How To Reach Badrinath

Badrinath Temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India, and a part of both the Bada Char Dham and Chota Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this sacred temple attracts thousands of devotees every year who come to seek blessings. Surrounded by the beautiful Himalayan mountains and rich in mythological stories, Badrinath is a spiritual and scenic destination. However, due to its high-altitude location in the mountains, reaching Badrinath is not very easy and requires proper planning and effort.

Badrinath Location

Badrinath Dham is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, nestled at an altitude of 3,300 meters (10,827 feet) above sea level. The temple is uniquely positioned between the Nar and Narayan mountain ranges, adding to its mystical aura and offering stunning panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayas. While the location is truly picturesque, its high-altitude terrain in the Garhwal Himalayas makes Badrinath Dham journey to Badrinath both thrilling and challenging.

Due to its remote and mountainous setting, visiting Badrinath requires thoughtful planning and awareness of available travel options. Below is a complete travel guide on how to reach Badrinath by road, train, and air along with tips for a safe and comfortable pilgrimage.

How to reach Badrinath by Road

Badrinath Temple is well connected by road and can be reached by motorable routes from major towns in Uttarakhand. To begin your road journey to Badrinath, you first need to reach Haridwar or Rishikesh, which are the nearest major transit hubs and also serve as popular starting points for the Chota Char Dham Yatra.

From Rishikesh or Haridwar, there are multiple transport options available, including private cabs, shared taxis, and government or private buses. During the peak pilgrimage season (May to June and September to October), these transport services operate frequently. However, due to heavy rush during these months, it is highly advisable to book your transportation in advance for a smoother and more comfortable journey. The road journey from Rishikesh or Haridwar to Badrinath takes approximately 9 to 10 hours, covering scenic landscapes filled with valleys, rivers, and snow-capped mountain views. Whether you are traveling by public transport or driving your own vehicle, here is the route map from Rishikesh/Haridwar to Badrinath that pilgrims can follow for an easier journey.

Rishikesh / Haridwar → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Karnaprayag → Gopeshwar → Pipalkoti → Joshimath → Hanuman Chatti → Badrinath

How to reach Badrinath by Train

Badrinath does not have its own railway station due to its high-altitude Himalayan location. Therefore, pilgrims cannot reach the Badrinath temple directly by train. The nearest major railway stations to Badrinath are Haridwar (approx. 313 km) and Rishikesh (approx. 286 km). Both stations are well-connected to major cities across, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Varanasi, and Ahmedabad via regular express and superfast trains.

Once you arrive at Haridwar or Rishikesh, you must continue your journey by road. The road journey from these towns to Badrinath typically takes 9 to 10 hours, depending on weather and road conditions, and offers beautiful views of river valleys, mountains, and confluences like Devprayag and Karnaprayag. During the peak Char Dham Yatra seasons (May–June and September–October), trains and local transport options tend to get fully booked weeks in advance. Therefore, it is strongly advised to book your train tickets and onward transportation (private cab, shared taxi, or bus) well in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.

How to reach Badrinath by Air

Pilgrims who wish to reach Badrinath by air must note that the temple does not have its own airport. The nearest airport to Badrinath is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, located at a distance of approximately 303 kilometers.

You can book a flight from your location to Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun. From the airport, the remaining journey to Badrinath must be completed by road, using taxis, private cabs, or buses. The road journey from Dehradun to Badrinath typically takes around 10–11 hours, depending on weather and traffic conditions.

Helicopter Option to reach Badrinath

For pilgrims seeking a quicker and more comfortable travel experience, helicopter packages are a convenient option. If you’re wondering how to reach Badrinath by helicopter, the most viable route currently available is through a Do Dham Helicopter Package, which includes visits to both Kedarnath and Badrinath.

Currently, pilgrims can reach Badrinath by booking a Do Dham Helicopter Package, which covers both Kedarnath and Badrinath Dham in a single day. These helicopter tours are typically operated from the Sahastradhara Helipad in Dehradun, and they include VIP darshan, aerial views of the majestic Himalayas, meals, and same-day return transfers.

Note: As of now, there is no single-destination helicopter service only for Badrinath. To visit Badrinath by air, you must opt for the Do Dham Heli Tour package.

Travel Tips to reach Badrinath

Here are some useful Travel Tips to Reach Badrinath that can help make your pilgrimage smoother, safer, and more comfortable:

• Badrinath experiences a heavy influx of pilgrims, especially during the peak Char Dham Yatra season (May–June and September–October). Book your transportation, accommodation, and helicopter packages (if any) well in advance.
• Badrinath is located at a high altitude, and the roads leading to it are steep, narrow, and winding. Due to the hilly terrain, travelers may experience motion sickness, headaches, or breathlessness, so it’s advisable to be well-prepared and carry necessary medicines.
• If you’re traveling by your own vehicle, the journey to Badrinath can be long and tiring. It is advisable to take halts at places like Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Pipalkoti, or Joshimath to rest and rejuvenate before continuing the drive.
• The weather in the hills can change suddenly, especially during monsoon. Always check weather updates and road conditions before starting your journey. Follow the official Char Dham travel news and local advisories.
• Night driving is not recommended in hilly regions due to sharp turns, landslide-prone areas, and poor visibility. Start early in the morning and try to reach your stop or destination before sunset.
• If you want a stress-free journey, consider booking a Badrinath tour package. These usually include transport, meals, accommodation, permits, and guides, allowing you to focus on your spiritual journey without worrying about logistics.
• Keep your government ID cards, registration documents, and emergency contacts handy, especially when traveling with elderly family members.