana position. Along with this main image, there are also other images present within the temple which include god of wealth Kuber; sage Narada, Nar Narayan and Uddhava. The same temple is also the shrine for Lakshmi Narasimhar and the four main saints of that age including the image of Adi Shankaracharya. All of these idols present within the temple are made of black stone.

2- Medicinal Qualities of Tapt Kund

It is extremely important for each devotee visiting the Badrinath temple to first take a dip in this natural hot water spring. This Kund is the abode of Lord Agni and is known for its medicinal properties, and is believed that just a single dip here will relieve you of physical pain, get rid of the mortal sins and rejuvenate your senses. The temperature of the kund is 45 degree Celsius and is one of the several hot water springs present along the bank of River Alaknanda. There are separate male and female bathing areas so you don’t have to feel conscious.

3- Mention in Ancient Scriptures

The Badrinath temple has been mentioned in various ancient and age old epics like, Mahabharata, Skanda Purana as well as Bhagvata Purana. The surrounding town and areas around Badrinath has been also celebrated in numerous spiritual Hindu works of literature. All these ancient writings talk about achieving salvation just by paying a visit to this temple and offering your prayers here to the presiding deity.

4- Open Just for a Limited Time

This holy temple is open only for six months which commences from mid April and goes on till the beginning of November. The doors of the temple are closed for visitation and pilgrimage during the other months owing to the harsh and extremely cold climatic conditions. The temple site is prone to heavy snowfall which may also convert into a snowstorm making access to the temple impossible and extremely dangerous.

5- The Undying Lamp (Akhand Jyoti)

During the end of the visiting season and before closing the door of the temple, an ancient lamp is lighted which remains lit throughout the time when the temple is closed for darshan. Since ancient ages this ceremony is carried out and when the temple doors are reopened for darshan, the lamp is always found to be burning without being relighted. It is also observed that the flowers that were placed there during the final lighting of the lamp remain fresh throughout.  People consider this as a huge miracle.

Badrinath Weather Guide – Temperature of Badrinath Month-wise

Located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, Badrinath is among one of the 4 most important Chota Char Dham Yatra sites in India. Located at a height of 3,100 metres on the shores of Alaknanda river it sits comfortably on the Garhwal part of Himalayas. Being on such height the temperature here never rises dramatically making the climate cool at all times.

As per Badrinath Yatra latest news the best time to visit this place, is between the months of May and June then later on between September and October. It is advised not to visit there during the rainy and monsoon seasons of July and August.

January:

Maximum temperature: 4.3 degree Celsius
Minimum temperature: -4.9 degree Celsius

January in Badrinath experiences sub-zero temperatures and cold crisp winds. The roads are mostly blocked with snow cover and the pilgrims and visitors are at a minimum.

February:

Maximum Temperature: 6 degree Celsius
Minimum Temperature: -3.6 degree Celsius

Just like January this month also sees heavy snowfall and extreme cold weather. People visiting there cover themselves in thick cold winter wear.

March:

Maximum temperature: 10 degree Celsius
Minimum temperature: 0 degree Celsius

A relatively bare able winter is experienced during this month where the climate is still cold but the temperature does not drop below zero.

April:

Maximum temperature: 15 degree Celsius
Minimum temperature: 3.6 degree Celsius

This month also experiences regular snowfalls and the wind is still extremely cold but people can feel the changing seasons.

May:

Maximum temperature: 18.6 degree Celsius
Minimum temperature: 6.7 degree Celsius

The weather is extremely pleasant and soothing during this month. With moderate temperatures, this is the month when people start their pilgrimage and visitors start pouring in. Although this season is also very unpredictable.

June:

Maximum temperature: 20.4 degree Celsius
Minimum temperature: 9.6 degree Celsius

With average temperature touching 15 degree Celsius this month experiences a comfortable weather condition.

July:

Maximum temperature: 19.1 degree Celsius
Minimum temperature: 10.8 degree Celsius

This is the monsoon and rainy season in Badrinath where the rains bring down the temperature substantially and making the average temperature at a comfortable 10 to 12 degree Celsius.

August:

Maximum temperature: 18.6 degree Celsius
Minimum temperature: 10.8 degree Celsius

The rainy season continues till the next month making it extremely unpredictable and difficult for the pilgrims to plan a dry trip. Although woolens and raincoats should be kept handy at all times.

September:

Maximum temperature: 17.1 degree Celsius
Minimum temperature: 8.1 degree Celsius

Badrinath experiences heavy to light rainfall during this month which also brings down the temperature simultaneously.

October:

Maximum temperature: 13.7 degree Celsius
Minimum temperature: 3 degree Celsius

The rainfall goes down to being scanty during this month making it relatively comfortable for the visitors and pilgrims to access the temple.

November:

Maximum temperature: 9.7 degree Celsius
Minimum temperature: -0.6 degree Celsius

This is the month where the temperature starts going sub-zero and extreme weather conditions are kick-started. The temple shuts down during the third week of November.

December:

Maximum temperature: 6.5 degree Celsius
Minimum temperature: -3.4 degree Celsius

The cold winter seasons turn into an extremely chilly season complete with snowfalls, during this month.

