Badrinath, the holiest of Indian pilgrimages, welcomes thousands of pilgrims each year. Situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, the holy town of Badrinath is devoted to Lord Vishnu and forms a part of Char Dham Yatra. The journey to Badrinath takes one through cosmopolitan cities, peaceful valleys, and great mountains, each stop providing a distinct insight into the cultural and natural beauty of North India. Spiritual pilgrims from young to old come to Badrinath seeking the blessings of this temple in the Himalayas. If you are on a road trip from Delhi to Badrinath, this is the only guide you need, which includes the routes, travelling tips and accommodations.
Delhi to Badrinath Distance
The distance from Badrinath to Delhi is around 525.7 km and it takes 14 to 16 hours by road. The travelers can travel by Rishikesh – Devprayag – Rudraprayag – Joshimath route to reach Badrinath. Private car, taxi or tempo traveller hire in Delhi is the best means of travel for a smooth journey from Delhi. The journey is through the scenic Himalayan views and riverbanks. Helicopter facilities are also available for a shorter travel.
Best Time to Visit Badrinath
The most ideal time to visit Badrinath is from May to June and September to October. It is during these times that the weather is agreeable and the temple remains open for darshan. Summer (May-June) sees the maximum number of pilgrims, so it is advisable to book your trip well in advance.
During monsoon (July-August) landslides and heavy rainfall can make travel difficult, leading to roadblocks and delays. Winter (November-April) is not ideal as the temple remains closed due to heavy snowfall and the town becomes inaccessible. If you are looking for a less crowded time with clear weather September and early October are ideal for your visit.
Suggested Read: Delhi to Kedarnath Tour
How to Reach Badrinath from Delhi?
By Road
Road trip is the most convenient way to travel to Badrinath from Delhi. You can rent a mini bus or drive your own vehicle. The roads are good but narrow in some hilly areas, so make sure to have experienced drivers along with good vehicle to make your journey smooth and memorable.
By Train
The nearest railway stations to Badrinath are Haridwar is 320 km and Rishikesh is 295 km. You can take a shared taxi or a bus from train station to your journey.
By Air
The closest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun which is 310 km. From Dehradun you can take a bus or hire a cab to go to Badrinath. You can also opt for Helicopter services from Dehradun, Phata or Guptkashi for a more convenient and faster journey.
Delhi to Badrinath Routes
Delhi – Haridwar – Rishikesh – Devprayag – Rudraprayag – Karnaprayag – Joshimath – Badrinath
This Route is the mostly used route and is properly connected to Badrinath from Delhi. It goes through big towns and pilgrimage places, making it the preferred route for visitors.
Delhi – Meerut – Kotdwar – Pauri – Srinagar – Chamoli – Joshimath – Badrinath
This is a more scenic but lesser-used route. It provides lovely scenery of the Garhwal hills and is best suited for those seeking a serene and scenic drive.
Badrinath Opening Date 2025
The Badrinath Temple has set dates for opening and closing for 2025. Generally, the temple opens in May, the date is usually proclaimed on Basant Panchami (February). It is expected to be open around May 10, 2025, if official date confirmation comes up near the date. The temple is open for six months before its closure in either late October or early November, usually on Vijayadashami or Bhai Dooj.
Badrinath Temple Timings
- Morning: 4:30 AM – 1:00 PM
- Evening: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
The temple has a daily routine which includes morning and evening aartis. Devotees can reach early in the morning or evening for hassle free darshan. The temple is closed for a short time during the afternoon for rituals.
Badrinath Darshan Registration Process
Before visiting Badrinath, all pilgrims are required to do the compulsory registration process. This is possible by two ways.
Online Registration – Present on the official website of the Uttarakhand Char Dham Devasthanam Board. Advised to prevent long lines and a hassle-free trip.
Offline Registration – You can do registration in offline mode at registration centres present at prescribed counters along the way such as Rishikesh, Haridwar and Joshimath.
Biometric Registration
Mandatory for all pilgrims to monitor movement and improve security. It helps the authorities in managing the pilgrimage and addressing emergencies effectively.
Important Documents Required
Valid Proof of Identity must be shown during registration and travel.
For an easy experience pre registration is recommended and it is best to visit the official website https://uttarakhandtourism.gov.in/ for revised guidelines before planning your journey to Badrinath.
Popular Places to Stop En Route
A Badrinath road trip provides not only divine blessings but also stunning scenery and spiritual encounters. Some of the must-see places on the way are:
Haridwar & Rishikesh
Start your sojourn at Haridwar, where you can watch the iconic Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri and receive blessings at holy temples. Only a drive away is Rishikesh, which presents a combination of spirituality and adventure with options of river rafting, bungee jumping and yoga retreats.
Devprayag
This sacred town is the point where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers merge into the sacred Ganga River. The peaceful ambiance and religious significance make it a good stop.
Rudraprayag
Renowned for the union of the Mandakini and Alaknanda rivers, this is a highly spiritual location. It is also famous for pilgrims headed to Kedarnath passing through here.
Joshimath
A key stopover for tourists, Joshimath is a picturesque hill resort and a base camp to Auli, a major ski resort. It has the holy Adi Shankaracharya Math and a few old temples as well.
Mana Village
The final village before the Indo-Tibet border, Mana is famous for its mythological importance. It is said to be the location where the Pandavas made their last journey to heaven. The village has beautiful Himalayan scenery, local handicrafts and historic places such as Bheem Pul and Vyas Gufa.
A Badrinath road trip isn’t exactly about the destination but about experiencing the spiritual, natural and cultural splendor of these incredible sights on the way. You can also plan a Char Dham Yatra from Delhi in order to cover 4 famous pilgrimage site for devotees.
Hotels Near Badrinath Temple
Accommodation near Badrinath Temple ranges from basic to luxury Dharamshala and hotels. Here is some of the best ones.
Sarovar Portico Badrinath: It is a well-furnished and spacious hotel with modern facilities and excellent service.
Narayan Palace: An ideally located hotel within walking distance of the Badrinath temple providing average accommodations for pilgrims.
GMVN Tourist Rest House: A government-owned low-budget option for those in search of basic accommodation.
Hotel Snow Crest: It is good mid range hotel with clean rooms and lovely mountain scenery.
Dwarikesh Hotel: A favorite among pilgrims offering convenient proximity to the temple.
Final Thoughts
A Delhi to Badrinath road trip is a pilgrimage of religious importance and natural splendor. Right planning, vehicle inspection, weather forecast and booking tempo traveller 20 seater and accommodations makes the trip trouble-free. If you are a believer going for darshan or a tourist wanting to discover the charm of Uttarakhand, the trip will be one to remember. May your darshan be happy and safe.