The Indian state of Uttarakhand includes the pilgrimage town of Badrinath under its Chamoli district. It is nestled in the Himalayas mountains, is of great religious importance, and has unique landscape features.
The town is the residence of Badrinath Temple, one in a set of four holy temples called Chota Char Dham Shrines within Hinduism. It is also part of the original Hindu pilgrims’ Chardham Yatra of India. The town also provides access points to several hikes and other places in the nearby mountain ranges.
If you plan to visit Badrinath from Haridwar in 2024, here are some important details on how to plan the trip.
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How to go to Badrinath from Haridwar?
Haridwar is generally the starting point for the Chardham Yatra, mainly because Haridwar is an important religious site. Moreover, Hindu pilgrims always take a holy dip in the Har Ki Pauri ghat on river Ganga’s banksanga.
The route of Badrinath from Haridwar covers a few important destinations. The route is Haridwar-Rishikesh-Rudraprayag-Chamoli-Badrinath.
So, the distance from Haridwar to Badrinath is approximately 320 km. Moreover, covering the entire route and distance takes about 10-12 hours.
Travelers can hire a bus or taxi service from Haridwar to reach Badrinath Dham. Besides, there are Chardham yatra by helicopter services for those who wish to avoid the long routes.
There are no direct train services to Badrinath from Haridwar as Badrinath has no railway station.
Transportation Options To Reach Badrinath from Haridwar
Traveling between Haridwar and Badrinath by road offers spectacular mountainous landscape views along its route. Some popular transportation options for pilgrims include:
1. Private Vehicles:
Many pilgrims prefer private vehicles for the freedom and comfort they provide. You may prefer hiring a taxi or driving your car, allowing frequent stops at picturesque locales along your travel route. Just ensure your vehicle is well maintained to avoid problems on mountainous terrain and fluctuating weather conditions.
2. Shared Taxis and Buses:
Budget travellers seeking cost-efficient transport solutions should look into shared taxis or buses as economical travel between Haridwar and Badrinath. Many tour operators and government-run buses operate between these destinations. Yet it’s wise to confirm timings before purchasing tickets to ensure smooth transportation.
It is important to note that helicopter services aren’t available from Haridwar. Hence, to avail of the services, you must reach Dehradun.
Places To Visit During Badrinath Dham Visit
1. Tapt Kund
The natural thermal spring known as Tapt Kund lies at the foot of Badrinath Temple and is said to have therapeutic qualities. A dip in these waters should be part of one’s preparation before visiting Badrinath; nearby are five boulders named Narad, Narsingh Varah Garur & Markanday by legend.
2. Brahma Kapal
This flat platform, located 100 meters northeast of a temple, serves as an area to perform religious offerings for deceased family members who may have passed on. There is a popular belief that this ritual may help release them from reincarnation or life-after-death cycles.
3. Neelkanth Peak
Renowned as the “Queen of Garhwal”, Neelkanth Peak stands tall with its enormous height (approx. 6,597 meters), providing an amazing backdrop to Badrinath shrine and drawing inspiration from the first light at dawn. A breathtaking site indeed!
4. Vasudhara Falls
Vasudhara Falls is an impressive waterfall in the picturesque Himalayan environment that can be reached via road (up to Mana village) or trekking the remaining six kilometres on foot. It measures an astounding height of 122 meters.
Shrikhand Kailash Yatra Package is one of the toughest journeys to this area, in the Shimla district.
Important Tips For Traveling To Badrinath From Haridwar
1. Weather Check
Before beginning your journey, check Haridwar and Badrinath weather forecasts as climate can often change rapidly at higher altitudes. So pack accordingly for rainy season and even keep winter clothing as well.
2. Permits and Documentation
Before heading out on any journey, ensure you possess all required permits and identification documents. Besides that, check any travel advisories or guidelines issued by local authorities.
3. Altitude Acclimatization
Badrinath sits at an elevation of 3,133 meters, so altitude sickness should be taken seriously when planning your visit there. Take breaks during your journey for acclimatization purposes; stay hydrated throughout; consult a healthcare professional as you travel.
4. Book Accommodations In Advance
Badrinath is an important pilgrimage site, so booking accommodation early is wise. Options range from guesthouses and hotels that cater to different budgets.
5. Experience Local Cuisine and Culture
Take part in local culture by tasting regional food and watch the pilgrimage of the locals, enriching your cultural experience! When travelling to Badrinath from Haridwar, various shops serve authentic local cuisines. Hence, you can try it on your way.
Conclusion
Travelling to Badrinath from Haridwar is a great way to explore the beauty of the Himalaya, and explore the culture of Haridwar. To plan your trip, you can contact LIH Travel.
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Hi, we are Krasen and Ying Ying. Krasen is from Bulgaria, and Ying Ying is from China. We are passionate about geography and history, and we believe that the best way to experience it is by exploring the Earth in reality, not in a school, and not virtually.
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