Panch Prayag circuit drive
Panch Prayag Circuit Drive is a scenic and spiritual road trip along the upper reaches of the Alaknanda River in Garhwal, Uttarakhand. The route visits the five sacred confluences (Prayags) where tributaries join the Alaknanda: Vishnuprayag, Nandaprayag, Karnaprayag, Rudraprayag, and Devprayag. Expect river gorges, terraced hills, small hill towns, historic temples, and vivid views of the Himalaya.
Location
Panch Prayag Circuit (Vishnuprayag, Nandaprayag, Karnaprayag, Rudraprayag, Devprayag), Garhwal, India
Duration
Typical duration: 1–2 days. (A brisk one-day drive is possible from Srinagar (Uttarakhand) / Rudraprayag; a relaxed itinerary uses 2 days to include stops, temples and short hikes.)
Best Time to Visit
Best months: April–June and September–November. Avoid heavy monsoon months (July–August) due to landslide and road block risk; winters (Dec–Feb) can be cold with occasional snow at higher points.
Pricing
Estimated pricing (per vehicle / per person):
- Self-drive or private car (1‑4 pax): INR 5,000–12,000 per day (depends on pick-up/drop location and season)
- Shared taxi / day trip (per person): INR 800–2,000
- Private guided day tour with driver & guide: INR 7,000–15,000 (car + driver + guide)
- Additional costs: food, entry donations, fuel, tolls, optional guide tips. (Prices indicative; confirm with operators.)
Activity Type
Coordinates
Highlights
Vishnuprayag: Confluence of Alaknanda and Dhauliganga (scenic, temple nearby).
Nandaprayag: Where Nandakini meets Alaknanda; pleasant riverside ghats and temples.
Karnaprayag: Confluence of Pindar and Alaknanda with historic temples and views of surrounding peaks.
Rudraprayag: Confluence of Mandakini and Alaknanda; gateway towards Kedarnath/Chopta region.
Devprayag: Sacred confluence where Bhagirathi and Alaknanda meet to form the Ganga (important pilgrimage site, ancient temples).
Scenic river-valley driving, riverbanks, small markets, local Garhwali culture and food
Short walks to confluence viewpoints and small temple complexes
Photographic opportunities of clear mountain rivers, bridges and terraced hill slopes
Itinerary
Depart from Srinagar (Uttarakhand) / Rishikesh / Rudepryag (depending on start point).
Start early to avoid traffic and get better light for photography. Carry snacks and water.
Vishnuprayag — first stop
Short walk to the confluence and temple; 20–40 minutes for photography and offerings.
Nandaprayag — second stop
Visit the ghats and local temple; sample roadside tea/snacks. Allow 30–60 minutes.
Karnaprayag — lunch stop and sightseeing
Explore temples and viewpoints; have lunch in a local dhaba or packed meal.
Rudraprayag — late afternoon stop
Walk along the confluence; visit nearby market if time permits. Ideal for golden-hour photos.
Devprayag — final stop (if daylight permits) or next morning
Devprayag temple complex and viewpoints; evening aarti possible. Overnight nearby if doing 2 days.
Leisure morning at Devprayag / return drive
Explore local lanes, buy souvenirs, proceed back to base. Adjust based on energy and road conditions.
Safety Requirements
Avoid night driving on mountain roads; many stretches are narrow and unlit.
Check weather and road/landslide updates during monsoon; roads may be blocked.
Use an experienced local driver if unfamiliar with Himalayan driving.
Carry basic first‑aid, medicines for motion sickness, and adequate water.
Keep emergency contacts and vehicle fuel topped up; petrol pumps are sparse in some stretches.
Acclimatize if planning to proceed to higher-altitude destinations (Kedarnath/Valleys).
Tips
Start early to maximize daylight and avoid peak heat or traffic.
Carry cash (small denominations) — many shops/temples may not accept cards.
Respect temple rules: remove shoes, dress modestly, and ask before photographing people or rituals.
Wear comfortable shoes for short walks to riverbanks and temple steps.
Keep a light rain jacket during monsoon and a warm layer in shoulder seasons.
Hire a local guide if you want cultural context, or to locate less-known viewpoint spots.
Mobile network can be patchy; download offline maps and keep a power bank.
If time is limited, prioritize Devprayag and Rudraprayag for greatest cultural significance; if relaxed, visit all five prayags at leisure.
