Badrinath, located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India, is a significant pilgrimage site. While it’s primarily known for its religious importance, the surrounding region offers some trekking opportunities for adventure enthusiasts. Here are a few trekking routes near Badrinath:
- Valley of Flowers Trek:
- This trek is renowned for its breathtaking meadows filled with a variety of alpine flowers. The trek starts from Govindghat, which is not far from Badrinath. It takes you through dense forests, charming villages, and ends at the Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Hemkund Sahib Trek:
- Starting from Govindghat, the trek to Hemkund Sahib is a challenging but rewarding one. Hemkund Sahib is a Sikh pilgrimage site set beside a beautiful lake surrounded by seven snow-capped peaks. The trek involves a steep climb, and the views along the way are spectacular.
- Badrinath to Vasudhara Falls:
- This is a moderate trek that takes you from Badrinath to the stunning Vasudhara Falls. The trek offers beautiful views of the Himalayan landscape and is suitable for those looking for a shorter trek.
- Satopanth Lake Trek:
- Satopanth Lake is a high-altitude glacial lake and is considered sacred by Hindus. The trek to Satopanth Lake starts from Mana village near Badrinath and involves challenging terrains and high altitudes.
- Mana Village to Bhim Pul Trek:
- Mana is the last village on the Indian side of the Indo-Tibetan border, and it’s located very close to Badrinath. You can trek from Mana to Bhim Pul, a natural rock bridge over the Saraswati River, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.