Rishikesh to Badrinath
The journey from Rishikesh to Badrinath is a classic Himalayan pilgrimage route that covers approximately 297 kilometers and typically takes 9 to 10 hours by road. The most common
Tentative Fare Estimate
Round trip · incl. driver allowance & GST
Tentative estimate only, based on typical Indian public-transport tariffs (state transport bus fares, IRCTC sleeper/AC class rates, standard outstation taxi per-km rates) — not a live quote from any operator.
Overview
The journey from Rishikesh to Badrinath is a classic Himalayan pilgrimage route that covers approximately 297 kilometers and typically takes 9 to 10 hours by road. The most common path follows NH-58 (now NH-7) through the sacred confluences of Devprayag and Rudraprayag, then climbs via Karnaprayag, Nandprayag, and Joshimath before reaching the ancient temple town of Badrinath at 3,300 meters. This route offers breathtaking views of the Garhwal Himalayas, the Alaknanda River, and lush valleys. While the road is generally well-maintained, it features numerous hairpin bends and occasional landslides, especially during monsoon. The journey is not just a drive but a spiritual passage through some of the holiest sites in Hinduism, making it a memorable experience for pilgrims and nature lovers alike.
Route Map
By Car: Rishikesh to Badrinath
297 km · ~6h 16m · About 6h of driving, plus stops.
- Start from Rishikesh
An early start keeps you ahead of city and highway traffic.
150 km · 3h drive from previous stop
Rest & refuel near RudraprayagAbout 150 km in — 15–20 minutes for tea, food, fuel and a stretch.
147 km · 2h 56m drive from previous stop
Arrive in BadrinathBadrinath, Uttarakhand
Stops are typical for this road, not a fixed itinerary. Timings assume about 50 km/h on average — traffic, tolls and road conditions vary.
By Bus: Rishikesh to Badrinath
297 km · ~6h 36m · Buses on this route are usually available as direct services. Operators and departure times vary — check live availability.
- Board at Rishikesh
Go to the main bus stand / ISBT in Rishikesh. Overnight buses usually leave in the evening; book a seat in advance for sleeper and Volvo services.
- Rishikesh → Badrinath
AC Seater / Volvo · ~297 km
~6h 36m|Tentative fare ₹330–₹880
Usual tea / meal halts: Sonprayag (~170 km)
- Arrive in Badrinath
Badrinath, Uttarakhand
Halts and change points are typical for this route, not a specific operator’s schedule — check live availability and timings when booking.
By Train: Rishikesh to Badrinath
There is no direct train between these stations in our timetable data, and no journey with up to two changes was found. Try a nearby city as the start or end, or use a bus/car leg for part of the trip.
Train details come from a 2015 railway timetable snapshot — newer trains, changed timings and running days are not included, so confirm on IRCTC before you plan around a train.
Stops & Places Along the Route
Good places to break the journey from Rishikesh to Badrinath.
- Devprayag70 km from Rishikesh from Rishikesh
The sacred confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers, where the Ganges formally begins. The Raghunathji temple and the ancient Devprayag temple are key attractions.
Parking areaTea stalls and small eateriesPublic restrooms - Rudraprayag140 km from Rishikesh from Rishikesh
Another holy confluence where the Mandakini meets the Alaknanda. The town is known for the Rudranath temple and offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
Petrol pumpsHotels and guesthousesATMs and medical stores
Hotels in Badrinath
Comfortable 3-star stays in Badrinath. Tell us your dates and we'll get you a rate.
3 Star Hotel
Badrinath
Things to Do in Badrinath
Darshan at Badrinarayan Temple
Participate in the morning or evening aarti, witness the ornate idol of Lord Vishnu, and soak in the divine atmosphere.
1-2 hours
Bathe in Tapt Kund
Take a dip in the natural hot spring believed to cleanse sins and cure ailments, a ritual before temple darshan.
30 minutes
Explore Mana Village
Walk through the last Indian village before Tibet, visit Vyas Gufa and Ganesh Gufa, and see the Saraswati river.
2-3 hours
Trek to Vasudhara Falls
A scenic 9 km trek from Mana to a waterfall that, according to legend, does not touch those who are pure of heart.
4-5 hours
Visit Charan Paduka
Climb to a rock bearing a footprint believed to be of Lord Vishnu, offering panoramic views of the valley.
1-2 hours
Perform Ancestral Rites at Brahma Kapal
Offer pind daan on the flat platform by the Alaknanda, a ritual to honor departed ancestors.
1 hour
Suggested Badrinath Itinerary
Day 1Arrive in Badrinath
- Travel from Rishikesh to Badrinath (about 9-10 hrs by road) and check in
- Visit Badrinath Temple (Badrinarayan Mandir)
Day 2Explore Badrinath
- Visit Tapt Kund
- Visit Mana Village
- Visit Vasudhara Falls
Day 3Last sights and departure
- Visit Charan Paduka
- Head back to Rishikesh
Travel Tips
Budget Estimate
road
Car rental (SUV) from Rishikesh: ₹3,500–₹5,000 per day
Fuel cost for the round trip: approx. ₹3,000–₹4,000
Driving your own car or hiring a taxi is the most flexible and comfortable option. The route is scenic but requires careful driving due to mountain roads.
train
Sleeper class fare from Delhi: ₹300–₹500
AC 3-tier fare from Delhi: ₹800–₹1,200
The nearest major railway station is Haridwar (25 km from Rishikesh). From Haridwar, you can take a taxi or bus to Badrinath, but there is no direct train to Badrinath.
bus
Ordinary bus fare: ₹400–₹600
Luxury bus fare: ₹700–₹900
Uttarakhand Roadways operates regular buses from Rishikesh to Badrinath, especially during the pilgrimage season (May-June and Sep-Oct). Buses are economical but can be crowded.
Extend Your Trip
Add a nearby place to your Badrinath trip and see the full Rishikesh → Badrinath → next stop route.
Badrinath → Uttarkashi
About 130 km by road
Badrinath → Devprayag
About 140 km by road
Plan My Trip: Rishikesh to Badrinath
Pick how you want to travel and we'll send a complete plan with transport, hotel and sightseeing — on WhatsApp and a call back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the road is generally safe but has many hairpin bends and narrow stretches. Drive cautiously, especially during monsoon when landslides can occur.
The best time is from May to June and September to October, when the weather is pleasant and the route is open. Avoid heavy monsoon months (July-August) due to landslides.
Yes, both Devprayag and Rudraprayag have budget hotels and guesthouses. Joshimath also offers many options, but it's advisable to book in advance.
Yes, the journey is 9-10 hours by car, so it's possible to complete in a day if you start early and don't make long halts. However, many prefer to break at Joshimath.
No special permits are required for Indian nationals. Foreigners may need to register, but generally no inner line permit is needed for Badrinath.
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