Badrinath

Badrinath is a sacred town in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India, known for its ancient Badrinath Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It’s one of the Char Dham Yatra sites and a revered pilgrimage destination.

Geography and Climate
Badrinath is situated at an altitude of 3,300 meters above sea level in the Garhwal Himalayas. The climate varies:

• Summer (April to June): Cool with temperatures between 15°C to 20°C
• Monsoon (July to September): Moderate rainfall with temperatures between 10°C to 18°C
• Autumn (October to November): Chilly with temperatures between 5°C to 15°C
• Winter (December to February): Harsh winters with temperatures below freezing

History
The Badrinath Temple has a rich history dating back to the 8th century AD, believed to have been established by Adi Shankaracharya. It’s one of the 108 Divya Desams in India.

Places to Visit

• Badrinath Temple: A sacred Vishnu temple
• Tapt Kund: A natural hot water spring
• Neelkanth Parvat: A mountain peak offering stunning views
• Mana Village: A scenic village near Badrinath
• Vasudhara Falls: A picturesque waterfall
• Satopanth Tal: A glacial lake considered sacred

Things to Do

• Pilgrimage: Visit sacred sites like Badrinath Temple and Tapt Kund
• Trekking: Explore trails to Neelkanth Parvat and Satopanth Tal
• Nature Walks: Enjoy scenic views around Mana Village and Vasudhara Falls

Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Badrinath is from May to June and September to October, with pleasant weather ideal for sightseeing and trekking.

How to Reach

• By Air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (317 km away)
• By Road: Badrinath is well-connected by road, with taxi and bus services available
• Helicopter: Services operate from Phata, Sirsi, or Guptkashi to Badrinath

Accommodation
Options include:

• GMVN Tourist Rest House: Basic accommodation facilities
• Hotel Krishna Residency: Comfortable rooms with modern amenities
• Badrinath Temple Guest House: Simple accommodations near the temple

Tips and Essentials

• Pack warm clothing for varying temperatures
• Stay hydrated and protected from the sun
• Take necessary precautions against altitude sickness

Safety

• Be cautious during monsoons due to landslides
• Stay informed about weather conditions

Language
The local languages spoken in Badrinath are Hindi and Garhwali.

Currency
The Indian Rupee (INR) is the local currency.

Shopping

• Local handicrafts: Woolen items, wooden carvings
• Souvenirs: Religious artifacts, idols, paintings

Food

• Traditional dishes: Thukpa, momos, phagshapa
• Local specialties: Gundruk soup, sel roti [1][2][3]