10 Best Places to Visit Near Badrinath Temple

The Incredible Travel Guide for You to Explore the Top Places to Visit Near Badrinath Dham in the Himalayas.

Garhwal Himalayas overflow with some of the mind-boggling places for travellers to unveil. However, thousands of people visit the Badrinath Temple in the region, for its spiritual significance, but if you are planning to explore some more interesting attractions on your Badrinath Dham yatra in 2024, we have got you covered. From adventurous treks in some of the world's beautiful valleys to witnessing sky-topping mountains up-close, from pre-historic sites to some interesting natural wonders, there are some exciting places for every person no matter what their interest is. So, make your itinerary more adventurous by including these mind-blowing places in your Badrinath yatra of Himalayas.

Valley of Flowers
Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara
Mana Village
Narad Kund and Tapt Kund
Bheem Pul
Joshimath
Vasudhara Falls
Neelakanth Base Camp
Vyas Gufa
Auli

Badrinath Temple Opening Date	Badrinath Temple Closing Date
12th May, 2024	November, 2024

Valley of Flowers

A bewitching trek destination that gets you the most jaw-dropping scenes from Himalayas, amalgamated with nature's color palette, is the Valley of Flowers (VOF). Many describe this valley as a land that must belong to gods and immortals. Although you can see many pictures of this magnificent beauty over the internet, still not one matches with the real pleasure that the eyes feel amid this valley circumferenced by sky-topping peaks and blanketed with flowers of different color shades on the bedsheet of green.

However, this little paradise is hospitable to its lovers for just 3-4 months during summer, still this is enough time to experience nature in its most pristine form. The beauty fours from every point in the valley that anyone has not to care about perfect angles and frames while photographing. For every nature enthusiast and adventure lover, a trek to Valley of Flower National Park serves as a salvation after a brawny effort. Conquering this long trek with rugged terrain indeed feels like a paradise achieved. Not just in the end but you will be engulfed in photographic scenes all throughout the route leading to it. The journey goes through green meadows, slender forests, and lyrically flowing streams.

The trek to Valley of Flowers is moderately difficult and divided into two days of ascending with one mid-stop. The trek starts from Govind Ghat and is halted after a 13 kilometres uptrek at Ghangaria and 3 kilometres further to Valley of Flowers. Clearly, this journey is not easy but is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit near Badrinath. Also, it is good for people who want to push their physical limits. Although the total trek length from the base to the valley is 17 kilometers, you can take a mule ride from Govindghat to Ghangaria.

Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara

Another spiritual wonder to explore in the Himalayas, on your journey to Char Dham shrine Badrinath, is the infatuating Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara settled at the elevation of 4300 meters in the mountains. If you know about the Valley of Flowers which is a destination akin to a paradise for trekkers, you must know that Hemkund (Hemkunt) Sahib is the twin trek of the same. Trek leading both Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara and Valley of Flowers share one-third the same path. This means the beauty of this trek is also akin to the Valley of Flowers. In fact, trekking to Hemkunt Sahib will allure your soul when you witness the emerald lake at the top.

Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara is the highest Gurudwara in the world and serves as a major pilgrimage in India. Avid trekkers love the challenging and steep trek to Hemkund Sahib and often suggest it as the best places to visit in Uttarakhand. Hemkunt Sahib Gurudwara is itself a simplistic yet intriguing edifice designed with an inverted lotus-shaped roof. In summer the surrounding turns into a montage of colors amid beautiful landscape. Despite a hard trek, devotees complete this trek and reach Hemkund Sahib in hundreds.

The Brahma kamal flower is the major draw of nature lovers on this trek. This white flower has not only many mythological and religious significance but is also the state flower of Uttarakhand. Moreover, Hemkund Sahib is a site of importance from ancient times. It is believed that earlier, local tribes used to visit the lake and also made a temple dedicated to Lord Ram's brother, Lakshaman. And even after the construction of Gurudwara, the committee has taken care of the Lakshman Temple.

Mana Village

If you have just completed Badrinath darshan, the next top attraction you should visit around is the Mana Village. Walk just three kilometers north from Badrinath to reach this restful hamlet surrounded by natural beauty. It is one of the oldest villages situated in the Himalayas and sits just beside the confluence of the Alaknanda and Saraswati rivers.

