Joshimath — officially renamed Jyotirmath — clings to a steep slope at around 1,900 metres above the meeting of the Alaknanda and Dhauliganga. It is one of the four monastic seats said to have been founded by Adi Shankaracharya in the eighth century, the winter home of the Badrinath deity, an army town and the commercial hub of upper Chamoli. For trekkers it is the natural last night in a proper bed before the Valley of Flowers.
In early 2023 the town made headlines when land subsidence cracked hundreds of buildings and roads; some structures were declared unsafe and demolished, and families were relocated. Much of the town continues to function and receive visitors, but the situation is being monitored. Check current conditions, and whether your chosen hotel is operating, before you book.
What to see and do at Joshimath (Jyotirmath)
Narsingh temple
The town’s most important shrine houses an image of Vishnu’s man-lion incarnation, and it is here that the Badrinath deity is worshipped in winter when the high temple is snowbound. The rebuilt stone temple stands in the lower bazaar.
Shankaracharya math and the Kalpavriksha
Above the bazaar are the monastery associated with Adi Shankaracharya, the cave where he is said to have meditated and an ancient mulberry tree, the Kalpavriksha, revered as many centuries old.
Go up to Auli
Auli, with its meadows and mountain panorama, lies above the town by road. The long cable car that linked the two was suspended after the 2023 subsidence — ask locally whether it has reopened.
Stock up
This is the last place with dependable ATMs, pharmacies and shops selling rain ponchos, walking sticks and warm layers. Buy what you have forgotten here.
How to get to Joshimath (Jyotirmath)
- By road from Rishikesh: about 250–255 km, typically nine to eleven hours with stops, via Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Chamoli and Pipalkoti.
- By bus: state and private buses leave Rishikesh and Haridwar in the early morning for Joshimath and Badrinath. Shared jeeps run in stages between the towns along the way.
- Onward: Govindghat is about 20 km further, Badrinath about 45 km, Auli around 13–16 km by road.
Practical tips
- Arrive in daylight. The highway is slow and landslide-prone in the monsoon, and driving after dark is discouraged and sometimes restricted.
- Withdraw enough cash here for Ghangaria and for mules, porters and tips.
- If Joshimath is full or you would rather avoid it, Pipalkoti (about 35 km before) is the usual alternative overnight stop.
- A night at this altitude also helps you acclimatise before sleeping at Ghangaria.
Best treks & tours for Joshimath (Jyotirmath)
These packages are the easiest way to see Joshimath (Jyotirmath) with a guide, transport and lodging sorted:
Private guided trek from US$498 Rishikesh: 5-Day Valley of Flowers Trek with Private Guide
The most complete Valley of Flowers package we found on GetYourGuide: five days from Rishikesh with a private guide, the drive up the pilgrim highway, the walk in to Ghangaria and a day among the flowers. The listing is new and has no reviews yet, so read the day-by-day plan and what is included before you book.
- The drive up the Alaknanda past Devprayag and Joshimath
- Trek from Govindghat to Ghangaria with a private guide
- A full day inside the Valley of Flowers National Park
Village stay & treks from US$244 Urgam Valley: An Offbeat Himalayan Tour with Yoga & Treks
Five slow days in the Urgam Valley, a terraced side valley a short drive below Joshimath. It is the opposite of the crowded pilgrim trail: village homes, gentle walks and yoga. A good add-on before or after the Valley of Flowers if you have a week or more in Chamoli. No reviews yet.
- A quiet side valley off the Badrinath road below Joshimath
- Village life, yoga and easy treks
- Home of the Kalpeshwar temple, one of the Panch Kedar
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
