Badrinath, India is known around the world as a highly revered pilgrimage destination. But Badrinath has more than just spiritual enlightenment to offer. Home of Lord Vishnu and endowed with incredibly scenic natural beauty, Badrinath has attracted travelers since ancient times. Here are some of the best adventure activities in Badrinath.
Trekking
Valley of Flowers
The Valley of Flowers is a stunning UNESCO world heritage site. Just the name evokes a feeling of positivity and unmatched beauty. People on their way to Hemkund Sahib and Badrinath make it a point to pay this impeccable site a visit.
The valley is only an hour from Badrinath. It is home to a range of flora and fauna; you will not experience these sights anywhere else. Valley of Flowers is on almost every traveler’s bucket list. Badrinath Helicopter Service makes this one of the easiest and most convenient adventure activities in Badrinath.
Satopanth Lake
If you are an adventure seeker you should definitely visit the gleaming blue-green water of the triangular Satopanth Lake. Almost 20 kms from Badrinath, this is considered one of the toughest yet most highly rewarding treks in Uttarakhand. The lake holds religious significance for Hindus because Lord Vishnu bathes here during the holy eve of Raksha Bandhan.
Charan Paduka
Three kilometers from the main temple of Badrinath, this is considered to be where lord Vishnu first set foot. The place is surrounded by lush greenery, clear environment, and rejuvenating ambiance. You won’t even feel the steep and undulating slopes. Marking the spot is a rocky structure. Visiting this site is one of the least-known adventure activities in Badrinath.
Hemkund Sahib
This is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations for the Sikh community. You should definitely visit Hemkund if you want to experience the pure divinity of the lord. This high altitude Gurdwara remained a secret for a number of years but now pilgrims flock to it. It offers some of the most imposing and majestic views of the surrounding Himalayas. The glimmering lake at the main entrance is considered the place where Guru Gobind Singh used to take holy dips. This makes this place even more religiously significant.
Shopping
In Badrinath, you will be able to find some of the most unique and one-of-a-kind shopping items. Here you can shop for a variety of souvenirs that will make good gifts for friends, family or yourself. You will find trinkets such as mini Shaligram Shala (a sacred stone where Vishnu Ji is believed to be presiding). You’ll also find Puja Samagri to offer inside the temple and more. There are other shops for appropriate woolen clothing items, winter apparel, and jewelry. It’s a small town and you may not be able to indulge in a shopping expedition like you usually do. However, whatever item you get here will be extremely unique and precious in its own way.
Sightseeing
Vasudhara Falls
This gushing water of Alaknanda falls from 400 feet. It is one of the most important and famous sightseeing destinations near Badrinath. It is said that if your heart is pure, you will have a totally different experience under the fall. People generally visit this place in order to get a more phenomenal view of the Badri Valley below. Vasudhara falls is one of the best places to get a stunning view of the surrounding valley.
Mana Village
This stunningly quaint village is situated at a distance of 3 kms from the main temple of Badrinath. It is known as the last village of India, due to its location on the Indo-Tibetan border. It is generally included in the Badrinath or Chardham Yatra Package. The place holds immense religious significance; pilgrims believe it is where the panda brothers and Draupadi stayed before making their way to Swargarohini.
Tapt Kund
This natural sulfur-containing hot spring is located right below the main temple of Badrinath. It is one of the most important places of tourist interest. Pilgrims visit this Kund as a part of their ritual by taking a holy dip in its hot water. From above, the water of this Kund seems to be boiling. But once you lower yourself in the water you don’t feel a thing. It’s unique because the hot spring is located right next to the icy waters of the Alaknanda River.
Vyas Gufa (Cave)
As the name suggests, this ancient cave was once inhabited by the great sage and seer Ved Vyas. He is said to have composed Mahabharat here with the help of Ganesh as his scribe. The top of the cave resembles the pages of a thick book. This adds to the mythical beauty of this place. It is situated at a walking distance of 5.5 km from the Badrinath bus stand. Adding to its impressive history, this is also the place where Ganesh lost his tusk while writing down the dictation.
Village Tourism
This area is home to the authentic tribes of Marchhas and the Bhotias of Tibet. The culture, traditions, and beliefs of the people here are completely different from the rest of India. You can choose to stay in a lodge or a homestay for a closer look at their amazing culture. Staying with locals to gain perspective in life is an increasing trend among travelers.
There are several villages where you can choose to stay closely with the local population. Options include Mana, Hanuman Chatti, Govindghat, and Ghangaria. Don’t just be a tourist; try being a traveler through this village tourism and have a better experience.
