Joshimath is a regional hub for travelers from across the nation including youngsters and pilgrims because it’s a gateway to more than 15 travel spots
I never heard about this place until I decided to backpack for Mana- India’s last village. I don’t remember for how long I had been wishing to visit Mana. but in 2021 I finally decided to pack my bags and head for Mana. Then I figured. to visit Mana. the nearest stop would be Joshimath And the Journey began.
First. I and my friends reached Haridwar. and from there we got a bus to Joshimath. Overall, it took 25 hours from Delhi to Joshimath. The plan was to go directly to Mana. but as per the transport schedule. there was no further bus from Joshimath to other places after 4 pm. We reached there at 5.30 pm. So having no choice. we stayed there at a guest house in Joshimath The next day we were mesmerised by the views of peaks. As we beheld breathtaking views from the terrace of the guest house. we sipped our morning tea along with a peaceful Arijit’s playlist. A perfect way to start the morning.
Then we step outside and roam around. trying to figure out a solid way to get to Mans. We then found out that Joshimath is a focal point for more than 15 travel places. Here are some of these major attractions.
Auli Is an amazing place. Located just 15 km from Joshimath by road and 10km by ropeway. Ropeway not only makes for an easier transport. it has also created quite a buzz among tourists. If you are adventurous. you should go for the thrilling ride with the ropeway from Joshimath.
Auli is also famous for its artificial lakes and heavy snowfall. For tourists who are seeking snow. I’d suggest they visit Auk It is also famous for its ski destinations and hiking. and Auli leads to several short treks like Auli Gerson Bugyal Trek which is almost 4.7km from Auli.
Best time to visit Auli
Auli is open In all seasons but to experience Its best. I suggest you visit there In December to February to experience snow. Ault is one of those places that encounter major snowfall every year.
How to reach
You can book a shared or private taxi from Joshimath. which will take 20-25 minutes to get you there.
Charges:
Private taxi: Charges are about Rs 800-1000, and shared taxi charges Rs 400 per person.
Cable car, Ropeway: Cable car is chargeable at Rs 750 from Joshimath.
Things to do in Auli
- Skiing
- Hiking
- Trekking
- Camping
- Cable cars
Badrinath (45km)

Badrinath is one of the Char Dham pilgrimages of Hindu culture, situated in the Chamoli district. it is approx. 45 km from Joshimath. It is a famous pilgrimage among Hindus and is open for just six months a year due to heavy snowfall from September till March-April due to which it is open mainly from May to September. Its named after the Badrinath temple which is dedicated to Badri Vishaal or Lord Vishnu The temple is situated at the Alaknanda river.
From left to the temple. a route leads to Neelkantha. It Is said that a black stone idol of lord Badri Narayan was found in the Alaknanda river and due to that the temple was established In the 8th century. Till then. Badrinath was named Adi Shankara as Lord Shankar used to live there for a few years to meditate. After the 8th century. Lord Vishnu meditated there below Badri trees. hence the name Badrinath.
Best time to visit Badrinath
Badrinath is open from May to September each year.
How to reach Badrinath
The best way to reach Badrinath is public transport. i.e., buses from Haridwar to Badrinath. which are available from 3:30pm to 5:30pm . Or you can book a shared taxi. which will cost you Rs 100-150.
Mana is India’s last village at the edge of Uttarakhand and has become a major attraction among tourists In recent years. Just 3km from Badrinath. it is the place associated with Mahabharata. According to some stories. the Pandwas and Draupadi ended their last journey to the Himalayas at Mana.
How to reach Mana
It is Just 3km from Badrinath. Shared taxies are easily available. and you can also take a walk as the road is built well. Most travellers consider visiting Mane by a Bullet motorbike. You can hire a ‘Bullet from Rishikesh, it will cost Rs 500-1000 per day.
Ghangharia is a beautiful. small village situated near Puspawati river. It is a stopover for trekkers as it leads to the famous pilgrimage of the Sikh community’ Hemkund Sahib. Also. It is just 3km away from UNESCO certified Indian heritage site, Valley of Flowers. The village is filled with maximum Sikhs pilgrims as Hemkund Sahib is where Guru Gobind Singh Ji meditated In his past life.
Also in Hemkund Sahib, there is Lakshman Temple. which is where Lakshman also did his tapt at the same peak in his past life. The Valley of Flowers is situated approx 3km trek distance from Ghangharia village. There are about 500 species of flowers found in the Valley of Flowers. The area was also declared a nanonal park area. The last entry time is 2pm so that you can come back before 5pm. because dangerous animals like bears and yaks could be found in the valley.
Best time to visit Ghangharia
Best time to visit Ghangharia village is April to October.
How to reach Ghangharia village
It is approx 13km from Govmd Ghat. It can be covered by trekking or a pony ride. The only way to reach Ghangharia is from Govind Ghat. where you have to book a private cab from Govind Ghat to Putha, which is almost 3km from there. Then afterwards. trekking starts towards Ghangharia. You can opt for a pony ride.
Nanda Devi National Park (16km)
Nanda Devi National Park is on the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Also known as Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. it is situation around the Nanda Devi mountain. which is the second highest peak of India. It is approx 16 km from Joshimath.
The trek starts from Lata village. which is 2 hours’ drive from Joshimath. From Lata village, trek starts towards Lata Kharak and then to Dharansi Pass. Nanda Devi National Park is surrounded by the sanctuary wall. The place gives a spectacular view of Nanda Devi peak and preserves species of flora and fauna. like blue mountain goats.
How to reach Nanda Devi National Park
The trek starts from and ends at Joshimath. which is around 16 km from the park.
Valley of Flowers (20km)
Valley of Flowers is declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO It is a beautiful place in the lap of mountains and consists of a variety of flora with more than 500 species of flowers. It is located at the high altitude of the Himalayas. Flowers. mostly orchids and marigolds, make a flowery carpet in the mountains. It is approximately 3km from Ghangharia. which I mentioned before. The best experience seekers should go fora trek or take a pony ride.
How to reach Valley of Flowers
The only way to reach the Valley of flowers is from Govind Ghat. where you have to book a private cab from Govind Ghat to Pulna which is almost 3kin from there. Then afterwards. trekking starts towards Ghangharia. You can opt for a pony ride. When you reach Ghangharia. you may have to stay over at night. Then you have to take a trek towards Valley of Flowers, which is 3km away from there.
Best time to visit
Best time to visit Valley of Flowers June. July and September are considered the best months to visit the Valley of Flowers because you want to experience the diversity of flora from there.
Hemkund Sahib, often referred to as Gurudwara Shri Hemkund Sahib Ji, is a Sikh holy site in the Indian state of Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district. Dasam Granth mentions it as being dedicated to Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru.
How to get to Hemkund Sahib
The Hemkund trek also begins with Ghangharia village. It is approximately 8km from there. You can opt for trekking if you are a trek-lover. but pony rides are also available from the village.
Best time to visit Hemkund Sahib
Hemkund Sahib is open front May to October.