The stunning Joshimath is also named Jyotirmath. It is a very beautiful hill town perched at a height of 6150 feet in the Chamoli district of Uttarkhand. It serves as a major religious centre for Hindu pilgrims and lies in proximity to one of the four maths founded by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. This math is devoted to the sacred text of Hindus named Atharva Veda. Joshimath is the winter home of Lord Badri as the idol is shifted from Badrinath to Joshimath during the winter season. Nestled amid the lap of the snow-capped Himalayas, Joshimath is also known as the gateway for trekking. It is also a very popular gateway for several places of religious importance.
The beautiful Joshimath is the gateway for numerous Himalayan treks. Some of the famous treks here are- Badrinath Dham and Mana village, Valley of Flowers and Hemkund sahib, Pangarchulla peak- Joshimath is the base camp for Pangarchulla Peak trek that takes one through some of the most challenging terrains in Garhwal. The campsites on one’s way are- Gulling Top via Dhak and Tugasi village then to Khulara and finally to the peak summit, the next famous trek is the Kuari Pass trek- the path is easy to moderate one, Bagini Glacier Trek- attracts the adventurous people. It is located at the north of the outer wall of peaks that surrounds the Nanda Devi massif. It takes almost 5-6 days to complete this trek that starts from a small village called Jumma village. Another famous trek is the Dharansi Pass trek- whichallows exploring the untarnished Nanda Devi Sanctuary at large. An only a limited number of trekkers are permitted to make this trek each year. Another famous trek is the Kankul Pass trek – is an offbeat trek and but one of the loved treks among the trekkers. Enjoy some other thrilling adventure activities here. Take a Gondola cable car ride that offers a picturesque ride from Auli to Joshimath. Many camps are organised in and around Joshimath that have a plethora of different activities to choose from. cycling routes, rock and rope climbing activities, and river rafting are some other activities to get indulge in.
Places to visit in Joshimath
1. Ropeway
The ropeway is one of the major attractions in Joshimath that is regarded as the longest ropeway in Asia towards Auli.
The services are opened during the summer season that offers mesmerizing views of the snow-clad Himalayas.
2. Ghangaria
Ghangaria is perched high in the marvellous mountains of the Himalayas. It is a picturesque place that offers astonishing scenic views. It serves as the starting point for the trek to Valley of Flowers for several trekkers as well as for the pilgrims to Hemkund sahib.
Ghangaria is truly an astounding village situated at an altitude of 3000m. this place is surely for the adventure junkies and for those who want to explore the beauty and tranquillity of the Himalayan landscape.
3. Nanda Devi National Park
Nanda Devi National Park is in proximity to Nanda Devi that is the second-highest peak in India. Nanda Devi National Park is in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is a UNESCO world heritage site and is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world and home to some of the rarest and unique high-altitude flora and fauna in the world.
It opens to visitors for only six months in the entire year in October. The mesmerizing views, the richness of the biosphere makes this national park a major attraction among tourists.
4. Narsingh Temple
Narsingh Temple is a popular temple in the beautiful Joshimath. It is famous as a part of Sapt Badri. This temple is also called the Narsingh Badri temple. The deity of this temple is the fourth incarnations of Lord Vishnu in the form of half lion and half man.
Narsingh temple is that very temple where the Badrivishal rests during the winter season. The idol of Badrinath is taken down here in this temple by the priest of Badrinath and is placed along with the Narshingh idol.
5. Tapovan
Tapovan is nestled in the picturesque state of Uttarakhand. It is a place that is renowned for its hot springs. There is a strong belief that these springs have medicinal properties and are believed to cure skin diseases. Tapovan offers its travellers fantabulous views of Nanda Devi and Dronagiri Chaukumbha peaks and is also a gateway fo several other famous tourist destinations like Badrinath and the valley of flowers.
6. Kalpavriksha
Kalpavriksha is a holy tree that is located in Joshimath in the state of Uttarkhand. It is believed to be 1200 years old. This mulberry tree is a site of pilgrimage owing to the rich history associated with it.
As per the Hindu scriptures guru, Shankaracharya worshipped lord shiva under this tree the beautiful Jyoteshwar Mahadev temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and is built under this tree itself. It is also believed that this tree grants the wishes of all the devotees.
7. Vishnuprayag
Vishnuprayag, the first of the famous PanchPrayag is a fantastic place where the river Alaknanda meets river Dhauliganga. This places hols many ashrams and the holy Vishnuprayag temple that is also a great place for the thrilling adventure river rafting. Vishnuprayag is located at an altitude of 1400 meters. This temple town is popular for being the meeting point of river Alaknanda and Dhauliganga, one of the five tributaries of river Ganga. Apart from the scenic places, this place is a paradise for adventure lovers as adventurers can indulge in trekking and white water river rafting.
8. Govindghat
Govindghat is a religious hub for Sikh devotees nestled on the banks of river Alaknanda, around 19kms from Joshimath. It is situated at an elevation of 1800m. The major attraction here is the Hemkund sahib.
This town is situated on the way to Badrinath where the Alaknanda river meets the Lakshman Ganga in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is a base for most of the treks including the one that leads the way to the Hemkund Sahib and the beautiful Valley of Flowers.
9. Shri Shankracharya Math
Shri Shankracharya Math is a beautiful monastery in the beautiful Joshimath built by Adi Shankaracharya. It is also named Jyotirmath and is one of the four Mathas built by Adi Shankaracharya and his disciple. It was established to teach the importance of monastic life as written in Vedas, Upanishads and Brahma Sutra. One can find a beautiful Laxmi Narayan temple located inside this Shankaracharya Math. This temple houses the idols of Badrinarayan and Rajrajeshwari Devi.
10. Chenab Lake
Chenab Lake is a small pristine water lake located near Joshimath. It attracts several tourists. It can be reached after crossing the last village of Joshimath that is Dang village.
Chenab lake is all surrounded by the lush green forest of oak and deodar. Make sure to visit this superb place between May to October and spend some time in tranquillity.
11. Auli
Auli is a very famous hill station and a popular winter destination as a ski resort of India and is located around 12kms away from Joshimath. It is knowns for its snowy slopes. Plan a trip to this fantabulous destination and capture some fantastic Himalayan views, meadows, and indulge in some thrilling adventure activities here.
Make sure to visit this place in winters although one can visit Auli package throughout the year but visit this place from November to March as it is the aptest time to visit this destination.
12. Badrinath Temple
The holy Badrinath temple is located around 46kms from Joshimath and is among the top pilgrimage places for Hindus. This temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu. The sacred Badrinath temple has numerous tales associated with it.
This temple is part of Chardham and Chota Chardham yatra. This temple is easily accessible by motorable roads and can be reached by walking along an easy trek.
How to Reach
By Air
The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport located in Dehradun. It is around 272kms away from Joshimath. After reaching the airport one can hirea cab or avail bus service to reach Joshimath.
By train
The nearest railway station is the Haridwar and Rishikesh railway station located at a distance of around 277kms and 250kms respectively away from Joshimath. After reaching the railway station one can hire a cab or avail bus service.
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