badrinath uttarakhand
CategoriesChar-Dhams By garhwalitraveller

Badrinath Temple Complete Travel Guide

History

In the 9th century, the holy town of Badrinath was re-established by Adi Guru Shankaracharya. In the olden days, pilgrims used to walk hundreds of miles to pray in the Badrinath Temple. During the 1st world War, there were only a few huts, where temple staff lived.

Architecture of Badrinath

The facing side of the temple is made up of stone and has arched windows. To enter the Badrinath temple you have to climb up the front stairs of the temple which starts from Tapt Kund(Hot water spring). Tapt Kund is a holy water source, it is believed that the water comes from the feet of Bhagwan Badri Vishal. These stairs are the main entrance of the Temple. But today as I’m talking about this year the Uttarakhand government is redesigning the temple corridor and now the whole area design is changed.

The temple is approximately 50 feet tall, and the roof of the Badrinath temple is covered with a gold gilded roof. Inside the temple, one can see the meditative posture of Lord Vishnu.

Mythology about Badrinath

There are two stories about Badrinath, the first one states that as per the Vamana Purana the two sages Nar & Narayana performed their penance here & Bhakt Narada was able to attain salvation.

The other story tells that Lord Vishnu in his childhood avatar came near the Neelkanth Parvat. At that time, they were searching for a peaceful place for meditation. While searching for the place, they fell in love with the site near the Alaknanda River. After that, they lived there for meditation and after that, the place was named Badri Vishal.

Badrinath is one of the most popular religious places in Uttarakhand and all over India. Badrinath is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand state in India. The Badrinath town is situated in between Nar & Narayana mountains and in the shadow of the Neelkantha Peak. Bheem Pul and Vasudhara are also located near Badrinath they are also awesome places for travel and peace.

The origin of river Alaknanda

There is another great legendary tale, which is associated with Badrinath. Legends say that the holiest and curse reliever, the river the Ganga had granted the request of Bhgiratha for relieving humanity from curse sufferings. While ascending to earth, the intensity of the Ganga could immerse the earth under its water flow. To release the earth from the such force, Lord Shiva bore her onto his tresses and ultimately, the river Ganga got divided into twelve holy rivers and river Alaknanda was one of them.

Travel Guide Badrinath – How to reach Badrinath

If you are an individual and wanna travel alone to Badrinath Dham, then it’s not a big task to travel there. Badrinath is located at the roadside and the only thing you need to know is how to reach Badrinath. So here is the travel guide to Badrinath so that you can reach it easily.

Book Hotel in Badrinath

Start Day 0: Reach Rishikesh, Haridwar, or Dehradun

As you know that Badrinath is located in Uttarakhand, so you need to reach the state first. If you are traveling by train you can only reach Rishikesh, Haridwar and Dehradun. Because after these stations there is no facility for trains. The nearest railway station to Badrinath is Rishikesh. After that, you have to travel by road by bus services and other vehicles.

If you want to travel by flight, firstly you need to travel to the Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun, and then you have to book a Helicopter service which will drop you at the Gaucher Airport. The ticket price from Dehradun to Gauchar is approx 5000 rupees. If you want to travel via road, you will have to take a Bus from Rishikesh, Haridwar and Dehradun. If you live in Delhi, you can pick up the Bus from Kashmiri Gate Bus Stand, Delhi to Karanprayag or Joshimath Chamoli.

Day 1: There are lots of Bus services and van services you can find at Rishikesh Bus Stand which operates to Badrinath. If you are a bike rider, you can also take bikes for rent from Rishikesh, which can make your journey more enjoyable. The route via road is about 295 Km from Rishikesh to Badrinath, and it takes approx 10 hours traveling time.

Route to Badrinath

Rishikesh – Devprayag – Srinagar – Rudraprayag – Karanprayag – Chamoli – Joshimath – Badrinath

Note: Due to 4 lane highway project work you can face travel delays of some hours but don’t worry you can stay in the above-discussed destinations like Srinagar which is also a big town of Uttarakhand, Rudraprayag, Gauchar, Karanprayag, Chamoli and then in Joshimath.

