{"id":1208,"date":"2026-08-17T05:52:25","date_gmt":"2026-08-17T05:52:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pilgrimshabitat.com\/blog\/?p=1208"},"modified":"2026-08-17T06:49:21","modified_gmt":"2026-08-17T06:49:21","slug":"badrinath-in-winter-2026-27","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pilgrimshabitat.com\/blog\/badrinath-in-winter-2026-27\/","title":{"rendered":"Badrinath in Winter 2026-27: What Happens After Kapat Closing?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Badrinath in Winter 2026-27: What Happens After Kapat Closing?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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After the Badrinath in Winter 2026-27 <\/b>kapat closes in November 2026, the town becomes largely inaccessible due to heavy snowfall, and the deity’s ceremonial seat moves to the Narsimha Temple in Joshimath for winter worship. <\/b>Badrinath town itself shuts down \u2014 hotels, restaurants, and nearly all services close for the season. The region does not reopen for pilgrimage until late April 2027, around Akshaya Tritiya. This guide tells you exactly what happens to Badrinath after closing, what Joshimath offers as a winter pilgrimage alternative, what the region looks like in December, and how to start planning your 2027 yatra right now.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Badrinath Winter 2026-27: Quick Reference Answers<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Question<\/b><\/p><\/td>

Direct Answer<\/b><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Is Badrinath accessible in winter 2026?<\/span><\/p><\/td>

No \u2014 the town is inaccessible from November 2026 to late April 2027 due to heavy snowfall blocking all roads.<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Is the Badrinath Temple open in winter?<\/span><\/p><\/td>

No \u2014 the kapat closes around Bhai Dooj (~11\u201313 Nov 2026) and does not reopen until Akshaya Tritiya in late April 2027.<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Where does the deity go after closing?<\/span><\/p><\/td>

The ceremonial seat of Lord Badrinarayan moves to the Narsimha Temple in Joshimath, where daily worship continues through winter.<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Can I do a winter trek to Badrinath?<\/span><\/p><\/td>

Technically possible with specialist high-altitude equipment and permits \u2014 but not viable or advisable for general pilgrims. Joshimath is the appropriate winter alternative.<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

When does Badrinath reopen?<\/span><\/p><\/td>

Late April 2027, around Akshaya Tritiya. The exact date is announced on Basant Panchami (Jan\/Feb 2027).<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

What should I do if I missed the 2026 season?<\/span><\/p><\/td>

Visit the Narsimha Temple at Joshimath through winter, then book Hotel Royal Badri for early May 2027 to catch the opening darshan.<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Is Badrinath Accessible During Winter 2026?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Badrinath is not accessible to general visitors during winter 2026-27. <\/b>The town sits at 3,133 metres in the Garhwal Himalayas, and heavy snowfall \u2014 typically beginning in late November \u2014 blocks all road access completely. The Rishikesh\u2013Joshimath\u2013Badrinath highway shuts down for the winter season after the kapat closing, and both the BKTC and Uttarakhand state authorities formally close the route to civilian traffic.<\/span><\/p>

The practical reality: <\/b>Badrinath town empties out within days of the kapat closing. Hotels, dhabas, shops, and all services close. The handful of locals who remain in Joshimath (46 km lower) do not typically travel the final mountain stretch to Badrinath during the peak winter months. Even with private vehicles and specialist equipment, the road is not consistently passable from December through March.<\/span><\/p>

If you are planning your trip and want to understand the closing date specifically, our <\/span>Badrinath kapat closing 2026 guide<\/span><\/a> covers the Bhai Dooj ceremony, the ritual sequence, and the exact 2026 closing date.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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What Happens to Badrinath After the Kapat Closes in 2026?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Three things happen simultaneously when the Badrinath kapat closes:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>

  1. The deity’s ceremonial seat moves. The priests perform the final closing rituals \u2014 Mahabhishek and the lighting of an eternal jyoti lamp inside the sanctum \u2014 and the temple doors are sealed. Lord Badrinarayan’s symbolic presence then transfers to the Narsimha Temple in Joshimath, where daily puja and aarti continue uninterrupted through the entire winter.<\/span><\/li>
  2. The town shuts down. Within days, hotels and restaurants close, permanent residents depart, and the roads into Badrinath are vacated. Snow accumulates rapidly at this elevation, and the town transitions into a state of complete winter silence that many devotees describe as awe-inspiring in its own right.<\/span><\/li>
  3. The pilgrimage community shifts to Joshimath. Devotees who want to maintain their winter worship practice visit the Narsimha Temple at Joshimath \u2014 the traditional winter seat of B<\/span><\/li><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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    Where Does Worship Continue During Badrinath's Winter Closure?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
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    The Narsimha Temple in Joshimath is where worship continues throughout Badrinath’s winter closure. <\/b>Located approximately 45 kilometres from Badrinath at a lower, more accessible elevation, Joshimath (also called Jyotirmath) is one of the four peeths established by Adi Shankaracharya. Badrinath’s winter deity is formally installed here each November and remains until the spring reopening.<\/span><\/p>

