Petrol pumps on the Rishikesh to Badrinath road — where to fuel up

There is no petrol pump in Badrinath town. The last reliable fuel stop before Badrinath is Joshimath, 44 km and approximately 1.5 hours before the temple. Miss this and you are stuck.

There is an Indian Oil filling station at Badrinath (Shree Badri Vishal Filling Station, located at Bamni near Joshimath on the Badrinath road), but its availability and stock can be unreliable during peak season. Do not rely on it. Treat Joshimath as your mandatory final fuel stop.

If you are driving yourself, fill completely at Joshimath regardless of how much fuel you have. Pahadi Express drivers know this instinctively.

Rishikesh (0 km)

Multiple pumps in town — Indian Oil, HPCL, BPCL, and Jio-BP stations. All fuel types available: petrol, diesel, CNG. Fill here before starting your journey.

Byasi (approximately 22 km)

One HPCL pump on the highway. Petrol and diesel.

Devprayag (70 km)

One pump on the main road. Petrol and diesel. Can have queues during peak yatra season.

Srinagar, Garhwal (120 km)

Two to three pumps. Petrol, diesel, and CNG available. This is the last CNG station on the route. CNG vehicles must refuel or switch to petrol here.

Rudraprayag (146 km)

Two pumps, including one on NH-107 at Tilwara. Petrol and diesel.

Agastyamuni (approximately 155 km)

One pump. Petrol and diesel.

Gauchar (180 km)

One BPCL pump. Petrol and diesel.

Karnaprayag (approximately 190 km)

Pump at Karnaprayag Sonla on Badrinath Road. Petrol and diesel. Operating hours typically 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Nandprayag (approximately 195 km)

Small pump. Petrol and diesel.

Chamoli / Gopeshwar junction (211 km)

One or two pumps — one at Gopeshwar town (10 km off main road) and one on the NH at Chamoli. Additional IOCL station at Kamera Bartoli. Petrol and diesel.

Pipalkoti (approximately 230 km)

Indian Oil pump on Badrinath Road. Petrol and diesel.

Joshimath (251 km)

Two pumps in town. Petrol and diesel. This is your last reliable fuel stop before Badrinath. Fill to full, without exception.

CNG pumps exist at Rishikesh and Srinagar (Garhwal) only. After Srinagar, there is no CNG on this route. If your vehicle runs on CNG, you must either switch to petrol at Srinagar or have a dedicated petrol backup tank. Do not attempt this route on CNG alone beyond Srinagar.

Mountain roads reduce fuel efficiency significantly compared to plains driving. Expect approximately 10-13 km per litre for a diesel Innova on this terrain, depending on load and gradient. The steep ascent from Joshimath to Badrinath is particularly demanding.

Most commercial taxis and Pahadi Express vehicles on this route run on diesel, which offers better torque for sustained mountain climbs.

Carry a 5-litre emergency fuel can in your vehicle beyond Chamoli. Mountain driving burns more fuel than expected, and you want a buffer for the return journey if making multiple stops.

Tyre pressure drops at altitude as temperatures fall. Cold mountain mornings can reduce pressure by 3-5 PSI compared to plains levels. Check and inflate tyres at Joshimath before the Badrinath ascent. Most tyre repair shops on the route will do a quick check for ₹20-50.

Rishikesh: Multiple garages and service centres. Best place for a pre-trip vehicle check.

Srinagar (Garhwal): Tyre repair shops and basic mechanics. Good stop for a tyre pressure check.

Rudraprayag: Small workshops for emergency tyre puncture repairs.

Gopeshwar: District town with a few garages for basic repairs.

Joshimath: Tyre repair and basic mechanic services. Have your tyres checked here, especially the spare.

Between Joshimath and Badrinath: No repair shops. Carry a properly inflated spare tyre. In an emergency, ITBP posts on this section can sometimes assist.

Is there a petrol pump at Badrinath?

Is CNG available on the Badrinath route?

What if I have a tyre puncture between Joshimath and Badrinath?

What are the operating hours for petrol pumps on this route?

Related guides: Food stops on the Badrinath road | Solo travel to Badrinath