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Karnaprayag

Karnaprayag - The Junction of Alaknanda and Pindari Rivers

Bedecked on the confluence of river Alaknanda and the Pindari River, Karnaprayag is one of the Panch Prayag or the 'five confluences' of river Alaknanda. This holy town is situated at an average elevation of 1,451 meters above sea level. 

The toy town of Karnaprayag is also known as ‘The City of Karna of Mahabharata’. It is famous for connecting the Garhwal region with the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand via NH 109. While on a visit to the Himalayas, Swami Vivekananda also meditated here with his gurus.

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Why Visit Karnaprayag?   

With the lush green hills at the backdrop, the foaming white river, and the pristine surroundings, Karnaprayag is truly a visitor’s delight. At Karnaprayag, one can pay obeisance at the ancient Uma Devi temple dedicated to Goddess Sati, the first wife of Lord Shiva who later took birth as Parvati. It is said that the great Hindu monk and philosopher, Swami Vivekananda along with his Guru Bhai, Guru Turianand Ji, and Akharanand Ji indulged in a serious meditation at Karnaprayag, which lasted for eighteen days. 

Some of the tourist places located in the vicinity of Karnaprayag are the picturesque Nauti village and the Adi Badri temple. For excursions, one can visit Nandprayag, Joshimath, Gauchar, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Gopeshwar and Gwaldam that are located in the proximity of Karnaprayag.

Activities in Karnaprayag

Village TourismTourists can explore the rustic life of village folks and learn about their way of life, customs and cultures that could be quite an experience. There are few villages in the vanity where one could hike. 

Pilgrimage: Karnaprayag lies at the junction from where one could travel to Badrinath as well as Kedarnath. Pilgrims traveling to either shrine halt at Karnaprayag for refreshments.

ShoppingThere are many shops and stores in Karnaprayag where one can purchase a wide range of items including handicrafts, religious idols, and paintings, woolen clothing.

Karnaprayag Travel Tips

  • Karnaprayag is mostly used as night halt during Char Dham Yatra or Badrinath Yatra.
  • As Karnaprayag is the busiest town and a commercial hub in the Chamoli district, facilities like ATMs and petrol pumps are easily available.

Being situated on National Highway 58 that takes tourists and pilgrims from Rishikesh to Badrinath, Karnaprayag has many accommodations options available. However, it is difficult to find luxurious hotels and resorts as the place is not as a popular tourist destination as Nainital or Mussoorie. There are many budget hotels and guesthouses at Karnaprayag with limited amenities.

For a budget traveler, there are many roadside dhabas and local food joints at Karnaprayag where one can find North Indian cuisines and popular Chinese dishes at affordable prices. Being a small town, it is hard to find a restaurant that serves delectable choices of International cuisines as Karnaprayag does not have fancy restaurants that serve variety.

According to the famous Hindu mythology, Karnaprayag is the place where the mighty Karna, the son of Pawan Dev and Kunti did a serious penance. Pleased by his utmost devotion and worship, the Sun God appeared in front of Karna and blessed him with two protective gears called Kavacha, (an armor) and Kundala (earrings) which had superficial powers. While some of the legends state that, Karnaprayag is the place where Lord Krishna performed the cremation of Karna.

More About Karanprayag

Karnaprayag is a city, a Municipal board and also the sub-divisional headquarters of the Chamoli district. It lies in the midst of Nandprayag and Rudraprayag. Karnprayag is also known for its high altitude markets and if you are heading to Badrinath, then Karnprayag is an ideal place to buy the necessary things.

Karnaprayag Photo Gallery

Karnprayag during monsoon.
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What is Karnaprayag famous for?

Karnaprayag is famous among tourist as Pilgrimage and scenic beauty.

Karnaprayag is popular destination for following activities/ interests - Char Dham Route, Panch Prayag, Pilgrimage.

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