Gauchar is a beautiful town located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is the 1st town/city of the Chamoli Garhwal and is located on the starting border of the Chamoli district. If you are planning to visit Chamoli then we recommend you stay in Gauchar for sure. You can reach Gauchar via helicopter from Dehradun, Tehri, and Srinagar Garhwal. Every week 3 three-day flights are operated from these helipads, you can book your ticket online from the official website of Pawan Hans or Heritage Aviation. These two companies currently provide heli services from Gauchar to Dehradun and Dehradun to Gauchar.

For more information, you can call us for online ticket booking or any other travel and informational purposes. We also provide tour guide and cab services from Gauchar helipad to any destination in Uttarakhand.

So if you are planning to visit Gauchar and don’t know what the best time to visit Gauchar, then in this article all your doubts will be cleared.

The best time to visit Gauchar is from April to June and from September to November. You must consider visiting Gauchar during November and enjoy the Gauchar mela festival. Gauchar Mela is one of the biggest fairs in Uttarakhand and it is held from 14 November to 20th November every year. It is a cultural and trade fair and you will see plenty of attractions in Gauchar mela.

There are some other beautiful locations nearby Gauchar you can visit also.

Best Places to Visit in Gauchar

Gauchar is a small town, there is not much to explore, but you can visit some locations and temples nearby.

• Gauchar Park
• Gauchar Field
• Kalika Devi Temple
• Gauchar Airport

Introduction

Rudraprayag Sangam is one of the five sacred river confluences known as the Panch Prayag in Uttarakhand, India. This significant spiritual site holds profound importance in Hinduism, where the Alaknanda River merges with the Mandakini River. Situated in Rudraprayag district, this meeting point is steeped in mythology, natural beauty, and a rich historical legacy. The confluence is more than just a geographical location; it is revered as a sacred site for religious rites and is a popular destination for pilgrims seeking blessings and spiritual renewal.

Geographical Overview

Rudraprayag is located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand at an elevation of approximately 895 meters (2,936 feet). The surrounding terrain is mountainous and picturesque, typical of the Himalayan foothills. The district is part of the famed Char Dham pilgrimage circuit, serving as a waypoint for pilgrims on their way to Kedarnath. The confluence itself is a mesmerizing spot where the turquoise waters of the Mandakini blend with the flow of the Alaknanda, symbolizing unity and harmony in Hindu culture.

Mythological Significance

The site of Rudraprayag Sangam is closely associated with Hindu mythology. According to legend, the sage Narada meditated at this confluence, seeking Lord Shiva’s blessings to master music. In response to Narada’s devotion, Lord Shiva appeared in his Rudra form and bestowed him with the knowledge of music. This divine encounter has led to the area’s spiritual significance and its name, “Rudraprayag” – with “Rudra” being a form of Shiva.

Religious Importance and Rituals

Rudraprayag, as part of the Panch Prayag (five confluences), is highly revered for ritualistic bathing and prayers. Pilgrims visiting the confluence often perform Shraddha, rituals for honouring their ancestors, and believe that bathing in the confluence’s waters purifies the soul. The Panch Prayag, including Vishnuprayag, Nandaprayag, Karnaprayag, Rudraprayag, and Devprayag, hold special significance on auspicious occasions like Makar Sankranti, where devotees gather to perform religious rites in these sacred waters.

The Five Prayags and Their Role

1. Vishnuprayag: The first Prayag where the Alaknanda meets the Dhauliganga River.
2. Nandaprayag: Here, the Alaknanda merges with the Nandakini River.
3. Karnaprayag: Known as the site where the Alaknanda meets the Pindar River.
4. Rudraprayag: The Alaknanda’s confluence with the Mandakini, forming a powerful point of spiritual connection.
5. Devprayag: The final Prayag, where the Alaknanda meets the Bhagirathi River to become the sacred Ganges.

Rudraprayag and the 2013 Floods

The region surrounding Rudraprayag Sangam faced massive devastation during the catastrophic 2013 Uttarakhand floods. This disaster severely impacted the infrastructure of the Sangam area, washing away footbridges and damaging temples and other structures. Recovery and rebuilding efforts have since reshaped the area, although the flood’s effects are still evident in certain places. This natural calamity brought to light the delicate balance of human settlement and nature’s power in the region.

