Badrinath lies at roughly 3,100 metres on the bank of the Alaknanda, between the Nar and Narayan ranges and beneath the snow pyramid of Neelkanth. Its temple to Vishnu is one of the Char Dham — the four great pilgrimage sites of the Garhwal Himalaya — and also one of the four all-India dhams established, by tradition, by Adi Shankaracharya. The highway from Govindghat reaches it in about 25 km.
Because it is so close to the trailhead, Badrinath is the most popular add-on to a Valley of Flowers trek: half a day is enough to see the temple, and a full day adds Mana village.
What to see and do at Badrinath
Have darshan at the temple
The temple’s painted facade, more like a Himalayan monastery than a typical North Indian shrine, opens onto a courtyard above the river. Queues can be long in May, June and September; early morning and late evening are calmer.
Bathe at Tapt Kund
Just below the temple a natural hot spring feeds a bathing tank where pilgrims wash before worship. The water is properly hot — a pleasure in the cold mountain air.
Look up at Neelkanth
On a clear dawn the peak of Neelkanth, about 6,600 metres high, turns gold above the town. Like every mountain view here in the monsoon, it takes luck.
Continue to Mana
Three kilometres on, Mana offers a rock bridge, sacred caves and a walk towards Vasudhara Falls.
How to get to Badrinath
- From Govindghat: about 25 km, around an hour by taxi, jeep or bus.
- From Joshimath: about 45 km, one and a half to two hours.
- Season: the temple usually opens in late April or May and closes in November; dates are set each year by the temple committee.
- Registration: Char Dham pilgrims have been required to register in advance in recent seasons. Check the current rule.
Practical tips
- It is higher than Ghangaria and cold in the evening — do it after the trek, when you are acclimatised, rather than before.
- Photography is not allowed inside the sanctum.
- The road beyond Joshimath is prone to landslides at places such as Lambagad. Keep some slack in your schedule.
Best treks & tours for Badrinath
These packages are the easiest way to see Badrinath with a guide, transport and lodging sorted:
Guided pilgrimage tour from US$830 From Delhi: Chardham Yatra with Transport and Tour Guide
The full Char Dham circuit of Uttarakhand in ten days. The Badrinath leg uses the same highway as the Valley of Flowers trek, passing Joshimath and Govindghat, so it suits pilgrims who would like to see where the trail to Hemkund Sahib and the valley begins. No reviews yet.
- Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath
- Transport and a tour guide throughout
- Passes Joshimath and Govindghat on the Badrinath road
Pilgrimage package from US$239 From Delhi: Char Dham Yatra Package with Accommodation
A budget-priced Char Dham package from Delhi. GetYourGuide lists it at six days, which is extremely quick for four mountain shrines — ask the operator exactly how the days run and how the Kedarnath trek is handled before committing. No reviews yet.
- The four temples of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath
- Accommodation included
- The lowest listed price of the Char Dham options
Guided trek & pilgrimage from US$1800 From Delhi: Kedarnath & Valley of Flowers 9-Day Trek
A long Garhwal journey from Delhi that pairs the pilgrimage trek to Kedarnath with the Valley of Flowers — two of the great walks of Uttarakhand in one trip. It is the most expensive option here and the listing has no reviews yet, so confirm group size, lodging and what the price covers.
- The trek to the Kedarnath temple
- The Valley of Flowers National Park
- Round trip from Delhi through Garhwal
