Badrinath is one of India’s most revered Char Dham pilgrimage sites, perched at about 3,300 meters on the banks of the Alaknanda River in Uttarakhand. The route from Mussoorie to Badrinath covers a rich array of Himalayan towns, river valleys, and high mountain passes.
Distance and Travel Time
- Total distance: Approximately 340–380 km by road (depending on the exact route).
- Overall travel time: 11 to 15 hours of road travel, typically split into two days for comfort and acclimatization.
- Route: Entirely by road; there are no direct trains or air connections.
Step-by-Step Itinerary
1. Mussoorie to Rishikesh / Haridwar
- Distance: Mussoorie to Dehradun: ~34 km (1.5–2 hours downhill).
- Then: Dehradun to Rishikesh: ~45 km (1.5–2 hours), or Dehradun to Haridwar: ~55 km (2 hours).
- Route: Mussoorie → Dehradun → Rishikesh or Haridwar (well-paved highways).
2. Rishikesh / Haridwar to Badrinath
- Main Route: Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar (Garhwal) → Rudraprayag → Karnaprayag → Joshimath → Badrinath.
- Distance: Rishikesh to Badrinath: ~300 km.
- Key segments:
- Rishikesh to Devprayag: 75 km
- Devprayag to Srinagar: 33 km
- Srinagar to Rudraprayag: 34 km
- Rudraprayag to Karnaprayag: 33 km
- Karnaprayag to Joshimath: 85 km
- Joshimath to Badrinath: 45 km
- Road conditions: Paved highways, but mountain sections are winding, with possible landslides or traffic holdups—especially during monsoon.
Suggested Travel Plan
- Day 1: Mussoorie → Dehradun → Rishikesh/Haridwar → Rudraprayag or Karnaprayag. Stay overnight.
- Day 2: Continue to Joshimath and then Badrinath, arriving by afternoon or evening.
Tip: Many travelers split the journey at Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, or Joshimath due to the mountainous terrain and the need to acclimatize.
Travel Modes
- Private Taxi/Car: Most flexible and comfortable, especially for groups; arrange reliable taxi services in Mussoorie or Dehradun.
- State / Private Buses: Daily buses run from Dehradun, Rishikesh, and Haridwar towards Badrinath, with stops at each main town. Direct buses to Badrinath can fill fast—booking in advance is recommended.
- Shared Jeep / Maxi-cabs: Common in Rishikesh, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Joshimath, especially in pilgrimage season.
- Self-Drive: Possible, but requires confidence in hilly driving. Plan to drive only in daylight.
Note: The last stretch from Joshimath to Badrinath may sometimes be regulated—traffic is allowed only at specific times due to landslide and weather risks. Always check locally.
Important Travel Tips
- Season: Badrinath is open from late April/May to October/early November. The temple closes in winter due to heavy snow.
- Accommodation: Book ahead in high season—especially in Joshimath and Badrinath—if you plan to stay overnight.
- Luggage/Packing: Carry warm layered clothing (even in summer), sturdy shoes, rain protection (in monsoon), and basic medicines/snacks.
- Health/Safety: Allow extra time for altitude adjustment and avoid strenuous activity upon arrival.
- Road Updates: Landslides and road closures can occur in the rainy season—always check for current conditions before travel.
- Permits: No special permits required for Indian citizens, but ID is useful for hotel check-ins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is a direct taxi available from Mussoorie to Badrinath?
A: Not usually, but it can be arranged from local agencies or Dehradun. Most drivers prefer a split over two days.
Q: Are there direct buses from Mussoorie to Badrinath?
A: No, you must travel via Dehradun and Rishikesh/Haridwar. Direct buses to Badrinath start from Rishikesh or Haridwar.
Q: Can I do this in one day?
A: Not recommended—it is a long, tiring journey. It’s much safer and more enjoyable split over at least two days, with a halt in Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, or Joshimath.
Q: What is the best time to travel?
A: May–June and September–October for pleasant weather and open roads.
Q: Can I self-drive to Badrinath?
A: Yes, but only if experienced with mountain driving. Avoid traveling after dark or during or just after heavy rain.
Summary Table
| Segment | Approx. Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Mussoorie to Dehradun | 34 km | 1.5–2 hours |
| Dehradun to Rishikesh/Haridwar | 45–55 km | 1.5–2 hours |
| Rishikesh/Haridwar to Badrinath | 300 km | 8.5–12 hours |
| Total | ~380 km | 11–15 hours* |
*Split the journey for comfort and safety.
Traveling from Mussoorie to Badrinath is a stunning Himalayan experience, tracing the curves of sacred rivers and passing through iconic pilgrimage towns. Plan your breaks, confirm road and weather conditions, carry essentials for altitude and changing weather, and enjoy a memorable journey to one of India’s most revered high-altitude shrines.
