Joshimath


Joshimath is a town that is located in the state of Uttarakhand in the District of Chamoli. The place is highly revered by Hindus and it is an important pilgrimage center in the country. Many devotees and travelers can be seen in the area during the pilgrim season. There are many temples and other religious sites that are located in the town as well.

The town serves as a base for travelers who are looking to take a trek to some of the higher regions. One can reach the Valley of Flowers by taking a trek from the town of Joshimath. There are many hotels and dharamshalas that are located in the town as well and these cater to the visitors.

There is an 8th century matt called the Adi Guru Sri Sankaracharya and this is one of the most popular places in the town. There are many temples that are located here as well and one can see them all around the town.

For the ones among you who are interested in adventure sports, there is a place called Auli that is located around 16 km from the town. This is one of the few places where you can experience sports such as ice skiing. The Nanda Devi Park is also another tourist spot in the region.

 
PLACES TO VISIT

Kalpavriksha
It is a forgotten tree which holds unsurpassed and unparalleled significance. Kalpavriksha is the oldest tree of India with an age of more than 1200 years. The great 8th century explorer Adi Shankaracharya used to meditate in the shades of this comely tree and the cave where he lived is also situated here. The circumference of this mulberry tree is 21.5mts. This historic tree is now only able to bear flowers and not fruits, but the leaves are still young and fresh. Millions of people visit Badrinath every year unknowingly that the tree they pass through has same age as the Badrinath temple.

Auli
Auli is the most popular skiing and paragliding spot of Uttarakhand situated at an elevation of 3050mts above sea level. Auli affords astounding and celestial views of the enchanting snow laden Himalayan range. Asia’s highest and longest cable car is situated in Auli connecting it with Joshimath. Auli will be hosting SAF winter games in 2010. Auli - The Ski Resort of Uttarakhand is also connected with motorable roads, situated 14kms from Joshimath.

Narsingh Temple
This is an ancient temple dedicated to Nasringh Devta at Joshimath which is the home of Shri Badrinathji in winters. The statue of God Narsingh is shrinking day by day and it is said that the day when it will fall, the route to Badrinath will get closed permanently by a major land slide. Narsingh is one of the several avatars’ of Lord Vishnu.

Kalpavriksha Auli Narsingh Temple



 
BEST SEASON/ BEST TIME TO VISIT

The climate in the town of Joshimath is cold throughout the year and one has to bring heavy protective clothing while travelling to the place. Even the summers are mildly cold in the town of Joshimath. Heavy rainfall can be expected during the monsoon season and extensive showers can be witnessed through the day. Winters are extremely chilly with temperatures touching the freezing point. Snowfall can also be expected in this area during the winter season.
  City Facts
State: Uttarakhand
District: Chamoli
Famous for/as: Pilgrim
Languages: Hindi
Best Season: Apr - May, Sep - Nov
Weather: Summer 3 to 23°C, Winter -14 to -2°C
Altitude: 1875 m
Pincode: 246443
STD code: 01389


The temperatures during the summer
season are mild and they can rise up to a maximum of around 34°C. However the average day temperatures are usually in the mid twenties for the most part. The months of April, May and June form the summer season.

The monsoon season
is from July to September. The place receives rainfall from the South West Monsoon and travelling during this time is difficult. Conditions can be cold during the nights as well.

The winter season
starts in December and ends in the month of February. Temperatures can drop down to around 0°C during the winter months and snowfall can be seen from the month of December. The temperatures rarely exceed 8°C during the winter months.