Visit Nearby Places
Bhavishya Badri Temple
Bhavishya Badri Temple, located in Chamoli District, Uttarakhand, is a sacred Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu, situated at an altitude of 2,744 meters (9,000 feet) near Subhain Village in the Niti Valley. Part of the Panch Badri circuit, it lies approximately 17 kilometers from Joshimath, accessible via a 6-kilometer trek from Saldhar, beyond Tapovan along the Dhauliganga River. Known as the "Future Badrinath," it is believed to have been established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. The temple’s name stems from a prophecy that, at the end of Kali Yuga, when the route to Badrinath becomes blocked by a landslide—triggered by the detachment of Lord Narasimha’s arm at Joshimath—Lord Vishnu will manifest here as the new seat of worship.
The small temple, nestled amidst dense forests and cedar trees, features a naturally emerging quadrangular idol of Lord Vishnu, believed to grow annually, symbolizing its divine significance. A serene water spring enhances its tranquil setting. Open from May to November, it attracts pilgrims and trekkers, especially during the Char Dham Yatra, offering a blend of spiritual reverence and Himalayan beauty. The rugged trek and pristine surroundings make it a unique destination in Uttarakhand’s sacred landscape.
Niti Pass
Niti Pass, located in Chamoli District, Uttarakhand, is a historic high-altitude mountain pass situated at an elevation of 5,086 meters (16,686 feet) in the Garhwal Himalayas. Known as one of the last passes connecting India to Tibet, it lies near Niti Village, the final inhabited settlement before the Indo-Tibetan border. Historically, Niti Pass served as a crucial trade route for the Bhotia community, facilitating the exchange of goods like wool, salt, and grains between the two regions until it was sealed following the 1962 Sino-Indian War. Today, the pass is restricted to civilian access and is primarily used by the Indian Armed Forces and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), requiring special permits for entry.
Surrounded by towering, snow-capped peaks and rugged terrain, Niti Pass offers a stark yet mesmerizing landscape, emblematic of the harsh beauty of the high Himalayas. Its closure marked the end of an era of trans-Himalayan trade, leaving behind tales of ancient caravans and cultural exchange. Though largely inaccessible to trekkers and tourists, its strategic location and historical significance continue to make it a point of interest in the region’s lore and geography.
Nanda Devi Temple
The Nanda Devi Temple in Lata Village, Chamoli District, Uttarakhand, is a revered ancient shrine dedicated to Goddess Nanda Devi, the patron deity of the region. Nestled in the Niti Valley at an altitude of approximately 2,200-2,400 meters, this temple, believed to be over a thousand years old, holds immense spiritual significance for the local Bhotia and Garhwali communities. It is said to have been constructed during the Katyuri period, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the area. The temple is located within the buffer zone of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, offering breathtaking views of towering peaks like Trishul and Nanda Devi.
Unlike typical temples, it has no resident priest; instead, three village clans—Ranas, Rawats, and Butolas—rotate yearly to maintain it and perform rituals. A unique feature is its ceremonial "key," resembling a sword, used to unlock the heavy wooden door. The temple is a focal point during the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra, a grand pilgrimage held every 12 years, symbolizing the goddess’s journey to Lord Shiva’s abode. Surrounded by pristine Himalayan beauty, this sacred site attracts devotees and trekkers seeking spiritual solace and natural splendor.
Nanda Devi National Park
Nanda Devi National Park, located in Chamoli District, Uttarakhand, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning biodiversity and majestic Himalayan landscape. Spanning 630 square kilometers, it encompasses the Nanda Devi peak, India’s second-highest mountain at 7,816 meters (25,643 feet), within the Garhwal Himalayas. Established in 1982, the park forms the core of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, surrounded by a buffer zone that includes the Valley of Flowers National Park. Its remote, rugged terrain features glaciers, alpine meadows, and dense forests, making it a haven for rare flora and fauna.
The park hosts endangered species like the snow leopard, Himalayan musk deer, and bharal (blue sheep), alongside vibrant birdlife such as the Himalayan monal. Its floral diversity includes orchids, rhododendrons, and medicinal plants, thriving in altitudes ranging from 2,000 to over 6,000 meters. Access is heavily restricted to preserve its pristine ecosystem, with entry limited to research and conservation purposes since 1983. The park’s spiritual significance ties to Goddess Nanda Devi, revered by locals, adding a cultural dimension to its natural splendor. This untouched wilderness remains a jewel of Uttarakhand’s ecological heritage.
