English: The Panch Prayag is a historic Hindu tirtha (pilgrimage) mentioned in pre-5th century texts. These are five sites along the Alaknanda river that are particularly notable for being at the confluences of Himalayan rivers before they together become river Ganges – the most celebrated river in Hindu traditions.

Alaknanda and Bhagirathi confluence: Devaprayag

Alaknanda and Mandakini confluence: Rudraprayag

Alaknanda and Pindar confluence: Karnaprayag

Alaknanda and Nandakini confluence: Nandaprayag

Alaknanda and Dhauliganga confluence: Vishnuprayag

These confluence sites have temple complexes and monasteries, associated pilgrim facilities such as bathing ghats, mandapa (choultries), community kitchens and walking trails built by Himalayan Hindu kingdoms. These pilgrim stop points emerged as small towns and villages over time. The temple groups are dedicated to Shiva, Durga, Ganesha, Vishnu, Lakshmi, Surya, and other deities of Hinduism.

In addition to Panch Prayag, Uttarakhand has many other famed pilgrimages whose routes partly overlap. These include the Panch Badri, the Panch Kedar, the Char Dham, and others.

This is a derivative work on the following map SVG file available on wikimedia commons, and licensing terms therein apply to this derivative work: India Uttarakhand relief map.svg