Rudraprayag
Sacred Panch Kedar shrines, high alpine tarns, and the Mandakini river canyon
All Destinations
Kedarnath Temple & Trail
The most revered of the twelve Jyotirlingas and the foremost among the Panch Kedar, Kedarnath is nestled at the head of the Mandakini river valley at 3,583m. Backed by the immense glaciated wall of Mount Kedarnath (6,940m) and Kedar Dome, the ancient grey-stone temple was consecrated by Adi Shankaracharya and has withstood earthquakes, avalanches, and the test of millennia.
Chopta, Tungnath & Chandrashila
A classic summit trek starting from the pristine rolling meadows of Chopta (known as the 'Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand'). The well-paved trail climbs through thick rhododendron and scarlet oak forests to Tungnath—the highest Shiva temple in the world at 3,680 meters—and pushes 1.5 km further up a rocky ridge to Chandrashila summit (4,000m) for a stunning 360-degree vista of Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba.
Chandrashila Peak Summit
Towering immediately above Tungnath Temple, Chandrashila ('Moon Rock') is a prominent 4,000-meter summit in the Garhwal Himalayas. Celebrated for its legendary 360-degree panorama encompassing Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba, Kedar Dome, Bandarpunch, and the Gangotri ranges, it is according to Hindu legend where Lord Rama meditated after defeating Ravana, and where the Moon God Chandra spent hours in deep penance.
Deoria Tal Emerald Lake & Sari
A crystalline freshwater alpine lake sitting at 2,438m surrounded by dense rhododendron and oak forests in Rudraprayag district. Famed for its mirror-like reflection of the snow-clad Chaukhamba massif on clear mornings, it is associated with the Yaksha Prashna legend from the Mahabharata. The 3 km uphill cobblestone trail starts from the picturesque village of Sari.
Madhyamaheshwar Temple & Trek
The second temple in the sacred Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit, Madhyamaheshwar is nestled in a lush alpine meadow directly beneath the Chaukhamba massif. At this ancient stone temple, Lord Shiva's navel (nabhi) is worshipped. The trail winds from Ransi village through deep river canyons, lush oak-and-rhododendron woodlands, and remote shepherd settlements, with a stunning ridge hike up to Buda Madhyamaheshwar.
Gaurikund Thermal Springs & Trailhead
Perched along the rushing Mandakini River in Rudraprayag, Gaurikund is the sacred roadhead and trailhead for the 16 km climb to Kedarnath. Named after Goddess Parvati (Gauri) who performed rigorous spiritual penance here to win Lord Shiva as her consort, it features the historic Gauri Mata Temple and natural geothermal sulphur springs.
Triyuginarayan Akhand Dhuni Temple
A revered ancient stone temple perched on a mountain ridge near Sonprayag, Triyuginarayan is celebrated as the celestial wedding site of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, witnessed by Lord Vishnu who acted as Parvati's brother. The temple is famed for its Akhand Dhuni—an eternal sacred fire in front of the sanctum that has burned continuously for three cosmic epochs (Yugas).
Rudraprayag Sangam (Alaknanda & Mandakini)
One of the sacred Panch Prayag (five holy confluences) of the Garhwal Himalayas, Rudraprayag marks the dramatic confluence where the roaring emerald waters of the Alaknanda River meet the torrential rapids of the Mandakini River. Named after Lord Shiva (Rudra) who performed the celestial Tandava here, the town serves as the primary gateway bifurcation heading north toward Kedarnath and northeast toward Badrinath.