Day 2: When you reach Badrinath the next morning, wake up early and attend the morning aarti at the temple. It can take up to 2- 3 hours for Darshan because of the long queue of people. After that visit the nearest locations like Bhim Pul, Vasudhara Falls and then Mana village which is just 3 Km away from Badrinath. Mana is the last Indian village at the Indo – China border. You can also visit destinations such as Auli in Joshimath and the Valley of Flowers.

Day 3: After spending time at different places, you can return to your home via taxi service or bus service. Hope your journey will be great.

Activities you can do in Badrinath

As you visited all the nearby places, the extra activities you can do in Badrinath are:

Trekking: There are many treks that start from Badrinath such as Satopanth Trek, Mana Pass Trek and Charanpaduka Treks.

Village Tourism: Mana village, which is just only 3 Km away from Badrinath, is also known as the last Indian village. There is a very famous tea shop named “Antim Chai ki Dukaan”. Mana village is basically a village of Bhotias there are many shops there from where you can buy the famous spice “Faran” and handmade woolen sweaters, mufflers, and socks.

The basic clothing culture of the people who live there is “Pakhlu”. The peoples from Mana village sells their sweaters, spices(Faran mostly), woolen caps, woolen socks and other items in the different fairs like Gauchar Mela which is held in the month of November.

“Tapt Kund” is a natural hot spring that attracts people. The hot spring always remains as hot on Summer days as well as on Winter days. In winter, all the Badrinath and the nearby villages get covered with snow. There are some more locations such as Charanpaduka, Bheem Pul, Ganesha Cave, Panch Dharasand, Panch Shillas, Vyas Cave and Narad Kund.

Travel Tips for Badrinath

At an altitude of 3000 meters from sea level, the weather in Badrinath remains the same. It doesn’t matter in which month you are visiting, they always carry warm clothes together.

Please respect the holy place, and don’t carry alcohol and non-vegetarian food items.

Photography is prohibited inside the temple but is allowed outside and in other nearby places.

Traveling during the monsoon season is a little risky and the risk of landslides and road blockage is common at that time.

Highlights about Badrinath

Badrinath is one of the Panch Badris.

It is a part of the Char Dhams of Uttarakhand and India.

It is also known as Badrinarayan temple, which is one of the 108 Divya Dreams.

Badrinath Overview

  • Temperature: 11(Max) and 3(Min)
  • Location: Chamoli Garhwal
  • Stay(Recommended): 2 Days
  • Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh, 295 Km
  • Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, 314 Km
  • Famous Locations: Badrinath Temple, Bheem Pul, Vasudhara Falls, Char Dham Yatra
  • Best times to Visit: May, June, September and October

Frequently asked questions

What is the significance of Badrinath Temple?

Badrinath Temple is one of the four sacred shrines of Hinduism, known as Char Dham. It is believed that visiting Badrinath Temple and taking a dip in the Tapt Kund can wash away one’s sins and grant them salvation.

What is the best time to visit Badrinath Temple?

The Badrinath Temple is open for visitors from April to November. However, the best time to visit is between May and June and then from September to October when the weather is pleasant, and the temple is less crowded.

Can non-Hindus visit Badrinath Temple?

Yes, non-Hindus can visit Badrinath Temple, but they are not allowed to enter the sanctum sanctorum. They can visit other parts of the temple complex and witness the aarti and other rituals.

How do I reach Badrinath Temple?

Badrinath Temple is located in Uttarakhand, India. The nearest airport is in Dehradun, and the nearest railway station is in Rishikesh. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Badrinath. The last 3 km stretch needs to be covered on foot or by a pony.

CategoriesChar Dham By garhwalitraveller

Yamunotri Temple Travel Guide 2022

Yamunotri – The Origin of Yamuna

Yamunotri, the origin of Yamuna river originates from the Yamunotri glacier, it is one of the Char Dham of Uttarakhand. Yamunotri is located at a height of 3293 meters(12,972 ft) above sea level in the Uttarkashi district. It is surrounded by mountains all around and lies close to the Indo – China border.

Bandarpunch mountain is on the northern side of Yamunotri which is at a height of 6315 meters. Yamunotri is 236 Km away from Rishikesh, 238 Km from Dehradun and 176 Km from Chamba.

