Joshimath aka Jyotirmath is a city located in the district of Chamoli in the Uttarakhand State of India. It is situated at a height of 6150 feet. Apart from being the centre of attraction for trekking and skiing, it is also known for one of the four religious peethas that has been established by Adi Guru Shri Shankaracharya during the 8th century. It is one of the prominent pilgrimage sites for Hindu Devotees.
Though it is a year-round destination, one can enjoy the spectacle of snow-capped mountains during the months of December to February.
History of Joshimath
Joshimath was ruled by Katyuri Kings from 7th to 11th century. The Katyuri Kings’ capital was Katyuri which now situated in Kumaon as Baijnath Valley. They were the followers of Buddhism but later on, they converted to Hinduism and consider themselves as Brahmins and followed the same practice.
Major Attractions in and Around Joshimath
1. Ghangaria
The small village is situated at a height of 3000 meters. It is known for beautiful landscapes, lush greenery, and fresh & unpolluted air. It is also the starting point to Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib. Ghangaria is also the perfect getaway for those who are looking for a tranquil place.
2. Auli
It is one of the prominent places that is known for its natural beauty. A hub of apple orchards, pine trees, and old oaks, its beauty is beyond imagination. The famous artificial lake known as Auli Lake is the world's largest man-made lake. It is also home to several adventurous activities like skiing, trekking, and many more. You will love to stare at those snow-capped mountains for hours.
3. Nanda Devi National Park
It was established in the year 1982. Situated around the peak of Nanda Devi. the national park is rich in flora and fauna. One can feel like they are experiencing paradise while exploring the park.
4. Tapovan
It lets you enjoy the beautiful and picturesque spectacle of grasslands, hills, farming and many more. It is famous for hot springs, viewing point for Nanda Devi, Dronagiri Chaukhambha etc.
5. Kalpavriksha
The mulberry tree is a sacred tree which is considered as 1200 years old by locals. The tree is attached with several legends and historical events. According to Hindu texts, several pioneers. One of them is Lord Shankaracharya who worshipped Lord Shiva sitting under the tree.
How to Reach Joshimath
A trip to Joshimath, Uttarakhand will be spiritually awakening and rejuvenating for your body and soul. Here you may indulge in adventure sports or explore the rich biodiversity of this place amidst the divine vibes of this place. From Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru, you are required to travel approximately 495km via NH 7, 1888km via NH 48, 1600km via NH 19, and 2600km via NH 44, respectively, to reach Joshimath.
By Air
The nearest airport to Joshimath is Jolly Grant Airport (located in Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand) which is 270 kilometres away. The airport is well-established and regulates the arrival and departure of flights from all parts of the country. After deboarding the flight at Jolly Grant airport, you can hire the local modes of transport to reach Joshimath. The airport receives regular flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru, from airlines such as IndiGo, SpiceJet, Vistara, Air India, Alliance Air, etc.
- Delhi - Board Vistara, IndiGo, SpiceJet, or AirIndia flight from Delhi. The airfare starts from INR 2,000
- Mumbai - Board SpiceJet flight from Mumbai. The fare starts from INR 4,000
- Kolkata - Board SpiceJet or AirIndia flight from Kolkata. The fare starts from INR 6,000
- Bengaluru - Board IndiGo flight from Bengaluru. The airfare starts from INR 6,000
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Joshimath
By Train
Rishikesh Railway Station is the nearest railway station to reach Joshimath. It is approximately 250 kilometres away from the city. After leaving the station, you can get on local transport services like a bus or a cab to reach Joshimath.
- Delhi - Board Delhi Rishikesh Passenger from Delhi and deboard at Rishikesh
- Mumbai - Board Dehradun Express from Bandra Terminus and deboard at Dehradun station
- Kolkata - Board Doon Express from Howrah Jn and deboard at Dehradun station
By Road
If you are arriving from Delhi, then the road trip to Rishikesh and ahead will be a joyride. Rishikesh is well-connected to metropolitan cities, which is why it has well-maintained motorable roads and the availability of roadside dhabas, and vehicle assistance is also good. You may also travel by regular state-owned or private buses that run from nearby cities.
- Rishikesh - 256km via NH 7
- Dehradun - 295km via NH 7
- Haridwar - 275km via NH 7
- Chandigarh - 465km via NH 7
- Haldwani - 296km via NH 109
- Shimla - 520 km via NH 7
You can plan your trip and create your own route to the city with Adotrip’s technically driven circuit planner. Click here
Frequently asked questions about Joshimath
Ques. Where is Joshimath located?
Ans. Joshimath is a town located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is situated in the Chamoli district and is a gateway to several Hindu pilgrimage sites in the Garhwal region, including Badrinath.
Ques. What is the best time to visit Joshimath?
Ans. The best time to visit Joshimath is from April to June and from September to November.
Ques. How do I get to Joshimath?
Ans. The nearest airport to Joshimath is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is well-connected to major cities in India. Joshimath is also well connected by road and rail to major cities in the region.
Ques. What are the popular tourist attractions in Joshimath?
Ans. Some popular tourist attractions in Joshimath include the Narsingh Temple, the Shankaracharya Math, and the Kalpavriksha. The nearby towns of Badrinath, Auli, and Hemkund Sahib are also popular pilgrimage sites.
Ques. Are there any good hotels in Joshimath?
Ans. There are several good hotels and guesthouses in Joshimath that cater to a wide range of budgets. Many of them are located near the main market area and offer excellent views of the surrounding mountains.
Ques. What are the local specialties of Joshimath?
Ans. The local specialties of Joshimath include traditional Garhwali dishes like Bhatt ki Churdkani, Chainsoo, and Phaanu. The region is also famous for its delicious apples, and you can find a variety of apple products like juice, pickles and more.
