Rishikesh to Badrinath – A Complete Travel Guide for 2025
Every year, thousands of people dream of visiting Badrinath. This place is not just a temple but a holy land, which soothes the soul of every visitor. Badrinath is an important part of the Char Dham Yatra, where the Lord Vishnu is worshipped in the form of Badrinarayan at Badrinath Temple. Built amidst cold mountains, this temple is like a blessing for every devotee.
Now the question is, where to start this journey? The answer is – Rishikesh. Rishikesh is itself a sacred Hindu pilgrimage destination located on the banks of the divine Ganga river, where the bells of the temples, the sound of Ganga Aarti, and the peaceful atmosphere welcome you with a warm heart. Badrinath does not have direct connectivity, and the only means to reach there is by road. The distance from Rishikesh to Badrinath is approximately 295 km, and the travel time by road is 9 to 10 hours. The route is a bit long but goes through the extremely beautiful mountains, rivers and green scenery, which makes your journey memorable. If you're looking for a complete Badrinath travel guide, you are at the right place. In this article, you will get every detail, such as the route, the best time, places to visit on the route or at Badrinath, and much more.
So, if you are also planning this holy journey with your family or friends, then booking a safe and comfortable Rishikesh to Badrinath taxi service is the best option. Book it in advance to avoid last-minute hassle.
Why Start from Rishikesh?
Badrinath or Char Dham Yatra, is not just a journey; it is an ultimate desire for many devotees. It is everyone’s dream to visit the Badrinath Temple once in their lifetime. But the question that arises is, from where to begin this holy journey?
The answer is simple: ‘Rishikesh’. Rishikesh is the last city that is connected with the rest of the world by the Indian railway during your holy journey. So it is always advisable to start your Journey to Badrinath from there. Rishikesh itself offers a peaceful experience. This city is also considered the main Char Dham yatra base. As soon as one comes here, one feels a different kind of peace where you’ll find people are sitting on the river bank of sacred Ganga and listening to the sound of the temple bells, which are really so soothing and relaxing with this, the scenes of the morning aarti really touch the heart and soul. You can easily explore these with Rishikesh sighteeing cab's.
So, wherever you are coming from Delhi, Haridwar or Dehradun—Rishikesh is easily accessible. So it is quite easy to start the journey from here. And if we talk about stays. Most people stay here for a day or two before the journey to take a rest, to do pre-yatra pooja, or just to prepare their mind for the further journey.
So, if you are planning to go to Badrinath from Rishikesh, then you have not just chosen the path; you have chosen a divine beginning.
Best Time to Visit Badrinath
As we all know, Badrinath is one of the holiest religious destinations in the Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand and is visited by millions of devotees and tourists every year. But it is very important to visit the temple at the right time so you can receive God's blessings.
The temple of Badrinath remains open from May to October every year, and this is the best time to visit Badrinath as the weather is cool and pleasant. But the peak Badrinath yatra season lies between May and June. During that time, the weather is perfect, the sky remains clear, and the beauty of the mountains is worth seeing.
By chance, If you miss this time, then September and October are also good months to visit. Where you see the fresh greenery and cold air after the rain, it makes the trip even more memorable. Due to a lot of rain during July and August, travelling becomes difficult, the roads become slippery, and landslides also occur. So it is better to avoid Badrinath in July and August.
However, the exact temple opening dates change with the years, so plan accordingly. So you get the best from your trip while remaining safe and pleasant. The peace there, spiritual vibes, and views of nature will impress you.
Rishikesh to Badrinath Distance, Routes & Time
If you are planning to go to Badrinath from Rishikesh, it is important to know how far Badrinath is from Rishikesh and how much time it will take to reach there. The Rishikesh to Badrinath distance is approximately 305 kilometres. The route to Badrinath from Rishikesh passes through the Himalayan mountains and ghats, which makes navigation slow, which makes travel time approximately 10 to 12 hours, and you may have to face difficulties during your travel.
The main highway that goes directly from Rishikesh to Badrinath is NH7. The road is well maintained, but be careful as there are sharp bends and a narrow ghat on this road. It is a bit different from city driving, so only those who are experts in mountain driving can drive safely. So, travellers often book a cab from Rishikesh to reach Badrinath safely. If you are travelling during monsoon or winter, the journey can be even longer. So it is best to start early in the morning so that you can arrive before nightfall.
While travelling, you will find that the route goes through many beautiful tourist sites and pilgrimage destinations. Such as Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Chamoli, Govindghat, Joshimath, etc. Travellers also added them to their own journey to make their trip a personal experience. All these give a beautiful experience of green valleys and the peace of snow-capped mountains.
