Is it difficult to reach Badrinath?

No, reaching Badrinath Temple is not very difficult. The temple is connected by a well-maintained mountain highway, and travellers can reach it by road from gateway towns like Haridwar and Rishikesh. While the journey involves winding Himalayan roads, buses, taxis, and private vehicles regularly operate during the Char Dham Yatra season, making the temple easily accessible for pilgrims.

How can I go to Badrinath by train?

To reach Badrinath by train, visitors can take a train to the nearest railway station, Haridwar (300-321 km) or Rishikesh (297-299 km), then continue by road or hire a taxi/cab.

Do we need to trek to reach Badrinath Temple?

No, there is no trek to reach the Badrinath temple; the temple is accessible by vehicle, you can drive or take a cab/taxi, and there are optional treks to explore, like Vasudhara falls.

What is the best way to reach the Badrinath temple?

The best way to reach Badrinath Temple is to take a flight to Dehradun or a train upto Haridwar or Rishikesh, then continue the journey by road in a private taxi/cab to reach the temple.

How far is Badrinath from Delhi?

The distance from Delhi to Badrinath is about 542 km, which can be covered in 12-13 hrs by road, depending on the route and travel option.

How To Reach Badrinath Temple From Delhi & Major Cities 2026

What Is the Best Way to Reach Badrinath?

The best way to reach Badrinath Temple is usually by road via Haridwar or Rishikesh, as the temple is connected by a well-maintained mountain highway in the Garhwal Himalayas, making the accessibility comfortable and easier by road.

These cities, along with Dehradun, serve as the main gateway points for pilgrims travelling during the Char Dham Yatra. Know "How to reach Badrinath Temple", along with routes, travel time, distances, and travel options.

Most travellers first reach Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun by train, flight, or road, and then continue the remaining journey to Badrinath by road through the Himalayan region.

Common route to Badrinath from Haridwar:-

Haridwar → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Karnaprayag → Chamoli → Joshimath → Badrinath

This scenic route follows the Alaknanda River valley and passes through several important towns in Uttarakhand before reaching Badrinath.

Common travel options include:-

Road (Most Popular): Travel by car, taxi, or bus from Haridwar or Rishikesh. The journey usually takes around 10–12 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions.
Train + Road: Take a train to Haridwar or Rishikesh, then continue the journey to Badrinath by taxi or bus.
Flight + Road: Fly to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, the nearest airport to Badrinath, and then travel by road.
Helicopter: Pilgrims with limited time can also book helicopter services from Dehradun as part of a Do Dham Yatra or Char Dham helicopter package.

Travel Tips:-

It is recommended to start the road journey early in the morning (around 5:00–6:00 AM) from Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun. Starting early helps avoid traffic congestion near the Tapovan area of Rishikesh and allows travellers to reach Badrinath before evening.

ways to reach Badrinath temple by different mode of transport with distance and approx time required

Quick Facts About Badrinath Temple:-

Badrinath Temple Co-ordinates: 30.744°N 79.493°E
State: Uttarakhand
District: Chamoli
Altitude: 3,133 meters (10,279 feet)
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh / Haridwar
Ideal Travel Season for Badrinath Temple: May–June & September–October

Badrinath Distance From Major Cities

City	Distance to Badrinath (in Kms)	Approx Travel Time (in Hours)
Delhi	542 km	12-14 hrs
Haridwar	309 km	8-10 hrs
Rishikesh	286 km	7-9 hrs
Delhi	324 km	9-12 hrs
Kedarnath (via road)	220 km	9-10 hrs

Note:- All the travel distance and travel time are approx and may vary on the route taken, congestion on road and number of stops taken during the journey. This table is created on the basis of distance measurement by google map and approx time is based on personal experience.

You can check out the distance of Badrinath temple from other major cities in our dedicated guide on Badrinath Distance Chart.

What are the possible ways to reach Badrinath by road?

