Jyotirmath is a city in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, India. Other name of this place is Joshimath. For several Himalayan trekking trails this is the gateway. Adi Shankara established a peetha at this place. Other peethas established by Adi Shankara are located at Dwaraka, Puri and Shringeri. Jyotirmath is located very near to Badrinath. It is the base for travellers visiting Valley of flowers and Hemkund Sahib. Auli and Joshimath are well connected with Cable Car. It is the highest and longest trolley of Asia. Auli Skiing Festival celebrates so grandly in February / March. Auli is the winter destination.
What to see in Jyotirmath:
Narsimh Temple: Lord Narshima is worshipped here. Lord Narshima is the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that daily the statue of the idol is decreasing in Length and it is also believed that road to Badrinath would also get blocked soon. People also believe that, right hand of the Idol with become thin like a hair and one day it will break. At that time Jay and Vijay Mountains will get join and Lord will disappear from this temple. But Lord will re-appear at Bhavishya Badri which is located 10kms away from this hill station. During the winter season this temple will be closed.
Ropeway: Ropeway form Jyotirmath to Auli is one of the Asia’s longest ropeways.
Kalpavriksha: People believed that Adi Shankara meditated under this tree. This tree has more than 1200 years old.
What to see around Jyotirmath:
Bhavishya Kedar Temple: Lord Shiva is worshipped here. People believe that in future when Jay and Vijay Mountains will get join and Lord will disappear from present temple then Lord will re-appear in this temple. It is located 10kms away from Jyotirmath.
Tapovan: It is located 10 kms away from the city. This place is famous for natural hot springs. Other attraction of this place is Dhauliganga River.
NandaDevi National Park: It was established in 1982. In 1988, this was announced as National Park. It is located at 23kms away from the park.
Valley of Flowers: It is located 16kms away from the city. In 1988, this was declared as world heritage site. Valley is covered with blooming flowers. Major attractions of this place are Cobra lily, Blue Poppy and Brahmakamal.
Auli: It is located 16kms away from the city. This is the winter destination for the tourists. Only way to reach this place from Jyotirmath is through ropeway.
Badrinath: It is located 46kms away from the city. In 9th century this was established by Adi Shankaracharya. Due to heavy snowfall this temple remains closed during winter season.
Getting to Jyotirmath: This is well connected with road way. From various parts of Uttarakhand, plenty of taxis and buses are available to reach Jyotirmath. Nearest railway station is located at Rishikesh which is located 250kms away from this hill station. Plenty of buses and taxis are available to reach Jyotirmath from Rishikesh.
Getting around Jyotirmath: Jyotirmath can be seen on foot. Ponies are also available to visit this hill station. Buses and Taxis are available to visit these surrounding places of Jyotirmath.
Best time to visit Jyotirmath: This place is cold throughout the year. Even in the summer season temperature is so cool. During the winter season snowfall can be seen here. So, best time to visit this place is between April to November.
Where to stay in Jyotirmath: Plenty of hotels are available to stay in this place including luxury hotels. Cost of luxury hotels ranges around Rs.3000 to Rs.4000. Cost of average hotels is between Rs.600 to Rs.800.
Where to eat in Jyotirmath: Plenty of dhabas are available to eat in Jyotirmath. Continental, Chinese, South Indian and North Indian Cuisines are available here.