Both these rivers hold mythological significance in Hinduism and are perceived as holy rivers in India. Mana village is also entitled the First Village of India as it is located on the northern edge of the Indian territory. The village has an elevation of 3,200 metres.

As the beautiful place is close to the holy shrine Badrinath, Mana is the first-place travelers visit after completing the darshan in Badrinath Temple. Moreover, this small village is filled with many must- visit places in and around itself, that you will never run out of places to visit. Also, the village is settled in proximity to the Indo-Tibetan border and thus has a blend of both Indian and Tibetan cultures. You will notice a mix of Indian and Tibetan architecture, food, and traditions all around the village. Relax amid the soothing environment of Mana and do not miss to try the tea from the "First tea stall of India".

Narad Kund and Tapt Kund

Badrinath is at more than 3000 metres (10,000 ft) in the Himalayas and receives freezing temperatures. But as we know, nature brings solace in all troubles. Just below the Badrinath Temple, you can take a warm dip into the Tapt Kund, a hot water spring available for devotees. Pilgrims take a holy dip into the Tapt Kund before entering Badrinath Temple. This action is believed to rejuvenate spiritual presence. Moreover, this sulfur hot water spring has medicinal value and is believed to benefit skin conditions and other illnesses.

There are various springs around the Badrinath Temple, yet Tapt Kund is the most significant of them. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Agni is believed to have been given a boon of residing near Badrinath Temple by Lord Vishnu. If devotees perform specific rituals at Tapt Kund, their ancestors get moksha.

There is another holy water spring present near Badrinath Temple named Narad Kund. It is a highly consecrated kund in which the saint Adi Shankaracharya is believed to have discovered the present image of Badrinarayan. Devotees are not allowed to take baths in this water spring. 5 big stones are surrounding the Narad Kund which is known as Panch Shila.

Bheem Pul

If you crave intriguing stories while having some adventure, take some time to visit one of the most interesting historic sites near Badrinath Temple, Bheem Pul. Bheem Pul is a natural stone bridge over Saraswati River's cascade near Mana village. It is named after one of the five Pandav brothers who used to have an immense strength akin to 1000 elephants. A small 350 m hike from Mana Village and you will be up-close to some rugged mountains like never before. White clouds almost feel like above the head and the continuous chant of gushing water spellbounds. However, the place is much closer to the Village, it is set amid greens and you will witness many small flowers welcoming you to their territory.

The story of Bheem Pul follows the end events of the epic Mahabharat. Pandavas, along with their wife Draupadi, were headed for their final journey to swarg (heaven) called Swargarohan. At this very location, Draupadi found it hard to cross the Saraswati River. So Bheem places a big stone above the river which perfectly fits between the adjoining cliffs and makes a bridge. It is one of the major attractions near Badrinath Dham and Mana Village and considered a holy site by Hindus. There is also a temple dedicated to Mata Saraswati on the site.

Joshimath

If you ever planned a trek in the north-eastern Garhwal Himalayas region, you must probably know Joshimath. This hill station is the camping base of over a dozen intermediate and difficult Himalayan treks. It is one of the sacred places of India with vivid shades of nature and. Encircled by Himalayan mountains and residing on the confluence of Alaknanda and Dhauliganga Rivers, Joshimath strongly allures nature lovers.

Besides this beautiful facade, Joshimath is also a significant religious place. Joshimath has the winter seat of Lord Badri of Badrinath Temple.

It also houses the sacred monastery built by Sankaracharya in the 8th century known as the Jyotirmath. Jyotirmath was the center of education built to revive and propagate the Hindu religion. Joshimath has a number of important temples including the Lord Narsimha Temple, Hanuman Mandir, Gaurishankar Mandir, Ganesh Temple, Nau Devi Temple, and Surya Temple. But this town is most popular for adventure activities among avid travelers. You can do mountaineering, skiing, trekking, and mountain biking in Joshimath. The most popular treks that begin from Joshimath are Kuari Pass, Chenap valley trek, Valley of Flowers, roop kund, satopanth tal, and Neelkanth base camp. A few difficult treks from Joshimath include Bagini Glacier, Nanda devi sanctuary, and Kunth khal trek.

Vasudhara Falls

An easy but among the most enjoyable trek near Badrinath, the Vasudhara Waterfall trek, will be a day well spent for you on your Badrinath journey. The terrain favours novice trekkers nevertheless gives one of the best experiences to people visiting Badrinath. However, there are plenty of waterfalls all around the region near Badrinath, but the requirements of uncommon landscapes and an enjoyable trek are fulfilled to the fullest only in Vasudhara Waterfall.