Mythology and History about Yamunotri

Ancient legends said that once upon a time Asit Muni had his hermitage there, All his life, he bathed in Ganga and Yamuna daily. During his old age, they were unable to go to Gangotri. After that, the steam of the Ganges appeared opposite Yamunotri for him. The temple generally opens on the auspicious day of Akshay Tritiya which falls during the last week of April month.

How to reach the Yamunotri Travel route?

The trek to Yamunotri temple is a full-day journey, with a walk of 6 Km from Hanuman Chatti and 4 Km from Janki Chatti. The trek is dominated by dense forests and peaks. You can take horses and ponies at rent to make your trek easier. The climate of Yamunotri is so harsh, so it is prefered to carry heavy or light woollens together whenever travelling to Yamunotri.

Yamunotri Overview

  • Temperature: 9(Max) and 3(Min)
  • Location: Uttarkashi, Garhwal
  • Stay(Recommended): 1 Day
  • Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun(186 Km)
  • Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
  • Famous for: Yamunotri Temple, Char Dham and Treks
  • Best time to visit: May, June, September, October and November
CategoriesTop-Destinations Temples Treks By garhwalitraveller

Kartik Swami Temple Travel Guide

Kartik Swami Temple History

The old legends said that once Lord Shiva told their sons Lord Ganesh and Lord Kartik one of them will get married first whoever comes first after taking the whole round of the earth(Universe). Lord Kartik Started his journey but Ganesh showed his intelligence and they rounded off around his mother Parvati and Father Shiva by saying that father and mother are the whole universes and I have completed the round.

Shiva was impressed by the intelligence of his son Ganesh and gave the privilege to be worshipped first. After completing the whole round of the Universe when Lord Kartik returns they get angry, lord Shiva tells all the story and says that talk to your mother because she has given advice to Ganesh that father and mother are the Universe for all.

Parvati gave him the knowledge before and not to you. After that Lord Kartik gave the flesh(skin) to the mother Parvati and bones to his father Shiva. In the Kartik Swami temple, bones of Lord Kartikeya(Kartik) are shown in an idol. So this was the complete story of Kartik Swami. Let’s know more about the holy Kartikswami temple.

About Lord Kartikey

Kartik Swami, is also known as the lord of War and Victory. They are also known as Morgan(Murugan) Swami(In Tamil Nadu) and in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, they are known as Subramanya and Kartikeya in the Bengal region.

Lord Kartik is also known as Lord Murugan, Skanda, Kumara, Subramanya, Kartikeyan, Karthik, Kartik in various regions of India and in the world. Kartikeya is particularly popular and predominantly worshipped in South India and also in other countries like Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Bangkok. Malaysia as Morgan God.

Kartik Swami Temple in Rudraprayag

The Kartik Swami Temple is located in the Rudraprayag district, at 3050 meters from sea level, and is located on a marble-type rock that is naturally built. From the temple, you can see a 360-degree view of the Himalayan Range(Himalayas). This place offers both views of snow peaks and the lower Himalayas.

Kartik Swami Temple Location and How to Reach

Kartikswami temple is dedicated to the elder son of Lord Shiva, who was Lord Kartik. Kartik Swami is located in the Rudraprayag District of Uttarakhand. The trek to Kartikswami starts from Kanakchauri Village and offers 360-degree views of the Himalayas(snow peaks and lower Himalayas).

Start your journey from Rishikesh to Rudraprayag, then to Kartikswami.

Read the complete guide on how to reach Kartik Swami Temple.

Places to See in Kartik Swami

There are not many more places to see in Kartik Swami, but there is 1 tourist spot in Kartik Swami where travelers and visitors can spend their time and enjoy there. Here you will find the list of places of all Kartik Swami sightseeing options which you must visit. Explore the hidden Gems of Kartik Swami through this well-researched list, and learn about the most happening places, there are many picnic places and Ashrams where you can enjoy your time.

Kanakchauri

Kanakchauri is a small village located on the Karanprayag – Pokhari road, which is approximately 41.8 Km away. The distance will be covered approximately within 1 hour and 30 to 35 minutes. Kanakchauri is the starting point for the trek to Kartik Swami Temple. If you are planning to visit Kartik Swami then there are some best hotels in Kanakchauri where you can stay at budget prices.