Temples and Religious Sites Nearby

1. Rudranath Temple: This temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is situated right at the confluence and honors Shiva in his Rudra form. Pilgrims and tourists often visit this temple to seek blessings and experience the tranquil spiritual energy of the confluence.
2. Chamunda Devi Temple: Positioned near the Sangam, this temple is dedicated to Chamunda, a fierce form of Goddess Durga.
3. Koteshwar Temple: Located in a natural cave, this temple adds to the sacred aura of Rudraprayag with its serene environment.

Natural Beauty and Pilgrimage

Surrounded by lush mountains and featuring breathtaking views, Rudraprayag Sangam is both a pilgrimage destination and a nature lover’s paradise. The emerald waters, green landscapes, and snow-capped peaks visible from the area add to its enchanting atmosphere. Many visitors come to Rudraprayag not only for spiritual fulfillment but also to enjoy the serene beauty of the Garhwal region, especially along the routes leading to Kedarnath.

Accessibility to Rudraprayag Sangam

Rudraprayag is accessible via National Highway 58, connecting it to major cities such as Delhi, Haridwar, and Rishikesh. The nearest railway station is in Rishikesh, while the closest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. The town serves as a critical junction on the pilgrimage path to Kedarnath, making it a well-visited stop for devotees.

Conservation Efforts

Post the 2013 floods, conservation efforts have focused on protecting the natural and cultural heritage of Rudraprayag. This includes rebuilding damaged infrastructure, restoring temples, and implementing measures to manage the environmental impact of tourism. The government, along with local communities, has been active in these conservation efforts to preserve Rudraprayag’s ecological and spiritual integrity for future generations.

Conclusion

Rudraprayag Sangam is a timeless symbol of spiritual confluence, where rivers and beliefs merge in the lap of the Himalayas. Its location, mythology, and religious significance make it a unique pilgrimage destination within India’s sacred geography. Amidst the challenges posed by natural disasters, Rudraprayag stands resilient, drawing visitors who seek both tranquillity and devotion. For those traveling to the Himalayas, Rudraprayag offers an enriching experience, connecting the spirit to nature and divine harmony.

We all know that Uttarakhand is the hub of tourist places and is also known as Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, because of the Char Dham which are Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. The history of Uttarakhand is so long from the ancient era and in this article, we are going to talk about an ancient site that was the capital of the Garhwal kingdom, and the site is Chandpur Garhi. Chandpur Garhi Chamoli is one of the historic sites and best places to visit nearby Karnaprayag Chamoli. If you are in Karnaprayag then you must add this place to your travel list.

History of Chandpur Garhi

In ancient times there were 52 kingdoms in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, they were called Garhs at that time. And one of the garh(kingdom) was Chandpur Garhi. This was the capital of the Panwar generations and then later the capital was shifted to Srinagar Garhwal because the kingdom was becoming weaker due to regular attacks.

According to ancient historians and pieces of evidence, it is believed that the first king of Chandpur Garhi was King Kanalpal who established this fort and set up his capital here. He was one of the most powerful kings of that time, and all the 52 garhs(kingdoms) were under his influence. There is no proper evidence to proof the history of this mysterious fort and kingdom.

Ajaypal was the last king of Chandpur Garhi as per the historic writings. He shifted the capital from Chandpur Garhi to Devalgarh under his rule. Devalgarh site is located in today’s Pauri district of Uttarakhand, nearby Srinagar Garhwal.

Architecture and location of Chandpur Garhi

The fort was built with flat plate-like stones from the nearby stone mine. That stone mine is approx 3 Km away from the main site. Chandpur Garhi is located approx 500 meters on a hilltop from the Nainital national highway. The whole site is surrounded by hills tops and a few villages are located on those hilltops. The fort is surrounded by green, lush trees and small mountains. You can see the old traditional style Okhlis here, which were used to smash the grains at that time. Okhlis can be seen in almost all the villages of Uttarakhand. Today, only 20% structure of the fort is left and this site is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.

How to reach Chandpur Garhi

Chandpur Garhi is located 3 Km before Adi Badri temple and is well-connected with the national highway NH 109. The approximate distance from Karnaprayag to Chandpur Garhi is 16 Km. You can get a cab or bus from Karnaprayag to Chandpur Garhi or travel via your personal vehicle.

