How high is Badrinath ?

What most people know about Badarinath is that Badari is on a mountain and it is very cold here and that’s all. Yes, this information is true. However, 95% people do not have a correct idea about how gigantic these mountains are and how severe is the cold here. Some may say that we have climbed Kodachadri, we have climbed Shivneri Durg, we walked several times to Tirumala etc. All these mountains are also difficult. We agree. But the Himalayan hills cannot be compared to the hills around Tirumala, Pune or Bengaluru. Here we have given a comparison of some hills from the South with the hills of Badari in terms of height.

• Agumbe : 2170 Ft
• Tirumala : 3200 Ft
• Chamundi : 3489 Ft
• Pune Sinhagad : 4321 Ft
• Kodachadri : 4400 Ft
• Ooty : 7349 Ft
• Badarinath : 10170 Ft
• Muktinath : 12400 Ft

Cold is not the only issue.

When it comes to altitudes, the mountains of the Himalayas can be compared only with Himalayas and none else. Badrinath is at an altitude of 10200 feet above sea level. The town is located at such a high altitude that it is naturally very cold here. It is very common here for the temperature to drop to 3-4°C at night even during summers. But the biggest challenge is not the cold. The real problem here is the scarcity of oxygen.

• Being at an altitude of above 10000 feet, oxygen is scarcely dispersed throughout the air.
• The people of South India may suffer from breathing problems, rapid heartbeats, dizziness due to low oxygen.
• Serious problems can happen if we walk fast as if we are in our home town.
• For some others, there is the problem of high altitudes. Their bodies do not immediately adapt to the weather at an altitude of 6000+ feet from sea level.
• Some may experience a blocked ear sensation. However, in many cases, this problem resolves on its own.

But don’t sit in the room with fear. Be careful. You can handle health issues with less difficulties if you are careful. Follow the steps that we will tell you now and enjoy the beautiful nature of when your are at Badarinath.

You should start these practices from tomorrow

• Finishing the bath early every morning, at around 5:00 AM
• Doing sandhyavandane / Gurumantra with “detailed pranayama” without fail.
• Walking at least 3-4 kilometers every day “slowly” without stopping anywhere
• Climbing up and down at least 50 stairs a day, slowly
• If you practice Yoga then it is still better .
• If you start these practices from tomorrow, you can easily deal with health problems in your Badari Yatra.

When you are at Badari

• Don’t walk briskly / rapidly.
• Climb the stairs very slowly one by one while going to your rooms. No rush.
• While coming from Badari Narayan’s shrine to your room, there is a small uphill road between the Alaknanda River and the police station of Badari town. It is around 150-200 meters long. But due to lack of oxygen one feels very tired. So cross this span very slowly. Pause every time when you feel stressed. Take rest for some time. Don’t rush.
• If your body does not permit then don’t go for a bath in Alaknanda. It’s not just cold water, the current is too turbulent for us to handle.
• Do not wear drenched clothes during Shraddha. Wear silk panche/mugata and cover your chest with shawl.
• When sleeping, do not cover your face with blanket. If you cover yourself completely while sleeping, it will cause a throat infection. Wear the cap properly, and apply coconut oil/Vaseline inside of your nostrils..
• If you have heart related problems then don’t go around town frequently. It is better to avoid visiting Maana village.
• Do not drink very hot water. Keep hot water in a thermos flask and drink it little by little, making it as warm as it feels good for your body.
• Do not wander around alone for any reason. Be in a group. If you have dizziness or breathing problems, you will get help if you are in a group.
• Conserve your energy. Do not spend it for trivial things.

Points you should never ignore

• Always follow your guide’s instructions
• Avoid eating roadside foods, especially on the hills.
• Last but not. Carry light luggage instead of heavy suitcases.