Things to Do in Joshimath

The holy town of Joshimath is one of the best hill stations in India offering a multitude of adventure activities you can engage yourself in:

•    Trekking: Joshimath allows various summer as well as winter treks to nearby valleys. Most popular of them being in Govindghat- the Valley of Flowers trek that is merely 26 kms away from Joshimath. Other famous treks include Auli meadow, Kuari Pass, Hemkund Sahib, and Bagini Glacier.
•    Camping: Camping accounts for another popular activity in Joshimath. Tents are available with an abundance of level ground in places like The Himalayan Abode and Auli which are close to nature and makes for a quality fun-filled adventure.
•    Skiing: The Auli Ski Resort provides one of the greatest skiing tours in India. Both professionals and amateurs can enjoy the snow slopes during winters. Special certification courses of 4 days to 2 weeks are also available.
•    Ropeways: The Auli Ropeway provides a panoramic view of the oak forests and Himalayas around. It is the second longest and highest ropeway in Asia.
•    Festivals: The Auli Skiing Festival near Joshimath held every year during February/March projects the competition between skilled skiers from all over the world. Social projects presenting the rich legacy of Uttarakhand are also showcased.

Base camps make for one of the most fun-filled adventures in Joshimath.

•    The Himalayan Abode: The ideal destination for nature enthusiasts, it provides a wide range of facilities amid the scintillating views of the extensive Himalayan Ranges and narrow streams and rivers. Snowboarding, rappelling, yoga training and mountaineering are some of the other activities you can take part in apart from the mesmerizing night sky view and welcome drinks.
•    Auli Adventure: Tranquil surroundings, jungle walks under starry skies, bonfires, deluxe tents, and buffet meals make for the amazing Himalayan Snow Runner adventure camp at Auli. Rafting, hiking, and biking are some of the additional activities offered.

Some of the most favored winter treks in Joshimath include:

•    Bagini Glacier Trek: The Bagini Glacier, towering 14816 feet above sea level, is situated in the Garhwal region of Himalayas. Amidst the raw natural beauty of the rare alpine flowers, fresh and clean air, serene atmosphere and crystal clear waters, it is the dream trail for every trekker.
•       Winter Kuari Pass Trek: Winter’s icy spell of Kuari Pass works as a magnetic pull for Himalayan lovers. The divine snow peaks of Kamet, Chaukhamba, Trishul and Nanda Devi along with the sparse green meadows and ever-changing sky makes for the perfect trek thrills and skiing slopes.

Summer treks with their fun-filled and colorful adventures include:

•       Valley of Flowers: The striking dewy land with around 300 types of colorful flowers, carpet green landscape, and snow-capped hills make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must trekking experience.
•       Pangarchulla Peak Trek: An idyllic trek packed with delightful views of the Garhwal ranges and blushing beauty of Oak thickets and rhododendron, it is ideal for beginners for an enthralling trek experience.

Located in the Garhwal Himalayas, the Kuari Pass Trek starts from Rishikesh, about 256 kms from Joshimath, with an average elevation of 3650m.

With an approximate trek of 50 km, it takes about 10 days in winter to reach the top.

Famous for its 3km long skiing slope, Auli is the favorite skiing destination in the Garhwal Himalayas and is located about 16 km from Joshimath. Sited 3000m above sea level, the potential of vast open spaces and sheer height of the snow-clad slopes provides the adrenaline rush to all ski enthusiasts- beginner or professional.

Run by skilled instructors and professional supporting and cooking staff, Auli ski resorts offer the thrill of fresh powder snow and long distance skiing. The best time to visit is from January to April.

The best time to trek Pangarchulla Peak is in:

•    Summers (May-June): The weather remains pleasing with cool breezes, and the Himalayas are noticeable.
•    Post-monsoon (September-November): Though accommodation options are few, with the blissful snowfall and serenity around, it looks like paradise on earth.

The Auli ropeway starts from Joshimath and ends at Auli and is the second highest ropeway in Asia with a height of 1110m. With 2 cable cars (locally called Gondola) and 10 towers, it covers a track distance of 4.15km and offers majestic and grandiose 180-degree views of the Himalayas.

With a travel time of 25 minutes, tickets are priced at Rs 500 per person including the return journey. Kids above 5 years of age are charged fully.

Primarily a sacred town and one of the top pilgrimage destinations, some of the famous temples of Joshimath are:

•    Narsingh Temple: Dedicated to the Hindu God Narsingh, the half-man and half-lion are regarded as the 4th incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple is about 12000 years old and is believed to have been the abode of Saint Shri Badrinath. With the famous Narsingh statue shrinking day-by-day, the local belief is that a major landslide would block the road towards Badrinath the day it falls.

•    Vasudeva Temple: Situated about 30 yards away from the Narsingh Temple, it is one of the most popular Vishnu temples of North India and considered a supremely sacred temple by the Tamil Vaishnavite Saints. The presiding deity is Lord Vasudeva, identified with Lord Vishnu. The idol measures 6 feet in height and is carved out of a shiny black stone, making it a sculptural marvel to look at.