Located 16 km from Badrinath, Balakun is a Himalayan peak situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It situated between Bhagirathi Kharak glacier and Satopanth glacier and is northeast of Nilkanth peak. The Alaknanda river originates from below this peak by the melting of these two glaciers at an altitude of 3,641 m (11,946 ft). It lies in the Gangotri region of peaks.
HISTORY
The Balakun peak was first climbed in 1973 by a six-man team of (Indo-Tibet Border Police) ITBP led by Hukum Singh.
HOW TO REACH
The nearest place which is accessible by road is Badrinath. One can then trek to Balakun peak from Badrinath.
- ROAD: Being a revered Hindu pilgrimage site, Badrinath has good connectivity of roads from cities like Rishikesh, Haridwar and Dehradun. One can reach to these places from Delhi and get a bus or shared taxi to Badrinath. The buses usually leave early morning from places like Haridwar and Rishikesh.
- RAIL: Badrinath doesn’t have a railhead. Nearest railway station to Badrinath is situated in Haridwar. Haridwar is connected with major cities like Delhi, Ahmadabad and Dehradun.
- AIR: The nearest airport to Joshimath is Jolly Grant situated in Dehradun. From there, one can opt for a bus or a taxi to reach Badrinath.