Joshimath is an ancient town of significant historical value. It was once the kingdom of Katyuri Kings and was renowned as Katripura. It houses ancient temple of Vasudeva and Narsimha. As per legendary accounts, Vasudeva temple was very high and in course of time it gave way due to earthquakes and ravages of nature but some of the sculptures which still adorn this temple are unparalleled in details of exquisite ornamentations, beauty and dignity of human body. The lips and eyes are so pure, simple and serene that they inspire the feeling of a living god before the devotee. As per traditions, Jyotirmath is the seat of Lord Narsingha whose deity is worshipped during winter by Sri Badrinarayan, since times immemorial. Here Sankracharya meditated under a tree. The light of knowledge descended upon him. He established here one of the four Maths of his order now called Joshimath. These Maths (houses of religion) were to become centre of all religious activity for the Sanatana (eternal) Hindu Dharma.
Joshimath today occupies pivoted position and holds key to the Indo-Tibetan borderland. In fact, since ages, it has been centre of cultural exchanges, therefore, the local population is of mixed blending, mainly consisting of local cultivators, families of Bhotias, priests of Badrinath, traders drawn from locals, Kumaon and Kotdwar. The semi-pastoral, nomadic, Bhotia people are drawn during winter from Doti and upper valleys to Joshimath, Chinka (near Chamoii), Maithana (near Nandprayag) and other lower areas when heavy snowfall envelops upper approaches of the valley. Joshimath is the headquarters of Painphanda sub-division and is divided into two patwari circles Malla and Talk, which comprise mostly of high mountains. Joshimath forms the central point from where one route stretches towards the abode of Gods — Mana — and the valley of Flowers and another road proceeds via Tapovan where there used to be hot springs and further to Bhavishya Badri, (future Badrinath) temple which lies amidst thick Deodar forest from where route goes to Nanda Devi sanctuary. The motor-able road goes up to Malari and again from there up to Barahoti and Niti valleys.
Joshimath has immense potentialities of developing into an ideal hill resort particularly because of Kunwari pass (12000 ft.), Auli Bugyal (pasture), valley of flowers and Hemkund-Lokpal. Auli and Kunwari pass provide a magnificent window into the picturesque sanctuary of Nanda Devi. These places are also developing as ideal skiing resort. Joshimath as centre of trekking sojourns is an idyllic resort. Joshimath grows abundant apples of delicious variety. Joshimath is the embarking place for onward journey to the abode of Gods — Badrinathdham and Nanda Devi sanctuary. From Joshimath, Mana is only 46 km. The road which leads to Badrinath descends down the perilous slopes of Sinhdwar right up to Vishnuprayag where Dhauli meets Alaknanda. The road takes a sudden sharp bend and moves towards Govindghat from where a foot trek leads towards Hemkund-Lokpal and the valley of flowers. Before reaching Badrinathdham, the devout Hindu has a quick glimpse of Pandukeshwar, and Hanumanchatti. At Hanumanchatti sheer rock faces pierce straight into the sky. The road climbs from Hanumanchatti to Badrinath through hairpin bends. The awe-stricken trekker looks out of the moving bus window with bated breath.