There are some major routes taken by travellers as follows:
| Route | Distance | Travel Time | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rishikesh – Rudraprayag – Joshimath – Badrinath | ~295 km | 9–10 hours | Scenic mountain drive via NH7, Devprayag, Nandaprayag, Vishnuprayag |
| Rishikesh – Karnaprayag – Joshimath – Badrinath | ~310 km | 10–11 hours | Passes through Karnaprayag, the river views are lovely |
| Rishikesh – Haridwar – Chamoli – Joshimath – Badrinath | ~330 km | 10–12 hours | Slightly longer route, good for sightseeing around Chamoli |
| Rishikesh – Chamoli – Govindghat – Badrinath | ~305 km | 10 hours | Drive to Govindghat, popular for those starting trekking |
How to Reach Badrinath from Rishikesh
If you are planning to visit Badrinath and wondering how to reach Badrinath from Rishikesh, then you are at the right place! Every year, thousands of people start this holy journey from Rishikesh. This journey is not just a trip; it is a unique experience where you will get both the beauty of nature and spiritual energy. There are many ways you can go to Badrinath from Rishikesh, as follows:
By Road
The best option for Rishikesh to Badrinath travel is by road, cause a road trip from Rishikesh to Badrinath is not just a journey but also gives an experience of peace and devotion in the mind of devotees. Badrianth is well-connected by roads from Rishikesh, and it is the only affordable way to reach Badrianth. The route from Rishikesh to Badrinath generally takes 10 to 12 hours, and the distance between them is approximately 295 km. The whole route goes through the hill, which makes it rough and risky, especially when weather conditions are not favourable. So, do check the weather, and do not forget to carry essential items for safety, or you can simply book a cab and take public buses to reach Badrinath from Rishikesh.
Whether public transport, such as buses, is full of rush and inconvenience, especially if you are travelling with your family and friends. Hiring a personal cab is the best-suited option instead. Rishikesh to Badrinath travel with a cab allows you not to worry about driving on harsh roads and weather conditions, just trust the trained drivers and enjoy your journey.
When you are travelling from Badrinath to Rishikesh, you will find several adorable places to explore like Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag and Joshimath. All these are famous tourist spots and offer amazing spiritual vibes to the visitors, and the best time to travel from Badrinath to Rishikesh is early in the morning when the weather remains cool and offers pleasant vibes, and it allows you to take relaxing breaks on the riverbanks where you can enjoy nature.
This road trip is a perfect and memorable one. Whether you are looking for devotion or you just want to love exploring the mountains with thrill, this trip will make every moment thrilling and memorable.
By Helicopter (optional)
Another option for travellers is the helicopter. If you want to reach Badrinath quickly, then it is perfect for you. But it is quite expensive, especially during the peak Char Dham yatra season. Travelling by helicopter is a safe and fast way to cover the Badrianth pilgrimage. It offers several stunning and amazing views of the Himalayas that you might miss by road.
Helicopter service runs during the pilgrimage season, but flight depends on weather, so pay attention while planning.
There are some major routes taken by travellers who consider a helicopter as follows:
| Helipad | Operator | Fare (Approx.) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sersi / Phata / Guptkashi | Aryan, Himalayan Heli, Pawan Hans | ₹6,500–₹9,000 | 30–45 mins |
| Dehradun | Pawan Hans, Himalayan Heli | ₹7,000–₹10,000 | 40–50 minutes |
| Haridwar | Aryan, Pawan Hans | ₹7,500–₹10,500 | 35–45 minutes |
| Uttarkashi | Himalayan Heli, Aryan | ₹6,000–₹8,500 | 25–40 minutes |
So that's it, now you must be ready for your journey to Badrinath. Be it road or helicopter, both are special in their way. Enjoy your trip, spend time with nature, and make this spiritual journey memorable. If you have to book, do it quickly, and travel safely!
Rishikesh to Badrinath Taxi Fare & Car Options
The way to Rishikesh to Badrinath is by road, so it is important to understand the available vehicle options and their pricing to choose the best-suited one. The journey to Badrinath is a long and difficult one. The route from Rishikesh to Badrinath passes through mountains and hills, and there are several sharp twists and turns along the route. In such a situation, taking a taxi is the best option. By taking Badrinath cab services, travellers have no tension of self-driving or the rush of public transport. Just sit in a cab and enjoy nature and reach your destination comfortably. Also, the Rishikesh to Badrinath taxi fare is very reasonable with CabBazar.
