Joshimath is a small town in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand which holds a huge significance not only for the Hindu pilgrims but also is a place that throws open doors to many treks in this part of the country. Located just over 13km from the confluence of rivers Alaknanda and Dhauliganga at Vishnuprayag, the town is the winter seat of Lord Badri. The idol from Badrinath, one of the Char Dhams, is hosted at the Narsinh temple in Joshimath. The cantonment here is a permanent station of Garhwal Scouts and an important military establishment closest to the Indo-Tibet border. It is a hub for adventure activities including mountaineering, skiing, mountain biking, and trekking.
Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport is 293 km away and is the nearest airstrip. The nearest railway station is in Rishikesh, which is 254km away. Local transport Union buses and State Transport buses ply regularly from Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun and Delhi.
A variety of hotels, lodges, and homestays are available in Joshimath. It would actually be cheaper to stay here than in the ski town of Auli in winter. A cable car connects these two destinations.
Joshimath is the base for a whole host of treks. This blog is limited to trekking and I would list them down in order of difficulty.
It is an all-year-round trek that promises a panoramic view of the mountains on the pass crossing day with the additional challenge of a summit climb. Gorson Bugyal en route would make you dance to the sound of music.
Valley of Flowers is the pièce de résistance of all the treks in this region. A well-laid trail leads you to the national park and the highest gurudwara in the world.
A close cousin of Valley of Flowers and only 28km from Joshimath, this trek offers splendid views of Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, and Dronagiri. An overnight stay in the valley is an added bonus.
A high-altitude trek to a glacial lake shrouded in mystery has hundreds of human skeletal remains in the vicinity. It is now unfortunately banned due to the harm caused in the past.
Magnificent views of Neelkanth and Balakun and this emerald-green lake are bound to mesmerize you. The trek begins with an early morning visit to Badrinath via the last village of India, Mana.
It is an offbeat trek that provides prominent views of Hathi Parbat. The trail is beautifully laden with a variety of wildflowers.
In my opinion, it is a well-rounded trek. The trail leads you to Lata Kharak, a beautiful meadow followed by a pass crossing at 4250m, whilst dishing out enchanting views of Nanda Devi and its surrounding peaks, Trishul, Dunagiri, and Bethartholi.
It is a moderate to difficult trek which can be completed in 3-4 days. It is also deemed sacred by the virtue of the myth which states the mountain is Lord Shiva himself standing between Badrinath and Kedarnath. The first pitstop on the trek takes you to Charan Paduka, which are considered the footprints of Lords Vishnu.
Situated inside the Nanda Devi National Park, it originates from the base of Trishuli and Changabang peaks. The trek leads you up to Changabang base camp.
Walk in the footsteps of Bill Tilman and Eric Shipton on the trail traversing through meadows and valleys, with grand views of Nanda Devi East and West. An arduous climb of more than 7000ft within 5 days is what makes this trek demanding.
A trying offshoot trek from the Valley of Flowers, it opened again recently to avid trekkers in 2016. It can very well be called a trek to the Bramha Kamal valley with the divine flowers found here aplenty.
These twin passes test your mountaineering skills. The trek offers an opportunity to negotiate Rataban and Tipra glaciers while being mesmerized by views of Kamet, Mana peaks, Neelkanth, Hathi Parbat, and Nilgiri.
These two treks end in Joshimath.
Possibly the most demanding trek of India it climbs to a col at 6000m which connects the two sacred Dhams of Badrinath and Gangotri. It offers majestic views of Shivling, Meru, Kedar Dome, Bhagirathi Massif, Nilkantha, Chandra Parvat, Avalanche Peak, Kamet, Mana, and Abi Gamin.
At 5941m, it lies about 2.2 km NE of Arwa Col and is at the east end of the southeast branch of the Mana glacier. Mountaineering experience is a must here.
August 30, 2024
Read more
September 10, 2024
Read more
August 16, 2024
Read more
August 16, 2024
Read more
July 22, 2024
Read more
July 22, 2024
Read more
May 10, 2024
Read more
March 28, 2024
A complete guide about the beautiful Himalayan village named Sankri. This article contains all the details that you need to know about Sankri. The best treks from Sankri, The best accommodation in...
Read moreMarch 20, 2024
A comprehensive guide for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts curious about the structure of a customized trekking program. This article outlines all the facilities provided within our customized trekking programs.
Read moreMarch 14, 2024
A complete guide about the best places to visit near Mussoorie, the famous picnic destinations in Mussoorie, best trekking places near Mussoorie
Read moreMarch 11, 2024
A complete guide about the best places to visit near Dehradun, the famous picnic destinations in Dehradun, best trekking places near Dehradun
Read moreFebruary 2, 2024
A complete guide to the most popular and famous National parks of Uttrakhand, India along with the trekking destinations associated with them.
Read moreSeptember 28, 2023
Trekking in the Himalayas offers a unique experience, combining imposing peaks, serene valleys, and diverse cultures. Preparation and safety are crucial.
Read moreSeptember 25, 2023
Explore the divine heights of the Indian Himalayas with our guide to the 14 Best Destinations for Spiritual Trekking.
Read moreSeptember 22, 2023
Explore the pros and cons of solo and group trekking in the majestic Himalayas to find out which suits your trekking style best.
Read moreSeptember 22, 2023
Discover stunning treks to do in Himalaya in October, November, and December in India.
Read moreSeptember 18, 2023
Explore our comprehensive guide to Himalayan Trekking Permits, designed for adventurers like you.
Read moreSeptember 18, 2023
Discover the top trekking places in Kashmir featuring stunning lakes and towering peaks.
Read moreAugust 23, 2023
Prepare well for beginner Himalayan treks: essentials, best routes, high altitudes, fees, and cultural immersion for a secure adventure.
Read moreAugust 18, 2023
Discover the causes, symptoms, prevention strategies, and effective treatments for Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
Read moreAugust 16, 2023
Explore Himachal's stunning landscapes with thrilling Manali treks. Experience extraordinary walks amidst magnificent mountains and serene roads.
Read moreAugust 14, 2023
Explore Uttarakhand's stunning weekend getaways with short treks, immersing yourself in nature's beauty and adventure on these breathtaking trails.
Read moreAugust 9, 2023
Discover the toughest and most difficult treks in India and test your endurance in the breathtaking landscapes of the Himalayas.
Read moreAugust 2, 2023
Maintaining camp hygiene and sanitation safeguards health, environment, and water sources, ensuring an enjoyable, compliant, and safe camping experience.
Read moreJuly 25, 2023
Sonamarg, in India, captivates with its stunning landscapes. Nestled in Kashmir, it's a serene haven for nature and adventure enthusiasts.
Read moreJuly 24, 2023
Nanda Devi National Park, in Uttarakhand, India, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning Himalayan landscapes.
Read moreJuly 19, 2023
Discover beginner-friendly treks in India's Himalayas. Experience breathtaking mountain beauty, push limits, and connect with nature in stunning landscapes.
Read moreJuly 18, 2023
The state of Uttarakhand boasts of two of the top three mountains in India. Read the blog to find out about the famous peaks of Uttarakhand...
Read moreSeptember 10, 2021
Garhwal Himalaya offers thrilling treks. Hydration is crucial, and it's essential to drink water regularly, even in colder temperatures.
Read moreFebruary 28, 2023
Har Ki Dun: Popular Trek in Uttarakhand with Breathtaking Views of Himalayan Peaks, Meadows, and Rivers.
Read moreFebruary 1, 2024
Why Bali Pass Trek should be your very next trek? The complete guide. This artiucle has answer of almost all your questions.
Read more