    Joshimath in winter offers: <\/b>daily puja and aarti at the Narsimha Temple, the Shankaracharya Math (monastery), and the ancient mulberry tree associated with the Katyuri dynasty. The town is accessible by road in winter \u2014 unlike Badrinath \u2014 and local accommodation remains available for pilgrims who visit specifically for the winter darshan.<\/span><\/p>

    Joshimath is also the gateway for several winter adventure activities in the surrounding area \u2014 see the winter adventure section below.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tVisit in Badrinath From Hotel Royal Badri<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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    What Are Typical Winter Weather Conditions in Badrinath in 2026?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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    Badrinath in winter (November\u2013April) experiences extreme cold with heavy snowfall that makes the town completely uninhabitable without specialist equipment.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>

    Month<\/b><\/p><\/td>

    Estimated Temperature<\/b><\/p><\/td>

    Snowfall<\/b><\/p><\/td>

    Road Access<\/b><\/p><\/td>

    Habitation<\/b><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

    November (post-closing)<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    -5\u00b0C to -15\u00b0C<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Heavy snowfall begins<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Closed to civilian traffic<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Town empty<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

    December 2026<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    -10\u00b0C to -25\u00b0C<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    1\u20133 metres accumulation<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    No road access<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Completely uninhabited<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

    January 2027<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    -15\u00b0C to -30\u00b0C<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Peak snowfall; 3\u20135+ metres<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    No road access<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Completely uninhabited<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

    February 2027<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    -12\u00b0C to -25\u00b0C<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Continued heavy snowfall<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    No road access<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Completely uninhabited<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

    March 2027<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    -8\u00b0C to -20\u00b0C<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Gradual taper<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Starts clearing late March<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    BRO begins clearance<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

    April 2027<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    -2\u00b0C to +8\u00b0C<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Snow retreats from road<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Road clearing in progress<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Pre-opening preparations<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>

    Winter weather forecast note: <\/b>specific temperature and snowfall forecasts for December 2026 \u2013 April 2027 will be available closer to those dates from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The figures above represent historical averages. Check IMD (mausam.imd.gov.in) for current-season forecasts when planning.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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    What Permits Are Required for Visiting Badrinath During Winter 2026?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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    No standard permit system enables general civilian access to Badrinath town during winter. <\/b>The BKTC and Uttarakhand state formally close the route after kapat closing<\/a>, and there is no permit that overrides this for tourist or pilgrim access. The road itself is physically impassable for most of the winter due to snowfall.<\/span><\/p>

    The exception \u2014 specialist research or administrative access: <\/b>certain government-approved expeditions, BKTC maintenance teams, and ITBP (Indo-Tibetan Border Police) personnel operate in the region through winter with specialist vehicles and permits. This is not a pathway for pilgrims.<\/span><\/p>

    For Joshimath access: <\/b>no permit is required to visit Joshimath during winter. The town remains accessible by road and open to all visitors. The mandatory Char Dham Yatra registration applies only during the official pilgrimage season (April\u2013November). For more on registration requirements, see our <\/span>Char Dham Yatra registration 2026 guide<\/span> \u2014 this applies to the 2027 opening season, not the current winter closure.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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    Recommended Travel Routes to Badrinath Region for December 2026<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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    Do not attempt to reach Badrinath town in December 2026 \u2014 the road is closed and the town is uninhabited. <\/b>For winter devotional travel to the Badrinath region, the accessible route goes to Joshimath:<\/span><\/p>

    Starting Point<\/b><\/p><\/td>

    Route to Joshimath<\/b><\/p><\/td>

    Distance<\/b><\/p><\/td>

    Drive Time<\/b><\/p><\/td>

    Status in December<\/b><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

    Delhi<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    NH58 \/ NH7 via Haridwar, Rishikesh, Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Joshimath<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    ~500 km<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    14\u201316 hours (2-day journey recommended)<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Open \u2014 but check conditions before the Chamoli stretch<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

    Haridwar<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Via Rishikesh, Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Joshimath<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    ~270 km<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    9\u201311 hours<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Generally open; conditions vary near Chamoli in heavy snow<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

    Dehradun<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Via Rishikesh then as above<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    ~310 km<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    10\u201312 hours<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Open<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

    Rishikesh<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Via Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Joshimath<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    ~255 km<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    9\u201310 hours<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Open; check BRO updates for Chamoli section<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>

    Badrinath town (46 km beyond Joshimath): <\/b>road closed from approximately November to late March. Do not attempt this stretch without verified official reopening confirmation.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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    Top-Rated Guided Winter Treks Near Badrinath in 2026<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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    Badrinath town is not accessible for trekking in winter 2026. However, the wider Joshimath area offers legitimate winter adventure activities for those seeking high-altitude experiences in the region.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>

    Activity<\/b><\/p><\/td>

    Base<\/b><\/p><\/td>

    Difficulty<\/b><\/p><\/td>

    Best Months<\/b><\/p><\/td>

    Notes<\/b><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

    Auli Ski Resort<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Auli (via Joshimath, 16 km by ropeway or road)<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Beginner to Intermediate<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Jan\u2013Feb 2027<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Government-operated ski resort; skiing lessons, equipment rental available<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

