The Panch Prayag refers to five sacred confluences in Uttarakhand where different rivers merge before forming the holy River Ganga. These five Prayags — Vishnuprayag, Nandaprayag, Karnaprayag, Rudraprayag, and Devprayag — hold immense spiritual significance for devotees.
It is believed that taking a dip in the waters at these confluences purifies the soul, washes away sins, and brings peace. Each Prayag beautifully represents the harmony between nature and faith, symbolizing unity, devotion, and liberation from worldly attachments (moksha).
Vishnuprayag – Where the Holy Rivers First Meet
Vishnuprayag is the first confluence among the five holy Prayags of Uttarakhand. Here, the Alaknanda River, flowing from the Satopanth Glacier near Mana village, meets the Dhauliganga River, which originates near the Niti Pass close to the Indo-Tibet border.
Bathing is not permitted due to the strong water currents, but pilgrims visit to offer prayers and witness this divine union of rivers. Vishnuprayag marks the starting point of the Panch Prayag Yatra and lies on the road to Badrinath Dham.
Location:
- District: Chamoli, Uttarakhand
- Altitude: Around 1,372 meters (4,500 ft) above sea level
- Distance from Joshimath: Approximately 12 km
- On Route: Badrinath Highway (NH-7)
- Nearest Town: Joshimath – base for Badrinath, Auli, and Hemkund Sahib pilgrims
Religious History & Beliefs:
According to legend, Sage Narada meditated here to please Lord Vishnu. The Lord appeared and blessed this confluence with divine energy. The ancient Vishnu Temple, built by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore, stands near the confluence. Devotees believe that a holy dip here purifies the soul, removes sins, and grants peace and protection. Vishnuprayag beautifully symbolizes the union of divine power and natural beauty.
What to See Near Vishnuprayag:
- Vishnu Temple – centuries-old shrine near the confluence
- Joshimath (12 km) – home to Adi Shankaracharya Math, Narsingh Temple, and the Winter Seat of Lord Badrinath
- Auli (20 km) – popular skiing hill station with views of Nanda Devi Peak
- Tapovan (15 km) – known for hot springs and scenic meadows
- Badrinath Dham (35 km) – one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites
Nandaprayag – The Place of Peace and Devotion
Nandaprayag is the second confluence among the Panch Prayag. It is where the Alaknanda River, flowing from Satopanth Glacier near Badrinath, merges with the Nandakini River, originating from the Nandaghunti Glacier near Trishul Peak.
This peaceful site is known for its calm surroundings and spiritual purity. Bathing is allowed here, and it is believed that a dip in these sacred waters cleanses sins and brings peace to the soul. Nandaprayag lies on the Badrinath Highway, making it a key stop on the Yatra.
Location:
- District: Chamoli, Uttarakhand
- Altitude: Around 870 meters (2,850 ft) above sea level
- Distance from Karnaprayag: Approximately 20 km
- On Route: Badrinath Highway (NH-7)
- Nearest Towns: Karnaprayag and Joshimath
Religious History & Beliefs:
According to belief, King Nanda, the foster father of Lord Krishna, performed a yagna (holy ritual) here to please Lord Vishnu. The confluence was named after him, and devotees believe that bathing here brings harmony, happiness, and divine grace.
What to See Near Nandaprayag:
- Nand Temple – dedicated to King Nanda and Lord Vishnu
- Karnaprayag (20 km) – next confluence where Alaknanda meets Pindar
- Joshimath (60 km) – spiritual hub with Adi Shankaracharya Math and Narsingh Temple
- Gopeshwar (18 km) – famous for Gopinath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva
- Badrinath Dham (85 km) – major Char Dham pilgrimage site
Karnaprayag – The Land of Strength and Faith
Karnaprayag is the third sacred confluence where the Alaknanda River, descending from Satopanth Glacier, meets the Pindar River, originating from the Pindari Glacier in the Kumaon region. Surrounded by lush valleys and mountain slopes, it radiates serenity and devotion.
Bathing is permitted, and devotees believe a dip here brings strength, courage, and spiritual purification.
