Joshimath (earlier known as Jyotirmath also called Jyotir Math) is one of the four ‘maths’ discovered by Adi Guru Shri Sankaracharya in the 8th century AD. The place is highly revered by Hindus and it is an important pilgrimage center in the country. Many devotees and travelers can be seen in the area during the pilgrim season. There are many temples and other religious sites that are located in the town as well.
Joshimath at an altitude of 2100 mts, is a city with religious importance in Uttarakhand. It is also the junction point for people visiting Auli, one of the best skiing spots in India. It is also the main base point for Badrinath.
Places To Visit In Joshimath
- Auli:– It is the perfect destination for skiing in Uttarakhand. It gets more popular day by day. Auli also has an artificial lake.
- Auli Artificial Lake:- It is one of the worlds highest Artificial or Man-made lake. This beautiful lake has helped in extending the Skii season in Auli.
- Kalpvriksha:- It is an old mulberry tree which is believed to be approx 1200 years old. This tree remains evergreen throughout the year.
- Gorson Bugyal:- It is situated at a height of 3056 mts above the sea level. It is just a 3 km trek away from the Auli. It is covered by snow in the winter season.
- Narsingh Temple:- It is one of the most popular temple in Joshimath, Uttarakhand. It is famous as a part of Sapt Badri and it is also known as Narsingh Badri Temple.
- Chattarakund:- It is small lake which has crystal clear water. It is situated near Auli at a height of 3300 mts above sea level. It is surrounded by lush green beautiful forest.
- Kwani Bugyal:- It is popular trekking destination near Auli, Joshimath. The summer season is the best time to visit this place.
- Chenab Lake:- It is a small crystal clear water lake situated near Joshimath. It is a less polluted and untouched place which attracts many nature lovers or tourists.
- Auli Ropeway:- It is a major attraction in Auli which offers a beautiful view of some popular Himalayan peaks. It is the highest ropeway of Asia after Gulmarg.
- Tapovan:- This place is situated at a distance of 14 km from Joshimath. It is a popular tourist spot near Joshimath. It is known for its natural spring where hot water comes from the earth.
- Sleeping Beauty Mountain:- It is a mountain that looks like a lady with open hair lying on the top of the peak.
- Bhavishya Kedar:- It is a small temple which is dedicated to Hindu Lord Shiva and his wife Goddess Parvati.
Joshimath During Char Dham Yatra
Joshimath is situated in the Himalayas on route from Haridwar to Badrinath highway. Many pilgrims take a night halt at Joshimath during their Char Dham yatra tour package. The road distance from Rishikesh to Joshimath is 251 km via Rudraprayag, KaranPrayag, Srinagar and Chamoli.
During the winter season, the ‘Utsav Murti’ (idol used for public functions and to move around the temple) of Lord Badrinath has worshipped in Narasimha Temple at Joshimath.
Car Rental For Char Dham Yatra
Car rental service for Char Dham Yatra or for individual Char Dham Temples (Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri), Here you will find all types of the latest information about Cabs/Taxi Rental Services with rates from your city. We have some of the best car rental operators offering the quality & efficient Car Hire service for pilgrimage tours in Uttarakhand.
Char Dham Distance Chart From Joshimath
| |
Distance |
Time |
Route |
| Badrinath |
45 kms |
2 hrs |
Joshimath -> Govindghat -> Pandukeshwar -> Hanuman Chatti -> Badrinath |
| Kedarnath |
200 hrs |
9 hrs |
Joshimath -> Pipalkoti -> Chamoli -> Nandaprayag -> Karnaprayag -> Rudraprayag -> Augustmuni -> Guptkashi -> Gaurikund -> Kedarnath |
| Gangotri |
382 kms |
13 hrs |
Joshimath -> Pipalkoti -> Chamoli -> Nandaprayag -> Karnaprayag -> Rudraprayag -> Srinagar -> Naughar -> Uttarkashi -> Gangotri |
| Yamunotri |
370 kms |
13 hrs |
Joshimath -> Pipalkoti -> Chamoli -> Nandaprayag -> Karnaprayag -> Rudraprayag -> Srinagar -> Chinyalisaur -> Dharasu Band -> Barkot -> Jankichatti -> Yamunotri |
Gate System in Joshimath
Departure from Joshimath to Badrinath is controlled by what is known as the ‘gate’ system. There are two stretches on this road that are so narrow that two-way traffic is impossible. Queued up vehicles from both Joshimath and Badrinath are released at fixed intervals and timings as a result.
The timings for release are 6-7 am, 9-10 am, 11-12 am, 2-3 pm, and 4.30-5.30 pm. Once released from Joshimath or Badrinath the traffic then stops again at Pandukeshwar (the approximate mid-point), which allows a short two-way. These cross each other here, and thereafter it is again one-way traffic.
Top 5 Places To Stay In Joshimath
There are many options for accommodation in Joshimath during Char Dham Yatra. Following is the list of hotels, resorts, guest houses in Joshimath.
1) The Tattva
The view from the rooms of this hotel are so beautiful. This hotel is located at the climes of Joshimath. Perfect place to stay the nature and thrills of the mountains.
Address:- Badrinath Road, Joshimath, Auli 246443 India.
2) Mount View Hotel
The property has 14 well maintained rooms. The terrace of this hotel offers the beautiful 300 degree view of the city. This hotel is near to all the popular spots in the place.
Address:– Upper Bazaar, Near Shankaracharya Math, Auli Road, Joshimath, Auli 246443 India.
3) The sleeping Beauty Hotel
This hotel is the perfect choice for those tourist who travel Joshimath. It provides all the necessary facilities to their guests.
Address:– Manohar Bagh Auli Road, Joshimath, Auli 246443 India.
4) Himalayan Eco Lodge
This beautiful lodge offers you to stay at the Himalayan hill town with the view of the popular peaks Nanda Devi, Mana Parvat, Dunagiri etc.
Address:- Joshimath- Auli Road, Near ITBP Camp, Auli , Uttarakhand.
5) Clifftop Club Resort
It is the second-highest resort in the world and also it is the only skii resort in Asia which is situated on the skii Slope. It also offers pickup and drops facility from various points to the resort.
Address:- Club Group of Hotels, Auli, Chamoli District, Uttarakhand.
How To Reach Joshimath
Joshimath is not directly connected by rail or air. The nearest airport is located in Dehradun at a distance of 151 kilometers. The nearest railway station is at Haridwar, which is about 163 kilometers from Joshimath and can be reached from major cities like Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Dehradun. It is also connected to Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Almora, and Nainital by regular bus service.
Route 1:- Delhi – Joshimath via Haridwar
By Road:– Joshimath is well connected by motorable roads from Delhi. There are many regular buses available for travelling to Joshimath from Delhi via Haridwar. You can also drive your car to travel to Joshimath.
Joshimath does not have any railway station & its own airport. Tourists can reach Haridwar via train then hire a taxi, cab, or local bus to reach Joshimath. It will take approximately 9 hours to reach Joshimath.
Route 2:- Delhi – Joshimath via Dehradun
By Road:– Joshimath is well connected by motorable roads from Delhi. There are many regular buses available for traveling to Joshimath from Delhi via Dehradun. You can also drive your car to travel to Joshimath.
Joshimath does not have any railway station & its own airport. Tourists can reach Dehradun via train or air then hire a taxi, cab, or local bus to reach Joshimath. It will take approximately 10 hours to reach Joshimath.