There are four main ways to reach Badrinath Temple by road: government or private buses, private taxis or cabs, shared jeeps, and self-drive cars. Each option has different costs, comfort levels, and flexibility depending on your travel preferences. Know how to reach Badrinath Temple by different travel options:

1) Government or Private Bus

State transport and private buses operate during the Char Dham Yatra season from major bus terminals in Uttarakhand.

Common Bus Departure Points

Haridwar Bus Stand
Rishikesh Bus Stand
ISBT Kashmiri Gate

Travel Time: 10–15 hours

Approx Cost: ₹700 – ₹2000 per person

Note: Prices mentioned are approximate and may change depending on the season. For updated fares, check the Uttarakhand Transport Corporation website.

Pros:

Budget-friendly
Easily available during Char Dham season

Cons:

Fixed departure timings
Limited comfort on long mountain journeys

Travel Tips:-

Most government and private buses start early in the morning from Haridwar. Buses usually depart between 5:00 AM and 8:00 AM, so plan your arrival accordingly.

2) Cab/Taxi From Haridwar/Rishikesh To Badrinath:

Hiring a cab or taxi from Haridwar or Rishikesh is one of the most comfortable and flexible ways to reach Badrinath Temple, especially for families and senior citizens.

Private taxis allow travellers to travel at their own pace, take short breaks en route, and adjust timings based on road and weather conditions.

Available Taxi Options

Sedan cars (suitable for 2–3 passengers)
SUVs (recommended for mountain roads and luggage)
Tempo travellers (ideal for group travel)

Travel Time

The road journey from Haridwar or Rishikesh to Badrinath usually takes 10–14 hours, depending on traffic, weather, and road conditions.

If you prefer a hassle-free journey with an experienced driver, you can also book a Badrinath tour by taxi or choose from our Badrinath tour packages, which include transportation, accommodation, and on-ground assistance.

3) Shared Jeeps or Shared Taxis

Shared jeeps are majorly useful for budget travellers and local pilgrims. These vehicles operate between major towns on the route. Shared vehicles are commonly available from Rishikesh, Srinagar, Rudraparya and Joshimath.

4) Self-Drive Car

Travellers can also reach Badrinath by driving their own vehicle. The road journey offers scenic Himalayan views and passes through towns like Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, and Joshimath.

Travel Time: 10–12 hours
Estimated Fuel Cost: ₹4000 – ₹6000 (from Haridwar region)

Note:- Driving in the Himalayan region requires experience with mountain roads. Travellers who are not comfortable driving in hilly terrain should consider hiring a local driver instead. It is also advisable to travel with multiple drivers to avoid fatigue during long journeys.

landslide warning board on road from Haridwar to Badrinath

How To Reach Badrinath By Train

Travelling by train is one of the most budget-friendly ways to begin your journey to Badrinath Temple. Since Badrinath does not have a railway station, pilgrims need to take a train up to a nearby railhead and then continue the remaining journey by road.

Nearest Railway Stations

The two most convenient railway stations for Badrinath are:

Haridwar
Rishikesh

Both stations are well connected to major cities across India through regular express and premium trains.

Train + Road Journey

After reaching Haridwar or Rishikesh by train, travellers can continue towards Badrinath using:

State transport or private buses
Private taxis or shared vehicles

This combination of train + road travel is ideal for pilgrims looking to balance comfort and budget.

how to reach badrinath by train

How To Reach Badrinath By Air

Travelling by air is the fastest way to reach the region closest to Badrinath Temple, especially for travellers coming from distant parts of India. Since Badrinath does not have its own airport, visitors must first fly to the nearest airport and then continue the journey by road or helicopter.

Flights to Dehradun operate regularly from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. During the Char Dham season, flight prices may increase significantly, so booking tickets in advance can save a lot of money for you.

Budget Planning Tips:- If fligt ticket price to Dehradun is very high, then you can also take flight till Delhi and continue rest of your journey by road.

Nearest Airport to Badrinath

The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, located near Dehradun. This airport is well connected to major Indian cities through regular flights.

