The Center of Pilgrims
The religious centre, established by Adi Shankaracharya, which he called Jyotirmath, later came to be known as Joshimath. This place is located at a height of about 6,000 ft, is one of the four great monasteries. It got established by the great Adi Guru Shri Shankaracharya in the 8th century AD. Joshimath was the heart of religious and cultural activity in those days and continues to be the same even today.
Just below Joshimath, two rivers, the Alaknanda and the Dhauliganga, meet at the confluence of Karnaprayag. The river Dhauliganga, coming from the Niti Valley, is approachable from Joshimath by vehicle up to Malari town and beyond. The entire route is lined with thick deodar forests. From Malari, one track goes towards Niti village via Kailashpur, Farkia, Bampa and Ghamsali. The entire valley throbs with activity in summer. Niti is the last village of the valley and from here the track goes towards the Niti Pass (5,299 m) and Marchokla.
Joshimath :(2,100 m) Govindghat: (2,000 m, 18 km)Ghangaria (3,000m, 12.5 km)Valley of Flowers (3,300m, 3.5 km). The trek begins at Govindghat, which has a forest rest house and a gurudwara. There is a small market at Ghangaria during season, and overnight accommodation is available in a tourist bungalow, a forest rest house and a gurudwara. Please note that camping within the Valley Of Flowers is not permitted.
Worth Visiting:
Joshimath is a mesmerizing place with lovely and eye catching views of the snow mountains, greenery and pleasant weather conditions. There are several ancient temples for the tourists to pay visit. The town is the winter abode of Lord Badri, who is brought down from Badrinath to the Vasudeva Temple at Joshimath somewhere around the festival of Deepawali. At a distance of 16 km from Joshimath is the Auli. It is one of the few places in India offering winter sports like Ice Skiing. One has to go to Auli by a ropeway from Joshimath. The Nanda Devi National Park is 23 km away from the town of Joshimath. One can trek to the park, which abounds in rare flora and fauna. The tourists can go to Badrinath, Kedarnath, Chopta, Valley Of Flowers and Hem Kund sahib Gurudwara on excursion from Joshimath.
Nearest airport: Jollygrant, 221 kms.
By Rail :Rishikesh is the nearest Railway station.
By Road :Well connected to Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Nainital, & Almora.
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