Important information Around Badrinath

Tourist Acctration in Around Badrinath

• Auli
• Hemkund Sahib
• Govind Ghat
• Valley of Flowers
• Joshimath

Auli(57kms.) : This world-class winter games resort is 16 kms. from Joshimath. The 3 kms. long ski slope ranging from a height of 2519 mts. to 3049 mts. is a major attraction. There is a 500 mts. long ski-lift which carries skiiers back to the slope top. The best season is from last week of Dec. to March.

Hemkund Sahib (43 kms.) : Hemkund or the' Snow Lake' nestles at a height of 4329 m. amidst seven snow-covered mountains, which are collectively called Hemkund Parvat. The sacred star shaped gurudwara near the lake is one of the most important Sikh pilgrim centres. It is believed that Guru Govind Singh ji, the tenth Sikh Guru meditated here. Saints like Rishi Gurudwara, Hemkund SaMb Medhasa of the Markandeya Purana and Lakshman, the brother of Lord Ram also performed penance here. A temple dedicated to Lakshman is located near the gurudwara. The 15 kms. trek from Govindghat to Hemkund is very popular. The best time to come here is from July - Oct.

Govind Ghat (15 kms.) : is set on the confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhyundar or Lakshman Ganga. There is a big gurudwara here.

Valley of Flowers (42 kms.) : This paradise' of nature lovers sprawling over an an area of 87.5 kms. lies 6 kms. from Bhyundar village and is a 19 kms. trek from Govind Ghat. The valley exceptionally rich m floral wealth was discovered by Frank Smythe along with R. L. Holdsworth in the 1930s. According to mythological legends, Lord Hanuman visited the valley to collect 'Sanjeevani' herb to save the life of Lakshman, the brother of Lord Rama. The "ushpawati river flows through the verdant valley surrounded by mountains on all sides.With the melting of snow from May onwards, the entire valley blooms with exotic j flowers till September. There are over 521 species of flowering plants and the area was' declared a National Park in 1982, to preserve the bio-diversity of the valley. The park is > also inhabited by animals like Himalayan black bears, musk deer, brown bears, snow leopards, tahr, bharal, serow and rich variety of butterflies.

Joshimath (44 kms.) : The winter home of Badrinathji lies on the slopes above the confluence of Alaknanda and Dhauliganga. It is an important halt enroute to Badrinath and base for trekkers to the famous Valley of Flowers. Adi Shankaracharya is said to have gained enlightenment here. Main attractions are - Narsingh and Garuda temple, the Shankracharya Math and AmarKalptree.