Flight + Road / Helicopter Travel

After reaching Dehradun by flight, travellers can continue towards Badrinath by:

Hiring a private cab or taxi
Booking helicopter services during the yatra season

Important Note about Helicopter Services

Direct helicopter services only to Badrinath are generally not available from Dehradun. If you choose to travel by helicopter after reaching Dehradun, you will need to opt for a combined pilgrimage, where both Kedarnath and Badrinath are covered together as part of the Do Dham Yatra.

In such cases, travellers can book a Do Dham Yatra Package by helicopter, which includes helicopter transfers, temple visits, and ground assistance, offering a time-saving and comfortable option—especially for senior citizens and time-constrained pilgrims.

Pro tips: This option is ideal for pilgrims who want to reduce long-distance travel time and reach the Himalayan region comfortably.

City-Wise Routes To Badrinath

So many devotees visit Badrinath from various cities. Here's a detailed city-wise route to Badrinath.

badrinath, mana village, joshimath distance board displayed on road from Haridwar to Badrinath

How To Reach Badrinath From Delhi

Here’s all the information about how to reach Badrinath from Delhi:

Distance: 525 Kilometres

Route: NH 7 Delhi → Haridwar → Rishikesh → Rudraprayag → Chamoli → Joshimath → Badrinath
Train+Road: Train from Delhi to Haridwar/Rishikesh, then Taxi/Cab for further by road
Air+Road: Take a flight from Delhi IGIA to Dehradun Jolly Grant Airport, then continue further by road

For complete details including distance, routes, travel time, and transport options, read our detailed guide on How to Reach Badrinath from Delhi.

How To Reach Badrinath From Haridwar

Haridwar is one of the most common base points for travelling to Badrinath Temple, as it is well connected by rail and road. From Haridwar, pilgrims can continue their journey to Badrinath primarily by road using buses, taxis, or shared vehicles.

Most travellers from Haridwar:

Travel directly by road via Rishikesh and Joshimath, or
Combine train (up to Haridwar) + road travel for the onward journey.

For complete details including road routes, travel time, bus and taxi options, read our detailed guide on Haridwar to Badrinath guide.

How To Reach Badrinath From Rishikesh

Rishikesh is another important gateway town for travellers heading towards Badrinath Temple. From Rishikesh, the journey to Badrinath is completed entirely by road through the Garhwal Himalayan region.

Most travellers from Rishikesh reach Badrinath by:

Taking a direct road journey via the mountain route, or
Hiring a private taxi or shared vehicle for a more flexible travel experience.

For complete details including routes, travel time, and transport options, read our detailed guide on How to Reach Badrinath from Rishikesh.

How to Reach Badrinath from Kedarnath

Kedarnath is considered part of the Do Dham Yatra and the Char Dham Yatra. Here's a guide to reach Badrinath from Kedarnath.

First, you need to trek 16km from Kedarnath to Gaurikund, then continue by road to Badrinath.

Road Route: Gaurikund → Guptkashi → Chopta / Ukhimath → Joshimath → Badrinath.

Distance: 200-225km from Gaurikund to Badrinath.

Pilgrims generally:

Complete the Kedarnath trek, and
Continue the journey towards Badrinath by road via key towns of Uttarakhand.

For exact Kedarnath to Badrinath routes, distance, and travel details, check our dedicated Kedarnath to Badrinath travel guide.

How To Reach Badrinath From Mumbai

Travelling from Mumbai to Badrinath Temple requires long-distance travel, so most pilgrims prefer a combination of flight or train followed by a road journey.

Travellers from Mumbai usually:

Take a flight or train to North India (Dehradun, Haridwar, or Rishikesh), and
Continue the onward journey to Badrinath by road using a taxi or bus.

For complete details including flight options, train routes, road distance, travel time, and fares, read our detailed guide on How to Reach Badrinath from Mumbai.

How to Reach Badrinath from Jaipur

Travelling from Jaipur to Badrinath Temple involves long-distance travel, so most pilgrims prefer reaching North India first and then continuing the journey by road.

Travellers from Jaipur usually:

Take a flight or train to a major transit city, and
Complete the onward journey to Badrinath by road using a taxi or bus.

