Essential Guide: The Best month to visit Badrinath Temple
A week-long trip to the Himalayas is one of the most exhilarating experiences we’ve had. Our journey from September 28 to October 5, 2024, was not only a visual treat but also a well-balanced blend of adventure and comfort. If you’re planning a similar getaway, here are some essential tips for the best month to visit Badrinath Temple and insights to make your trip smooth, safe, and unforgettable.
The Best Month to visit Badrinath: Badrinath visit month:
April to June in Badrinath is super amazing ! It’s not too hot and not too cold—just right! You can do cool stuff like hiking, trekking, temple visit and looking at cool nature around!
May and June are the busiest times to visit Badrinath! The weather is really nice, with temperatures between 18 and 20 degrees Celsius. The snow has melted, and the sky is clear, so you can see the beautiful Himalayas! It’s a great time for fun activities like trekking and exploring. But be careful—lots of people come here too! It’s a good idea to book your tickets and hotels ahead of time.
September to October
September to October is a quieter time for visiting Badrinath. There are fewer tourists, which means you can enjoy a peaceful trip! The weather is still lovely, and after the rain, the place looks calm and beautiful—perfect for a spiritual journey!
Autumn (October to November)
In autumn, from October to November, the weather gets cooler, with temperatures between -1 and 10 degrees Celsius. You’ll see the leaves changing colors, making everything look pretty! November is special because that’s when they have a ceremony to close the temple doors.
How to Get There
Delhi and Dehradun are your primary gateways. Most cities have direct flights to Dehradun. After spending a few days with friends in Delhi, we set off on September 28 at 7 AM.
The roads were in good condition, allowing us to cover the distance from Rishikesh to Delhi in just 4.5 hours on our return trip, starting at 6 AM. The journey to Dehradun took longer, but the new Delhi-Dehradun expressway, expected to complete next year, should make it quicker.
Tip: If you find yourself in Delhi, don’t miss out on Diggin, a delightful restaurant located in Panchsheel Marg at the Santushti Shopping Complex. Surprisingly, many long-time residents are unaware of this place!
First Night’s Stop
We left Delhi at 7 AM, stopping for breakfast at a roadside Dhaba. Our first major destination was the Vashishta and Arundhati caves, which we reached by 2:30 PM. Note that Vashishta Gufa is closed from 1 PM to 3 PM, but the Arundhati cave remains open throughout the day. After exploring the caves, we had lunch at a small restaurant near Srinagar around 4 PM.
Suggested Itinerary Highlights
- Vashishta and Arundhati Caves: Explore the fascinating legends and stories associated with these caves, perfect for a quick stop and some photo opportunities.
- Scenic Road Trip: Enjoy the beautiful views as you drive through the mountainous terrain. The landscape changes dramatically, so have your camera ready!
- Food Stops: Embrace local cuisine. Look for Dhabas (roadside eateries) that serve authentic North Indian food; they often provide a true taste of the region.
- Acclimatization: Since you’ll be ascending to higher altitudes, take your time and stay hydrated to help your body adjust.
- Flexibility: Keep your itinerary somewhat flexible to account for travel delays, especially in mountainous areas.
Journey to Badrinath
We arrived at the Dandi Kanthi Hotel by 7 PM, a cozy new establishment situated between Srinagar and Rudraprayag, right on the banks of the Alaknanda River. The hotel is just 200 meters from the revered Dhari Devi Temple, considered the custodian deity of the four Dhams in Uttarakhand. (Note: This is not the Srinagar in J&K; Uttarakhand also has a town named Srinagar.)
Day 2: Arrival in Badrinath
We kicked off our day with a visit to the Dhari Devi Temple, which opens at 6 AM—perfect timing as there were no crowds. After returning to the hotel by 7 AM for a light breakfast, we set off for Badrinath. We stopped for lunch on the outskirts of Badrinath, reaching our room by 2:30 PM.
Road Conditions
The road conditions have remained largely unchanged since my first trip in 2010. About 80% of the roads are in good condition, but keep in mind that the mountainous terrain is fragile. Landslides can occur, necessitating road clearing. Some lanes are narrow and can be one-way, with vehicles occasionally breaking down.
Additionally, rail track construction extending to Karnaprayag, before Joshimath, contributes to traffic delays. Therefore, it’s wise to budget for delays—expect to travel at an average of about 25 km/h.
Food and Restroom Facilities
Once you leave Rishikesh, good cafes or restaurants are scarce. You’ll find small village shops that serve decent North Indian food, but clean restrooms can be a challenge. Typical food options include paratha, roti, rice, dal, aloo, rajma, chole, and paneer. Food Tip: Eat light and avoid oily dishes.
Alternative Transport Options
If you prefer an alternative mode of transport, there are helicopter tours available. A friend of mine managed to visit Kedarnath and Badrinath from Dehradun in just 6 hours for about ₹1,00,000 per person, which covers only the temple visits. However, if you want to explore the area, driving is the best option. A slower ascent also helps with acclimatization.
