Delhi to Badrinath

Delhi to Badrinath the abode of lord Vishnu, situated in the Chamoli district of the Garhwal Himalayas, is around 525 kilometres one way and typically takes 4-6 days of journey to covers .with Haridwar and Rishikesh being the gateway to reach Dham this route is a blend of both smooth roads and scenic mountain views.

If you are planning a Yatra to this sacred Dham, then we have prepared a detailed itinerary for you along with full details of cost, time and places you may consider going in between, along with some specialized recommendation to ease your travel.

Registration and Opening Date

Note: all travelers need to obtain free registration online through the website or offline at Joshimath/Rishikesh to continue their Yatra ahead.

Registration Type	Steps	Locations/Portal	Requirements
Online	1. Visit https://registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in/ 2. Select “Register” > Badrinath 3. Enter name, phone, address, ID proof 4. Submit for confirmation email & number	Official Uttarakhand Tourism portal	Aadhaar/Voter ID,
Offline	Visit the centre. Fill the form Submit ID Receive yatra pass	Haridwar Railway Station, Rishikesh Bus Stand, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Joshimath	Original ID proof

Badrinath Dham Opening Dates

Aspect	Details
Temple Opening	April 23 at 6:15 AM
Daily Darshan	Morning: 4:30-1 PM; Evening: 4-9 PM (with Mangala & Shayan Aarti)
Temple Closing	November 13

Delhi to Badrinath Yatra Route and Best Options

Nested in rugged Himalayan tops, the Delhi to Badrinath journey mainly depends on roadways for its connectivity; therefore, despite travel from train or flights, all travellers need to board local government or private operators’ buses /taxis or shared jeeps for yatra towards Dham .therefore we have outlined details about all three modes of transport for your convenience.

By Train

With Haridwar/Rishikesh being the gateway station for the Badrinath Dham, all travellers are requested to board trains from Delhi to these hubs, and then bookor say more correctly, pre-book local transport for further yatra towards Dham.

Step-by-Step Train + Road Route

• From Delhi NDLS/Hazrat Nizamuddin board trains like Mussoorie Express or Jan Shatabdi to Rishikesh(RKSH) /Haridwar junction

Time Taken (5-6 hours):

• Now from Rishikesh/ Haridwar, hire a GMOU bus/taxi/shared jeep to Joshimath (10-12 hours, 300 km): to Joshimath via Devprayag, Karnaprayag and Rudraprayag.
• Joshimath to Badrinath (45 km, 2-3 hours): Shared taxi or direct bus on the final motorable stretch.
• Total time: 18-22 hours; book trains early via IRCTC for the yatra peak.

Delhi ──► Haridwar/Rishikesh ──► Joshimath ──► Badrinath

By Flight

The only Dehradun (Jolly Grant Airport) (1-hour flight) is the major airport near Badrinath. Then travellers need to take a taxi/bus to Badrinath by road (300 km, 10-12 hours).​

• For the fastest and most convenient access to Badrinath Dham, helicopter services are available directly from Dehradun’s Sahastradhara Helipad.

Flight + Road Breakdown

Delhi (DEL) → Dehradun (DED): IndiGo/SpiceJet daily flights (~₹3,000-5,000).  Board a bus/taxi/ (helicopter service also available) from DED Airport → Haridwar/Rishikesh (1 hour) → Joshimath (9 hours) → Badrinath (2-3 hours).

By Bus

The most budget-friendly option for the Badrinath Yatra lies with bus travel through local operators like Uttarakhand Roadways (GMOU/UTC), while the private operators’ option is also open.

Operator Type	Examples	Route	Fare (₹)	Duration
Government (GMOU/UTC)	Uttarakhand Roadways	Delhi → Joshimath	900-1,300	14 hrs
Private	UPSRTC, RedBus partners (Devbhoomi Travels)	Delhi → Haridwar/Rishikesh	500-1,000	6-8 hrs
Volvo/AC Private	Mahalaxmi Travels, Indo-Canadian	Delhi → Joshimath	1,800-2,800	13 hrs
Shared Jeeps (Local)	GMOU Jeeps	Joshimath → Badrinath	100-200	45 mins

Bus Route & Schedule

Delhi → Joshimath (525 km, 14 hours): Departs 8:00-10:00 PM, reaches Rishikesh by 3:00 AM, Rudraprayag by 7:00 AM, and Joshimath by 10:00 AM. Return from Badrinath at 12:00 PM.