How To Reach Badrinath From Patna

Travelling from Patna to Badrinath Temple involves long-distance travel, so most pilgrims prefer a combination of flight or train followed by a road journey.

Travellers from Patna usually:

Take a flight to Dehradun or a train to Haridwar/Rishikesh, and
Continue the onward journey to Badrinath by road using a taxi or bus.

For complete details including flight options, train routes, road distance, travel time, and fares, read our detailed guide on How to Reach Badrinath from Patna.

How To Reach Badrinath From Kerala

Take a connecting flight from Kerala to Delhi IGI Airport, which will cost you round ₹7,000 to ₹8,000. The distance is about 2057 km, which takes 3 hours to cover.

From Delhi, take a flight to Dehradun and continue by road.

Major Stopovers on the Way to Badrinath

major stopover enroute to Badrinath temple

Since the road journey from Haridwar or Rishikesh to Badrinath can take around 10–12 hours. Here is a list of some of the major stopovers and major cities enroute to Badrinath where you can take pit stop for food, fuel, restrooms and you can also explore some famous temples and local markets around. This can make the journey much smoother and fulfilling especially if you are travelling with families, kids or senior citizens.

Devprayag – First Quick Break

Most travellers prefer to take their first short break at Devprayag, usually for tea or breakfast, after leaving Rishikesh.

Although Rishikesh is the last major town before entering the mountain highway, it is generally not recommended to stop there for long breaks, especially during the Char Dham Yatra season. Traffic congestion and occasional police barricading near Tapovan and the mountain entry road can slow vehicles significantly, so many travellers prefer to continue driving until Devprayag before stopping.

Located about 70 km from Rishikesh, Devprayag is a peaceful hill town known for the sacred confluence (Sangam) of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers, where the River Ganga officially begins. The town also offers a few small restaurants, tea stalls, and scenic viewpoints along the highway, making it a convenient place for travellers to take a short refreshment break.

Srinagar (Garhwal) – Best Stop for Lunch, Fuel, and Facilities

After crossing Devprayag, the next major stop on the Badrinath route is Srinagar, located about 35 km ahead. This is one of the largest and most developed towns on the Badrinath highway, making it one of the most practical places to take a proper break during the journey.

Why travellers stop at Srinagar

Multiple petrol pumps for refueling
Restaurants, cafés, and luxury hotels
Public restrooms and short break facilities
ATMs, pharmacies, and medical stores
Vehicle repair shops and tyre services

Because Srinagar has the largest market area on this route, it is also a convenient place for travellers to buy essential items such as medicines, snacks, rainwear, or warm clothing before continuing further into the mountains.

The town also hosts a government hospital and several private clinics, so it can be an important stop in case of minor medical emergencies during the journey.

Dhari Devi Temple

One of the major sightseeing spots located en route to Badrinath Temple from Haridwar or Rishikesh is Dhari Devi Temple. The goddess worshipped here is believed to be the protector deity of the Char Dham temples, and locals have deep faith in her. It is a good idea to take a short break of about 20–25 minutes here and visit this scenic temple before continuing the journey.

Rudraprayag – Route Junction Stop

Rudraprayag is an important town on the route where the road toward Kedarnath separates from the Badrinath highway. Many travellers take a short tea or restroom break here before continuing the journey toward Karnaprayag. Basic facilities such as petrol pumps, small restaurants, and roadside eateries are available near the highway.

Karnaprayag – Quick Refreshment Stop

Karnaprayag is a smaller town further ahead on the route and is usually used for a quick refreshment stop. Travellers can find tea stalls, small eateries, and local shops here. Since the town is relatively small, most people spend only a few minutes before continuing toward Joshimath.

Joshimath – Last Major Town Before Badrinath

Joshimath is the last major town before Badrinath, located about 45 km from the temple. It has better facilities compared to other towns along the route, including petrol pumps, hotels, restaurants, ATMs, and medical stores. Many pilgrims choose to refuel or take a short rest here before continuing the final stretch toward Badrinath. If you have some time left, you can also visit to Narshimha temple located in Joshimath.

