The first sacred rock slab on Earth touched by Lord Vishnu as He descended from Vaikuntha
Perched at a magnificent altitude of 3,380 metres on the western slopes of Mount Narayan Parbat, Charan Paduka is a tranquil high-altitude alpine meadow that houses one of the most cherished sacred relics in the Garhwal Himalayas. The centerpiece of this meadow is a polished natural rock boulder bearing two distinct, palm-sized indentations deeply revered by devotees as the authentic footprints (Charan Paduka) of Lord Vishnu, imprinted when He first descended from Vaikuntha to the earthly plane of Badrikashram.
The 3-kilometre uphill trail commences from the western flank of Badrinath town, climbing steadily past the Rishi Ganga waterfall gorge. The ascent leads hikers through fragrant dwarf junipers, blooming rhododendron shrubs, and wide carpets of wild Himalayan Edelweiss and buttercups. As you gain elevation, the bustling pilgrim township of Badrinath shrinks below, revealing an astounding bird’s-eye perspective of the entire valley flanked by the twin sentinels of Nar and Narayan peaks.
Upon reaching the grassy meadow, pilgrims find the sacred footprint rock reverently sheltered beneath a small brass-roofed canopy draped in marigold garlands and vermilion. Devotees touch their foreheads to the impressions, offering butter, holy basil leaves (tulsi), and coins. Beyond its profound spiritual sanctity, Charan Paduka serves as an idyllic day trek for nature enthusiasts, providing front-row panoramas of the snow-crested pyramid of Mount Neelkanth and the roaring Rishi Ganga river.
Key Highlights & Features
Top Things to Do & Experiences
Hike the 3 km Scenic Trail
Climb the well-worn stone path winding up Narayan Parbat, experiencing fresh pine air and panoramic valley vistas.
Offer Tulsi at the Footprint Shrine
Pay homage at the divine stone slab with sacred tulsi leaves, chandan (sandalwood paste), and silent prayer.
High-Altitude Valley Photography
Capture wide-angle aerial landscape shots of Badrinath Temple, the Alaknanda gorge, and the Nar Parbat ridgelines.
Picnic in Alpine Meadows
Relax on the lush green meadows around the shrine, enjoying the profound silence far removed from pilgrimage crowds.