The Rishikesh to Badrinath taxi fare usually ranges between ₹7000 to ₹13000, depending on the car type. There are several cab options for travellers to choose from according to their needs and pockets. They can choose from small cars like the WagonR, which are cheaper; a slightly more comfortable sedan; or a spacious SUV, and if travelling with a family or group, then an Innova or a tempo traveller is best. Fuel, toll and driver charges are mostly included in the fare, but in the mountains, hill allowance and parking charges may be applicable separately, so it is better to ask beforehand.
So, A journey to Badrinath is not just a trip; it is an experience. So book a taxi and set out for a peaceful journey.
It is an estimate for the Rishikesh to Badrinath cab fare:
| Car Type | Capacity | One-Way Fare | Round-Trip Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hatchback | 4 | ₹4,000–₹4,500 | ₹7,500–₹8,000 |
| Sedan | 4 | ₹4,500–₹6,000 | ₹8,500–₹10,000 |
| SUV | 6–7 | ₹6,000–₹7,500 | ₹11,000–₹13,000 |
| Tempo Traveller | 9–12 | ₹9,000–₹11,000 | ₹16,000–₹18,000 |
Rishikesh to Badrinath itinerary
If you are planning to visit Badrinath and wondering how to plan a trip from Rishikesh, then you are at the right place. If we talk about Badrinath, then it is one of the holiest places in our country, and the journey from Rishikesh to Badrinath is very peaceful and full of beautiful views. If you want to enjoy your spiritual journey smoothly and comfortably, and without any hurry, then this simple 4-day Rishikesh to Badrinath itinerary is perfect for you.
Day 1: Rishikesh to Rudraprayag (Stay Overnight)
After exploring Rishikesh, start your trip to Badrinath early in the morning to avoid traffic and enjoy the fresh mountain air. Take a break at Devprayag to explore its holy confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers. Spent approximately one and a half hours here and enjoyed some snacks. Then continue towards Srinagar. It is a beautiful sightseeing option on the route to Badrianth. Here you can easily enjoy your lunch before heading to Rudraprayag. Then drive to Rudraprayag; the distance from Rishikesh is only 140 km, which takes about 6 to 7 hours driving only.
Day 2: Rudraprayag to Joshimath – Darshan and Exploration
Wake early in the morning to visit the Rudranath Temple and spend time at the divine confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers. After breakfast, leave for Joshimath via Karnaprayag and Nandaprayag. Spend an hour in both the confluences and enjoy their divine charm, and capture photos. By noon, you reached Chamoli or Pipakoti. Have lunch and take some rest to get fresh for your uphill journey to Joshimath. This city is the winter seat of Lord Badrinath. Explore its market and other beautiful sites and take a proper rest.
Day 3: Joshimath to Badrinath
The distance from Joshimath to Badrinath is 45km and took approximately 2 hours to reach. So leave Joshimath early in the morning. Also, the roads to Badrinath goes through nattor mountain passes an opens for only specific hours. Perform puja at Badrinath Temple after taking a dip in Tapt Kund. Enjoy lunch at the local dhabas or hotels. Explore the nearby sites such as Vyas Gufa, Ganesh Guja, Bheem Pul and many more sites. Also, attend the evening aarti at the temple and stay overnight.
Day 4: Return to Rishikesh from Badrinath
After taking the blessings of Lord Vishnu at Badrinath, now it is time to return to Rishikesh. Take your breakfast and start your return journey as soon as possible. In return, there is no need to take multiple stops; just take some breaks for lunch or tea. With a continuous ride, you reach Rishikesh late in the evening, depending on traffic and halts.
This simple Rishikesh to Badrinath itinerary is for those people who want to enjoy their trip without any stress and in peace. If you need help with booking travel or a stay, we are always ready to help you!
Places to Visit En Route
The journey from Rishikesh to Badrinath is full of excitement and joy. In this route, there are many places on the way that captivate the eyes and soul of the travellers with their divine aroma and natural charm. That makes them an important stop while travelling to Badrinath. Exploring them makes your journey even more memorable. If you want to know the places to visit between Rishikesh and Badrinath, then these places are perfect for you.
Devprayag – It is a holy place where two rivers, Alaknanda and Bhagirathi, meet to form the Ganga. This place is considered very spiritual. People stop here and worship and feel peace around here.
Rudraprayag – Rudraprayag is a peaceful place, where there is a combination of mountains and rivers. The view here is very beautiful. Stopping for a while and enjoying nature, breathing in the fresh air, is the real pleasure here.
Nandaprayag and Vishnuprayag – Nandaprayag and Vishnuprayag are also two holy river junctions. Both these places have their own spiritual importance. By staying here, you can feel peace and positivity. Many people come here to seek blessings.
