Tourists, both foreign and local, flock to the temple of Badrinath, which was built by Adiguru Shankaracharya in the early ninth century AD. This acclaimed abode of Lord Vishnu is one of North India's "Four Holy Temple Cities" or dhams along with Puri, Rameswaram and Dwaraka. Badrinath is also known as Tapobhumi (land of meditation and penance) and Bhubaikunth (heaven on earth). It is situated at an altitude of 3133 meters above sea level. Besides the main temple itself, the entrance to the shrine is of special significance. The temple of Badrinathji remains closed from October to April due to the winter snow, when temperatures fall to sub-zero degrees.

Before entering the temple itself, the pilgrims take a holy dip in the Tapt Kund, where there are thermal springs with natural curative properties. It is supposed to be the abode of Agni, the Hindu God of fire. Other famous natural spring sites are Narad Kund and Surya Kund.

Attraction

Joshimath is another religious place. It was established by Adiguru Shankaracharya and named it Jyotirmath, which later came to be known as Joshimath. There are other temples dedicated to Goddess Durga and Lord Narsingha. Gobindghat, situated between Joshimath and Badrinath, is an important place for the trekkers. Another very famous tourist attraction is the Valley of Flowers, with the Pushpavati River and Rataban peak nearby. Lok Pal Hemkund is a beautiful lake in the vicinity of the country's highest Gurdwara, Hemkund Sahib.

Mana Village, about 4 km away, is the last village in the Indo-Tibetan border. Other places of interest include Vyas Gufa, dedicated to Sage Ved Vyas; Bhim Pul, the natural bridge over the legendary Saraswati River; the 122-meter-high Vasundhara Falls; Pipalkoti, a place of natural beauty; and Chamoli, a retreat of serene verdure.