Joshimath is described in the ancient scriptures as Kartikeyapura, because the Katyuri kings named it after their God, Kartikeya. This place is also known as Jyotirmath. Joshimath, located at a height of about 6,000 ft, is one of the four great "maths", or monasteries,

established by the great Adi Guru Shri Shankaracharya in the 8th century AD. Joshimath was the heart of religious and cultural activity in those days and continues to be the same even today.
Just below Joshimath, two rivers, the Alaknanda and the Dhauliganga, meet at the confluence of Karnaprayag. The river Dhauliganga, coming from the Niti Valley, is approachable from Joshimath by vehicle up to Malari town and beyond. The entire route is lined with thick deodar forests. From Malari, one track goes towards Niti village via Kailashpur, Farkia, Bampa and Ghamsali. The entire valley throbs with activity in summer. Niti is the last village of the valley and from here the track goes towards the Niti Pass (5,299 m) and Marchokla.


The inhabitants of these valleys are simple, sturdy and dynamic like their Jauhari counterparts in Kumaon. Joshimath is a fairly large town. It has to be, since most of Badrinath arrives here to spend the winter months when the shrine of Badrinath remains snowbound for six months.

It is the winter shrine of Badrinath, who is worshipped here during the winter months. Today, it is a comparatilively modern town with small hotels, modern shops, and even a cinema.

Just  below  Joshimath,  two rivers, the Alaknanda and the Dhauliganga, meet  at  the confluence  of   Karnaprayag. The  river Dhauliganga,  coming   from  the  Niti  Valley,  is approachable  from Joshimath  by vehicle up to Malari town and beyond. The entire route is lined  with thick  deodar forests. From Malari, one track  goes  towards  Niti village via Kailashpur,  Farkia,  Bampa  and  Ghamsali.  The   entire  valley  throbs  with  activity  in summer. Niti is the last village of the valley and from here the  track goes towards the Niti Pass (5,299 m) and Marchokla.