How to reach Badrinath — road distances, registration and the season
Badrinath is at the end of a long road up the Alaknanda valley, at about 3,100 m. There is no railway or airport near it: whichever way you come, the last several hundred kilometres are by road, and the road is open to visitors only while the temple is, from late April to early November.
By road from the plains
From Delhi it is about 572 km. Free-flow routing says 10.5 hours, and the hill road above Rishikesh usually takes a good deal longer, so plan on breaking the journey. From Chandigarh it is about 516 km on the same routing. On our own measure of the mountain road, Rishikesh is about 291 km and 521 minutes away; Wikipedia gives 301 km. Haridwar is about 312 km and 544 minutes, and Dehradun's bus stand about 333 km and 566 minutes.
The last stretch
Joshimath is the last town below Badrinath, about 43 km and 78 minutes away on our routing, and many people spend a night there. Pandukeshwar is on the same road, 42 minutes below Badrinath, and makes a short stop on the way. Wikipedia notes that snow can close this stretch in winter, and that cloudbursts and landslides sometimes cut it at other times of year, so check the road before you set out each day in the monsoon.
Rail and air
The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, about 291 km and 521 minutes from Badrinath, and the nearest airport is Jolly Grant near Dehradun, about 312 km and 551 minutes away. From either, the rest of the way is by car, taxi or bus.
Register before you go
The Badrinath–Kedarnath temple committee asks every pilgrim to register for the yatra on the Uttarakhand portal, registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in, before the journey. Wikipedia notes that proof of identity is required to enter the temple. Carry both.
When the road matters most
The temple's dates are set each year; the season runs from late April to early November. July and August are the wettest months and the likeliest for the road to close for a while. See when to visit Badrinath, and once there, things to do in Badrinath, the Badrinath Temple and the one-day plan.
Places around Badrinath
The Badrinath guide →
Nearby destinations
All destinations →
Questions people ask
How far is Badrinath from Delhi?
About 572 km by road. Free-flow routing says 10.5 hours, but the long hill road above Rishikesh usually takes much longer, so most people stop for a night at Rishikesh or Joshimath. From Chandigarh it is about 516 km on the same free-flow routing.
What is the nearest railway station and airport?
Rishikesh railway station, about 291 km and 521 minutes from Badrinath on our routing, and Jolly Grant airport near Dehradun, about 312 km and 551 minutes away. There is no railway or airport closer; the last stretch is always by road, by car, taxi or bus.
Do I need to register before going to Badrinath?
Yes. The Badrinath–Kedarnath temple committee asks every pilgrim to register on the Uttarakhand yatra portal, registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in, before the journey. Wikipedia also notes that proof of identity is required to enter the temple, so carry the registration and an ID card.