Location:
- District: Chamoli, Uttarakhand
- Altitude: Around 788 meters (2,585 ft) above sea level
- Distance from Nandaprayag: Approximately 20 km
- On Route: Badrinath Highway (NH-7)
- Nearest Towns: Gopeshwar and Nandaprayag
Religious History & Beliefs:
According to Hindu mythology, Karna, the great warrior from the Mahabharata, meditated here to please the Sun God (Surya). The Sun God granted him the Kavach (armor) and Kundal (earrings), making him invincible. Hence, the place was named Karnaprayag, symbolizing bravery, sacrifice, and devotion. Praying here is believed to remove negativity and instill inner strength.
What to See Near Karnaprayag:
- Karna Temple – shrine dedicated to Karna
- Uma Devi Temple – dedicated to Goddess Parvati
- Nandaprayag (20 km) – earlier confluence on the route
- Rudraprayag (35 km) – next sacred confluence
- Gopeshwar (10 km) – known for the Gopinath Temple
Rudraprayag – The Meeting Point Blessed by Lord Shiva
Rudraprayag is the fourth confluence of the Panch Prayag and marks the meeting of the Alaknanda River from Satopanth Glacier and the Mandakini River from the Chorabari Glacier near Kedarnath. Named after Lord Shiva (Rudra), this place is filled with divine energy.
The merging rivers create a spectacular and peaceful sight that fills the air with spiritual vibrations.
Location:
- District: Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand
- Altitude: Around 895 meters (2,936 ft) above sea level
- Distance from Karnaprayag: Approximately 35 km
- On Route: Badrinath and Kedarnath Highway junction
- Nearest Towns: Agastmuni and Srinagar (Garhwal)
Religious History & Beliefs:
As per legend, Lord Shiva appeared here as Rudra to bless Sage Narada, who meditated to learn music. It is also believed that Goddess Parvati performed penance here to win Shiva’s heart. Rudraprayag symbolizes spiritual awakening and transformation. A dip in the holy waters is said to remove sins and grant inner peace.
What to See Near Rudraprayag:
- Rudranath Temple – dedicated to Lord Shiva
- Chamunda Devi Temple – offers stunning valley views
- Koteshwar Mahadev Temple (3 km) – a sacred cave temple
- Agastmuni (20 km) – home to Sage Agastya’s ancient temple
- Kedarnath Dham (86 km) – one of the Char Dham shrines
Devprayag – Where the Ganga Begins Her Sacred Journey
Devprayag is the fifth and final confluence of the Panch Prayag. Here, the Alaknanda River from Satopanth Glacier meets the Bhagirathi River from Gaumukh Glacier near Gangotri. Their union marks the birth of the holy River Ganga.
Surrounded by steep hills and ancient temples, Devprayag is one of the most sacred spots in the Himalayas.
Location:
- District: Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand
- Altitude: Around 830 meters (2,723 ft) above sea level
- Distance from Rudraprayag: Approximately 70 km
- On Route: Rishikesh–Badrinath Highway (NH-7)
- Nearest Towns: Rishikesh (70 km) and Srinagar (35 km)
Religious History & Beliefs:
According to mythology, King Bhagirath performed penance here to bring the River Ganga down from heaven to purify his ancestors’ souls. The Ganga is believed to have first touched Earth at Devprayag, making it her spiritual birthplace. The town is also named after Sage Devasharma, who attained enlightenment here. Taking a dip at the confluence is said to wash away sins and grant moksha (liberation).
What to See Near Devprayag:
- Raghunathji Temple – 10th-century temple dedicated to Lord Rama
- Sangam Viewpoint – where the green Alaknanda meets the blue Bhagirathi
- Chandrabadani Temple (22 km) – Shaktipeeth dedicated to Goddess Sati
- Dashrathshila Temple (3 km) – where King Dashrath meditated
- Rishikesh (70 km) – Gateway to the Char Dham Yatra
Devprayag marks the sacred beginning of the Ganga’s journey, symbolizing divine unity and eternal life.
How to Reach Panch Prayag: By Air, Rail & Road
By Air:
- Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (approx. 150 km from Devprayag)
- Regular flights connect Dehradun with Delhi, Mumbai, and other major cities.
