A religious visit to Badrinath Dham, nestled in the majestic Garhwal Himalayas, is a spiritually enriching experience for devotees. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this revered temple is one of the Char Dham circuit and holds immense significance in Hinduism. Pilgrims from across the country flock to Badrinath to seek blessings and partake in the divine atmosphere. The journey to Badrinath itself is awe-inspiring, with scenic landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks creating a serene backdrop.
Upon arrival, the sight of the magnificent Badrinath Temple, with its vibrant facade and intricate carvings, evokes a deep sense of reverence. The Tapt Kund, a hot spring near the temple, is believed to have medicinal properties and is a sacred bathing spot for pilgrims before entering the shrine. The temple's sanctum sanctorum houses the idol of Lord Badrinarayan, and the atmosphere is filled with resonant chants of prayers and hymns, providing a truly transcendental experience. The Best time to visit Char Dham Shrines is between April to June and the end of September to mid-November.
Fascinating Places to Visit near Badrinath - Beyond the religious sojourn to Badrinath, tourists can engross and explore the nearby scenic beauty. Near Badrinath Dham, you can explore the serene Mana Village, the last Indian village before the Tibetan border, and visit the mystical Vyas Gufa, where sage Vyas is believed to have composed the Mahabharata. The stunning Vasudhara Falls, cascading from a height of 400 feet, and the sacred confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers at Devprayag are also must-visit spots.
Beyond the Mana Village, about 1.6 km away, the Alkapuri Glacier is a hidden gem and offers fabulous scenic beauty, being a true visionary treat. Let’s explore this lesser-visited beautiful gem while on a pilgrimage to Badrinath Dham.
Alkapuri Glacier - A Few Footsteps Away from Mana Village
Alkapuri Glacier, located just 6.6 km from the Badrinath Shrine, is surrounded by majestic peaks and lush alpine meadows. Visitors can reach Badrinath by road from major cities like Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun, and then embark on a trek or hire local guides to explore the glacier's enchanting beauty. The best time to visit is during the summer months, from March to June, when the weather is pleasant and the trekking routes are open. It is advisable to avoid the monsoon season due to the risk of landslides and heavy rainfall, while winter months see the region covered in snow, making it inaccessible to most tourists.
This vast glacier extends into two valleys, one leading to Gaumukh and the other to Satopanth. The imposing Narayan Parvat nearly divides these glacial zones into Alkapuri and Gaumukh. The entire area between Gaumukh and Alkapuri forms a glacial plateau. From the north of this plateau flows the Bhagirathi River, while to the southeast, the Alaknanda River charts a different course.
Mythological Associations to Alkapuri Glacier
Alkapuri is believed to be the dwelling of Kubera, the deity of wealth, and the Yakshas, who are the guardian spirits of forests and settlements. It is also thought to be the residence of Gandharvas, male nature spirits who are the consorts of the Apsaras. According to folklore, Gandharvas were often depicted as part-bird or part-horse beings with divine musical talents. The Skanda Purana also mentions that when the Ganges descended from Lord Shiva's matted locks, it was captured on Sumeru Parvat (Narain Parvat) and subsequently flowed out in seven streams, including the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda Rivers.
Visiting Alkapuri Glacier via Mana Village
En route to Alkapuri Glacier, do not miss a stop-over at Mana Village, the last Indian rural settlement before the Indo-Tibetan borders. It is a small, quaint and beautiful village engulfed by mountains, rivers, and a lot more picturesque beauty. An aerial view of the village looks nothing short of a heavenly abode. Drive to Mana Village where you will visit the Ved Vyasa Cave, and cross the Saraswati River through the Bheem Pul, to add an additional dosage of thrill to the expedition.
From the Mana Village, you can opt for trekking to the Alkapuri Glacier. Although the distance is just 1.6 km from the quaint village, the rugged topography of the region might not allow the beautiful journey on foot to culminate soon. Reach your destination and embrace the paradisiacal view of the glacial plateau. The memory of such a view will definitely leave an indelible mark on your memory.
