3 How to Reach Badrinath by Road, Train & Helicopter

How to Reach Badrinath

Badrinath is one of the most prominent pilgrimage destinations in India, and it’s part of the sacred Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand. Whether you’re traveling for a religious journey or an adventure in the majestic mountains, there are multiple ways to reach Badrinath. Here’s a detailed guide on how to get to Badrinath by road, train, and helicopter.

How to Reach Badrinath

1. Reaching Badrinath by Road

Route from Haridwar or Rishikesh

The most popular and accessible way to reach Badrinath is by road. The journey offers picturesque views of the Garhwal Himalayas, rivers, and valleys, making it a memorable experience.

Steps to Reach Badrinath by Road:

• Haridwar to Badrinath: The distance between Haridwar and Badrinath is around 320 km, and it takes approximately 10 to 12 hours by road. You can travel via Rishikesh, Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, and Joshimath.
• Rishikesh to Badrinath: If you are starting from Rishikesh, it’s about 250 km, and the drive will take around 9 to 10 hours.
• Best Route: The main highway is the National Highway 58 (NH 58), which connects Rishikesh to Badrinath, passing through Rudraprayag and Joshimath.

By Bus:

• State-run Buses: The Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) operates buses from Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun to Badrinath. These buses are comfortable and are an affordable option for budget travelers.
• Private Buses: Many private tour operators also offer direct buses to Badrinath, and they usually have scheduled departures from Rishikesh and Haridwar.

Taxi/Private Vehicles:

• For those looking for more comfort and flexibility, you can hire a taxi or a private vehicle from Haridwar or Rishikesh. It is advisable to book a taxi with a driver who is familiar with the mountain routes.

Road Conditions:

The road leading to Badrinath is well-maintained, but it can be challenging in some stretches due to narrow lanes, sharp turns, and hilly terrain. During the monsoon season, the roads can sometimes get blocked due to landslides, so it’s important to check the weather and road conditions before traveling.

2. Reaching Badrinath by Train

Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railhead to Badrinath is Rishikesh, located around 250 km away from the temple. While Rishikesh doesn’t have direct trains from major cities, it is well connected to Haridwar and other important cities in Uttarakhand and India.

Steps to Reach Badrinath by Train:

• From Delhi: You can board a train from New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) to Haridwar Junction (HW) or Rishikesh Railway Station. There are several trains, including Shatabdi Express, Dehradun Express, and Kalinga Utkal Express, that run from Delhi to Haridwar and Rishikesh.
• From Haridwar to Badrinath: After reaching Haridwar or Rishikesh, take a bus or taxi to Badrinath. The journey will take about 9 to 10 hours.

Trains from Other Major Cities:

• Mumbai to Haridwar: Trains like Ganga Kaveri Express and Nanda Devi Express can take you from Mumbai to Haridwar.
• Kolkata to Haridwar: The Howrah-Dehradun Express is a popular train connecting Kolkata to Haridwar.

Train Travel Tips:

• Book in advance: Train tickets for trains to Haridwar or Rishikesh should be booked in advance, especially during the Char Dham Yatra season, as they fill up quickly.
• Travel Comfortably: Opt for AC or sleeper classes for a more comfortable journey, as the distance can be long.

3. Reaching Badrinath by Helicopter

If you are looking for a luxurious and time-saving option, traveling by helicopter is the best choice. This method is ideal for those who wish to skip long road journeys and experience a bird’s-eye view of the majestic Himalayas.

Helicopter Services:

• Helicopter services are available from Dehradun (Jolly Grant Airport) to Badrinath. The journey takes about 1 hour.
• Booking a Helicopter Ride: There are private operators that provide helicopter services to Badrinath. The services generally operate during the Char Dham Yatra season, which runs from April to November.

Helicopter Package Includes:

• A round-trip flight from Dehradun to Badrinath.
• Priority darshan at the Badrinath Temple.
• The total cost of the helicopter package can vary, but it usually starts at INR 50,000 per person for a one-way trip. Prices may vary depending on the season and availability.

Advantages of Helicopter Travel:

• Time-efficient: Avoid long, tiring road journeys.
• Exclusive Experience: Fly over the picturesque mountains and valleys.
• Comfortable: Avoid the stress of crowded buses and taxis.

Booking Helicopter Services:

• Helicopter bookings can be made in advance through various tour operators who specialize in Char Dham Yatra packages. It’s highly recommended to book well in advance, especially during peak pilgrimage seasons.

Conclusion

Badrinath is a majestic destination, and reaching it can be an adventure in itself. Whether you choose to travel by road, train, or helicopter, each mode of transport offers a unique experience.

• Road travel is the most common and offers stunning views of the mountains.
• Train travel is a comfortable and affordable option for those coming from major cities.
• Helicopter services provide an exclusive and time-saving way to reach Badrinath, with the added thrill of aerial views of the Himalayan range.

No matter how you choose to reach Badrinath, the journey promises an unforgettable experience, leading you to one of India’s holiest temples.

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