For better experience you can also add some of the most prominent places to visit while travelling to Badrinath temple. You can refer some of these places from our blog on Top 10 Best Places To Visit Near Badrinath Temple.

joshimath police checkpost enroute to badrinath temple

Important Travel Advisory

As per the travel Advisory issued by the Uttarakhand Transport Department, it's clearly mention that you are not allowed to drive after 7:00 PM and before 5:00 AM, so you are advised to take minimum breaks enroute and reach to Badrinath temple before 7:00 PM.

Other Quick Tips

Here are some essential travel tips you must know before visiting Badrinath Temple:

Landslide risk: Precautions are needed on road climbs and at specific stretches prone to landslides.
Suggested Vehicle: SUVs and high-clearance vehicles are recommended for mountain stretches.
Essentials: Carry essential things like medicine, snacks, water, and protein bars.
Clothing: Carry heavy woollen clothes, Gloves, jackets, and trekking shoes.
Advance Booking: Prefer booking accommodation, transportation, and packages in advance.
Badrinath VIP Darshan: To avoid long que, specially when you are travelling with elderly, you should opt for VIP Darshan during peak season, i.e. in the month of May or June.
Registration: Do not forget to do registration for the Badrinath yatra to ensure safety.
Weather Condition:- Weather in the Himalayas can change quickly, so it is always better to check the best time to visit Badrinath and current weather conditions before planning your trip.

Important Safety Information

Since Badrinath Temple is located at a high altitude of around 3,133 meters (10,279 ft) in the Garhwal Himalayas, you may experience mild altitude-related discomfort such as fatigue, shortness of breath, or dizziness. These issues are majorly seen in senior citizens and first-time visitors to high-altitude regions.

To make the journey safer and more comfortable, here are the quick tips from personal experience which you should follow for a hasslefree journey.

Stay hydrated: Keep sipping water at regular interval to keep yourself hydrated. This is very important for protection from altitude sickness.
Avoid heavy meals while travelling: Eat light while the road journey from Haridwar to Badrinath or back. Avoid taking any oily or fried meals, taking fruits can keep you hydrated and energetic throughout the journey.
Carry motion sickness medicine: The Badrinath route has many sharp turns and steep climbs, so travellers who are prone to nausea should keep motion sickness medicines like Dramamine or Bonine. It's better to consult doctor for the best prescription.

FAQs

Is it difficult to reach Badrinath?
No, reaching Badrinath Temple is not very difficult. The temple is connected by a well-maintained mountain highway, and travellers can reach it by road from gateway towns like Haridwar and Rishikesh. While the journey involves winding Himalayan roads, buses, taxis, and private vehicles regularly operate during the Char Dham Yatra season, making the temple easily accessible for pilgrims.
How can I go to Badrinath by train?
To reach Badrinath by train, visitors can take a train to the nearest railway station, Haridwar (300-321 km) or Rishikesh (297-299 km), then continue by road or hire a taxi/cab.
Do we need to trek to reach Badrinath Temple?
No, there is no trek to reach the Badrinath temple; the temple is accessible by vehicle, you can drive or take a cab/taxi, and there are optional treks to explore, like Vasudhara falls.
What is the best way to reach the Badrinath temple?
The best way to reach Badrinath Temple is to take a flight to Dehradun or a train upto Haridwar or Rishikesh, then continue the journey by road in a private taxi/cab to reach the temple.
How far is Badrinath from Delhi?
The distance from Delhi to Badrinath is about 542 km, which can be covered in 12-13 hrs by road, depending on the route and travel option.

Conclusion

Reaching Badrinath Temple is relatively straightforward if the journey is planned properly. Most pilgrims first reach gateway towns like Haridwar or Rishikesh, and then continue the final Himalayan drive through towns such as Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, and Joshimath.

Understanding the route, travel options, major stopovers, and safety guidelines can make the journey much smoother—especially during the busy Char Dham Yatra season. Planning an early start, choosing the right transport option, and allowing enough time for the mountain drive will help ensure a safe and comfortable trip to Badrinath.