Conclusion

So if you are a history enthusiast who wants to explore the history of Garhwal then you must visit Chandpur garhi. It is one of the best tourist destinations nearby Karnaprayag Chamoli. We recommend you visit this site for sure if you really want to explore the history of the Garhwal region.

We all know that Uttarakhand is one of the most beautiful states of India, and there is no place in this state where you don’t see the beauty of nature. Every village and location in Uttarakhand itself is a beautiful tourist destination. In this article, we are going to talk about a hidden and underrated tourist destination in Chamoli. That location is Benital. It is one of the most beautiful locations I have seen where there is a very big lake located at a high mountain plane. Benital is one of the best tourist destinations nearby Karnaprayag.

The lake is surrounded by green lush forests and small green grass. The total area of Benital is spread over approx, 34000 naali. There is a beautiful old-style bungalow in Benital which is private property, so you can’t enter there. If you are in Karnaprayag and looking to spend some quality time with your loved ones or as a couple, then Benital could be a great choice for you.

Recently, the Chamoli district administration announced that Benital will be developed as an Astro village. Benital is well-connected with the branch road and the nearest town is Simli and then Karnaprayag.

Benital is just 31 Km away from Karnaprayag and easily accessible via road. There are a few beautiful villages in between the Benital route, so you can enjoy the beauty of those villages. Benital is also a good location for trekking and bird watching. The views from here are so mesmerizing and you are going to love the peace and greenery.

Benital a beautiful lake in Chamoli

Basically, Benital is a still-water lake that is surrounded by a green small grass fields. Benital is a popular picnic spot in the Karnaprayag block of Chamoli district. For decades, the land of Benital is used by locals to feed their cows and buffaloes. There is almost no infrastructure in Benital like resorts, hotels, and others. But in the upcoming future, you will see some buildings of GMVN guest house and other things here under the project Benital Astro Village.

Generally, few people visit Benital on an average day and there is no staying facility here, so you will have to return from here in the evening. If you are searching for a homestay in Benital then you will need to travel 5 to 7 Km down from Benital and you will find a location Ghandiyal where there is a homestay. Where you can stay and get some food items.

So overall Benital is one of the best picnic and camping spots in Chamoli Uttarakhand. If you want to do camping, then you will need to carry the necessary equipment and food items for camping in Benital.

Nainital, the city of lakes, nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, is a perfect getaway for nature lovers. The city boasts numerous vantage points, where one can witness the stunning beauty of the surroundings. Among them, Snow View Point is undoubtedly one of the most enchanting places to visit. Situated at an altitude of 2,270 meters above sea level, the Snow View Point Nainital provides a panoramic view of the Himalayas, including the Nanda Devi Peak, Trishul, and Nanda Kot Peaks. During winter, Snow Viewpoint may be crowded because Nainital is one of the best honeymoon destinations and winter destinations as well.

History and Location of Snow View Point

The Snow View Point was established in the early 19th century by the British, who used it as a vantage point to observe the snow-clad peaks of the Himalayas. The point was earlier accessible by a ropeway, but now it can be reached by road. The road to the point passes through a dense forest of Deodar and Pine trees, which adds to the beauty of the journey.

Snow View Point is located just 3 km away from the town center, and one can easily reach there by hiring a taxi or taking a shared cab. The place remains open from 10 am to 5 pm, and the entry fee is nominal.

Attractions at Snow View Point

The Snow View Point offers a mesmerizing view of the Himalayas, which attracts visitors from all over the world. Apart from the Himalayas, one can also see the beautiful Nainital town, including the Naini Lake, the Mall Road, and the Governor’s House. The place is also famous for its beautiful sunrise and sunset views.

Apart from the view, Snow View Point has a few other attractions. There is a small temple dedicated to Devi Maa, which is visited by many devotees. The place also has a small cafeteria that serves hot tea and snacks. There is also a small souvenir shop where one can buy handicrafts, woolen clothes, and other local items.

Tips for Visiting Snow View Point

If you plan to visit Snow View Point, it is recommended to start early in the morning to avoid the rush. The point is located at a high altitude, so it is advisable to carry warm clothes, especially during winter. The place remains closed during heavy snowfall, so it is better to check the weather conditions before planning the trip.

Conclusion

Snow View Point is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to visit in Nainital. The breathtaking view of the Himalayas and the serene surroundings make it a perfect spot to unwind and relax. The place is a must-visit for anyone who loves nature and wants to witness the beauty of the Himalayas.