Badrinath: Abode of Lord Vishnu

Badrinath is one of the four sites of the famous ‘Char Dham Yatra’. It is located in the Chamoli district in Uttarakhand. This pilgrimage centre is in the Garhwal hills and lies on the banks of the Alaknanda River at an elevation of 3133m above sea level. Adi Shankara established Badrinath in the ninth century. Thousands of pilgrims complete the famous Badrinath Yatra, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is mentioned as a holy and sacred place in the ancient sculptures.

Integral Part of Char Dham Yatra

According to Indian mythology, every Hindu should perform the Char Dham Yatra in order to gain spiritual bliss. The four Dhams in this yatra are Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. Badrinath, being an integral part of Char Dham Yatra, receives innumerable visitors every year. Tourists and pilgrims can avail pilgrimage tours to Badrinath to visit the holy and divine temples of the region.

Badrinath Temples

Badrinath Temples

There are five temples in Badrinath that are collectively known as panch badris or five badris. Badrinarayan temple, commonly known as Badrinath temple is the main attraction of the town. The temple is considered as one of the most holy temples in India. The temple consists of a meter tall statue of Lord Vishnu, which is considered as one of the eight self-manifested statues of Vishnu. Other four temples of the region are –

Yogadhyan Badri: This temple is located close to the main temple.

Bhavishya Badri: The Bhavishya or future badri is located at Subain near Tapovan, which is almost 17 km east of Joshimath.

Bridha Badri: The bridha or old badri is 7 kms before Joshimath and is located on the Rishikesh-Badrinath motor road at Animath.

Adi Badri: This temple is located very far away from the other four temples. One can reach it from Karnaprayag by road.

Places to See:

Mana Village

Popular for being the last village of India and Tibet and at a distance of 3 kms from the main temple of Badrinath. Located in the district of Chamoli this scenic village of Mana. Known for its picturesque beauty and a colorful past the village of Mana is a great way of relaxing after a hectic day at the temple.

Tapt Kund

This is a naturally occurring thermal hot water spring where the pilgrims are expected to take a holy dip before advancing towards the temple. The Kund is believed to hold medicinal properties and can cure anyone taking a dip in it from their mental as well as physical ailments.

Charan Paduka

Located at just a distance of 3 km from Badrinath Dham this is the place where Lord Vishnu is believed to have set foot first during his descent on earth. This place is marked by a small shrine made entirely out of stones and inside it contains the foot prints of the lord. Apart from the spiritual value the view from up here is breathtaking.

Bheem Pul

This is an iconic rock bridge which has a rich history and it dates back to the time of the Pandavas and when they were on their quest to heaven. With gushing and fast flowing river below, the Pul works as a bridge in closing in the gap between two points. Named after the strongest of the Pandava brothers Bheem he had said to have moved this piece of rock in order to enable Draupadi to cross over.

How to Reach

You can reach Badrinath by air, road, or rail as per your convenience and comfort. The nearest airport for people embarking on the Badrinath Yatra is the Jolly Grant airport near Dehradun and Delhi airport. The nearest railway stations are Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Kotdwar. One can also reach Badrinath through buses starting from New Delhi, Rishikesh, and Haridwar. Various travel agencies offer Badrinath tour packages that help the visitors choose from the above-mentioned options of transportation.

Badrinath Dham Yatra by helicopter:

Your Yatra for Badrinath Dham will commence from the Sahastradhara airport at Dehradun for which you are required to wake up early and reach on time. After covering an hour journey in the helicopter you will be arriving at Badrinath airport. From here your company’s taxi or cab will transfer you to the main Badrinath temple where you will be taking a VIP puja Darshan whose price will be included in your helicopter package. These options for travelling to Badrinath Dham are highly recommended for people suffering from physical ailments or are at a shortage of time.

Eating Options:

There is a number of food stall and eateries available all along the length of the Dham. You will not have any dearth of food to eat here. The small eating joints here offer cuisines from north India and Chinese like Noodles, Dal, Chawal, Rajma etc. there are also a number of tea stalls available here that will quench your tea cravings. You also have the option of savoring on some delicious Pahadi delicacies as well.

Accommodation:

There is a range of low budget hotels, camps, and tents option present in the vicinity of Badrinath Dham. There is a guesthouse from GMVN also which cater to the needs of the budget traveler. Another popular accommodation facility available throughout Badrinath Dham is the option for homestay which can be availed if you are not travelling in a large group.

Pilgrimage Tours

The pilgrimage tour to Badrinath is among the important and respected holy places in Hinduism. Thousands of tourists and pilgrims visit the holy temples of Badrinath from all around the globe. One can avail the various Badrinath tour packages offered by various travel agencies. You can book these Badrinath trip packages through a travel agent or directly by visiting the website. The options when it comes to choosing Badrinath tours and travel packages are immense, and cater to all the needs and requirements of tourists and pilgrims of all ages.

You can add more destinations around Chamoli district in Badrinath package. The surrounding hilly area of the region is known for its scenic beauty. This sacred place is a must visit for all Hindus and lovers of Indian mythology.