Kartik Swami Overview

  • Best time to visit Kartik Swami – January, February, March, April, May June, October, November and December
  • Journey Starts from – Kanakchauri Village
  • Trek Distance – 3 Km
  • Trek Grade –  Easy for Pahadi and Medium for Others
  • Trek Duration – Same day
  • Altitude Range – 3050 meters
  • Location – Rudraprayag(Garhwal)
  • Recommended Stay – 1 day at least
  • Railway Station Nearest – Rishikesh(175Km)
  • Nearest Airport – Gauchar(40 Km), Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun(222 Km)
  • Famous for – Kartikswami Temple, Trekking, Nature Beauty, Bird Watching, Sunset, Sunrise, Himalayan Views.
CategoriesChar-Dhams Top-Destinations Treks By garhwalitraveller

Kedarnath Trek Travel Guide and How to Reach

Kedarnath – Shiv Temple at Kailasha

Kedarnath is one of the holy Hindu towns located in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. The original temple was constructed by the Pandavas, and then it was later renovated by the Adi Guru Shankracharya in the 8th century. It is one of the char dham of Uttarakhand which is at an altitude of 3584 meters above sea level in the Himalaya(Kailash) near the head of the Mandakini river. The Kedarnath lies in between the snow-covered Himalayan ranges and thousands of tourists visit here.

Due to heavy snowfall in winter, the temple remains open for a few months from last April to November. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Baba Kedar or Lord Shiva. In Kedarnath, there are more than 200 shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Mythology and History about Kedarnath Temple

There is a very famous mythology by Hindus related to the origin of the Kedarnath, which states that after the war of the Kurukchetra(final war of Mahabharata), Pandavas went for an anonymous journey to beg for mercy from Lord Shiva advised by Lord Krishna. So before seeking salvation, Pandavas went to Kashi to meet Lord Shiva.

But Lord Shiva wasn’t willing to meet the Pandavas. Shiva avoided meeting Pandavs at Kashi and took the form of Bull(Nandi) and went away to the Himalayas.

Pandavas went behind Lord Shiva to chase Shiva and they reached Kedarnath where Bhima tried to catch it and hit its hind part with his mace. The bull(Nandi) is immersed in the earth. The parts of the bull appeared in different places. It is believed that the Hind part of the bull was caught by the Bhim from which a Jyotirlinga and Lord Shiva appeared in front of Pandavas. After taking the blessings of Lord Shiva, they told Pandavas from now onwards I will be present here as a triangular-shaped Jyotirlinga, which is now the Kedarnath temple.

The other four parts of the bull(Nandi), Lord Shiva fell at Rudranath, Madhmaheshwar, Tungnath and Kalpeshwar and these places were named Panch Kedar.

Travel Guide for Your Journey to Kedarnath

If you are a known traveler who doesn’t know about the routes of Kedarnath here is the complete travel guide for your journey to Kedarnath. Haridwar is the starting point to begin your Char Dham Yatra.

Read our travel guide on how to reach Kedarnath from Haridwar to get a complete idea to complete your Kedarnath journey.

How to reach Kedarnath – Rishikesh or Delhi

As you know that the Kedarnath temple is located in the Rudraprayag district, so firstly you have to reach Rudraprayag and then start your journey from there. There are also many other places in Rudraprayag you can also visit after completing your Kedarnath yatra.

Firstly, Reach Rishikesh

Rishikesh is the starting point of the Himalayas and it is one of the famous cities of Uttarakhand. The city is well-connected with all the inner-state and national bus routes and also with the Train routes. If you are coming via flight then Jolly grant airport Dehradun is just 20 Km away from Rishikesh and it takes 35 to 40 minutes only. Always try to travel at night so that you can reach Rishikesh in the early morning and start your road journey to Kedarnath.

