Rishikesh to Joshimath: Distance, Road Condition, Travel Time!

Planning a bus trip from Rishikesh to Joshimath? Don’t worry, this guide will give you all the details you need for a smooth and enjoyable journey to the stunning Himalayas. From bus timings and fares to travel tips, here’s everything you need to know.

Route: Rishikesh to Joshimath
Distance: ~298 km
Travel Time: 10-11hours
Bus Types: Government, Private, Luxury
Booking Options: Online, Offline
Fare Range: Affordable to Moderate
Best Travel Time: April to October
Safety Tips: Choose reputable services, pack essentials

Understanding the Route: Rishikesh to Joshimath

The journey from Rishikesh to Joshimath covers about 298 kilometers and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the unique culture of Uttarakhand. The trip usually takes 10 to 11 hours depending on the weather, road conditions, and rest stops along the way. It’s a picturesque journey, where you’ll travel along winding roads surrounded by majestic mountains and rivers.

Bus Services Overview

When selecting a bus, you have several options:

• Government-run buses are reliable and budget-friendly.
• Private buses might offer more comfort, with cushioned seats and other amenities.
• For those wanting extra comfort, there are private luxury buses available, with added facilities like reclining seats and air conditioning.

Booking Your Bus Ticket

You can book your bus tickets:

• Online, which is convenient and allows you to compare prices and services.
• Offline, at the bus station. We advise to bool offline, most of booking happens offline.

To secure the best seats, it’s a good idea to book in advance, especially during peak seasons like summer and festival times.

Bus Timings and Schedules

Buses from Rishikesh to Joshimath typically start early in the morning and run until the afternoon. The bus frequency can vary depending on the season, so it’s wise to check schedules a day before your trip. Make sure to double-check during the monsoon season, as delays can happen due to weather conditions.

Fares and Budgeting

The bus fares from Rishikesh to Joshimath depend on the type of bus you choose:

• Government buses tend to be more affordable.
• Private and luxury buses are a bit pricier but offer extra comfort.

Fares typically range from affordable to moderate, making it a budget-friendly way to travel. Booking early can also help you get better rates!

Travel Tips and Preparation

Before heading out, here are some tips:

• Pack essentials like water, snacks, and a jacket, as temperatures can change quickly in the mountains.
• Travel light, but don’t forget warm clothing, especially if you’re traveling during the cooler months.
• The best time to travel is from April to October, when the weather is pleasant and roads are clear.

Safety and Comfort

Safety is important, especially on mountain roads. Always:

• Choose reputable bus services with good safety records.
• Bring a neck pillow and a small blanket for extra comfort on the long ride.

Where is Joshimath?

It is located on NH58, which is the main road connecting Rishikesh and the Indo-Tibetan border. This road also happens to be the main route that buses and other vehicles take when carrying pilgrims from Rishikesh to Badrinath. Consequently, if you’re looking to travel from Rishikesh to Badrinath, you will likely have to pass through Joshimath.

Suggested Read:  Joshimath Auli in Uttarakhand: 3 Days Travel Itinerary

Rishikesh to Joshimath Distance

The distance by road: It is approximately 248 km from Rishikesh via Rudraprayag, Karnprayag. The approximate travel time by road is about 9-10 hrs. The road condition from Rishikesh to Joshimath is excellent but during monsoon leads to landslide, so becomes risky to travel on Badrinath Highway from Rishikesh to Joshimath.

Joshimath to Rishikesh Bus Timings: 

If you are planning to travel from Rishikesh to Joshimath by bus, here are the details based on the season and type of bus service:

Government Buses:

           Summer Schedule:

• • Departure Times: From 4:30 AM and last bus leaves 7 AM
  • Frequency: Every 30 minutes
  • Winter Schedule:
  • Departure Times: From 4 AM to 9 AM
  • Frequency: Every hour

Private Buses:

• • Departure Times: More flexible and frequent, especially in the morning hours. You have a good chance of finding a bus at any time during the morning.

Location:

• • Buses depart from the Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) in Rishikesh.

Tips:

• • Summer: Arrive early to ensure a seat, as buses are more frequent.
  • Winter: Plan ahead and arrive on time, as buses run less frequently.
  • Private Buses: Check with multiple operators for the best timing that suits your schedule.

By keeping these details in mind, you can better plan your travel from Rishikesh to Joshimath, regardless of the season.

How to reach Joshimath from Rishikesh

By Road

Joshimath is a town in Uttarakhand, India. It is well connected to major destinations in the state by road. Buses to Rishikesh and Srinagar are available from ISBT Kashmiri Gate, and buses and taxis are available from other major destinations in Uttarakhand.

By Fly

Jolly Grant airport is the closest airport to Joshimath, situated at a distance of 262 km. It has daily flights to Delhi and is easily accessible by road. Taxis are readily available from the airport to Joshimath.

On the way attractions  & Around

Devprayag:

Located at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers, Devprayag is the starting point of the holy River Ganges. The town is famous for its ancient Raghunath Temple and offers panoramic views of the river confluence.

Rudraprayag:

Another sacred confluence town, Rudraprayag is where the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers meet. It is home to the Rudranath Temple and the Chamunda Devi Temple, both of which hold religious significance.

Karnaprayag:

This town marks the confluence of the Alaknanda and Pindar rivers. Karnaprayag is famous for its temples, including the Karna Temple and Uma Devi Temple.

Nandaprayag:

The meeting point of the Alaknanda and Nandakini rivers, Nandaprayag is famous for the Gopalji Temple and the ancient Nanda Devi Temple.

Auli:

Auli is a famous skiing destination in the winter months, offering breathtaking views of the Nanda Devi and Kamet peaks. You can take a cable car ride to reach Auli from Joshimath.

Joshimath:

This is a significant pilgrimage town and serves as the winter seat of Lord Badri (Badrinath). It houses the famous Narasimha Temple and the Shankaracharya Math.

Kalpavriksha:

In Joshimath, Kalpavriksha is an ancient tree believed to be more than 1,200 years old.

Bhavishya Badri:

Around 17 kilometers from Joshimath. Bhavishya Badri is one of the five Badri temples and it is the future replacement of the main Badrinath Temple.

Tapovan:

It is near Joshimath, Tapovan a scenic meadow surrounded by majestic peaks. It is a popular destination for trekking and meditation.

Narsingh Temple: 

It is in Joshimath, the Narsingh Temple of the god Narasimha. It is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple holds historical and religious significance.

Vishnuprayag:

This is another confluence town where the Alaknanda River meets the Dhauliganga River. Vishnuprayag is famous for its Vishnu Temple and picturesque surroundings.

Rishikesh to Joshimath Bus

You can travel to Joshimath by bus or by hiring a taxi. The scenic drive runs along the Ganga and its tributaries. Buses, mostly private-run and in poor to average condition, depart from Haridwar, Dehradun, and Rishikesh in the morning, starting at 4:30 AM, with the last bus leaving around 7 AM. The journey takes about 9-11 hours, depending on the number of stops.

Conclusion

I hope you have found it very informative when you plan to travel in the Uttarakhand Himalayas while traveling to Badrinath Temple. If you want to know more about the tour packages, please contact us at info@rishikeshdaytour.com.