The Panch Prayag are five sacred river confluences in Uttarakhand where different rivers meet the Alaknanda on its journey to form the Ganga River. These places are not just river crossings, they hold deep spiritual value in Hinduism. It is believed that taking a dip at these confluences can wash away sins and help a person move closer to moksha, or spiritual freedom. Each Prayag – Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Nandaprayag, and Vishnuprayag—has its own unique story, rooted in mythology and faith. Located on the road to Badrinath, these sites offer a powerful mix of devotion, natural beauty, and peaceful energy.
Table of Contents
What Makes the Panch Prayag Holy Places?
According to Hindu mythology, when Goddess Ganga came down to Earth, her flow was so strong that it could have destroyed everything. To control her force, Lord Shiva caught her in his matted hair and gently released her through different streams. These streams formed several sacred rivers, and five of them meet the Alaknanda River at different places in Uttarakhand. These meeting points—where rivers like Bhagirathi, Mandakini, Pindar, Nandakini, and Dhauliganga merge with the Alaknanda—are known as the Panch Prayag. Each confluence is considered holy and is an important stop on the spiritual journey called the Panch Prayag Yatra.
Best Time to Visit Panch Prayag
The ideal time to visit the Panch Prayag is from April to June and September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant, the skies are clear, roads are generally safe and this is the peak time for Char Dham Yatra . Summer temperatures range between 15°C to 30°C, while autumn is cooler with temperatures between 10°C to 25°C. These seasons are best for travel, sightseeing, and religious activities.
Avoid visiting during the monsoon season (July to August) as heavy rainfall can lead to landslides and roadblocks in hilly areas. Winter (December to February) can be extremely cold, especially at higher altitudes like Vishnuprayag, with temperatures dropping to -5°C or lower, and some routes may be blocked due to snow.
Season Guide:
- Summer (April–June): 15°C to 30°C – Pleasant, ideal for travel
- Monsoon (July–August): Risk of landslides, not recommended
- Autumn (Sept–Nov): 10°C to 25°C – Clear weather, low crowd
- Winter (Dec–Feb): -5°C to 15°C – Cold and snow-prone, limited access
How to Reach and Explore All Five Prayags
The Panch Prayag circuit can be comfortably explored in 5 to 7 days by road. The journey usually starts from Haridwar or Rishikesh, as both are well-connected by road, rail, and air to major Indian cities. From there, travelers follow the course of the Alaknanda River, moving upstream toward Badrinath and stopping at each of the five sacred confluences along the way.
Suggested Road Route (with Distance):
- Rishikesh to Devprayag – 74 km
Scenic drive along the Ganga, about 2 hours by car. - Devprayag to Rudraprayag – 66 km
Takes around 2 hours, via Srinagar Garhwal. - Rudraprayag to Karnaprayag – 34 km
Approximately 1 to 1.5 hours of uphill drive. - Karnaprayag to Nandaprayag – 21 km
A short 40-minute journey along NH7. - Nandaprayag to Vishnuprayag (via Joshimath) – 73 km
Around 3 hours; narrow roads, requires careful driving. Vishnuprayag lies 12 km before Badrinath.
Total Travel Distance : Approx. 270–280 km from Rishikesh to Vishnuprayag via the Panch Prayag route.
Connectivity Overview
By Road:
- The entire route is connected by National Highway 7 (NH7), previously known as NH58.
- State transport and private buses are available from Rishikesh and Haridwar to major towns like Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, and Joshimath.
- Taxis and shared jeeps are common, especially for short distances between Prayags.
- Self-drive or hired private cars offer the most flexibility.
By Train:
- The nearest railway stations are Rishikesh (74 km from Devprayag) and Haridwar (97 km).
- From either station, road travel is necessary to visit all the Prayags.
By Air:
- The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun.
- Located about 112 km from Devprayag, it is well-connected with flights from Delhi and other major cities.
- From the airport, taxis or pre-booked vehicles can take you directly to the Prayag route.
Plan Your Spiritual Yatra With Us !
Get Customised Private Tours by Experts from Travel Vaidya
Devprayag – Where the Holy Ganga Begins
Devprayag is the last and most important of the Panch Prayag, where the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers merge to form the sacred River Ganga. It is located in Tehri Garhwal district at an altitude of around 830 meters. Devprayag is known for its deep spiritual energy and strong mythological connection. It is believed that Lord Rama meditated here to seek forgiveness for killing Ravana. The town is surrounded by three holy hills—Dashrathanchal, Narainghanchal, and Giddhanchal—which add to its sacred charm. Rishikesh to Devprayag distance is about 70 and Haridwar to Devprayag distance is around 95 km , making it easily accessible for pilgrims and travelers.
