Vishnuprayag

Vishnuprayag is the uppermost and first of the five sacred Panch Prayag confluences, where the Alaknanda meets the Dhauliganga as both rush down from the high Himalaya near Joshimath. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it is named for the sage Narada, who is believed to have worshipped Vishnu here and earned his blessing.

The confluence lies in a deep, dramatic gorge on the road between Joshimath and Badrinath, marked by an octagonal temple and turbulent grey-green waters that crash together far below the highway. It is the highest of the prayags on the Alaknanda's descent.

Most travellers experience Vishnuprayag as a striking pause on the Badrinath pilgrimage route rather than a destination in itself, but its raw mountain setting and religious significance make it a memorable stop, easily combined with Joshimath, Auli and the higher shrines.

April–June and September–November, alongside the Badrinath season. Winters are cold; the monsoon brings landslide risk.