Rishikesh to Sonprayag or Gaurikund

From Rishikesh Bus Stand, you can catch public transport like Tata Sumo and Buses to Sonprayag. It is harder to find direct buses to Sonprayag so try to catch them for Guptkashi. From there you will find public transport to Sonprayag and Gaurikund easily. However, you can also get a bus to Rudraprayag and then Rudraprayag to Guptkashi. After that, you can complete your journey to Sonprayag with a shareable Maxx or Tata sumo. Below is the road route from Rishikesh to Sonprayag. You can hire a taxi for your destination.

Route from Rishikesh to Sonprayag – Kedarnath

Rishikesh – Devprayag – Srinagar – Rudraprayag – Augustmuni – Guptkashi – Sonprayag

Bio – Metric Registration at Sonprayag

As instructed by the Uttarakhand Government, it is compulsory for every traveller to do biometric registration at Sonprayag. The biometric registration facility is also available online on the Uttarakhand tourism website. For registration, you have to carry your Aadhaar Card together.

Facilities for tourists at Sonprayag

Biometric registration for travellers and pilgrimages for Kedarnath Dham Yatra and Char Dham Yatra. Accommodation facilities are there from budget to deluxe restaurants and hotels in Sonprayag. Parking facilities are also available at Sonprayag for all types of vehicles near the bank of river Mandakini. Shuttle service to Gaurikund which are shareable jeeps and Tata sumos.

Keep in mind that Sonprayag is the last point for all commercial and non-commercial vehicles. You can’t travel further by personal vehicle or public transport.

A huge parking facility is there for all kinds of vehicles in Sonprayag. You have to complete the further 5 Km journey from the shuttle service between Sonprayag and Gaurikund which costs 50 rupees per person.

After reaching Gaurikund, ask for the rooms from the hotel owners. The least amount of rooms in the month of May and June is basically 500 and varies on the season.

Journey from Gaurikund to Kedarnath(18 Km, 6 – 7 Hours Journey)

The trek journey to Kedarnath starts from Gaurikund which is approximately 18 Km and takes up to 7 hours to complete. You can also take ponies, horses or dandi at rent to complete your journey.

Trekking tips for the journey to Kedarnath trek

  • Try to start your trek journey in the early morning to avoid the hard sunlight at noon. So it’s better to leave the rooms early to complete most of the trek before the sun’s rays become harsher.
  • Don’t try to travel empty stomach, it can make your journey harder and you will feel sick in between the journey.
  • Carry raincoats and umbrellas because the weather in Kedar Valley is so changing. So carry an umbrella or raincoats together on the journey.
  • Walk with good grip shoes as the route is slippery, and don’t carry unwanted things. It will make your bag heavier and your speed will slow down and it will be harder to complete.
  • Carry water bottles together, but don’t throw the waste anywhere around, put them into your bag or there are dustbins at some places that use them. Make sure you don’t spoil nature, save it for the next generations.
  • Keep your focus on the trekking route so that ponies and horses coming down from Kedarnath don’t hit you.

For what Kedarnath is Famous for?

Kedarnath is famous for Kedarnath Temple, Trekking, Char Dham Yatra, Himalaya(Kailash) and Pilgrimage.

Kedarnath is the best destination for travellers, photographers, family and kids, Groups and for all.

Kedarnath is famous for the following activities: Char Dham Yatra, Kedarnath Temple, Panch Kedar and Trekking.

Overview Kedarnath

  • Temperature: Cold area(changing temp. can’t be defined, fixed)
  • Location: Rudraprayag, Garhwal
  • Stay(Recommended): 2 days
  • Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh, 228 Km
  • Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun(248 Km)
  • Famous for: Kedarnath Temple, Char Dham Yatra, Trekking, Himalayas, Pilgrimage, Photography
  • Best times to visit Kedarnath: May, June, September, October and November

FAQs

Time is taken to reach Kedarnath?

It will take up to 7 hours to complete the route, so it is advised to start your journey in the early morning so that you can reach the destination early. There are a number of hotels and restaurants for accommodation, search for the rooms. For photographers, Kedar Valley is a paradise for them, you can click photos around the temple and around the valley.

Best time to Visit Kedarnath

The best time to visit Kedarnath is from September to November when the season becomes a little down, so you wouldn’t have to face more crowds. In the months of July and August, heavy rainfall happens in the Kedar Valley and the risk of road blockage and landslides becomes more. It is advised to travel in the month of September and October so that you can get instant Darshan and you don’t need to stay in long queues, and you will be able to find budget hotels at that time.

