Joshimath Tourist Guide - World's best Gateway of Trekking Trails - Camping & Pilgrimage Centers

Joshimath Hindu Pilgrimage Destination: Overview

Joshimath is a popular hill station and a famous centre for pilgrimage at a height of 1,890mts above sea level in Chamoli district of Garhwal division in Uttarakhand.The best time to visit Joshimath and for the trek is from mid July till end-August. Among the important attractions of Joshimath includes a temple dedicated to Narashima, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Some other temples are dedicated to Hanuman, Gaurishankar, Ganesha, and Naudevi and Surya. In ancient scriptures Joshimath is described as Kartikeyapura as it has been named after Kartikeya, the God of Katyuri kings. Joshimath is one of the four maths or monasteries established in the 8th century by Adi Guru Sri Shankaracharya. The rivers Alkananda and Dhauliganga meet at the confluence of Vishnuprayag located just below Joshimath. 

Why you must visit Joshimath

Joshimath is the base for trekking to the famous Valley of Flowers. Joshimath is just like a fairy-land situated high in the Himalayas of the Uttaranchal, 60 km away from badrinath protected by snowy mountains. This beautiful place is a major winter travel destinatoin as the government introduced winter chardham yatra that was founded by Adi Shankaracharya. On the other hand we can say that the joshimath is the winter seat of Badrinath Temple, where the idol is placed at Vasudev Temple. Joshimath is already popular being the Gateway to Auli, Valley of Flowers, Badrinath and Niti Valley. The other name of Joshimath is Jyotir Math. Joshimath is a mesmerizing place with lovely and eye catching views of the Snow Mountains, greenery and pleasant weather conditions.

The best part about visiting Joshimath is not only a pilgrimage centre but a picturesque hill station also. A visit to this town can really provide you with a unique experience ever. This is the destination to your favorite chill out or for a new adventure also. At this place make your trip so amazing that you’d love to recap those memories in your entire life ever.

Joshimath is connected with a 4km cable car upto Auli making it the longest and highest trolley of Asia.

Joshimath is the also the home of the oldest tree of India, Kalpavriksha which is stood at Joshimath from the time of Adi Shankaracharya. Joshimath is also called as Jyotirmath. The average literacy rate of Joshimath is 77% which is higher than the literacy rate of India. Joshimath is a traveler’s delight and devotees temple as well. The view of the Hathi Parbat (Elephant Mountain) from Joshimath is mystifying.

Hotels in Joshimath

• Himalayan Abode - Ranked #1 of 6 Joshimath B&B and Inns

• Nanda Inn Cottage - Ranked #2 of 6 Joshimath B&B and Inns

• Hotel Dronagiri - Ranked #3 of 6 Joshimath B&B and Inns

• Hotel Nature Inn - Ranked #4 of 6 Joshimath B&B and Inns

• GMVNL Tourist Bungalow Main Bazaar - Ranked #5 of 6 Joshimath B&B and Inns

Best Season / Best time to visit Joshimath

The climate in the town of Joshimath is cold throughout the year and one has to bring heavy protective clothing while travelling to the place. Even the summers are mildly cold in the town of Joshimath. Heavy rainfall can be expected during the monsoon season and extensive showers can be witnessed through the day. Winters are extremely chilly with temperatures touching the freezing point. Snowfall can also be expected in this area during the winter season.

The temperatures during the summer season are mild and they can rise up to a maximum of around 34°C. However the average day temperatures are usually in the mid twenties for the most part. The months of April, May and June form the summer season.

The monsoon season is from July to September. The place receives rainfall from the South West Monsoon and travelling during this time is difficult. Conditions can be cold during the nights as well.

The winter season starts in December and ends in the month of February. Temperatures can drop down to around 0°C during the winter months and snowfall can be seen from the month of December. The temperatures rarely exceed 8°C during the winter months.

How to reach  Joshimath

By Air: Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest Airport to Joshimath situated at a distance of 272kms. Jolly Grant Airport is well connected to Delhi with daily flights. Joshimath is well connected by motorable roads with Jolly Grant Airport. Taxis are available from Jolly Grant Airport to Joshimath.

