Badrinath is the holy town of Lord Vishnu, worshipped here as Badrinarayan, in Chamoli district at about 3,133 m. The brightly painted temple stands on the bank of the Alaknanda, between the Nar and Narayan mountains, with the snow peak of Neelkanth rising behind the town. It is one of India's four great Char Dhams and the last shrine of Uttarakhand's Char Dham Yatra.
Unlike Kedarnath, Badrinath can be reached by road, which makes it easier for elderly pilgrims and families. Just below the temple is Tapt Kund, a natural hot spring where devotees bathe before darshan.
The story of Badrinath
Legend says Lord Vishnu meditated here, and Goddess Lakshmi sheltered him from the cold by becoming a badri (wild jujube) tree; the place has been called Badrinath since. The black stone idol of Badrinarayan, seated in meditation, is said to have been found in the Alaknanda by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century, who re-established worship here. To this day the head priest, the Rawal, comes from Kerala, following the tradition he set.
Why go to Badrinath
One of the four Dhams
A shrine of all-India importance, open only about six months a year.
Tapt Kund
A steaming hot spring beside the icy Alaknanda, used for the holy bath.
Mana and the high valley
India's 'first village', Vyas Gufa, Bhim Pul and the Vasudhara waterfall nearby.
Main things to see at Badrinath
Badrinath Temple darshan
Early morning and late evening queues are shorter; the evening aarti is special.
Tapt Kund
The hot spring just below the temple steps.
Brahma Kapal
A flat rock by the river where rituals for ancestors are performed.
Mana village
About 3-4 km away, with Vyas Gufa, Ganesh Gufa and Bhim Pul.
Distances to Badrinath
Before you go
- Yatra registration is compulsory; register online on the Uttarakhand tourism registration portal or at counters in Haridwar and Rishikesh.
- The road above Jyotirmath is narrow in places and can close after landslides; keep a spare day.
- Badrinath is a vegetarian, alcohol-free temple town.
- Nights are cold in every season; carry warm layers.
- People with heart or breathing problems should take it slowly at this height.
Badrinath FAQs
When does Badrinath close in 2026?
The expected closing date is around 13 November 2026. The Badri-Kedar Temple Committee announces the final date and time.
Where is Badrinath worshipped in winter?
At the Narsingh Temple in Jyotirmath (Joshimath), with the Yogdhyan Badri Temple at Pandukeshwar also part of the winter worship.
When will Badrinath open in 2027?
The opening date is announced on Basant Panchami at Narendranagar. The temple usually reopens in late April or May.
Is there a trek to Badrinath?
No. Badrinath is reached by road all the way to the town; the temple is a short walk from the bus and taxi stand.
What is Tapt Kund?
A natural hot spring just below the temple, where pilgrims bathe before darshan.
