Rishikesh to Badrinath by bike

Badrinath is the ride most riders from Rishikesh end up doing at some point — it's the highest road most visitors will ever ride, and unlike Kedarnath, you ride all the way to the temple door. That's the appeal, and it's a genuinely big day in the saddle to earn it.

At a glance

The route, turn by turn

Devprayag through Rudraprayag — the shared opening stretch with the Chopta and Kedarnath routes, good tarmac and regular fuel stops.

Karnaprayag and Chamoli. The road keeps climbing steadily through here; towns thin out and the mountain scenery properly opens up.

Joshimath, overnight. The natural stopping point — enough altitude gain in one day already, and it sets you up for an early final push the next morning.

The Joshimath-Badrinath stretch. This is where a seasonal one-way convoy system sometimes operates on certain sections, opening the road in timed windows each direction. Ask locally the evening before about current timings — arriving at the wrong moment can cost you hours.

Badrinath temple. You ride right up close to the town centre — no trek, no shuttle, which is genuinely rare among the four dhams.

Mana village. About 3km further, billed as India's last village before Tibet. A worthwhile short extension if you've got the time and legs left in the day.

Road condition, honestly

Generally good, with the caveat that this is a mountain highway subject to landslides, particularly during and just after monsoon. The final approach to Joshimath and beyond has more switchbacks and a slower rhythm than the earlier, gentler stretch.

Which of our bikes

First choice: Himalayan — the altitude and distance both favour its range and comfort over a long two-day ride.

Second choice: Classic 350, workable given the road stays mostly good tarmac.

Avoid: a scooty — distance and altitude alone rule it out. See our Chardham page for the fuller reasoning.

When to leave, when to turn back

An early start on day two is worth it, both for the convoy timing question and because afternoon weather at this altitude turns faster than lower down. If conditions look bad near Joshimath, it's genuinely fine to wait a day rather than push through.

What to carry

Real cold-weather layers — 3,100m is cold even in June — rain gear, and cash, since the towns thin out past Chamoli.

Where to stay

Joshimath has the widest range of guesthouses on this route and is the sensible overnight stop. Badrinath itself has accommodation too if you'd rather push through and stay near the temple.

What it costs

Rental (2 days), fuel for roughly 600km round trip, one night at Joshimath, food, and a small temple donation if you choose — no formal entry fee. See our Chardham cost breakdown for a fuller worked example.

Frequently asked

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