By Rail: The nearest railway station to Joshimath is Rishikesh. Rishikesh railway station is situated 250kms before Joshimath on NH58. Rishikesh is well connected by railway networks with major destinations of India. Trains to Rishikesh are frequent. Joshimath is well connected by motorable roads with Rishikesh. Taxis and buses are available from Rishikesh, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Chamoli and many other destinations to Joshimath.

By Road: Joshimath is well connected by motorable roads with major destinations of Uttarakhand state. Buses to Rishikesh and Srinagar are available from ISBT Kashmiri Gate. Buses and Taxis to Joshimath are easily available from major destinations of Uttarakhand state like Rishikesh, Pauri, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Ukhimath, Srinagar, Chamoli etc. Joshimath is situated on NH58.You can get to Joshimath from haridwar by bus or hiring a taxi.

Uttarakhand language

Uttarakhand is a region which has some of the most majestic places, and also provides some outstanding natural beauty. It is a part of the Greater Himalayan ranges and is covered by beautiful Himalayan peaks and glaciers. Two very important and holy rivers of India, the Ganga and Yamuna start their journey from here. Here are some dialects which were spoken in Uttarakhand state.

•  Hindi

• Almodiya kumaoni

• Kali Kumaon’s dialect

• Kumaoni spoken in Shor area

• Gorkhali

• Kumaoni spoken in Danpur

• Gargwali spoken in Srinagar area

• Garhwali spoken in Tehri area

• Lohba Garhwal’s Dialect

• Johar (Bhotiya) dialect

• Pali Pachhau’s Kumaoni

• Dotyali

• Tharu

• Boksha

• Dialect of Bhabar

Events/Festivals in Joshimath

Auli Skiing Festival: Joshimath is only 16 km away from Auli.  Auli Skiing Festival is celebrated between the months of February and March. It is the most popular festivals in Joshimath.

Diwali: This is the most popular Hindu festival. The lights of Diwali are said to represent the victory of good over evil, and brightness over darkness. The festival is celebrated with zeal and zest at this beautiful place.

Cuisines at Joshimath

Food to eat: Joshimath serves predominantly North Indian cuisine at several dhabas and restaurants. You will also find few places offering South Indian delicacies as well. However, there are very few restaurants that serve Chinese and Continental food. Food Facility at Joshimath is good as where one can find few nice Restaurants at This Place. Food Facilities of Hotels at this place are extremely fine and mouth-watering as well. There no need to pay much in order to grab the taste of these tasty Foods which are available at very reasonable price.

Shopping At Joshimath

Shopping facility at Joshimath is quite well where one can find few handmade products here at very reasonable cost. But the trip of Joshimath with the intention of shopping only is a not the right because shopping should be the additional Part at this stunning place.  One must grab the beautiful natural views of this place.

Bus from Rishikesh to Joshimath

Distance between Rishikesh to Joshimath is 254 km by Road along with an aerial distance of 134 km.

Road distance is 254 km

There is no direct bus between Rishikesh and Joshimath. You can take a taxi from Rishikesh to Dehradun then take State Transport Bus from Dehradun to Joshimath

Haridwar to Joshimath 

Distance between Joshimath to Haridwar is 277 km by Road along with an aerial distance of 152 km. and the road distance is 277 km.

By road: There is no direct bus between Joshimath and Haridwar. You can take a taxi from Joshimath to Dehradun then take State Transport Bus from Dehradun to Haridwar

By train: There is no direct train between Joshimath and Haridwar. You can take a taxi from Joshimath to Dehradun then take Ndls Janshatabdi from Dehradun to Haridwar

By air: There is no direct connectivity of flight between Joshimath and Haridwar. You can take a taxi from Joshimath to Dehradun then take Spicejet from Dehradun to New Delhi then take Upsrtc from New Delhi to Haridwar.

Himalayan char dham

The Himalayan Char Dham consists of 4 holy places all connected to the Holy Ganga river. It is located in the Garhwal region in the state of Uttarakhand. The 4 sites consist ofthat is -

• yamunotri 

• gangotri 

• kedarnath 

• badrinath