Our Stay in Badrinath
At an altitude of 10,100 feet, our plan was to visit the temple multiple times and explore the surrounding areas. We had a reliable driver and guide to assist us.
Tip: Always plan for an extra night. You might encounter traffic delays or heavy rains, as the weather in the hills is unpredictable. Budgeting for some backup time can alleviate stress.
Temple Visits
- Day 1: We visited the temple in the evening without a ticket, but thanks to a contact with the local DM, we were granted VIP entry to the Chandi Aarti.
- Day 2: We had tickets for the Swaran Aarti scheduled for 6:30 PM.
- Day 3: We booked the early morning 4:30 AM Abhishekam pooja, allowing us to experience the temple in its serene morning ambiance. We also managed to catch a few glimpses of the Mukh Darshan later in the evening when the crowds had lessened.
This combination of spiritual experiences and breathtaking landscapes made our time in Badrinath truly memorable!
Temple Visits in Badrinath
Temple Darshan Tickets – Book in advance
The Badrinath Temple is an ancient and relatively small structure, steeped in history and spirituality. Here’s what you need to know for a fulfilling visit:
Entry and Darshan
- Sanctum Sanctorum Access: To get close to the Sanctum Sanctorum, advance booking is essential. Without a ticket, the regular darshan is from a distance, limiting your time to less than 30 seconds.
- Booking Recommendations: It’s advisable to book tickets for each day you plan to visit. Be sure to secure your early morning 4:30 AM Abhishekam pooja ticket, which lasts over 2 hours. This pooja includes Abhishekam, Aarti, chanting of mantras, and narration of the history of Badri Narayan.
- Aarti Tickets: Regular Aarti tickets cost ₹500 and allow 15 minutes inside the main temple complex.
Crowd Management
The temple area can get quite congested, even if you have a ticket. Only about 30–40 people can sit inside at a time, with others having to crowd along the sides. The queue can be chaotic, with pushing and shoving common, so patience is essential.
Important Tips
- Online Booking: Keep an eye on the official website, as online booking opens two months in advance. Regular checks are advisable to secure your tickets early.
- Pooja Ticket Details: The Maha Abhishekam ticket costs ₹4700, while the regular Abhishekam is ₹4500. Both involve the same pooja, but those with the ₹4700 ticket are given priority for entry.
- Timing for Aarti: If you have booked the Swaran Aarti, plan to stand in the queue during the earlier Chand Aarti or line up during the Kapoor Aarti. This is the best way to ensure you’re closer to the front for your scheduled Aarti.
With these tips in mind, you can enhance your experience at the Badrinath Temple and fully embrace the spiritual atmosphere of this sacred site.
Hot Springs (Tapt Kund)
One of the highlights of visiting Badrinath is experiencing the Tapt Kund, the natural hot springs located near the temple. We took multiple dips, and the water is almost boiling hot—truly invigorating! The Kund is well-maintained and clean, as no one is allowed to enter it directly.
Tips:
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- Bring your own towels and a mug from your hotel for a comfortable bathing experience.
- The best time to visit is around 7 PM when the crowd starts to thin out, allowing for a more peaceful soak.
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Other Attractions in & Around Badrinath
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- Charan Paduka: This revered site is believed to be where Lord Vishnu first set foot on Earth. The trek to Charan Paduka is a scenic and easy one, winding its way toward Neelkanth Parvat. Along the route, a glacial stream flows down, enhancing the natural beauty, with the majestic Nar and Narayan mountains flanking both sides.If you start your trek at 8 AM, you can comfortably return by 1:30 PM, just in time for lunch after a leisurely hike.
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These experiences, along with the serene environment, make your time in Badrinath truly memorable.
Exploring Mana
Mana is a quaint village located just a 10-minute drive from Badrinath, near the Tibet border. It’s rich in cultural and historical significance, offering several intriguing sites worth visiting:
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- Vyas Gufa and Ganesh Gufa: These caves are believed to be where ancient scriptures were composed, making them significant for those interested in Indian mythology and literature.
- Keshav Prayag: This is the confluence where the Saraswathi River meets the Alaknanda, after which the Saraswathi goes underground. The short, forceful run of the Saraswathi is a stunning sight, and you can trek down a steep section to reach the Prayag.
- Vasudhra Falls: A beautiful trek of about 4 km (one way) from Mana leads to Vasudhra Falls, where the Pandavas are said to have started their ascent to the heavens. The journey offers serene views and a peaceful atmosphere.
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Additional Treks
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- Valley of Flowers / Hemkund Sahib: These are popular trekking destinations around Badrinath, typically requiring 2 to 3 days to explore fully.
- Auli: Located about 2 hours from Badrinath, Auli is a picturesque hill station known for its stunning landscapes and winter sports.
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Mana and its surroundings provide a wonderful blend of adventure, spirituality, and natural beauty, making them a must-visit when you’re in the Badrinath region.