Badrinath Temple
Badrinath Temple, located in Chamoli District, Uttarakhand, is one of Hinduism’s holiest shrines, dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his form as Badrinarayan. Nestled along the banks of the Alaknanda River at an elevation of 3,133 meters (10,279 feet) in the Garhwal Himalayas, this ancient temple is a key pilgrimage site within the Char Dham circuit. Believed to have been established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century, the temple’s current structure reflects vibrant Garhwali architecture, with a colorful facade and a gold-gilded roof. The black stone idol of Lord Vishnu, meditating in the padmasana posture, is the sanctum’s centerpiece, sourced from the nearby Nar-Narayan peaks.
Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, including the towering Neelkanth peak, Badrinath opens annually from late April or May to November, closing during winter due to heavy snowfall. The temple’s hot springs, Tapt Kund and Surya Kund, are revered for their medicinal properties, attracting devotees for ritual baths before darshan. Managed by a Nambudiri Brahmin priest from Kerala, following tradition, it draws millions yearly, blending spiritual significance with breathtaking natural beauty, making it a cornerstone of Hindu devotion and Himalayan heritage.
Timbersain Mahadev Temple
The Timbersain Temple, also known as Timmersain Mahadev Temple, is a sacred cave shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Niti Valley of Chamoli District, Uttarakhand. Situated near Niti Village, the last inhabited settlement before the Indo-Tibetan border, this temple lies at an altitude of approximately 3,600 meters in the Garhwal Himalayas. Often called the "Amarnath of Uttarakhand" or "Chhota Amarnath," it is renowned for its natural ice Shivalinga, which forms during winter, resembling the famous Amarnath shrine in Jammu and Kashmir. This icy formation, known locally as "Baba Barfani," can reach a height of 2-3 feet and is a significant draw for devotees.
The temple is perched 700 meters above the Joshimath-Niti highway, just 1-2 kilometers before Niti Village, requiring a short, moderate trek from the main road. Accessible primarily between May and October due to heavy snowfall in winter, it attracts pilgrims and trekkers seeking spiritual solace amid the serene Himalayan landscape. Unlike typical temples, it lacks a resident priest, with local villagers maintaining its sanctity. The cave’s tranquil ambiance, coupled with breathtaking views of snow-clad peaks, enhances its spiritual and natural allure, making it a hidden gem in Uttarakhand’s religious and cultural tapestry.
Kuari Pass Trek
Kuari Pass, located in Chamoli District, Uttarakhand, is a renowned high-altitude trekking destination in the Garhwal Himalayas, standing at 3,820 meters (12,532 feet). Known as the "Curzon Trail," it was popularized by Lord Curzon, the British Viceroy, who trekked it in 1905. The pass offers panoramic views of Himalayan giants like Nanda Devi (7,816 meters), Trishul (7,120 meters), Dronagiri (7,066 meters), and Kamet (7,756 meters), making it a paradise for trekkers and nature enthusiasts. The trek typically starts from Joshimath or Auli and spans 33 kilometers, passing through lush forests of oak and rhododendron, alpine meadows like Gorson Bugyal, and snow-dusted trails during winter.
Accessible from October to March, with December to February offering snow-covered paths, Kuari Pass is graded as a moderate trek, suitable for beginners and seasoned adventurers alike. The route’s highlight is the unobstructed 360-degree vista from the summit, showcasing the rugged beauty of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary. Camping spots like Chitrakantha and Tali add to the experience, blending adventure with tranquility. Rich in biodiversity, the trail also falls within the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, making Kuari Pass a captivating blend of natural splendor and Himalayan exploration.
Auli
Auli, located in Chamoli District, Uttarakhand, is a picturesque hill station and skiing destination in the Garhwal Himalayas, perched at an elevation of 2,800 to 3,000 meters (9,186 to 9,842 feet). Known as the "Skiing Capital of India," it boasts well-groomed slopes stretching 3-4 kilometers, attracting winter sports enthusiasts from December to March when snow blankets the region. The Auli Ropeway, one of Asia’s longest cable cars, connects it to Joshimath, offering stunning aerial views of snow-capped peaks like Nanda Devi (7,816 meters), Trishul (7,120 meters), and Hathi Ghoda (6,708 meters).
Surrounded by dense oak and coniferous forests, Auli lies within the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, enhancing its natural charm with meadows and panoramic vistas. Beyond skiing, it serves as a base for treks like Kuari Pass and Gorson Bugyal, drawing adventurers year-round. Summer (April to June) reveals lush greenery, making it a serene retreat, while winter transforms it into a snowy wonderland. Accessible via road from Joshimath, 16 kilometers away, Auli also features an artificial lake for snowmaking, ensuring consistent skiing conditions. Its tranquil beauty and adventure offerings make it a gem of Uttarakhand tourism.