• Fare: ₹900-1,300 (one-way)​

Booking & Tips

Pre -book online at utconline.uk.gov.in or at ISBT counters to avoid any last-minute hassle.

• After Joshimath, take a local shared jeep (₹100-200) to Badrinath.
• AC/non-AC Volvo options are available during peak yatra (April-Nov).

Delhi to Badrinath by Personal Vehicle

NH334/NH7 provide smooth access from Delhi to  Badrinath (525 km, 14-16 hours) with only exceptions being narrow winding hills. Therefore, it is always recommended to hire or accompany someone experienced for hilly roads, although these roads are well maintained, especially during the yatra season. (April-Nov).​

Self-Drive Route Breakdown

• Delhi → Haridwar (230 km, 5-6 hrs): Multi-lane highway, tolls ~₹500.
• Haridwar → Rudraprayag (190 km, 6-7 hrs): winding roads via Devprayag.
• Rudraprayag → Badrinath (160 km, 5-6 hrs): steep hairpins via Joshimath; park at base and walk/taxi the final km if needed (₹100).

Road Conditions

Delhi-Haridwar (230 km): Excellent-conditioned NH334 multi-lane highway (60-80 km/h speeds), plenty of fuel stops, and Dhabas are in abundance.

Haridwar-Rudraprayag (190 km): Good paved roads via Devprayag; you may encounter moderate traffic.

Rudraprayag-Badrinath (160 km): Narrow single lane with steep drops, this area becomes landslide-prone in monsoons; therefore, it’s always recommended drive slowly (20-30 km/h).

6-Day Delhi to Badrinath Itinerary

Day 1: Delhi → Haridwar (230 km, 6 hrs)

Depart early via NH334. Evening Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri. Overnight stay in Haridwar.

Stay options – Hotel Ganga Lahari or Fortune Park Haridwar – Ganga-view rooms, near Har Ki Pauri for evening Aarti (₹2,500-5,000/night).

Day 2: Haridwar → Rudraprayag (160 km, 7 hrs)

Visit Rishikesh en route to the Devprayag confluence. Narrow roads begin post-Rishikesh.
An overnight stay is recommended in Rudraprayag.

Stay options – Monal Resort – Hilltop views of the Alaknanda River, clean veg meals, and ample parking for Yatra vehicles (₹3,000-6,000).

Day 3: Rudraprayag → Badrinath (160 km drive, 8-10 hrs)

Drive via Joshimath (en route visit Narsingh Temple). Reach Badrinath by evening for Darshan. Overnight stay at Badrinath.

Stay options – Sarovar Portico or GMVN Tourist Rest House – Basic rooms close to temple, hot meals, seasonal only (₹2,000-5,000)

Day 4: Badrinath Darshan & Visit Mana Village (local sightseeing, 1-2 hrs)

Morning Aarti (4:30-7 AM), explore Tapt Kund, Mana Village (last village before Tibet), Bheem Pul. Return to Rudraprayag overnight.

Day 5: Rudraprayag → Rishikesh (140 km, 7 hrs)

Stop at Srinagar/Devprayag if time permits. Evening leisure in Rishikesh. Can rest overnight.

Stay options – Dewa Retreat – Riverside luxury with yoga sessions and buffet breakfast (₹4,000-8,000).​

Day 6: Rishikesh → Delhi (250 km, 6 hrs)

Train/bus option from Haridwar or direct drive home.

Total Distance: ~1,000 km of road. Pre- register online first; May-June is the best season.

Best Places to Visit Near Badrinath

• Bheem Pul: 3 km north; massive boulder bridge over Saraswati River, linked to Bhima’s (Mahabharata character) and Mana Village trail.​
• Mana Village: 3 km north; India’s last inhabited village before the Tibet border, with local caves and eateries.
• Vyas Gufa & Ganesha Temple: In Mana Village; ancient cave where Ved Vyas dictated the Mahabharata, with a Ganesha shrine nearby.
• Tapt Kund: 500 m before temple; hot springs for ritual bath, steps from Badrinath entrance.
• Neelkanth Parvat Peak: Visible from the temple; sacred snow-clad peak (6,596 m) with mythological importance.
• Charan Paduka: 3.5 km towards Mana; the footprint rock of Lord Vishnu amid green mountain grasslands.
• Joshimath Temple (Joshimath): 45 km south; winter resting place of the Badrinath deity, an ancient 12th-century shrine.
• Pandukeshwar: 23 km south; an ancient Vishnu temple and Satsang Ashram with hot springs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid while on the Badrinath Trip:

