Have you ever wondered what it would be like to visit a place where the gods reside? A place where nature and spirituality coexist in harmony?
If yes, then Sonprayag is the perfect destination for you. Sonprayag is a small town located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. It is situated at an altitude of 1829 meters above sea level, on the confluence of two rivers: Mandakini and Basuki.
Sonprayag means “the sacred confluence” in Sanskrit, and it is believed that a dip in the waters here can wash away one’s sins and grant salvation. Sonprayag is also the gateway to the revered Kedarnath Temple, one of the four Char Dhams (holy abodes) of Hinduism.
Sonprayag is also a place of scenic beauty and adventure. From snow-capped peaks to lush green valleys, from ancient temples to serene lakes, from trekking trails to hot springs, Sonprayag has something for everyone.
In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about Sonprayag tourism, including how to reach there, what to see and do there, and where to eat and stay.
How to Reach Sonprayag
Sonprayag is well-connected by road, rail, and air from major cities and towns of India. Here are the different modes of transportation that you can use to reach Sonprayag:
By Road: Sonprayag is about 420 km from Delhi, 215 km from Haridwar, 190 km from Rishikesh, and 80 km from Rudraprayag. You can take a bus or a taxi from these places to reach Sonprayag.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to Sonprayag is Rishikesh, which is well-connected by trains from Delhi and other cities. From Rishikesh, you can take a bus or a taxi to Sonprayag.
By Air: The nearest airport to Sonprayag is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 225 km away. You can take a flight from Delhi or other cities to Dehradun, and then take a bus or a taxi to Sonprayag.
Some tips and suggestions for traveling to Sonprayag are:
The best time to visit Sonprayag is from April to June and September to November, when the weather is pleasant and clear.
Avoid visiting during the monsoon season (July to August) as the roads may be blocked due to landslides and heavy rains. Also avoid visiting during the winter season (December to March) as the roads may be closed due to snowfall and extreme cold.
Carry warm clothes, woolen socks, gloves, caps, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc., as the temperature may drop significantly at higher altitudes.
Carry enough cash, as ATMs are not easily available in Sonprayag and nearby areas.
Carry your identity proof and other documents, as you may need them for security checks and permits.
Respect the local culture and customs, as Sonprayag is a sacred place for many people. Do not litter or pollute the environment, do not consume alcohol or non-vegetarian food near the temples or rivers, do not wear revealing clothes or shoes inside the temples, etc.
What to See and Do in Sonprayag
Sonprayag offers a variety of attractions and activities for travelers of all kinds. Whether you are looking for spiritual enlightenment or natural beauty or adventure thrill or cultural immersion or all of them together, you will find something that suits your taste in Sonprayag. Here are some of the top places to see and do in Sonprayag:
Kedarnath Temple: The most famous attraction of Sonprayag is the Kedarnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas (manifestations of Shiva) and one of the four Char Dhams (holy abodes) of Hinduism. The temple is located at an altitude of 3584 meters above sea level, about 16 km from Sonprayag. You can reach the temple by trekking, by helicopter, or by pony/palanquin. The trek is challenging but rewarding, as you will witness the majestic views of the Himalayas and the Mandakini river along the way. The temple is open from April to November, and the best time to visit is during the morning or evening aarti (prayer ceremony).
Vasuki Tal: Another attraction near Sonprayag is Vasuki Tal, a glacial lake situated at an altitude of 4135 meters above sea level, about 8 km from Kedarnath Temple. You can reach the lake by trekking from Kedarnath Temple, which will take about 4 to 5 hours. The trek is steep and difficult, but worth it for the stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. The lake is frozen during the winter season, and melts during the summer season. The best time to visit the lake is from May to October, when the weather is clear and pleasant.
Triyuginarayan Temple: If you are interested in the mythology and culture of Sonprayag, you should visit Triyuginarayan Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is located at an altitude of 1980 meters above sea level, about 12 km from Sonprayag. You can reach the temple by road or by trekking from Sonprayag or Gaurikund. The temple is famous for being the venue of the celestial wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, witnessed by Lord Vishnu. It is believed that the fire that was lit for the wedding ceremony is still burning in front of the temple, and is called Akhand Dhuni (eternal flame). The temple is open throughout the year, and the best time to visit is during sunrise or sunset, when you can see the golden glow of the fire and the temple.
Gaurikund: If you are looking for some relaxation and rejuvenation in Sonprayag, you should visit Gaurikund, a hot spring located at an altitude of 1982 meters above sea level, about 5 km from Sonprayag. You can reach Gaurikund by road or by trekking from Sonprayag. The hot spring has medicinal properties and can cure various ailments. It is also considered sacred and auspicious for bathing before visiting Kedarnath Temple. Gaurikund also has a small temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati, where you can offer your prayers and seek her blessings.
