Enroute Stopovers

Rudra-Prayag - Named after Lord Shiva (Rudra), Rudraprayag is situated at the holy confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers, at a distance of 34 kms. from Srinagar(Garhwal). The meeting of the Mandakini and Alaknanda rivers has a unique beauty of its own and it seems as if two sisters were embracing each other. It is believed that to master the mysteries of music, Narad Muni worshipped Lord Shiva, who appeared in his Rudra Avtaar (incarnation) to bless Narad.The Shiva and Jagdamba temples are of great religious importance.

Till recently, Rudraprayag was a part of district Chamoli and Tehri. In 1997, the Kedarnath Valley and parts of district Tehri & Pauri were conjoined to form Rudraprayag as a new district. The entire region is blessed with immense natural beauty, places of religious importance, lakes and glaciers.

Ukhimath - This is the winter seat of Lord Kedarnath and worship is done here during the winters when the temples of Kedarnath remain closed. The temples of Usha and Aniruddha, Lord Shiva and Parvati are worth visiting. Ukimath is at a distance of 41 kms. from Rudraprayag and 13 kms. from Guptkashi. It is situated at an elevation of 1311 mts.

Gupta-Kashi - Guptkashi has a great importance quite like that of Kashi. The ancient Vishwanath temple, Ardhnareshwar temple and Manikarnik Kund, where the two streams of Ganga and Yamuna are believed to meet, are the main places of attraction in Guptkashi.

It is believed that after the battle of Mahabharata, the Pandavas wanted to meet Lord Shiva and seek his blessing. But Lord Shiva evaded from Guptkasi to Kedarnath as he did not want to meet the Pandavas, the reason being that although they had fought for the right cause, they were also responsible for destroying their own dynasty.

Guptkashi is situated at an elevation of 1319 mts. The one Stupa is situated in Nala which is quite close to Ukhimath. Some local people call it the grave of Rana Nal. 3 kms. from Guptkashi, the remains of Ramgarh(in Ronitpur) still seem to echo the love between Lord Krishna’s son Anniruddha and Vanasur’s daughter Usha.

Son Prayag - At an elevation of 1829 mts. and on the main Kedarnath route, Son Prayag lies at the confluence of river Basuki and Mandakini. The holy site of Son Prayag is of immense religious significance. It is said that a mere touch of the holy water of Son Prayag helps one to attain the “Baikunth Dham”. Kedarnath is at a distance of 19 kms. from Son Prayag. Triyuginarayan, which is supposed to be the marriage place of Lord Shiva and Parvati, is at a distance of 14 kms. by bus and 5 kms. on foot from here.

Gaurikund - At a distance of 5 kms. from Son Prayag and at a altitude of 1982 mts., Gaurikund is the last bus station on the Kedarnath route. Before proceeding for Kedarnath on foot, people bath in the hot water pond here and visit the Gauri Devi temple. This is the place where Goddess Parvati meditated to attain Lord Shiva.

Joshimath - The town of Joshimath is the most important town on Badrinath route. Adi Guru Shankaracharya performed penance here and after attaining enlightenment established a Math known as “Joshimath”. He stayed here twice in the course of his dharmyatra. A cave is also named after him where he used to meditate. According to legends, a 2400 years tree “kalptaru” is still living as a testimony to his penance and enlightenment.

Govindghat- On traveling  10 kms. from Vishnuprayag, one arrives at this center to start a trekking tour of “Flower valley” and “Hemkund Sahib”.

Hanuman Chatti - 7 kms. from Sri Badrinath, Hanuman Chatti is a small old fashioned town. Hanumanji meditated here, Badrinathji being pleased with his meditation and devotion, blessed him with unusual powers.

Agustyamuni - 18 kms. from Rudraprayag, at an altitude of 1000 mts. and on the bank of river Mandakini, this is the place were rishi Agastya meditated for years. A temple by the name of Agasteshwar mahadev is dedicated to sage Agastya and this temple is also of an archaeological significance; figures of Gods and Goddess have been carved out on stones. On the occasion of Baisakhi a large fair is held and many devotees come here to worship and pay their homage to God.

For food and accommodation, a Forest Rest House and private hotels are available. Other facilities include market, bank, hospitals etc.

Uttarkashi - Situated between Yamunotri and Gangotri, Uttarkashi is an important pilgrimage equaled with Varansi. It is located in a wide stretch of valley on the banks of river Ganga. Important  temples of this town are Vishwanath and Kuteti Dev temple. Uttarkashi is an historical Himalayan town, which has many historical monuments, Ashrams and dharmshalas. About a mile away from Uttarkashi, there is a place called “UJALLI” famous for a colony of Sadhus and sanyasis, Many of them are reputed scholars of Hinduism.

Harsil - On the way to Gangotri, 6 kms. from jhala this is a beautiful sylvan hamlet set into incredibly beautiful mountains, waterfalls, lakes and valleys. Wison Cottage built in 1864 AD is worth giving a visit at Harsil.