    Auli\u2013Gorson Bugyal Trek<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Auli<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Easy\u2013Moderate<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Dec\u2013Feb<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Snow-covered meadow trek with Himalayan peak views; guided tours available<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

    Kuari Pass Winter Trek<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Joshimath<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Moderate\u2013Hard<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Dec\u2013Mar<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Classic Himalayan winter trek; specialist tour operators required<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

    Pangarchulla Peak<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Joshimath<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Hard<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Feb\u2013Mar<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Technical winter mountaineering; for experienced alpinists only<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

    Valley of Flowers (winter hike)<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Joshimath area<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Hard<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Not recommended \u2014 deep snow<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Wait for June\u2013September season; winter access is not viable<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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    Are There Local Guides Available in Badrinath for Winter Treks in 2026?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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    No guides operate in Badrinath town during winter \u2014 the town is uninhabited. <\/b>Joshimath is where registered winter guides operate for the Auli ski area, Gorson Bugyal, Kuari Pass, and other accessible winter routes. The Joshimath tourism office and registered local guide associations maintain active rosters during the ski and trekking season. For any winter adventure booking in the Joshimath area, ask Hotel Royal Badri’s<\/a> Anugraha Concierge team for referrals to verified operators we work with during the off-season \u2014 our team stays connected to the local Joshimath network through winter.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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    What Affordable Winter Accommodation Options Exist Near Badrinath?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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    Location<\/b><\/p><\/td>

    Distance from Badrinath<\/b><\/p><\/td>

    Winter Status<\/b><\/p><\/td>

    Accommodation Type<\/b><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

    Joshimath<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    ~46 km (road closed beyond)<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    \u2705 Open year-round<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Multiple hotels and guesthouses; Auli season brings good availability<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

    Auli<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    ~16 km from Joshimath by ropeway<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    \u2705 Open in ski season (Dec\u2013Feb)<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Ski resort hotels and GMVN tourist bungalow<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

    Chamoli<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    ~90 km from Badrinath<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    \u2705 Open year-round<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Basic town accommodation<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

    Gopeshwar<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    ~95 km from Badrinath<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    \u2705 Open year-round<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    District headquarters; better facilities than Chamoli<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

    Badrinath Town<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    0 km<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    \u274c Completely closed November\u2013April<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    No accommodation available<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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    Online Platforms to Book Badrinath Region Winter Hotel Stays 2026<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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    For Joshimath winter accommodation, book through MakeMyTrip, Booking.com, or GMVN (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam) at gmvnl.com \u2014 GMVN operates tourist bungalows across Uttarakhand including at Joshimath and Auli. <\/b>Booking.com and MakeMyTrip carry private hotel inventory in Joshimath. Auli ski resort accommodation should be booked through GMVN or through specialist ski tour operators well in advance of the January\u2013February peak ski window.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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    What Specialised Clothing and Gear Do You Need for Badrinath Region in Winter?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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    Winter in the Badrinath region \u2014 including Joshimath and Auli \u2014 requires proper cold-weather gear. Temperatures regularly drop to -15\u00b0C to -25\u00b0C at higher elevations, with windchill making it feel significantly colder. <\/b>This is not manageable with standard mountain clothing; genuine winter insulation is required.<\/span><\/p>

    Item<\/b><\/p><\/td>

    Specification Needed<\/b><\/p><\/td>

    Recommended Brands<\/b><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

    Down jacket \/ puffer (outer)<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    700+ fill power; rated to -20\u00b0C or below<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Decathlon Forclaz, The North Face, Arc’teryx, Marmot<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

    Thermal base layer<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Merino wool or heavyweight synthetic; not cotton<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Icebreaker (merino), Decathlon Forclaz, Smartwool<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

    Fleece mid-layer<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Heavyweight fleece (300g+)<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Decathlon Forclaz 900, Patagonia R2<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

    Waterproof shell jacket + trousers<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Goretex or equivalent membrane<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    The North Face, Columbia, Wildcraft Pro<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

    Insulated waterproof boots<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Rated to -30\u00b0C or below; ankle-height minimum<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Sorel, Baffin, Columbia Bugaboot<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

    Wool socks (heavyweight)<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Merino wool; 3\u20134 pairs minimum<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Icebreaker, Darn Tough, Decathlon wool socks<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

    Balaclava<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Full face coverage for outdoor exposure<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Decathlon, Buff, Mountain Equipment<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

    Insulated gloves (outer) + liner gloves<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Waterproof outer; wool or fleece liner<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    The North Face, Black Diamond, Decathlon<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

    Snow gaiters<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Prevents snow entering boots during treks<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Outdoor Research, Decathlon<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

    Glacier sunglasses \/ ski goggles<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    UV400; high-altitude snow reflection is intense<\/span><\/p><\/td>

    Julbo, Oakley, Decathlon<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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    What Health Precautions Are Advised for High-Altitude Travel to Badrinath Region in Cold Weather?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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    Winter travel to Joshimath (at ~1,890 metres) carries far lower altitude risk than Badrinath (3,133 metres), but cold-weather health precautions still apply:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>