Overview
Rishikesh is the primary gateway to Badrinath — the point where most pilgrims start the mountain road journey. Rishikesh railway station and Rishikesh ISBT connect to trains from Delhi and buses from all Uttarakhand cities. From Rishikesh, NH-58 runs 295 km to Badrinath entirely on a paved road through the Alaknanda and Saraswati river valleys.
| From Rishikesh | To | Distance | Time | Road |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rishikesh | Devprayag | 70 km | ~2 hrs | NH-58 |
| Devprayag | Srinagar (Garhwal) | 40 km | ~1 hr | NH-58 |
| Srinagar (Garhwal) | Rudraprayag | 30 km | ~45 min | NH-58 |
| Rudraprayag | Chamoli | 80 km | ~2 hrs | NH-58 |
| Chamoli | Joshimath | 48 km | ~1.5 hrs | NH-58 (steeper) |
| Joshimath | Badrinath | 50 km | ~1.5 hrs | NH-58 |
| Rishikesh Total | Badrinath | 295 km | 7–8 hrs | NH-58 |
Planning
By bus from Rishikesh to Badrinath:
Uttarakhand Roadways and GMOU buses depart from Rishikesh ISBT (Yatri Bus Stand, near Haridwar bypass road — approximately 3 km from Lakshman Jhula). Non-AC bus to Badrinath/Joshimath: ₹280–₹450. AC Volvo: ₹500–₹900. First buses: 4:30–5:30 AM. Journey time 8–10 hours by bus (stops at many towns). Buses also run to intermediate stops — Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Joshimath — if you want to break the journey. Note: Rishikesh ISBT is different from the main market area. Take an auto-rickshaw from Lakshman Jhula to ISBT (₹80–₹150).
By shared taxi from Rishikesh:
Shared taxis are faster (5–7 hrs to Joshimath) and only marginally more expensive. Departure points in Rishikesh:
- GMOU taxi stand (Rishikesh bypass area): Shared Innova/Bolero to Joshimath ₹500–₹800/seat. First departures 5:00 AM. Fill quickly in May–June — arrive by 5:00 AM for best chances.
- Private taxi from Lakshman Jhula / main market: Most Rishikesh hotels can arrange private taxis to Joshimath (₹4,000–₹6,500) or Badrinath (₹5,500–₹8,000). Book the evening before for a 5:00–6:00 AM departure.
Route highlights — Rishikesh to Badrinath:
The drive from Rishikesh to Badrinath on NH-58 is one of the most scenic mountain drives in India. Key highlights:
- Devprayag (70 km): The confluence of the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda — where the Ganga officially begins. Steps descend to the turquoise confluence. The Raghunath temple is perched above. 20–30 min stop highly recommended.
- Srinagar (Garhwal, 110 km): University town. Last city-level facilities on the route — good restaurants, full hospital, petrol, ATMs. The Alaknanda valley opens up here with broader roads.
- Rudraprayag (140 km): Mandakini and Alaknanda confluence. The route here splits — the left fork leads to Kedarnath, the right continues to Badrinath. Good tea stalls and dhabas.
- Chamoli / Gopeshwar (220 km): District headquarters. Last reliable ATM (SBI and HDFC have branches here) and petrol before Badrinath. Top up fuel and withdraw cash here.
- Joshimath (245 km, 1,890 m): Recommended overnight. ATMs, restaurants, good hotels. The Auli ropeway (ski resort, 3,049 m) starts from here. Shankaracharya's math (Jyotirmath) is in Joshimath — worth visiting.
- Govindghat (262 km): Starting point for the Valley of Flowers trek (16 km) and Hemkund Sahib trek (19 km). GMVN guesthouse here.
- Badrinath (295 km, 3,133 m): Temple, Tapt Kund, Brahma Kapal, Mana Village.
Travel Tips
- Start from Rishikesh by 5:30–6:00 AM: An early start means reaching Joshimath by 12:00–1:00 PM, giving time to check in and rest before dinner. A late start (after 9 AM) means arriving Joshimath after dark — mountain driving at night is tiring and the views are lost.
- Devprayag stop — do not skip: The Bhagirathi–Alaknanda confluence at Devprayag is one of the most beautiful stops in the Garhwal Himalaya. The water visibly divides — one stream blue-grey (Alaknanda) and the other green (Bhagirathi) — before merging. 20 minutes here is one of the most memorable parts of the Badrinath journey.
- Rishikesh departure point confusion: Rishikesh has multiple bus/taxi departure points. GMOU shared taxis to Joshimath: from the ISBT bypass area (3 km from Lakshman Jhula). Buses: also from ISBT. Private taxis: can be arranged from Lakshman Jhula main market hotels. Confirm pickup location when booking.
- Monsoon caution (July–August): The Rishikesh–Badrinath road passes through several landslide-prone zones — particularly between Srinagar and Chamoli. In monsoon, check road status at Rishikesh check post before departing. Best to leave by 5:00 AM in monsoon to maximise driving in pre-rain morning hours.
Accommodation
- Rishikesh hotels (pre-journey night): If arriving from Delhi by train in the morning or afternoon and starting the mountain road next day, stay in Rishikesh. Budget options near Lakshman Jhula: ₹700–₹2,500. Mid-range: ₹2,500–₹5,000. Good options on the Triveni Ghat and Swarg Ashram area.
- Joshimath overnight (essential): All travellers from Rishikesh should overnight at Joshimath before Badrinath — acclimatisation and rest. 245 km from Rishikesh, well before Badrinath. See hotels guide.
- Rudraprayag overnight (for slower pace): A 3-day Rishikesh → Rudraprayag → Joshimath → Badrinath itinerary is comfortable for elderly travellers or those who want a relaxed pace. See Badrinath itinerary guide.
FAQs
- What is the distance from Rishikesh to Badrinath?
- 295 km via NH-58. Time: 7–8 hours. Recommended: overnight at Joshimath (245 km, 6–7 hrs) + drive to Badrinath (50 km, 1.5 hrs) next morning. Don't attempt same-day return (590 km, 16 hrs).
- What is the bus fare from Rishikesh to Badrinath?
- Non-AC bus: ₹280–₹450. AC Volvo: ₹500–₹900. From Rishikesh ISBT (3 km from Lakshman Jhula). Departures from ~4:30 AM. Journey 8–10 hrs. Shared taxi (₹500–₹800/seat) is faster at 7–8 hrs.
- What are the main stops between Rishikesh and Badrinath?
- Devprayag (70 km, Ganga confluence — must stop) → Srinagar Garhwal (110 km, ATM/fuel) → Rudraprayag (140 km, Mandakini confluence) → Chamoli (220 km, last ATM/fuel) → Joshimath (245 km, overnight base) → Govindghat (262 km, Valley of Flowers base) → Badrinath (295 km).