Are you planning to visit Badrinath Dham in 2024, yet need to know when to plan? In this post, we will discuss the best time to visit Badrinath.
Badrinath is a town, and Nagar Panchayat is located in India’s Chamoli district of the State of Uttarakhand. This temple is important to Hindus and is one of the four temples of the original Chardham Yatra. It is also part of the Chota Chardham Yatra of Uttarakhand, consisting of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. These pilgrimage centers attract numerous pilgrims yearly, becoming one of northern India’s most religious travel destinations.
Badrinath shrine is approximately 3,100 meters above sea level in the Garhwal Himalayas, on the left bank of the river Alaknanda, between the mountains Nar and Narayana. It was also built by the sage Adi Shankaracharya in the eighth century and mainly serves as a sacred religious temple. The temple worships Lord Vishnu and remains open only for six months, from April/May to October/November. During winter, the place becomes inaccessible due to a lot of snow. Each year, the doors of the Badrinath temple open to the public on a particular date. This year, the Badrinath temple will open on 12th May 2024.
This post will discuss the best time to visit Badrinath and the opening and closing dates of Badrinath Dham 2024.
Best Time to Visit Badrinath
Like the rest of India, Badrinath Dham experiences different weather yearly. But the weather conditions can be extreme. Hence, pilgrims should plan their pilgrimage accordingly.
Badrinath in Summer
Summer is the best season to visit Badrinath. It spans May and June. The temperatures during these months range between 7°C and 18°C. The weather is neither too hot nor too cold; it has a moderate climate. The region has a bright and pretty good environment during the day, which is ideal for going to the Badrinath Yatra.
Consider the crowd levels when planning to visit Badrinath Dham in the summer. Since it is the opening period and the best time to visit Badrinath, there will be a huge crowd during the summer. Hence, you need to check the crowd levels and then plan accordingly. During the summer, the Chardham Yatra by Helicopter also becomes operational.
When planning the Yatra during summer, it is advisable to make all bookings in advance. Because of the huge crowds, you may not get bookings at the last minute.
Badrinath in Monsoon
Monsoon rain is prevalent here from July through September and is not the best time to visit Badrinath. Traveling during the monsoon period is highly risky and not advisable. This is because the region is highly susceptible to landslides and floods. There can also be disruptions in road connectivity. Hence, you must not plan your Yatra during this period. September marks the gradual decrease in rainfall amounts. Eventually, the region experienced an increased flow of tourists this month.
Badrinath in Winter
From October, pilgrims can plan their Yatra, the best time to visit Badrinath Dham. After rainfall, the Badrinath region comes to life, and the temperature starts falling slightly. At this point, the crowd level is also low. Hence, this can be a good time to seek blessings from Lord Vishnu and explore nearby regions.
Badrinath’s temperature ranges between 12°C and 17°C in October, so you should carry woolen clothes. The average climate temperature in November is between 6°C and 14°C. This place begins to snow heavily, and Badrinath Temple remains closed this month. From December, the region experiences heavy snowfall, and it is impossible to travel during this period.
Opening & Closing Time Of Badrinath Dham
When planning your Chardham Yatra, consider the best time to visit Badrinath and the opening and closing dates. Badrinath temple remains open from April to May and closes for winter during November. Therefore, the temple remains closed six months a year, whereas prayers to the Badri Vishal are offered at the Narsimha temple at Joshimath.
This year, the temple will open on 12th May 2024 and close on 9th November 2024. Further, the Badrinath Yatra Registration is Mandatory to taking the blessings of Lord Vishnu at Badrinath Dham.
Why Visit Badrinath Dham?
Badrinath Dham is located on the banks of the Alaknanda River in the Garhwal district of Uttaranchal, Badrinath Temple, also known as the Vishnu Temple, is one of the most significant religious shrines in India. It is said Adi Shankaracharya built the temple in the 8th century AD, and it is the place where Lord Vishnu meditated for thousands of years. This temple is also one of the four prominent Char Dham temples among Hindus. It has religious significance, and many people, locals, and tourists visit the temple regularly and annually. The Badrinath Temple is one of the most beautiful temples and is a quintessential example of the architecture of North India. It has elaborate carvings, paintings, and sculptures. This temple is also a place with a strong spiritual role in the lives of believers, who consider that the place can bless and help to fulfil any request. There are many ways to reach Badrinath Dham by helicopter, train and by Road.
Important Tips To Plan Badrinath Dham Yatra
- Depending on your comfort level, you must choose the best time to visit Badrinath Dham.
- When planning your journey, choose a good place to stay before you go. Very few accommodations are available in Badrinath town, and the available lodging gets fully booked within a short period, especially during the yatra season, between May and October. Accommodation options include hotel rooms or Dharamshala beds; book rooms or beds for the days you will be visiting several months in advance.
- Travel light. One should carry very few items in a backpack at a time. Bring a warm and comfortable dress, footwear, socks, jackets, gloves, a muffler, a cap, sunglasses, a torch, and any necessary medicines.
- Start early in the morning to reach the Dham on time. Moreover, this also avoids traffic jams on the way and only allows for a short trip during the night, as this may be dangerous.
- Do not take along electronic gadgets such as cameras, ornaments, or large sums of money, and do not carry any valuables.
- When planning the Yatra, you must check the current weather conditions and the general road conditions. Badrinath experiences various seasonal changes and often receives heavy snowfall. Before starting the journey, check for landslides, road obstructions, or other barriers to safe travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1). Which Dham Yatra is difficult?
Yamunotri is the first of the four dhams and definitely the toughest.
Q2). Can I go to Badrinath without Registration?
Registration for the Badrinath Yatra is mandatory.
Q3). Is Badrinath Safe for Kids?
Yes, it is safe to travel to Kedarnath.
Q4). What are the popular places to explore in Badrinath?
The most popular tourist attractions in near by Badrinath are Shri Badrinath Dham, Surya Kund and Vasudhara Waterfalls. You will have an amazing time exploring these places and come back home with a bag full of memories.
