Spiritual

Sonprayag Travel Guide

December 6, 2023

Sonprayag (Hindi: सोनप्रयाग, meaning “confluence of gold.”) is a holy town in Uttarakhand, India, and the starting point of the pilgrimage to Kedarnath.

The town is situated at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers, which are considered sacred rivers in Hinduism. The Kedarnath temple, one of the most revered Hindu shrines, is located about 86 kilometers (53 mi) upstream from Sonprayag.

How to Reach Sonprayag

Sonprayag is well connected by road to major cities in Uttarakhand, including Dehradun, Haridwar, and Rishikesh. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun.

Dehradun to Sonprayag: Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand, is approximately 251 kilometers from Sonprayag. Regular bus services operate between the two destinations, with a travel time of around 7-8 hours. Shared taxis are also available, taking approximately 6-7 hours.
Haridwar to Sonprayag: Haridwar, another prominent pilgrimage site, is about 212 kilometers from Sonprayag. Frequent bus services connect the two towns, with a travel time of around 6-7 hours. Shared taxis are also an option, taking approximately 5-6 hours.
Rishikesh to Sonprayag: Rishikesh, a renowned yoga destination, is situated about 119 kilometers from Sonprayag. Regular bus services and shared taxis operate between the two places, with a travel time of around 3-4 hours.

Best time to visit Sonprayag

The best time to visit Sonprayag is from October to March when the weather is pleasant. The summer months can be hot and dry, while the winter months can be cold and snowy.

Autumn (September to November)

Comfortable temperatures: Daytime temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), while nights are slightly cooler with temperatures around 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F).
Clear skies and scenic vistas: The autumn months offer clear skies and breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas.
Less crowded conditions: Autumn falls outside the peak pilgrimage season, allowing for a more peaceful and tranquil experience.

Spring (March to May)

Pleasant temperatures: Daytime temperatures gradually rise, ranging from 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F), while nights remain mild with temperatures around 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F).
Blooming flowers: The surrounding valleys come alive with colorful wildflowers, painting a picturesque landscape.
Comfortable trekking conditions: The spring season offers favorable conditions for trekking to Kedarnath and other nearby trails.

Considerations for Other Seasons

Summer (June to August): During the summer months, temperatures can soar up to 35°C (95°F), making it less comfortable for sightseeing and outdoor activities. However, the Kedarnath pilgrimage season is at its peak during this time.
Winter (December to February): Winters in Sonprayag can be quite cold, with temperatures dropping below freezing. Heavy snowfall is also common, making it challenging to travel and explore the region.

Things to do in Sonprayag

Visit the Triyuginarayan temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Take a dip in the holy confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers.
Trek to Kedarnath temple.
Visit Vasuki Tal, a beautiful lake located about 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) from Sonprayag.
Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Himalayas.

Where to stay in Sonprayag

There are a number of hotels and guesthouses in Sonprayag to suit all budgets.

Prince Homestay & Restaurant Sonprayag Triyuginarayan road ( Kedarnath) Uttarakhand: This hotel is located near the Triyuginarayan Temple and offers a variety of rooms with stunning views of the Himalayas.
Hotel Rama Palace: This hotel is located on the banks of the Mandakini River and offers a variety of rooms with balconies.
Sunshine Hill Resorts: This resort is located a short distance from Sonprayag and offers a variety of cottages and villas with stunning views of the valley.
Hotel Devlok & Restuarant Sonprayag: This hotel is located in the Sonprayag market and offers a variety of rooms with balconies.
Hotel Surya Palace: This hotel is located in Ukhimath, a short distance from Sonprayag, and offers a variety of rooms with balconies.

What to eat in Sonprayag

Local cuisine includes pahari raita, a dish made with yogurt, cucumber, and potatoes, and mandwa roti, a flatbread made from millet flour.

Pahari raita: A dish made with yogurt, cucumber, and potatoes.
Mandwa roti: A flatbread made from millet flour.
Kafuli: A type of wild spinach that is cooked with lentils.
Bhang ki chutney: A chutney made from hemp seeds.
Kheer: A sweet rice pudding.

Shopping in Sonprayag

Sonprayag is a good place to buy souvenirs such as woolen clothes, handicrafts, and religious items.

Woolen clothes: Sonprayag is known for its woolen clothes, which are made from sheep wool.
Handicrafts: Sonprayag is also a good place to buy handicrafts, such as wood carvings, pottery, and jewelry.
Religious items: Sonprayag is a holy town, so there are many shops selling religious items, such as statues, incense, and prayer flags.

Here are some additional tips for planning your trip to Sonprayag:

Book your accommodation in advance, especially during the peak season.
Be prepared for cold weather, even in the summer months.
Carry warm clothes, a raincoat, and sunscreen.
Respect the local culture and customs.
Bargain when shopping.

Some Temple from Sonprayag

Triyuginarayan Temple

The Triyuginarayan Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed to be one of the oldest temples in India and is located about 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) from Sonprayag.

The temple is said to have been built by Adi Shankara, the 8th-century Hindu philosopher. The temple is made of stone and has a unique circular design. The main shrine of the temple houses a 1.5-metre (4.9 ft) tall black stone statue of Lord Shiva.

Vasuki Tal

Vasuki Tal is a beautiful lake located about 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) from Sonprayag. The lake is surrounded by mountains and is a popular spot for picnics and boating.

Vasuki Tal is also a sacred place for Hindus. It is believed that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati used to bathe in the lake. There is a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva on the banks of the lake.

Kedarnath Trek

The Kedarnath Trek is a 16-kilometre (9.9 mi) trek from Sonprayag to Kedarnath temple. The trek is considered to be one of the most challenging in the Himalayas. However, the views from the top are simply breathtaking.

The trek takes about 6-7 days to complete. It is important to be in good physical condition before attempting the trek. You can also hire a pony or a palki (palanquin) to carry you on the trek.

Sonprayag Travel Tips

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Sonprayag is from October to March when the weather is pleasant. The summer months can be hot and dry, while the winter months can be cold and snowy.
How to reach: Sonprayag is well connected by road to major cities in Uttarakhand, including Dehradun, Haridwar, and Rishikesh. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun.
Accommodation: There are a number of hotels and guesthouses in Sonprayag to suit all budgets.
Food: Local cuisine includes pahari raita, a dish made with yogurt, cucumber, and potatoes, and mandwa roti, a flatbread made from millet flour.
Shopping: Sonprayag is a good place to buy souvenirs such as woolen clothes, handicrafts, and religious items.

FAQ

What is Sonprayag known for?

Sonprayag is a holy town in Uttarakhand, India, and the starting point of the pilgrimage to Kedarnath. It is situated at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers, which are considered sacred rivers in Hinduism.

Where is Sonprayag located?

Sonprayag is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. It is situated about 129 kilometers from Rishikesh and 223 kilometers from Dehradun.

When is the best time to visit Sonprayag?

The best time to visit Sonprayag is from October to March when the weather is pleasant. The summer months can be hot and dry, while the winter months can be cold and snowy.

How can I get to Sonprayag?

Sonprayag is well connected by road to major cities in Uttarakhand, including Dehradun, Haridwar, and Rishikesh. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun.