Badrinath is the final and holiest stop on the Char Dham circuit — dedicated to Lord Vishnu, set dramatically between the Nar and Narayan ranges with the 6,596m Nilkantha peak soaring above. Like Gangotri, Badrinath is fully motorable — the temple sits right on the road at 3,133 metres. At 320km from Haridwar, it is the longest road journey of the four dhams, but well worth every kilometre.
Road Route — Haridwar to Badrinath
The classic route follows: Haridwar → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Chamoli → Joshimath → Badrinath. The entire 320km journey runs alongside the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers. The stretch from Rudraprayag onwards is particularly scenic, passing the Panchprayag (five sacred river confluences). The final 45km from Joshimath to Badrinath is the most dramatic — a narrow road carved into a cliff face above the Alaknanda gorge.
Helicopter to Badrinath
Badrinath has a helipad directly adjacent to the temple complex — which means helicopter pilgrims land virtually at the temple gate. This is the most convenient helicopter arrangement of all four dhams. Flights operate from Sahastradhara Helipad in Dehradun, and the flight time is approximately 45 minutes. For the Char Dham helicopter package, Badrinath is typically Day 5 or Day 6. Book via the official IRCTC heliyatra portal only — not through any agent.
Joshimath — The Night Halt Before Badrinath
Joshimath (45km from Badrinath) is the standard overnight halt for Badrinath-bound pilgrims. This gives time for altitude acclimatisation before the final ascent to 3,133m. Joshimath also serves as the winter seat of the Badrinath deity (Lord Vishnu's idol is moved to Pandukheshwar/Joshimath from November to April). The town has good hotel options and is also the base for the Auli ski resort. Our packages include a comfortable night in Joshimath at a pre-booked property.
Book Badrinath as Part of Char Dham Yatra
We handle transport, Joshimath halt, darshan arrangements, and Tapt Kund access.