One of the Panch Prayag – Sacred Meeting of Two Holy Rivers in Rudraprayag District
Rudraprayag Sangam is one of the five sacred Panch Prayag confluences of the Alaknanda River. Here, the Alaknanda (coming from Badrinath) and the Mandakini (coming from Kedarnath) rivers merge at 610 metres altitude. The town of Rudraprayag takes its name from Lord Rudra (Shiva), who is said to have played the veena here to worship Parvati.
The confluence ghat is a beautiful and serene spot for a sacred dip and prayers. Two ancient temples flank the rivers: the Chamunda Devi Temple on one bank and the Rudranath Temple on the other. Rudraprayag town is a major junction on the Kedarnath and Badrinath pilgrim routes — all traffic from Rishikesh to Kedarnath passes through here. The evening aarti at the sangam is a peaceful experience.
Year-round. Best in May–June and September–November for pilgrim season to Kedarnath/Badrinath. Summer is ideal for the river view.
Nearest railway: Rishikesh (140 km). Regular taxis from Rishikesh.
Frequent buses from Rishikesh/Haridwar to Rudraprayag. Also on Kedarnath pilgrimage route.
140 km from Rishikesh (4.5 hrs) on NH58. Junction for Kedarnath (86 km) and Badrinath.