Trek Preparation

• Skipping Yatra registration: at Joshimath base; complete online/offline registration 2-3 days prior with Aadhaar/Voter ID.
• Overpacking heavy bags: Limits mobility on steep paths to Mana Village; carry essentials only (20-30 L backpack).​
• Ignoring Acclimatization: sudden altitude leads to sickness; rest in Rudraprayag/Joshimath first.​
• No bookings: peak season rooms cost ₹5,000+; book stays/porters online.​
• Cashless reliance: ATMs scarce post-Joshimath; carry ₹10,000+ cash for taxis/food/emergencies.​
• Ignoring weather: No raincoat causes hypothermia; pack layers, check forecasts, and avoid monsoons.​​

Route-Specific Traps

• Taxi from Rudraprayag direct to Badrinath: Risky in bad weather; break at Joshimath for a safer drive.​
• Wrong season for travel: closed Oct-May due to snow; Yatra opens late in April/May.

NIT Recommendations-

• Registration: Complete free online Yatra registration at uk.gov.in before leaving Delhi—mandatory checks at Rishikesh/Joshimath checkpoints.
• Start Early: Begin the drive from Rudraprayag by 6 AM to avoid traffic, and reach Badrinath before the temple closes (8 PM).
• Weather Prep: Layer clothing (0-15°C); pack a raincoat even in May-June; check Joshimath BRO boards for landslides.
• Group Travel: Never explore Mana Village alone; stick with fellow pilgrims or guides, especially seniors/heart patients.

People Also Asked

Q-1: Best budget travel option for Delhi to Badrinath Yatra?

Ans: (GMOU/UTC) Buses are the cheapest and most affordable option for the Badrinath Yatra, with a cost ranging from ₹1,500–3,000 per person for a round trip of 5-6 days. Also, it is always advisable to Pre-book the bus that departs at night and reaches Joshimath the next afternoon.

Q-2: Are there any stays near Badrinath?

Ans: Many budget hotels, guesthouses, ashrams, and Dharamshalas are available right in Badrinath town, mostly within 100-700 meters of the temple—perfect for Yatra pilgrims

Q-3: Is there any trekking required to reach Badrinath or is it accessible by road?

Ans: Badrinath Temple is fully accessible by road—no trekking required to reach the main temple itself. Vehicles (cars, buses, taxis) go right up to the Badrinath bus stand/parking area, about 1-1.5 km from the temple entrance via a flat, paved market lane that’s an easy walk.

Q-4: Do we need winter wear at Badrinath during summer also?

Ans: Badrinath summers (May-June) have daytime highs of 10-18°C, but nights and early mornings drop to 0-7°C due to high altitude (3,133m). Layered clothing like fleece jackets, thermals, woollen caps, gloves, and a windproof jacket is essential for evenings and sudden chills.

Q-5: Can we do Delhi to Badrinath in 2 days at weekend?

Ans: No, Delhi to Badrinath spans 525 km one-way (12-16 hours driving via Haridwar-Rudraprayag-Joshimath), making a round trip 1,000+ km—impossible safely in 2 days without exhaustion or night hill driving risks. Weekends add peak traffic, and you can fall prone to fatigue on mountainous roads.

Q-6: Do we need a permit and registration for Badrinath?

Ans: All pilgrims visiting Badrinath must complete free online Char Dham Yatra registration before travel—it’s biometric-verified for safety and crowd control. No entry without it at checkpoints like Pandukeshwar (before Joshimath)

Q-7: Do Rishikesh and Haridwar have regular train service from Delhi?

Ans: Yes, Delhi has frequent daily train services to Haridwar (HW station) and Rishikesh (RKSH station), perfect gateways for your Badrinath Yatra—8-23 trains weekly, 4-8 hours travel (230-250 km).

Q-8: Best time to travel from Delhi to Badrinath?

Ans: Travel from Delhi to Badrinath during May-June when the temple opens (late April/early May to October/November), offering pleasant weather of 10-18°C days and minimal rain. Roads from Delhi via Haridwar are clear, matching the peak Yatra season, like your Kedarnath plans.