Our next trip point was to reach Badrinath. The bus which we boarded stopped at Joshimath at around 6.30 pm as it was proceeding to Auli. The evening was very pleasant at Joshimath as the dark clouds at the horizon was slowly telling as it may rain any time. After waiting for some time, one family going towards Badrinath offered us space at a price of Rs. 200 per person for 45 k.m.
When we started to Badrinath, the night has already shown its arrival. The route was empty as the uphill vehicles are stopped after evenings. Govindghat comes in between Joshimath and Badrinath. Here Sikh pilgrims stop for their vehicles and start trek to Hemkund Sahib which is situated at an altitude of 4500 meters approx. above sea level.
 |
| Badrinath Dham (Main Gate) |
When we reached Badrianth it was 9.30 pm. The streets were occupied by devotees and almost all restaurants were full. We were looking for our accommodation and finally found a place at a rate of Rs. 2000 per night for a family room as every hotels were charging almost same prices.
Here rooms are offered with 4 beds as the pilgrims reach here in groups.
 |
| Nar Narayan Parvat |
 |
| Nilkant Parvat |
The next morning was really amazing as the reflection of morning sunlight on the Nilkant Parvat and the appearance of Nar Narayan Parvat cath your all attention for a while.
Alakanada River is flowing at its great strength and the line of devotees can be even seen at a distance. It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya enshrined the Lord Badrinath which he found from Naradkund.
We had our darshan in the morning after standing in the que for almost three hours. Then ate prasad which is offered to the devotees at the nearby counter. Cooked rice and Dal (lentil) is offered as Prasad and you have to be patient enough to wait in the que to collect it from the counter.
The main priest offering prayers here is from Kerala as per traditions.
 |
pilgrims at Sri Badri Vishal
|
 |
| Alakananda River |
Badrinath is really a heaven for the pilgrims. You forget your consciousness and just think of the mountains, clouds and the overall serenity of the area. At a distance of around 8 km we can see Nilkant Mountain. We walked up to Charan Paduka a distance of 2.5 to 3 km.
 |
| A sadhu performing meditation |
 |
| A small cave temple on the way to Charanpaduka |
 |
| Charanpaduka |
 |
| Himalayas at its best view |
The mountains witness your prayers and the sky change its moods frequently and you never know when rain drops bless you in your trip. After spending some time at Charanpaduka we returned to Badrinath.
Mana Pass is the last Indian village, which is situated 3 to 4 km away from Badrinath. From here China border is around 25 to 30 km.
We spend good time at Badrinath enjoying the weather and observing the devotees coming from different places of India.
 |
| A scenic view from Charan Paduka |
 |
| Remote villages |
 |
| Remote view of Badrinath |
 |
| The main entrance |
