Joshimath, also called Jyotirmath, sits at about 1,875 m in Chamoli district, on the highway to Badrinath. For most pilgrims it is a night stop between Rishikesh and the high shrines. It is more than that: the town is the site of the northern monastery among the four mathas traditionally founded by Adi Shankara, and in winter, when Badrinath is closed, the deity is worshipped in the Narsingh Temple here.
The town is also the base for several better-known places that have their own Raahzo guides: Auli for skiing and meadows, Badrinath and Mana for the main pilgrimage, and Govindghat for the trails to the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib. Joshimath itself is quieter and rewards a slow half day: the Narsingh Temple, the Shankaracharya Math, the Kalpavriksha tree, then a drive to the Tapovan hot springs or the Alaknanda confluence at Vishnuprayag.
You should know about the subsidence. From late 2022 into early 2023, cracks spread across houses and roads in parts of town, hundreds of buildings were reported damaged, and families were moved out; some unsafe buildings were demolished. Experts attribute it to a mix of old landslide debris underneath the town, drainage problems and construction, and the role of hydropower and road projects remains disputed. The town functions as a transit stop and many businesses are open, but the Joshimath-Auli ropeway was reported in April 2025 as still suspended. Check current conditions before you go and do not rely on this guide alone.
For older visitors, Joshimath works as an altitude stepping stone. At about 1,875 m it is low enough to be comfortable for most people and high enough to start acclimatising before Badrinath or Auli. Keep the days short, drink water and leave buffer time for landslide delays in the monsoon.
Before you plan
Joshimath at a glance
- Best months
- April to June and September to NovemberApril to June and September to November; July and August bring heavy rain and landslide risk, and winter is cold with snow nearby.
- Ideal trip length
- 1 night as a stop on the Badrinath route1 night as a stop on the Badrinath route; 2 to 3 nights if you add Tapovan, Auli or Govindghat.
- Airport
- Jolly Grant Airport near DehradunJolly Grant Airport near Dehradun (DED), about 270 to 290 km by road; the drive takes most of a day.
- Railway station
- RishikeshRishikesh (RKSH/YNRK) is the nearest railhead at about 250 km; Haridwar Junction (HW) has wider connections.
- Getting around
- Joshimath is on NH58Joshimath is on NH58. Hire a taxi or driver for Auli, Govindghat and Badrinath; the town centre is compact.
- Daily budget
- Modest for the Himalaya in the off…Modest for the Himalaya in the off season; local hire and food rise in the Badrinath season. No verified figure.
- Senior comfort
- Reasonable in town at about 1,875 mReasonable in town at about 1,875 m; the long highway drives and rough side roads are the main strain.
- Language
- Hindi and GarhwaliHindi and Garhwali; English is understood in hotels and travel desks.
Prices, opening hours and weather change. Recheck live details before booking.
Best time to visit Joshimath: May, October. Month-by-month weather →
How many days do you have?
Joshimath itinerary
One good day
1 day in Joshimath
Start with the Narsingh Temple in the morning, then walk to the Shankaracharya Math. Take a break for lunch and rest. In the late afternoon visit the Kalpavriksha tree, where pilgrims are reported to gather in the evening. If you are continuing to Badrinath or Govindghat the next day, keep the afternoon free and sleep early.
Day-by-day plan →Two days
2 days in Joshimath
Visit the Narsingh Temple, the Shankaracharya Math and the Kalpavriksha tree at an easy pace, with a rest at midday. Stay for the evening at the tree if you like.
Day-by-day plan →Three unhurried days
3 days in Joshimath
The Narsingh Temple, Shankaracharya Math and Kalpavriksha tree, with long rests.
Day-by-day plan →