In the name Vasudhara, Vasu refers to Lord Vishnu and Dhara means the flowing water or waterfall. It is one of the sacred sites for Hindus and many beliefs associated with the waterfall make it very intriguing. It is believed that the water of this fall doesn't touch the body of sinners and if the holy water falls on someone, their souls are pure, or at least not corrupt. According to these beliefs, if a person sits just below the fall they are entitled to salvation.

The height of the Vasudhara fall is around 120 m (400 ft) and the water soon after merges with the Alaknanda River. The flavor of water is considered to be of nectar as it extracts the properties of many ayurvedic medicinal herbs while finding its way out of the Himalayas. Thus, its water has many positive benefits and in fact, Hindus carry the water from the fall and use it in various religious practices. Whatever the reason, once here, your body fills up with energy and the soul rejuvenates while witnessing the perfect blend of some awesome views of snowcapped mountains.

Neelakanth Base Camp

In the panoramic landscape of Badrinath, you can see a giant snow-capped Himalayan peak overlooking everything else; this is Mount Neelkanth. Around 10 kilometres west of Badrinath temple, it stands as an austere summit, with an amazingly beautiful site to witness at its base. The trekking journey from Badrinath to Neelkanth Base Camp is unequivocally beautiful and will undoubtedly be a one-in-a-lifetime experience for avid trekkers. Neelkanth Summit is one of the most noteworthy and stunning summits in the region and is also known as "Garhwal Queen". However, it is lower than other major pinnacles in the Division and still holds a distinct preference due to its reachability and distinct pyramidical shape. This peak drastically towers over the adjoining valleys including Badrinath town. The summit rides to around 3,500 meters above Badrinath itself.

The trek to Neelkanth Base Camp takes you to a beautiful valley, melodic stream, and mesmerizing nature. You will also encounter another tourist attraction named Charan Paduka at 3 km on this trek. Charan Paduka is a figure akin to a human footprint, which is believed to be of Lord Vishnu. Also, witness the beautiful Rishi Ganga fall alongside. The following 6 km is a minimally intense trek, which gives its best view at the end. Appease your soul with the landscape of the wonderful Neelkanth peak in your eye frame.

Vyas Gufa

More than 5000 years ago, it is believed that the great sage Ved Vyas composed one of the great literary epics Mahabharat in this cave. It is located in the remote village of Mana and is present in one of the most serene locations that coexists near the Badrinath yatra in the Himalayas. Surrounded by a lush green environment of valleys and gushing rivers, the landscape looks perfect with mountains as the backdrop.

Maharishi Ved Vyas used to meditate in this cave and eventually, with the help of Lord Ganesh, wrote Hindu religious texts. Mahabharat is recognized as one of the most influential scriptures with philosophies that cannot be overstated. He is also the one who classified the Vedas into now recognized four foundational scriptures in Hinduism.

Entering the spacious Vyas Gufa transports you to an ancient era. Also, the mysteries this cave holds are intriguing to every history lover. The roof of Vyas Gufa looks like hundreds of pages are stacked, which resembles the collection of scared scripts.

Auli

Choose Auli as your offbeat cater serving you with adventure of treks and amazing landscapes. However, if visited in winter, Auli becomes one of the most adventurous destinations around Badrinath. Not only do the treks become extremely beautiful in winter, but Auli transforms into an amazing skiing destination during this time. Snow clads the meadows and makes them a perfect spot for snow activities. Also, the Auli Lake adjoining the skiing region complements the whole landscape. However, one of the highest-located man-made lakes, Auli Lake, mainly serves as a snow feeder to the skiing slopes.

Another adventure that makes Auli a perfect choice for a memorable experience is its cable car ride. The cable ride from Joshimath to Auli is the longest and the second-highest ropeway in Asia. This cable car route also serves as a necessary traveling option during winters, when snowfall makes the roads inaccessible. During this 4.15 km cable car ride, you will be airborne above white valleys and hills, facing the Himalayas face-to-face and snow-covered alpine forest.

Gorson Bugyal is another pretty popular place to explore just a few kilometers from Auli. Most of the travelers do the trek to Gorson Bugyal and find the perfect solstice there. Auli is also popular for providing peeks to one of the tallest peaks in India, the Nanda Devi.