Chamoli is one of Uttarakhand’s most spectacular districts, home to iconic shrines, alpine meadows, ski slopes, and the famed Valley of Flowers. It is ideal for travellers seeking a mix of pilgrimage, high‑altitude adventure, and pristine Himalayan landscapes.
Tourism in Chamoli
Tourism in Chamoli is anchored by world‑famous destinations such as Badrinath Dham, Auli ski resort, Hemkund Sahib, and Valley of Flowers National Park. Trekkers, pilgrims, skiers, and nature lovers are drawn here for snow‑clad peaks, glaciers, wildflower meadows, and sacred rivers like the Alaknanda and Dhauliganga.
Location
Chamoli district lies in the north‑eastern part of Uttarakhand in the central Himalayas, sharing its northern boundary with Tibet (China). It is bordered by Pithoragarh and Bageshwar to the east, Almora to the south, Pauri Garhwal and Rudraprayag to the west, and Uttarkashi to the northwest; Gopeshwar is the district headquarters.
History
Chamoli was part of the larger Garhwal kingdom and remained within Pauri Garhwal district until it was carved out as a separate district in 1960. Historically known as part of the revered “Kedar Kshetra,” the region has long been associated with Hindu pilgrimage, with ancient references to its peaks, rivers, and temples in sacred texts.
Fairs and Festivals
Major religious events such as the Badrinath temple opening and closing ceremonies, Mata Murti Ka Mela, and the Hemkund Sahib yatra define Chamoli’s festive calendar. Villages across the district also celebrate local fairs, Nanda Devi festivals, and seasonal melas featuring folk music, dance, and traditional Garhwali rituals.
How to reach
Chamoli is best accessed by road, with national and state highways connecting it to Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun, and other Uttarakhand towns. The nearest major railway stations are Rishikesh and Haridwar, while the closest airport is Jolly Grant (Dehradun); from each, travellers continue by bus or taxi into Gopeshwar, Joshimath, and onward destinations.
Tourist attractions
- Badrinath Temple: One of the Char Dham and a major Vaishnavite shrine on the banks of the Alaknanda.
- Auli: High‑altitude ski resort with cable car, winter sports, and grand views of Nanda Devi and other peaks.
- Valley of Flowers National Park: UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for monsoon wildflowers and alpine landscapes.
- Hemkund Sahib: High‑altitude Sikh pilgrimage site beside a glacial lake surrounded by seven peaks.
- Joshimath: Gateway town for Auli, Badrinath, and several treks, with the revered Narasimha Temple.
- Other spots: Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve fringes, Rudranath, Kalpeshwar, and village treks along the Alaknanda and Dhauliganga valleys.
Cuisine of Chamoli
Chamoli’s cuisine reflects traditional Garhwali flavours, relying on local grains and pulses suited to mountain terrain. Popular dishes include mandua ki roti (finger‑millet bread), jhangore ki kheer (barnyard millet pudding), bhatt ki churkani or dal (black soybean), aloo ke gutke, and seasonal leafy saag, often cooked in ghee and served in homestays and dhabas along the yatra routes.