Joshimath – Joshimath comes before reaching Badrinath. This place is special because the deities of Badrinath stay here during the winters. Idols are kept here during winters, so Joshimath is also an important religious stop.
So, when you are going to Badrinath from Rishikesh, do visit these places. These places will make your journey spiritual and memorable. Apart from that Badrinath itself offers several wonderful toursits attraction located near the temple town that travellers can easily explore with private cabs or local transprot.
Where to Stay in Badrinath
If you are going to Badrinath, the first thing you have to think about is where to stay in Badrinath. Badrinath is a holy place where thousands of people come every year for darshan. Therefore, it is important to get a good stay so that your journey becomes comfortable and memorable.
Here in Badrinath, you will also get many options near the temple, like Badrinath hotels, government GMVN guesthouses, and small Dharamshalas. All these places are very close to the temple, so you do not have to travel a long distance. These GMVN guesthouses are also quite popular because the cleanliness here is good, and the rates are also reasonable. People usually prefer this when they realise that Badrinath hotels are quite limited, especially during peak season.
During peak season, which is the months of May and June, it can be a little difficult to get a room. If you find it tough to get a stay in Badrinath hotels, then you can stay in Joshimath. You will find quite good hotels and guesthouses there too, and Badrinath is also nearby. From Joshimath, you can go to the temple daily, which makes the journey a little easier.
And the most important thing is to book your stay early, so that you do not have to face any last-minute problems. Then you can freely enjoy your spiritual trip with complete peace, without any tension.
Travel Tips for Badrinath
As we all know that Badrinath is a very holy and beautiful place, where every year thousands of people come to fulfill their wishes. If you are also planning a trip to Badrinath, then a little preparation is also necessary so that the journey is comfortable and safe cause without precautions it’s not right to travel so you just have to follow These simple travel tips will be very helpful for you during your Rishikesh to Badrinath yatra trip:
- Always carry light luggage – Light packing provides convenience in travel and movement becomes easy.
- Don’t forget to take important things with you – Make a checklist before travelling, so that you do not miss any essential items.
- Take rest during the journey – Keep taking some rest, your energy will remain maintained, and you will enjoy the journey.
- Be ready for high altitude – Give time to the body to adjust to high altitude, do not hurry.
- Walk carefully on the road – There may be uneven surfaces or traffic on the road, so always be alert.
- Visit the temple early or late to avoid the crowd – Morning or evening time is calm and where the crowd is less.
- Respect local customs and avoid littering – Respect the local culture and maintain cleanliness.
- Check weather and road conditions – Checking the weather and road conditions helps in planning.
- Start your journey early in the morning – Travelling in the morning is safe and peaceful.Carry warm clothes and rain gear – You never know when the weather will change. Be prepared for every situation.
Follow these simple tips so that your Badrinath yatra becomes peaceful and memorable. Travel with faith, stay safe, and enjoy the beauty of this holy place!
11. FAQs (200–250 words)
- Can I do Badrinath as a day trip?
It is difficult to go from Rishikesh to Badrinath in a single day. The journey takes approximately 8-10 hours. So it will be better if you stay there overnight, then you will be able to enjoy the trip more comfortably. - Are roads safe during monsoon?
Roads can be a little slippery during monsoon, and sometimes landslides can also occur. The road is usually safe, but before travelling during rain, one should check the weather and road conditions. - Are washrooms available en route?
Yes, there are washrooms on the way, especially near towns and rest stops. But it is better to carry some basic things with you. - Is the helicopter service reliable?
Helicopter service is available during the pilgrimage season and is generally reliable. But if the weather is bad, the flight may get cancelled, so it is important to book in advance and keep checking the weather. - Can senior citizens take this route?
Yes, senior citizens can also travel by this route. But it can be a little tiring as it is a long drive, and the altitude is also high. It is important to drive slowly, take breaks and get a health check-up.
These are some common Rishikesh to Badrinath FAQs frequently asked by people.
12. Final Thoughts
The Badrinath road trip is a very peaceful and spiritual journey that touches everyone's heart. If you travel from Rishikesh to Badrinath by cab so you get a comfortable and peaceful experience where you can see the views of beautiful mountains and rivers along the way, making the trip even more memorable. In such a pious journey, it is very important to book a cab in advance to save time and tension. Sometimes there can be problems with last-minute booking, so it is best to plan.
So, if you are thinking about Badrinath Yatra in 2025, then start planning your journey now. By being a part of this holy journey, you can get a new spiritual experience in your life. So do not delay, start your planning and enjoy this divine trip to the fullest!
A journey to Badrinath is not just about reaching a place, but is a spiritual experience and a matter of enjoying nature. So pack your stuff, take warm clothes, and get ready for a memorable trip!