Joshimath Travel Guide (Char Dham)

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. This place was earlier known by the name of Kartikeyapura until the Katyuri rulers renamed the place

Joshimath is a city and a municipal board in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand state of India. 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.

Joshimath is the winter seat of Lord Badri, the idol of Lord Badri brought down to Joshimath from Badrinath Temple during winters when the holy temple of Badrinath remains closed for six months due to heavy snowfall.

Places To Visit In Joshimath

• Auli:– It is the perfect destination for skiing in Uttarakhand. It gets more popularity day by day. Auli also has an artificial lake.
• Kalpvriksha:- It is an old mulberry tree which is believed to be approx 1200 years old. This tree remains evergreen throughout the year.
• 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.
• 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 the snow in winter season.
• Chattarakund:- It is small lake which has crystal clear water. It is situated near Auli at an height of 3300 mts above the sea level. It is surrounded by lush green beautiful forest.
• 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.
• Chenab Lake:- It is a small crystal clear water lake situated near Joshimath. It is less polluted and untouched place which attracts many nature lovers or tourists.
• Kwani Bugyal:- It is popular trekking destination near Auli, Joshimath. The summer season is the best time to visit this place.
• Auli Ropeway:- It is a major attraction in Auli which offers the beautiful view of some popular Himalayan peaks. It is the highest ropeway of Asia after Gulmarg.
• Sleeping Beauty Mountain:- It is a mountain which looks like a lady with open hair lying on the top of the peak.
• Tapovan:- This place is situated at a distance of 14 kms from Joshimath. It is a popular tourist spot near Joshimath. It is known for its natural spring where hot water comes from the earth.
• Bhavishya Kedar:- It is small temple which is dedicated to Hindu Lord Shiva and his wife Goddess Parvati.

Char Dham Distance Chart From Joshimath

Joshimath is situated in the Himalayas on route from Haridwar to Badrinath highway. Many pilgrims take night halt at Joshimath during their char dham yatra.

During winter season, the ‘Utsav Murti’ (idol used for public functions and to move around the temple) of Lord Badrinath is worshipped in Narasimha Temple at Joshimath.

Joshimath – Yamunotri
Distance:– 370 kms
Time:– 13 hrs
Route:- Joshimath – Pipalkoti – Chamoli – Nandaprayag –Karnaprayag – Rudraprayag – Srinagar – Chinyalisaur – Dharasu Band – Barkot – Jankichatti – Yamunotri

Joshimath – Gangotri
Distance:– 382 kms
Time:– 13 hrs
Route:– Joshimath – Pipalkoti – Chamoli – Nandaprayag –Karnaprayag – Rudraprayag – Srinagar – Naughar –Uttarkashi – Gangotri

Joshimath – Kedarnath
Distance:- 200 Kms
Time:– 9 hrs
Route:– Joshimath – Pipalkoti – Chamoli – Nandaprayag – Karnaprayag –Rudraprayag –Augustmuni – Guptkashi – Gaurikund – Kedarnath

Joshimath – Badrinath
Distance:– 45 kms
Time:– 2 hrs
Route:– Joshimath-Govindghat – Pandukeshwar – Hanuman Chatti – Badrinath

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 Joshimath.

Joshimath does not have any railway station & its own airport. Tourists can reach Haridwar via train then hire 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 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.