Joshimath, a quaint town located in the Chamoli district in Uttarakhand, serves as a gateway for several of the Hindu pilgrimage sites and mountain expeditions. From exploring the Narsingh Temple to skiing in the Auli Ski Resort, the list of places to visit in Joshimath is quite elaborate. Joshimath’s strategic location at an altitude of about 6,000 feet makes it an ideal destination for both pilgrims and adventurers alike. It’s fun, entertaining and not to mention, well-equipped with some of the most striking sightseeing spots.
10 Places To Visit In Joshimath
Here is a list of the top 10 places to visit in Joshimath including temples ideal for Hindu pilgrims, and adventure spots.
1. Narsingh Temple
Photo: Rajesh Dhungana / Wikimedia Commons
You can start your Joshimath trip by visiting the Narsingh temple, which is one of the most beautiful temples in the region. Dedicated to Lord Narsingh, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the temple has a footfall of millions every year. It is also the winter seat of Lord Badrinath, which further adds to its significance. One of the highlights of this temple is the idol of Lord Narsingh, which is gradually thinning. According to legends, the day that the idol breaks is the day Kalyuga will end. Furthermore, the temple’s architecture is influenced by the Katyuri style.
Location: Narsingh Mandir Marg, Joshimath, Uttarakhand 246443
Timings: 4:30 AM – 9 PM
2. Auli Ski Resort
Photo: Julian Rodriguez Vokhmianin / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
One of the tourist attractions in Joshimath is the Auli ski resort, which is located nearby. This is a perfect activity for tourists visiting during the winter months. The steep slopes are covered in a thick layer of snow, making it perfect for you to slide down the sides of them. Auli Ski Resort is a premier skiing destination in India with renowned ski resorts and operators. The resort boasts well-maintained ski tracks, a ski lift, a chair lift, and a cable car, ensuring an exciting and safe skiing experience.
Location: Auli Rd, Joshimath, Auli Laga Salude, Uttarakhand 246443
Timings: 10 AM – 3 PM
3. Valley Of Flowers
Photo: Alosh Bennett / Wikimedia Commons
Who would have thought that a popular trekking destination in Uttarakhand would end up being a UNESCO World Heritage Site? But, Valley of Flowers is one of those spots near Joshimath that you have to experience in real-time. The trek to this valley starts from Joshimath and winds through alpine forests, meadows and dense forests. You get to witness the different species of native, exotic and rare flowers that are exclusive to this valley like Brahmakamal, Poppies, Orchids, and Daisies. You might also encounter a few wildlife along the way including Brown Bear, Red Fox, Musk Deer, and Snow Leopard.
Location: Uttarakhand 246443
Timings: N/A
4. Hot Springs Of Tapovan
Photo: Subhadeep Saha / Wikimedia Commons
Tapovan Hot Springs is one of the must-visit Joshimath tourist places. Like most of the other hot springs in India, even this one has high sulfur content in it, which contributes to the heightened temperature. Thermal water is renowned for its therapeutic benefits, which explains why it has gained so much popularity among tourists. From skin concerns to arthritis and other ailments, taking a dip in the springs has helped a lot of people cure them of their illnesses. So, if you are seeking natural healing, visiting Tapovan Hot Springs is a must.
Location: Tapovan, Uttarakhand 246483
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
5. Kalpavriksha
Photo: Masood Aslami / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
If you are a religious and spiritual person, a visit to the Kalpavriksha in Joshimath, Uttarakhand, is an absolute must. According to botanists, the tree is 1200+ years old and has immense religious significance. Most of the visitors go to witness the tree because it is reportedly “wish fulfilling”. Legends also depict that Adi Shankaracharya meditated under this very tree and if you wish for something with a pure heart, those wishes come true. The canopy of this tree is expansive, offering shade to the area underneath. You can relax and even meditate around the tree for inner peace.
Location: Joshimath, Uttarakhand 246443
Timings: 24*7
6. Kuari Pass
Another one of the places for Joshimath’s trip is to embark on a trek to Kuari Pass. Often known as the Curzon trail, it is a moderately challenging trek that offers stunning views of the Himalayan ranges, including Nanda Devi, Kamet, and Dronagiri on the way. You get to trek through winding forest trails and small villages along the way. Beyond the natural beauty, the stops that you make along the way at the campsites are truly what adds to the experience. With clear night skies and war, people from the local villages get to learn about the local Garhwali culture too.
Location: Joshimath, Uttarakhand
Timings: N/A
7. Bhavishya Badri Temple
Photo: LongDrives / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
If you are looking for the best Joshimath tourist places list, visiting the Bhavishya Badri temple tops the list. It is one of the Panch Badri temples located in Subhain village near Joshimath. Local legends depict that this temple would be the “future abode” of Lord Badrinath hence the name. Getting to witness the charm of this offbeat location is truly a mesmerising experience in itself. The best part of this temple is getting to witness the thick forests and high mountains.
Location: Subhai, Uttarakhand 246443
Timings: 5 AM – 7 PM
8. Shankaracharya Math
Photo: Mayank7078 / Wikimedia Commons
When in Joshimath, another religious site that you can’t miss out on is visiting the Shankaracharya Math. It was established in the 8th century and is a historical site in Joshimath, Uttarakhand. The math serves as a centre for Advaita Vedanta philosophy and houses ancient scriptures, sacred idols, and a meditation cave. You can indulge in several spiritual discourses and philosophical learnings during this particular visit to the temple. Also, the serene ambience of this math makes it a great position for you to visit for an enriching experience.
Location: Way to Manohar Bagh, Joshimath, Uttarakhand 246443
Timings: 6 AM – 7:30 PM
9. Nanda Devi National Park
Photo: Spattadar / Wikimedia Commons
Acclaimed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important part of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Nanda Devi National Park is one of the must places to visit in Joshimath to learn about the region’s biodiversity and wildlife. Covering an area of 630 square Km, the park is surrounded by lush greenery and the mighty Himalayas making for an enchanting background, the park houses endangered species like Musk Deer, Blue Sheep, and Snow Leopard and encourages their conservation. A visit to this park will bless your sight, mind, and soul.
Location: Garpak, Uttarakhand 246443
Timings: N/A
10. Govindghat
Located near Joshimath, Govindghat is a stopover for pilgrims trekking to the Valley of Flowers, Hemkund Sahib, and further areas. Situated at a height of 1828 meters, Govindghat is located on the banks of the confluence of the Lakshman and Alaknanda Rivers, and the majestic Himalayas surround the region by giving it striking natural views. Apart from appreciating nature’s best views, there is also a Gurudwara where you can visit and have a langar. If you are trekking to Hemkundsahib or any other areas or peaks, make sure to stop here and inhale the views that will last with you.
Location: 16 Km from Joshimath
Timings: N/A
There are a variety of things to do in Joshimath, Uttarakhand. From camping along the river banks to exploring skiing and ropeway rides in Auli during the winter months, the options are fairly diverse. With diverse temples and so many different adventure activities, you too can make the most out of your time there. Plan a trip with TripXL and get ready for your adventure.
Cover Photo: Mayank Aswal / Unsplash