How long does it take to climb Kedarnath?

The approximate time it takes to climb the Kedarnath trek is almost 6 to 7 hours. But the time took also depends upon you. If you are an experienced person, you can cover the Kedarnath trek within 5 to 6 hours. For pahadi people, the trek will be easy to climb.

How difficult is the Kedarnath Trek or Yatra?

The trek to Kedarnath is difficult, but not so. If you are a newbie to the mountains, it will be very hard for you to complete the trek. But if you are a person who does exercise on a regular basis, then you will not face any big difficulty to climb up.

Can we go to Kedarnath by car?

No, you can go to Kedarnath by car only up to Gauri Kund which is the last road station. After Gaurikund you have to complete the journey by foot.

How can I go to Kedarnath by train?

The train route is available only up to Rishikesh, after that you have to travel by car, bus or shared vehicle.

CategoriesTop-Destinations Hill-Station By garhwalitraveller

Chopta Valley – Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand

Chopta Hill Station Travel Guide

Chopta in Uttarakhand, which is also known as the “Mini Switzerland” of Uttarakhand, is located in the Rudraprayag District of Uttarakhand State. Chopta Hill station is located at an altitude of 2700 meters from sea level. If you are in Rudraprayag and want to visit the places near Rudraprayag and Chopta can be the dream destination for you.

Chopta is surrounded by dense green forest and offers a beautiful view of Snow Covered Himalayan Ranges and Green Meadows.

It is also the starting point of the Tungnath Mandir(also known as Panch Kedar Temple) and Chandrashila Summit. The Chopta region area is rich in flora and fauna, with a large quantity of Rhododendron and Deodar trees all around. If you are planning a Chopta Tour then below is the list of activities and places to visit in Chopta, Uttarakhand.

Best Places to See in Chopta

Chopta is a very beautiful hill station and a superb trekking destination in the Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand which is surrounded by evergreen forests with the views of Himalayan Ranges. Chopta not only attracts Indian tourists but also International tourists and trekkers all around the year. Chopta is the base of many trekking destinations like Tungnath, Chandrashilla, etc. Chopta can be the perfect winter destination for you and your family as well as with the friend groups where you can enjoy the beautiful nature and cotton snow.

For nature lovers and trekking lovers, Chopta is a must visiting destination in Uttarakhand. Apart from Chopta you can visit various places and make your journey more enjoyable. There are more destinations to explore from Chopta such as the Himalayan Ranges and other natural beauty of Uttarakhand. There are many more beautiful and historical places in Uttarakhand to explore. From Temples to hill stations and the beauty of the lakes in Uttarakhand like Deoriatal lake, Tehri Lake, and many more.

Chopta The Center of Panch Kedar

Chopta is the centre of all Panch Kedars(Shiva Temples) two on the left side (Kedarnath and Madmaheshwar) and two on the other right side(Rudranath and Kalpeshwar Mahadev) and one on the top of Chopta which is Tungnath. Tungnath is the highest Shiva Temple in the world. The positive energy at this place is unmatched, visit here and feel the energy. Uttarakhand Heaven.

Nearby Places to Visit in Chopta

Tungnath Temple

Tungnath is the highest temple of Lord Shiva, perched at an elevation of 3,680mts above sea level. The sanctity of the region of Tungnath is considered unsurpassed. Tungnath is one of Panch Kedar and Shiva’s arm is worshipped here.

Chandrashilla

Chandrashila can be reached after a little more than 1 km easy grade trek from Tungnath. From Chandrashila one can enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of the gigantic Himalayas. Chandrashila is the highest point of the mountain, on which Tungnath Temple and Chopta are located.

Reasons to Visit Chopta Hill Station

Off Beat Tour

Perfect Weekend Destination amidst the Beautiful Himalayan Ranges of Uttarakhand.

Easy Route

Chopta is an easily accessible place via road from Delhi, Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun.

In Budget Destination

Being a scheduled destination, it is a budget-friendly destination.

Nature Beauty

Chopta is filled with Green Meadows and surrounded by the mighty Himalayan Ranges.