Alka Puri in Badrinath - The Venerated Source of River Alaknanda
Alkapuri is the source of river Alaknanda river. It is situated at the base of Balakun peak at 4,600 metres above sea level near Badrinath in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand.
Alkapuri is the source of river Alaknanda river. It is situated at the base of Balakun peak at 4,600 metres above sea level near Badrinath in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand.
This enormous glacier spreads into two valleys that leads to Satopanth and Gaumukh. The mighty Narayan Parvat almost divides the two glacial zones of Alkapuri and Gaumukh. The entire region between Gaumukh and Alkapuri is a glacial plateau. To the north of this plateau emerges the Bhagirathi River and to its south-east, the Alaknanda river flowing in different directions.
The Alaknanda River tracing its origin from the Alkapuri glacier touches the feet of Lord Badrivishal and paves its way to Devprayag, where it meets Bhagirathi River, thus forming the holy Ganga River.
If you like to traverse through the Himalayan crevasses and crave for a spiritual awakening then you must visit the Alkapuri glacier, the venerated source of Alaknanda River. Once you reach here, you’ll be comforted by the majestic view of the Nikantha peak on the right and the Chaukhamba peak, to the north of the glacier. Apart from this, several famed and unfamed peaks can also be seen from here.
According to the Hindu mythology, Alkapuri is believed to be the abode of Kuber, the Yakshas and the Gandharvas. Also it has been mentioned in the Skand Purana that river Ganga, while descending from the dreadlocks or ‘Jata’ of Lord Shiva was caught on the Sumeru Parvat (Narain Parvat) and flowed out in seven streams, two of which are the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda River.
The ideal time to visit Alkapuri is from May to November.
Alkapuri Glacier is located in Near Badrinath ( 12 kms trek from Mana Village).
Alkapuri cradled in the Chamoli district is located about 15 km from Badrinath and around 3 km from Laxmivan. It is situated in the proximity of Mana village which is only 3 km away from Badrinath. To reach here one needs to commence a 12 km trek from Mana village to Alkapuri.
By Road: The holy Badrinath town possesses a great network of roads and is well connected with Ghaziabad by NH58. The travellers can travel by deluxe or normal buses that operate from ISBT, Kashmiri Gate to cities like Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Srinagar. Local transport to Badrinath can also be easily available from the major destinations of Uttarakhand like Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Pauri, Rudraprayag, Chamoli etc.
By Rail: Rishikesh railway station falling 294 km short of Badrinath on NH58 is the nearest railhead. It is well connected with the major cities of India. There are frequent trains to Rishikesh. Also, local buses and taxis can be easily available from the Rishikesh railway station to Badrinath town.
By Air: Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun located at a distance of 311 km from Badrinath is the closest airport. It is well connected to Delhi with daily flights and taxis can be easily available from Jolly Grant airport to Badrinath.
Alkapuri Glacier is popular place for following activities/ interests - Adventure, Glaciers, Trekking.