Chorabari Lake: If you are an adventure lover and want to experience some thrill in Sonprayag, you should visit Chorabari Lake, a glacial lake situated at an altitude of 3900 meters above sea level, about 3 km from Kedarnath Temple. You can reach the lake by trekking from Kedarnath Temple, which will take about 2 to 3 hours. The trek is moderate but challenging, as you will have to cross rocky terrains and snow patches along the way. The lake offers a breathtaking view of the Kedarnath peak and other snow-clad mountains. The lake is also known as Gandhi Sarovar, as some of Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were immersed here in 1948. The lake is frozen during the winter season, and melts during the summer season. The best time to visit the lake is from May to October, when the weather is clear and sunny.
These are just some of the places that you can see and do in Sonprayag. There are many more attractions and activities that you can explore in Sonprayag and nearby areas, such as Bhairavnath Temple, Shankaracharya Samadhi, Rudraprayag, Guptkashi, Deoria Tal, etc.
What to Eat in Sonprayag
After exploring the various attractions and activities in Sonprayag, you might be wondering what to eat and where to stay in this town. Don’t worry, we have got you covered.
Sonprayag is a vegetarian-friendly place, as most of the people here follow a strict vegetarian diet due to religious reasons. You can find a variety of dishes made from local ingredients, such as rice, wheat, lentils, vegetables, fruits, dairy products, etc. Some of the popular dishes that you can try in Sonprayag are:
Aloo ke Gutke: A spicy and tangy dish made from boiled potatoes, mustard oil, cumin seeds, red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander leaves, etc.
Kafuli: A creamy and nutritious dish made from spinach and fenugreek leaves, cooked in a paste of rice and curd, flavored with garlic, ginger, green chilies, etc.
Phaanu: A thick and hearty dish made from different types of lentils, such as urad dal, moong dal, chana dal, etc., cooked in a pressure cooker with water, salt, turmeric powder, etc., and tempered with mustard oil, cumin seeds, asafoetida, etc.
Gahat ki Dal: A special dish made from horse gram (a type of legume), soaked overnight and cooked with water, salt, turmeric powder, etc., and tempered with mustard oil, garlic, red chilies, etc. It is said to have medicinal properties and can cure kidney stones and other ailments.
Chainsoo: A rich and flavorful dish made from roasted black gram (a type of lentil), ground into a fine powder and cooked with water, salt, turmeric powder, etc., and tempered with mustard oil, cumin seeds, garlic, red chilies, etc.
Jhangora ki Kheer: A sweet and delicious dessert made from barnyard millet (a type of cereal), boiled in milk with sugar, cardamom powder, saffron strands, dry fruits, etc.
You can find these dishes and more at various restaurants, cafes, dhabas, etc., in Sonprayag. Some of the best places to eat in Sonprayag are:
- Shri Krishna Restaurant: A popular restaurant that serves tasty and hygienic food at reasonable prices. You can try their thali (a platter of rice, roti (flatbread), dal (lentil soup), sabzi (vegetable curry), salad, pickle, etc.), which is filling and satisfying.
- Cafe Himalaya: A cozy cafe that offers a variety of snacks and beverages. You can try their sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, pastas, cakes, cookies, coffee, tea, etc., which are fresh and delicious.
- Bhole Baba Dhaba: A simple and humble dhaba that serves authentic and homely food. You can try their parathas (stuffed flatbread), puris (deep-fried bread), halwa (sweet pudding), kheer (rice pudding), etc., which are hot and yummy.
Where to Stay in Sonprayag
Sonprayag has limited options for accommodation as it is a small town. However, you can find some decent places to stay that offer basic amenities and comfort. Some of the options for lodging in Sonprayag are:
Hotel Shivalik Valley Resort: A budget-friendly hotel that offers clean and spacious rooms with attached bathrooms. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves delicious food. The hotel is located near the bus stand and the market area.
Hotel Himalayan Comforts: A mid-range hotel that offers cozy and comfortable rooms with attached bathrooms. The hotel also has a garden area where you can relax and enjoy the view. The hotel is located near the river bank and the temple area.
Camp Nirvana: A luxury campsite that offers luxurious tents with attached bathrooms. The campsite also has a dining area where you can enjoy mouth-watering food. The campsite is located near the forest area and the lake area.
You can choose according to your preference and budget.
Conclusion
Sonprayag is a divine destination in the Himalayas that offers a unique blend of nature and spirituality. It is a place where you can experience the sacredness of the rivers, the majesty of the mountains, the beauty of the lakes, and the grace of the temples. It is a place where you can find peace, joy, and enlightenment.
If you are planning to visit Sonprayag, we hope this article has given you all the information you need to make your trip memorable and hassle-free. You can also contact us for more details and assistance.