Nandprayag – One of the ‘Panch Prayags’, the Nandprayag lies at the confluence of rivers Alaknanda and Nandakini in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. As per puranic stories, it is at this place where King Nand (husband of Yashoda who brought up Krishna) worshipped Lord Vishnu to grant him the boon of Lord himself to be born as son to him and Yashoda. A small temple at this place is visited by many pilgrims heading towards Badrinath.

Joshimath – It is an important stopover enroute to Badrinath from where buses, cars and taxis move in convoys till Badrinath and the roads remain closed at night. Captivating vistas of Himalayan peaks along the route, makes you appreciate the striking craftsmanship of nature and God. It is also the major destination enroute to Auli, the skiing paradise for adventure sports lovers in winters. A 3km. cable car ride from Joshimath can be taken to reach Auli. Joshimath also acts as the base site for treks to ‘Valley of Flowers’ and ‘Hemkund Sahib’. Main attractions in Joshimath include the following.

       • Narsingh Temple– This is the winter home for Lord Badri who is shifted here when main temple of Badrinath remains closed from the time of Diwali to Akshay Tritiya. The deity of Lord Vishnu in the form of Narsingh (half human and half lion) is revered in this temple.

       • Shankaracharya Math– Believed to be established by the Hindu Guru, Adi Shankaracharya, it is a sacred place housing the temples of Lord Badri and Rajrajeshwari Devi.

Vishnuprayag – Another sacred prayags of the ‘Panch Prayag’ group, the Vishnuprayag lies at the confluence of rivers Alaknanda and Dhauliganga in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is believed that sage Narad worshipped Lord Vishnu at this holy confluence. Lots of pilgrims take a holy dip in the waters of the ‘Vishnu Kund’ and visit the ‘Vishnu Temple’ dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Hanuman Chatti – The place enroute to Badrinath is famous for its ancient temple of Lord Hanuman. According to legends, this is the place where Lord Hanuman crumpled the ego of Bheema, second of five Pandava brothers of Mahabharata. A true devotee praying to Lord Hanuman in this temple is granted with all his wishes. Pandukeshwar – The place is famous for its ancient ‘Yog Dhyan Badri Temple’ which as old as the main Badrinath Temple. The temple is dedicated to lord Vishnu who is worshipped in a dhyan mudra or meditative posture. This temple is also considered to be one of ‘Sapt Badris’ or the seven abodes of Lord Vishnu.