Discover Karnaprayag to Badrinath: Tips for a road trip

The distance from Karnaprayag to Badrinath is approximately 128 kilometers via NH 7. The road journey takes around 4-5 hours by taxi or bus. Along the way, you will cross the towns of Gauchar and Chamoli, and drive through scenic mountainous terrain.

There are also several small villages and temples that you can visit along the way, such as Nandprayag, Gopeshwar, and Joshimath. The route from Karnaprayag to Badrinath is known for its stunning natural beauty and is a popular destination among tourists and pilgrims visiting the region.

Karnaprayag to Badrinath distance

The distance between Karnaprayag and Badrinath Temple Road is 128 km or 77.7 miles. It takes approximately 5 hrs 10 mins to drive from Karnaprayag to Badrinath Temple Road. The driving time has been calculated based on the distance and the speed on the road.

Suggested Read:  Panch Prayag Uttarakhand: Sangam Names, Tour Package & Yatra

Road Network

Karnaprayag is easily accessible by road from Delhi and other nearby cities. While air and rail connectivity in Uttarakhand is limited, the road network is the best and most easily available transport option. You can either drive to Karnaprayag or hire a cab/taxi to reach Karnaprayag from Delhi or any other nearby city.

Karnaprayag to Kedarnath distance

The approximate driving distance between Karnaprayag and Kedarnath is 112 kilometers or 69.6 miles. The driving time for most vehicles is around 4 hours and 14 minutes.

Rishikesh Karnprayag Railway Line

The project’s main objective is to establish a connection between Rishikesh and Karnaprayag, which will in turn promote socio-economic and cultural growth in the area.

The Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail line project will be approximately 125.20 km long, with 12 stations, 35 bridges, and 17 tunnels making up most of the route. The 15.1 km tunnel between Devprayag and Lachmoli will also be included. It is estimated that the entire project will be completed by 2024-25.

Karnaprayag, a serene town nestled in the Chamoli District of Uttarakhand, is one of the sacred Panch Prayags (five confluences) where rivers merge.

The town lies at the meeting point of the Alaknanda and Pindar Rivers, the latter flowing down from the majestic Pindari Glacier. Situated at an elevation of 1,451 meters above sea level, Karnaprayag holds immense religious and historical significance.

The Sacred Confluence and the Panch Prayag

Karnaprayag is one of the five sacred sites of river confluence in the Alaknanda River Basin, with the others being Vishnuprayag, Nandprayag, Rudraprayag, and Devprayag.

These confluences are important stops on the Hindu pilgrimage route, believed to purify the soul. The most famous confluence of all, Prayag (Allahabad), where the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers meet, is a highly revered pilgrimage site.

Mythological Significance

According to legend, Karnaprayag was the place where Karna, the noble warrior from the Mahabharata, worshipped the Sun God to gain his celestial armor and invincibility. It is also believed that Lord Krishna cremated Karna at Karnaprayag after his death in battle.

In some versions of the story, Karna was struck down by Arjuna but survived the initial blow because Dharma-devata (the Goddess of Righteousness) protected him. To ensure Karna’s death, Krishna disguised himself as a Brahmin and asked Karna to give away all his good merits as charity.

Karna, known for his generosity, willingly gave away all his merits, after which Dharma-devata disappeared, allowing Krishna to instruct Arjuna to finish him. Krishna then performed Karna’s cremation at a site that is now known as Karnaprayag.

Places to Visit in Karnaprayag

• Uma Devi Temple: This ancient temple is dedicated to Goddess Uma, and is one of the most important spiritual landmarks of the town.
• The Confluence Point: Witnessing the powerful convergence of the Alaknanda and Pindar Rivers is a must for visitors.
• Pindari Glacier Trek: A trekking route for adventurers, taking them closer to the origins of the Pindar River.

How to Reach Karnaprayag

Karnaprayag is well connected by road. It can be reached via Rishikesh and Haridwar by bus or taxi, with the nearest railway station located in Rishikesh. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is around 200 km away.

Cultural and Religious Importance

Karnaprayag is more than just a scenic town; it is a place of deep spiritual significance. For Hindus, visiting the Panch Prayags is considered a step towards salvation, with each confluence offering unique spiritual experiences and historical tales.

Conclusion

The road trip from Karnaprayag to Badrinath is popular among travelers and locals alike, especially in the summer. It takes around 5 hours to reach Badrinath from Karnaprayag. However, this drive is famous for its sheer serenity and beauty. This is a trip that gives you an insight into the truest sense of the words ‘Garhwal-ism’.

Karnaprayag to Badrinath Karnaprayag to Badrinath Karnaprayag to Badrinath  Karnaprayag to Badrinath