Five distinct water streams, known as Panch Dhara, emerge from Badrinath. They Name Prahlad Dhara, Kurma Dhara, Bhrigu Dhara, Urvashi Dhara and Indira Dhara, collectively known as ‘Panch Dharas’ at Badrinath. The most visually appealing of these five streams is Indira Dhara, which is situated roughly 1.5 km to the north of Badrinath.
Urvashi Dhara is on the right of river Rishi Ganga; Bhrigu Dhara passes through a number of caves. Water of Kurma Dhara is extremely cold while Prahlad Dhara has lukewarm water.
| Location | Chamoli |
| Famous For | Badrinath Temple |
| Altitude | 3200 mts |
| Badrinath Temple | 1.5 Km From Badrinath Temple |
| Nearest Railway Station or Airport | Rishikesh, 250kms/ Jolly Grant Airport, 270 kms |
| Best time to visit Ukhimath | May, Jun, Sep, Oct, |
Panch Dhara:
The Panch Dhara, originating from Badrinath, indeed holds fascinating characteristics. Each stream has its unique attributes that contribute to the area’s allure. Indira Dhara, being the most prominent, draws attention due to its location about 1.5 km north of Badrinath. Urvashi Dhara, situated to the right of the River Rishi Ganga, offers its own distinct charm. Bhrigu Dhara, passing through several caves, adds an element of mystery and intrigue to its path. Kurma Dhara stands out for its extremely cold water, which can be quite invigorating, while Prahlad Dhara’s lukewarm waters offer a different experience altogether. The diversity within the Panch Dhara not only contributes to the natural beauty of the region but also provides visitors with varied experiences, making it a captivating destination for those exploring Badrinath and its surroundings.
Panch shila:
There are five famous Shila in Badrinath, which names are – Garud, Nar, Narsingh, Varah and Markandeya Shila.It is refers to five sacred stones or boulders near the Tapt Kund in Badrinath, a revered Hindu pilgrimage site in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. These stones are considered significant due to their association with mythology and religious beliefs.
The Panch Shila is believed to represent the five Pandava brothers from the Indian epic Mahabharata—Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva. According to the legend, after the great Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas visited Badrinath seeking forgiveness for the sins they committed during the war.Each stone is said to symbolize one of the brothers, and it’s a common ritual for pilgrims to offer prayers and seek blessings at these stones as part of their visit to Badrinath. The religious significance and cultural lore associated with these stones make them an integral part of the pilgrimage experience for many devotees who visit Badrinath.
How To Reach Panch Dhara and Panch Shila
By Road
Panch Dhara: You can reach Panch Dhara by road from nearby towns such as Rishikesh or Dehradun. From Rishikesh, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach the nearest point accessible by road, and then trek to Panch Dhara.
Panch Shila: Similarly, Panch Shila can be reached by road from nearby towns such as Rishikesh or Dehradun. Once you reach the nearest point accessible by road, you may need to trek or hire a local guide to reach Panch Shila.
By Train
The nearest railway station to both Panch Dhara and Panch Shila is in Rishikesh. From Rishikesh railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the nearest point accessible by road, and then trek or hire local transport to reach the destinations.
By Air
The nearest airport to both Panch Dhara and Panch Shila is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Rishikesh or the nearest point accessible by road, and then proceed to the destinations either by trekking or hiring local transport.
Panch Dhara
It’s approximately a 6 km trek from Badrinath. The trek starts from Mana village, which is around 3 km from Badrinath. The path is moderately challenging and goes through scenic landscapes
Panch Shila
Located further ahead from Panch Dhara, Panch Shila is about a 10 km trek from Badrinath. The trail continues from Panch Dhara and involves a more demanding trek