Where to Stay in Badrinath
Badrinath, while stunning, has transformed significantly over the years. What was once a serene landscape is now a bustling commercial area, with extensive development ongoing. Most accommodation options are quite basic, but here are some recommendations:
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- Hotel Snow Crest: This is considered the best hotel in town. It offers comfortable amenities and a good stay for travelers.
- Hotel Yoga: We stayed here, and it’s conveniently located next to Hotel Snow Crest. It’s about a 15- to 20-minute walk to the temple, making it a practical choice.
- Badrinath Devlok: Managed by GMVN (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam), this hotel is another good option that provides decent facilities.
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While the accommodations may vary in quality, these options ensure a comfortable stay while you explore the beauty and spirituality of Badrinath.
What to Eat / Where to Eat
In Badrinath, you’ll find plenty of restaurants serving a variety of dishes. However, here are some tips to ensure a satisfying dining experience:
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- Avoid Idlis: They may look tempting, but the idlis here tend to be rock-hard, and the accompanying sambar can be disappointing.
- Opt for Dosas: Dosas are a better choice, as they are typically fresh and tasty.
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Most of our meals were at Sardeswari Restaurant, located near Devlok Chowk. The service there was excellent, and they even kindly cooked the bhindi (okra) we provided since we were getting a bit tired of the usual menu options.
Tip: Make sure to carry cash, as many places do not accept digital payments.
Journey to Tungnath
After spending three nights in Badrinath, we set off for Tungnath, one of the Panch Kedar temples located in Chopta. We left Badrinath at 8:15 AM and arrived at our hotel, Regenta Resort Madhunganga, by 4 PM.
Chopta is truly beautiful, featuring dense forests and stunning views. While there are numerous Swiss and Alpine camps available for trekkers, some of them unfortunately resemble refugee camps, which detracts from the natural beauty of the area.
Regenta Resort Madhunganga
Regenta Resort Madhunganga is an excellent four-star property located in Ukhimath, perfectly situated along the Kedarnath-Badrinath route. This strategic location makes it an ideal base for exploring various nearby destinations, including:
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- Omkareshwar: 2 km away
- Kedarnath: 45 km by road + 16 km trek
- Madhmaheshwar: 20 km by road + 16 km trek
- Tungnath: 29 km by road + 4 km trek
- Kalimath: 20 km by road
- Triyuginarayan: 53 km by road
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We stayed here for one night primarily to visit Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple at 12,800 feet. This resort serves as a great hub for a week-long stay, allowing easy access to many scenic and spiritual sites.
Tungnath Trek
The trek to Tungnath is popular and can get quite busy, especially around the parking area. The path resembles a crowded city road, with most sections paved, making it an easy trek overall. While there are some steep areas, the well-maintained track makes the journey manageable.
Many trekkers also venture to Chandrashila, a peak located just half a kilometer beyond Tungnath. This part of the trek is much steeper and lacks cemented paths, presenting a bit more of a challenge.
Our three-night stay in Badrinath helped us acclimatize to the high altitude, making the trek to Tungnath feel effortless; we completed it in just two hours. For those who prefer, horseback rides are available along much of the route.
Note: Unfortunately, there are no restrooms along the trek, so plan accordingly. While the views were impressive, they may not surpass some other scenic spots I’ve seen.
Post-Trek Recommendations
On your way back from Tungnath, consider stopping at Bunker House. This was the first place we discovered in a week that offered a delightful menu, including burgers and pizza—an excellent treat after a long trek!
Best Time to Travel
The four Dhams close from 1st week November until the end of April, limiting access to just six months each year. The monsoon months of July, August, and September bring heavy rains and are prone to landslides. May and June are the peak tourist months due to summer vacations, making it quite crowded.
October emerges as the ideal time to visit—temperatures are mild, the rains have subsided, and the crowds are significantly reduced. If you can plan your trip around Vijay Dashami or Diwali, you’ll likely encounter the least number of visitors.
Travel Recommendations
Choose an Innova:
Opt for a safe and comfortable Innova with an experienced driver. Even if your journey starts in Delhi, ensure that your vehicle has a UK number plate and is pre-registered for the 4 Dham Yatra. A reliable vehicle and a good driver can greatly reduce travel stress.
Travel Light:
Avoid overloading your vehicle. We traveled with just two passengers, plus our driver and guide, which made the journey much more pleasant and manageable.
Booking and Contacts
Our trip was well-organized by Om Prakash Ji of Rishikesh Day Trips (7078203030). He was responsive and helped plan our itinerary. A reliable driver is essential; we had Mohit Rana (91937 42876), who was punctual and energetic. For guided tours, consider Hukum Chinwan (9690464301 or 75794 81621).
Final Thoughts
As we prayed for a smooth trip, we were blessed with excellent weather, a good driver, and friendly accommodations. On our way back, we stopped at Chauhan Bengali Sweet Shop in Srinagar for some delightful Uttarakhand delicacies, like Bal Mithai and Singori.
With these tips and insights, your journey to Badrinath and beyond will surely be an unforgettable adventure in the beautiful land of Uttarakhand!
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