Panch Prayag in Uttarakhand

The Panch Prayag of Uttarakhand follows the path carved by the Alaknanda River as it emerges from the Satopanth Glacier in the Himalayas. The river first meets the Dhauliganga River at Vishnuprayag, near Joshimath. Nandaprayag is the second confluence, where the Alaknanda is joined by the Nandakini River.

The third confluence, Karnaprayag, is where the Alaknanda meets the Pindar River. It is believed to be the site where Karna, the tragic hero of the Mahabharata, meditated to appease the Sun God. The fourth confluence, Rudraprayag, occurs at the junction of the Alaknanda and Mandakini Rivers. Finally, at Devprayag, the Alaknanda meets the Bhagirathi River, together forming the Ganges, which then flows toward the plains.

Panch Prayag is a significant stop for pilgrims and devotees undertaking the Char Dham Yatra. Many Char Dham Yatra packages include visits to the Panch Prayag as part of their itinerary. Devprayag, the holiest of all the Panch Prayag, is located at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi Rivers, known as the Sangam. The Char Dham pilgrimage, along with visits to the Panch Prayag, plays a key role in promoting Uttarakhand’s tourism.