“Why is Rudraprayag famous” If you’ve the same question on your mind, Let me enlist some reasons why Rudraprayag in Garwhal Himalayas is popular.
Based on my travels, I have curated this blog consisting of reasons why I think Rudraprayag district is famous. Hopefully it will compel you to pack your bags and choose Rudraprayag as your next destination in the Himalayas.
Why Is Rudraprayag Famous ?
Rudraprayag is a district in Garwhal division of Uttarakhand. While its administrative headquarters with the same name is perched at a relatively low altitude of 690 m.
Apart from the obvious reason of Rudraprayag being one of the five holy confluences in Uttarakhand, there are several other reasons which makes Rudraprayag district famous and worth the visit.
By the way, here is a detailed blog on how to reach Rudraprayag for the first time travelers.
Rudraprayag is The Confluence of River Alkananda And Mandakini
Prayag literally translates to confluence. And Rudraprayag is one of the holiest confluences in Hinduism.
River Alkananda rises near Satopanth glacier while River Mandakini at Chorabari glacier near Kedarnath before finally meeting at Rudrparayag.
Further river Alaknanda merges with river Bhagirathi at Devprayag finally giving rise to the holy River Ganga. Therefore, Rudraprayag being the confluence is revered by Hindus and is famous.
Rudraprayag is the Gateway To Kedarnath, Madhmaheshwar & Tugnath
While Kedarnath & Tugnath need no introduction, the mention of Madhmaheshwar might catch you off guard. In Garwhal division of Uttarakhand there are total of Five Kedars amongst which 3 Kedars are located in the district of Rudraprayag.
Located at dizzying altitude with impeccable views of lofty Himalayan peaks, all 3 Kedars in Rudraprayag district can only be reached on foot. With Kedarnath & Madhmaheshwar require several hours of hiking. Tugnath can be reached within a couple of hours.
The other two Kedars namely Rudranath and Kalpeshwar are located in Chamoli district of Garwhal division.
Tungnath Mahadev, Third Kedar and the highest Shiva Temple in the world.
Rudraprayag is Home To Lord Karthik Swami
Holy shrine dedicated to Lord Kathik Swami near Kanak Chauri in Rudraprayag district is another reason why Rudraprayag is famous.
Blessed with panoramic views of mighty Himalayan peaks, Karthik Swami temple has risen amongst popularity with travelers.
The religious significance & scenic beauty located just 33 km from main town of Rudraprayag makes it absolutely worth the visit. The hike to Karthik swami temple is just around 4 km from Kanak Chauri.
Karthik Swami Temple near Kanak Chauri is just an hour away from Rudraprayag town. Hazy weather denied me the clear views of Himalayan peaks.
Destinations Like Chopta Valley Make Rudraprayag Really Famous
Chopta valley is one of the main reasons why Rudraparayag district is famous. And is located just 2.5 hours drive away from the main Rudraprayag town.
Vast meadows, Tugnath Mahadev temple, Rustic villages are some of the reasons why Chopta finds itself amongst the top spots in the list of places to visit in Uttarakhand.
Ancient Temples like Omkareshwar Temple, Triyugi Narayan, Kalimath Temple
Rudraprayag district is known for its ancient temples like Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimath, which also acts as the winter abode of Kedarnath and Madhmaheshwar temples.
Apart from Omkareshwar temple, Triyugi Naryan temple is sacred and is said to be the place where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married.
Kalimath Temple is another significant place of worship in Rudrprayag where the temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali and is one of the Shakti peeths.
Surreal Lakes Is One Of The Reasons To Visit Rudraprayag
Rudraprayag district is home to many beautiful lakes some of them are really perched high up in the mountains.
Deoriatal is the one with easiest access and requires only a hike of about 2-3 km with rewarding views of Himalayan peaks like Chaukhamba, Kedar Range, Bandarpooch to name a few.
While Bisudi Tal is a high-altitude lake perched at above 4000m which requires several days hiking. Vasuki Tal another high-altitude lake is located right near Kedarnath Dham.
In case you didn’t notice the hazy weather resulted in not so good views of Peaks at Deoriatal.
Undulating Meadows and Grasslands Makes Rudraprayag Absolutely Worth it
One of the reasons I personally like Rudraprayag district is due to plethora of Bugyals it has to offer. Bugyals are basically vast grasslands or meadows.
Pristine meadows of Rudraprayag district include Tingri Bugyal, Rohini Bugyal, Syalmi Bugyal, Kham Bugyal, to name a few.
Such meadows much wow ! In complete awe of Sari to Chopta trail.
Rudraprayag Has No Dearth Of Trekking and Hiking Trails
There is no dearth of beautiful hiking and trekking trails in Rudraprayag which is also one of the reason why rudraprayag is worth visit.
Pilgrim trails like Kedarnath, Tugnath, Madhmaheshwar are quite popular even amongst travelers. Some relatively lesser known treks include Bisudi tal, Tingri Bugyal, Rohini Bugyal etc.
In case you were looking for what to pack for a trip to Uttarakhand, I’ve got a super detailed blog for you.
Hazy weather playing a spoilsport again and denying me insane vistas of Himalayan peaks at Chandrashila peak 4000 m.
Rhododendron Bloom During Spring Is A Sight To Behold
While Rhododendron is found generally across Himalayas. The sheer number of trees in Rudraprayag district makes it a spectacle when they bloom during spring especially pink Rhododendron trees which are rare.
I was fortunate enough to witness the spectacle and let me tell it was one the highlights of my trip to Rudraprayag district. Chopta is the best place to witness the Pink and Red Rhododendrons in the district.
In case you were wondering what networks best in Uttarakhand, here is a detailed blog on the same.
Witnessing Pink Rhododendron was one of the highlights of my trip to Chopta valley.
That’s all I had for this blog. Hope you liked it and now know why Rudraprayag is so famous.
Sacred pilgrim sites, ancient temples, vibrant meadows, rustic villages, beautiful lakes and incredible people make Rudraprayag absolutely worth the visit. In case you have any queries, make sure to drop them in the comments.