Highlights:
- Bhagirathi + Alaknanda = Ganga
- Visit Raghunath Temple (10,000+ years old)
- Dashrathanchal Hill and Tondeshwar Mahadev Temple
- Sacred ghats for ritual bathing
- Astro-observatory (Nakshatra Vedshala) founded in 1946
Accessibility:
- Rishikesh to Devprayag Distance – 70 Kilometers
- Haridwar to Devprayag Distance – 95 Kilometers
- Dehradun Airport to Devprayag Distance – 85 Kilometers
- Delhi Airport to Devprayag Distance – 320 Kilometers
Rudraprayag Snagam – The Confluence of Shiva’s Blessings
Rudraprayag is the sacred spot where the Mandakini River from Kedarnath joins the Alaknanda River. It is the fourth confluence in the Panch Prayag circuit and holds great religious importance. The name ‘Rudraprayag’ comes from Lord Shiva’s fierce form, Rudra, and it is believed that Narad Muni meditated here to please Shiva and learn music. Located at an altitude of around 895 meters, Rudraprayag is also known for its peaceful surroundings and temples. It lies about 140 km from Rishikesh, 160 km from Haridwar and 390 Km from New Delhi Airport, making it a significant stop for pilgrims heading to Kedarnath or Badrinath.
Must-See:
- Confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini
- Rudranath and Tungeshwar Mahadev Temples
- Kartik Swami Temple and Narad Shila
- Dhari Devi Temple nearby
Accessibility:
- Rishikesh to Rudraprayag Distance – 140 Kilometers
- Haridwar to Rudraprayag Distance – 160 Kilometers
- Dehradun Airport to Rudraprayag Distance – 150 Kilometers
- Delhi Airport to Rudraprayag Distance – 390 Kilometers
Karnaprayag – The Land of Karna’s Sacrifice
Karnaprayag is the holy confluence where the Pindar River from the Pindari Glacier meets the Alaknanda River. It is named after Karna, the heroic figure from the Mahabharata, who is believed to have meditated here and received divine blessings from Surya, the Sun God. Legends say Lord Krishna performed Karna’s last rites at this sacred site. The great saint Swami Vivekananda is also known to have meditated here, which adds to its spiritual significance. Surrounded by the serene Garhwal hills, Karnaprayag is a peaceful stop rich in mythological and natural beauty. It is located about 34 km from Rudraprayag, 190 km from Haridwar, and 185 km from Dehradun.
Why Visit:
- Karna Temple and Uma Devi Temple
- Meditation site of Swami Vivekananda
- Scenic views of Garhwal hills and Pindar Valley
- Gateway to Adi Badri and Hariyali Devi temples
Accessibility:
- Rishikesh to Karnaprayag Distance – 170 Kilometers
- Haridwar to Karnaprayag Distance – 190 Kilometers
- Dehradun Airport to Karnaprayag Distance – 185 Kilometers
- Delhi Airport to Karnaprayag Distance – 420 Kilometers
Nandaprayag – Sacred Stories of Krishna’s Foster Father
Nandaprayag is the sacred confluence where the Nandakini River meets the Alaknanda River. The Nandakini originates from the glaciers of the Nanda Ghunti peak near the Nanda Devi Sanctuary, while the Alaknanda begins from the Satopanth Glacier near Mana village, close to Badrinath. The town is named after King Nanda, the foster father of Lord Krishna, who is believed to have performed a yajna here to seek blessings from Lord Vishnu. It is also said to be the place where King Dushyanta married Shakuntala. Surrounded by forested hills and mountain peaks, Nandaprayag is peaceful, spiritually rich, and less commercialized—perfect for those seeking a quiet, meaningful visit. It lies about 210 km from Haridwar, 185 km from Rishikesh, and 200 km from Dehradun.
Notable Experiences:
- Gopalnath Temple dedicated to Little Krishna
- Scenic riverside views and green hills
- Base for Kalpeshwar, Tungnath, and Bairaskund treks
- Nearby Shakuntala & Rishi Kanva’s meditation site
Accessibility:
- Rishikesh to Nandaprayag Distance – 185 Kilometers
- Haridwar to Nandaprayag Distance – 210 Kilometers
- Dehradun Airport to Nandaprayag Distance – 200 Kilometers
- Delhi Airport to Nandaprayag Distance – 440 Kilometers
Vishnuprayag – First of the Sacred Five
ishnuprayag is the first and highest of the Panch Prayag, where the Dhauliganga River meets the Alaknanda. The Alaknanda originates from the Satopanth Glacier near Mana village, while the Dhauliganga flows down from the Niti Pass near the Indo-Tibet border. Located at an altitude of around 1,372 meters and just 12 km from Joshimath, Vishnuprayag marks the spiritual beginning of the Ganga’s journey. The confluence is named after Lord Vishnu, and according to legends, Sage Narad meditated here and received blessings from the deity. Due to the strong current, bathing is not allowed, but the power of the rivers and the serene surroundings make it a deeply moving place to visit.
What to See:
- Ancient Vishnu Temple and Vishnu Kund at the confluence
- Base for treks to Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib
- Close to Auli, Kagbhusandi Lake, and scenic Himalayan trails
- Surrounded by peaks like Chaukhamba and Nanda Devi
Accessibility:
- Rishikesh to Vishnuprayag Distance – 255 Kilometers
- Haridwar to Vishnuprayag Distance – 280 Kilometers
- Dehradun Airport to Vishnuprayag Distance – 270 Kilometers
- Delhi Airport to Vishnuprayag Distance – 500 Kilometers
