RS
Rohit Sharma
2025-10-08
“This felt like discovering a hidden side of Uttarakhand. The forest walk was peaceful, Bansi Narayan Temple was incredibly serene, and ending the trip with Badrinath made it feel complete.”
Bansi Narayan Trek with Badrinath
Garhwal Himalayas, Urgam Valley, Uttarakhand
“A forest trek to the ancient Bansi Narayan Temple, followed by darshan at sacred Badrinath.”
Altitude
11772 ft
Duration
5 Days
Difficulty
Moderate
Best time
May – Jun Sep – Oct
Standout Experiences
- Walk through the peaceful Urgam Valley to an ancient Vishnu temple that sees only a fraction of the visitors found on major pilgrimage routes.
- Combine a forest trek with darshan at Badrinath, one of India's most sacred Himalayan temples, in a single journey.
- Enjoy uninterrupted views of peaks like Nanda Devi and Dronagiri from open ridges above the temple on clear autumn mornings.
- Experience traditional Garhwali villages, old stone temples and quiet mountain trails instead of crowded tourist hotspots.
Overview
Updated 11 Aug 2026
- The Bansi Narayan Trek is one of Garhwal's quieter temple hikes, beginning in Devgram above the Urgam Valley and climbing through oak and rhododendron forests to the centuries-old Bansi Narayan Temple. Unlike the crowded pilgrimage routes nearby, you'll spend most of the day walking through forests, open meadows and peaceful ridgelines with only the sounds of birds and mountain streams for company. On clear days, the trail rewards you with wide views of Nanda Devi, Dronagiri and other Himalayan giants.
- Pairing the trek with Badrinath creates a journey that blends trekking with one of India's most important Char Dham shrines. After completing the forest trail to Bansi Narayan, you continue by road to Badrinath, where the dramatic setting below Neelkanth Peak adds another unforgettable chapter to the trip. The combination works especially well for travellers who want both a rewarding Himalayan hike and a meaningful spiritual experience without committing to a long high-altitude expedition.
- Although the trek is not extremely high, it feels wonderfully remote. Ancient temples, traditional villages, Himalayan wildlife, seasonal wildflowers and uncrowded mountain paths make it very different from the busier trekking circuits around Joshimath. Visit during May and June for blooming forests or September and October for crisp mountain views and comfortable trekking weather.
Trek essentials
Max altitude
11,772 ft
Duration
5 Days
Total distance
28 km
Elevation gain
2,700 ft
Trek type
Out and Back
Starting point
Badrinath
Trail type
Forest trail, bugyals and ridge walk
Average cost (indicative)
₹10,000–16,000 per person from Haridwar (group departure)
Temp. range (°C)
-2°C to 18°C
Snow months
December to April
Rain risk
High during July–August monsoon
Best Season
May–June and September–October
Nearest Railway Station
Rishikesh
Nearest Airport
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
Network
BSNL/Jio work intermittently in Badrinath only
Trek Route
Detailed Itinerary
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- Leave before sunrise for the 10–12 hour mountain drive that follows the Alaknanda valley through Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Nandprayag, Chamoli and Joshimath before climbing to Badrinath.
- Expect breakfast and lunch stops along the highway while passing dramatic river confluences, deep gorges and changing Himalayan landscapes.
- Reach Badrinath by evening, check into your hotel or guesthouse, take a short acclimatization walk and rest early because tomorrow starts above 3,000 metres.
Packing List
Must Have
Trekking Boots
backpack
50L Backpack
layers
3-Layer Clothes
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Down Jacket
thermostat
Thermal Layers
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Hydration
timeline
Trekking Pole
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Gloves
Woolen Socks
lightbulb
Headlamp
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First Aid Kit
Good to Have
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Power Bank
checkroom
Quick-dry Towel
photo_camera
Action Cam
front_hand
Winter Gloves
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Hydration Bladder
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Trek Gaiters
Technical Overview
terrain
Trail & Terrain
The trek begins from Badrinath and climbs through mixed forests of oak, birch and rhododendron before opening into expansive alpine meadows. The final approach to Bansi Narayan Temple follows grassy ridges with rocky patches and a few steeper climbs. There are no glaciers or technical sections, but sustained ascents require good fitness.
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Altitude & Acclimatization
Since Badrinath itself sits above 3,100 metres, trekkers gain altitude quickly. Spending a night in Badrinath before starting greatly reduces the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness. Hydration, slow walking and avoiding alcohol are strongly recommended.
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Weather
Days remain pleasant during summer with cool mountain breezes, while mornings and nights become cold. Post-monsoon brings the clearest Himalayan views but temperatures drop close to freezing after sunset. Afternoon clouds commonly develop even in fair weather.
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Forest & Wildlife
The trail passes through rich Himalayan vegetation including oak, rhododendron, birch and alpine grasslands. In spring the rhododendrons bloom brilliantly. Himalayan monal, musk deer, Himalayan griffon and other mountain birds are occasionally spotted in quieter stretches.
When to Visit
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Blooming Forest Season
May – June
Oak and rhododendron forests are at their most colourful, temperatures are comfortable and mountain views are excellent. This is one of the most popular times for combining the trek with Badrinath.
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Rainy Season
July – August
Heavy rainfall can make trails slippery and increase the risk of landslides on mountain roads. Trekking is generally not recommended during this period.
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Clear Himalayan Views
September – October
Fresh post-monsoon skies bring the clearest mountain panoramas of the year. Pleasant weather and stable trail conditions make this an excellent trekking season.
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Snow Season
November – April
Snowfall and cold temperatures can limit access to both the trek and Badrinath. The route is suitable only when local conditions permit.
Other Information
Logistics & inclusions
- check_circleReach Haridwar or Rishikesh and drive via Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Chamoli and Joshimath to Badrinath.
- check_circleSpend one night at Badrinath for acclimatization before beginning the trek.
- check_circleBaggage not required on the trail can usually be left at the hotel in Badrinath.
- check_circleLocal guides are recommended because trail markings become faint in meadow sections.
- check_circleCarry sufficient cash as ATMs are unreliable beyond Joshimath.
Permits
Required: Yes
Forest permission may be required depending on the current season and route regulations. Identity proof is mandatory. If travelling with an organized operator, permits are generally arranged in advance.
Safety
Risks
- Altitude sickness due to high starting elevation
- Slippery trails after rain
- Rapid afternoon weather changes
- Limited mobile connectivity
- Black ice or lingering snow early in the season
Precautions
- Acclimatize overnight in Badrinath.
- Start trekking early each morning.
- Carry at least 2 litres of water and rain protection.
- Stay with the group across meadow sections.
- Layer clothing to manage changing temperatures.
Emergency
Nearest major medical facilities are available at Joshimath. Basic medical assistance is available at Badrinath during the pilgrimage season. In emergencies, evacuation is generally coordinated from Badrinath.
Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bansi Narayan Trek suitable for beginners?expand_more
What is the best time to do the Bansi Narayan Trek with Badrinath?expand_more
How do I reach the Bansi Narayan Trek from Delhi?expand_more
Can I visit Badrinath on the same trip?expand_more
Do I need a permit for the Bansi Narayan Trek?expand_more
Will I see snow on the Bansi Narayan Trek?expand_more
Bansi Narayan Trek or Valley of Flowers: which should I choose?expand_more