How to Reach Badrinath, Uttarakhand – By Road, Train, Air & Helicopter
Badrinath, one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites of Char Dham Yatra, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand at an altitude of 3,300 meters. Nestled in the Himalayas, Badrinath attracts thousands of devotees every year. If you’re planning a trip, here’s a complete guide on how to reach Badrinath via different modes of transportation.
1. How to Reach Badrinath by Road
Badrinath is well connected by road networks from major cities like Delhi, Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun. The last motorable town before Badrinath is Joshimath, from where the road continues to Badrinath.
Major Routes to Badrinath:
- From Delhi: Delhi → Haridwar → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Rudraprayag → Karnaprayag → Nandaprayag → Chamoli → Joshimath → Badrinath (Approx. 525 km)
- From Haridwar/Rishikesh: Haridwar/Rishikesh → Devprayag → Rudraprayag → Karnaprayag → Joshimath → Badrinath (Approx. 315 km)
- From Dehradun: Dehradun → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Rudraprayag → Joshimath → Badrinath (Approx. 320 km)
Bus & Taxi Services to Badrinath:
- Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) runs government buses from Rishikesh and Haridwar to Badrinath.
- Private taxis and shared cabs are available from Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun, and Delhi.
🛤️ Best Route: Haridwar/Rishikesh → Joshimath → Badrinath
2. How to Reach Badrinath by Train
Badrinath does not have a railway station. The nearest railway stations are:
🚆 Haridwar Railway Station (315 km) – Best option, well-connected to major cities.
🚆 Rishikesh Railway Station (295 km) – Closest railway station to Badrinath.
🚆 Dehradun Railway Station (320 km) – Another option for travelers from North India.
After reaching these railway stations, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Badrinath via Joshimath. The journey takes around 10-12 hours depending on road conditions.
3. How to Reach Badrinath by Air
The nearest airport to Badrinath is:
✈️ Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (310 km) – Connected to Delhi, Mumbai, and other major cities.
From Dehradun, you can:
✅ Hire a taxi or take a bus to Badrinath.
✅ Travel to Joshimath and stay overnight before continuing the journey.
✅ Opt for helicopter services for a faster and more comfortable journey.
4. Helicopter Services to Badrinath
For a quick and hassle-free journey, helicopter services are available from:
🚁 Dehradun (Sahastradhara Helipad) – Direct flights to Badrinath.
🚁 Phata, Guptkashi, and Gauchar – Charter services available.
🚁 Helipad at Badrinath – Located near the temple for easy access.
Helicopter bookings should be made in advance, especially during the peak pilgrimage season (May–June & September–October).
Fare Table for Reaching Badrinath
| Travel Mode | Route | Approx. Fare (INR) | Time Taken |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus (Govt/Private) | Haridwar/Rishikesh to Badrinath | ₹700 – ₹1,500 | 12-14 hrs |
| Taxi (Sedan) | Haridwar/Rishikesh to Badrinath | ₹7,000 – ₹12,000 | 10-12 hrs |
| Taxi (SUV/Innova) | Haridwar/Rishikesh to Badrinath | ₹10,000 – ₹18,000 | 10-12 hrs |
| Train | Delhi to Haridwar/Rishikesh | ₹300 – ₹1,500 | 4-6 hrs |
| Helicopter | Dehradun to Badrinath | ₹45,000 – ₹55,000 (per person) | 1 hr |
Note: Taxi fares vary based on demand, vehicle type, and season. Helicopter fares fluctuate based on availability and weather conditions.
Best Time to Visit Badrinath
- Summer (May–June) – Ideal for pilgrimage and sightseeing.
- Monsoon (July–August) – Prone to landslides, not recommended.
- Post-Monsoon (September–October) – Best time for a peaceful visit before the temple closes for winter.
⛔ Winter (November–April) – Temple remains closed due to heavy snowfall.
Final Travel Tips for Badrinath Yatra
✅ Book accommodations in advance, especially in peak seasons.
✅ Start your journey early in the morning to avoid roadblocks.
✅ Carry warm clothes, as temperatures can drop significantly.
✅ Keep emergency medicines and personal essentials handy.
✅ Check road conditions and weather forecasts before traveling.
Conclusion
Reaching Badrinath is an enriching experience with breathtaking Himalayan views and spiritual bliss. Whether you prefer traveling by road, train, air, or helicopter, this guide ensures a smooth and comfortable journey. Plan your trip wisely and immerse yourself in the divine aura of Badrinath Dham!
