How to reach Badrinath

Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (317 km) is the nearest. Daily flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore. From the airport, pre-booked taxi (?7000-?9000) or shared cab to Badrinath in 10-11 hrs. Helicopter service from Dehradun/Gauchar to Badrinath (May-Oct, ?95,000-1,20,000 round trip per person) gives 10-minute jaw-dropping views.

The classic route: Rishikesh ? Devprayag ? Srinagar ? Karnaprayag ? Joshimath ? Badrinath. GMOU buses, shared jeeps and private taxis ply daily in season. Road is scenic but prone to landslides; start early. From Joshimath (44 km) permits are checked. Night halt at Joshimath/Pandukeshwar if travelling late.

Nearest railheads: Rishikesh (300 km), Haridwar (320 km), Dehradun (317 km). From any of these, overnight Volvo or morning taxi/shared jeep. No railway line beyond Rishikesh because the mountains refuse to let trains in.