- From the airport, taxis and buses are available for Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and beyond.
By Rail:
- Nearest Stations: Rishikesh (136 km) and Haridwar (155 km)
- Both stations are well-connected to Delhi, Lucknow, and Kolkata.
- From there, taxis and buses can take you across the Panch Prayag route.
By Road:
- The Panch Prayags lie along the National Highway (NH-7) toward Badrinath Dham.
- Regular buses and taxis operate from Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun.
- Approximate Distances from Rishikesh:
- Devprayag – 90 km
- Rudraprayag – 140 km
- Karnaprayag – 170 km
- Nandaprayag – 190 km
- Vishnuprayag – 265 km
Recommended Travel Route: Rishikesh → Joshimath via Panch Prayag
| Route | Distance | Time | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rishikesh → Devprayag | 90 km | 3 hrs | Birthplace of River Ganga |
| Devprayag → Rudraprayag | 70 km | 3 hrs | Blessed by Lord Shiva |
| Rudraprayag → Karnaprayag | 35 km | 1.5 hrs | Associated with Karna |
| Karnaprayag → Nandaprayag | 20 km | 1 hr | Symbol of Peace |
| Nandaprayag → Vishnuprayag | 75 km | 3 hrs | Blessed by Lord Vishnu |
| Vishnuprayag → Joshimath | 12 km | 30 mins | Base for Auli & Badrinath |
Total Distance: 302 km
Total Drive Time: 13 hours (excluding stops and traffic)
Best Time to Visit & Seasonal Insights
Summer (April – June):
- Best season for travel and pilgrimage
- Pleasant temperature: 15°C–30°C
- Clear skies, easy access to all Prayags, and ideal for photography
Monsoon (July – August):
- Not recommended due to landslides and roadblocks
- Rivers flow heavily; travel only if essential and check updates regularly
Autumn (September – November):
- Second-best season to visit
- Calm weather, fewer crowds, and stunning Himalayan views
Winter (December – March):
- Cold but peaceful; temperatures from 0°C–15°C
- Upper Prayags may get snow, but lower ones like Devprayag remain accessible
Top Stopovers, Food Points & Viewpoints Along the Route
Rishikesh → Devprayag (90 km / 3 hrs)
- Stopovers: Shivpuri, Byasi, Kaudiyala
- Food: Chotiwala Restaurant, Kaudiyala Hill View Dhaba
- Viewpoints: Sangam Point, Devprayag
Devprayag → Rudraprayag (70 km / 3 hrs)
- Stopovers: Srinagar Garhwal
- Food: GMVN Tourist Lodge, Pahadi Zaika Dhaba
- Viewpoints: Dhari Devi Temple Viewpoint, Rudraprayag Sangam
Rudraprayag → Karnaprayag (35 km / 1.5 hrs)
- Stopovers: Gauchar
- Food: Pine View Café, local dhabas
- Viewpoints: Karnaprayag Confluence
Karnaprayag → Nandaprayag (20 km / 1 hr)
- Stopovers: Chamoli town
- Food: Chamoli Hills Dhaba, local tea stalls
- Viewpoints: Nandaprayag Sangam Ghat
Nandaprayag → Vishnuprayag (75 km / 3 hrs)
- Stopovers: Pipalkoti and Helang
- Food: GMVN Rest House, Himalayan View Café
- Viewpoints: Vishnuprayag Confluence
Vishnuprayag → Joshimath (12 km / 30 mins)
- Stopovers: Hanuman Chatti
- Food: Joshimath Market Cafés, GMVN Rest House
- Viewpoints: Joshimath Ropeway (Auli Road)
Why Choose Clan Stays for Your Panch Prayag Trip
Clan Stays ensures a comfortable, safe, and seamless journey through all five Prayags. With verified hotels, secure transport, and expert local assistance, you can focus entirely on your spiritual experience.
Every stay is pre-booked and verified, eliminating last-minute worries. Clan Stays also offers flexible tour options that include Badrinath and Char Dham Yatra extensions.
With 24×7 support and personalized care, Clan Stays turns your pilgrimage into a peaceful, memorable, and spiritually fulfilling journey.
