The word Prayag refers to the confluence of two (or more) rivers. The Panch (five) prayags of the Garhwal rank next to the Triveni Sangam, which is the confluence of the holy rivers of the Ganga and the Yamuna and is the most important prayag in India. In Hindu mythology, rivers are personified as goddess and even today, Hindus hold them in high veneration. The water of a holy river is supposed to wash away the sins. The confluence of two or more rivers make them much more sacred.

Vishnu Prayag
An ancient temple of Lord Vishnu is located at the confluence at Alaknanda and Dhauliganga River. This temple stands here next to a pool called Vishnu Kund.
It is at a distance of 73 Kms from Nand prayag and 265 Kms from Rishikesh.

Karna Prayag
It is situated at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Pindar rivers in district Chamoli. Karna and Uma Devi temples that are situated here are worth a visit.It is situated at a distance of 31 kms from Rudraprayag.

Nand Prayag
The Nand Prayag is situated at the confluence of the Alaknanda and the Mandakini Rivers. The place derives its name from a legend about Nanda, the Yadav King. It is located in the district of Chamoli. It is located at a distance of 21 Kms from Karna Prayag and 192 Kms from Rishikesh.

Rudraprayag
The Rudraprayag is located at the confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini River. This place is named after Rudra (Shiva) and according to local tradition, it was here that he humbled the garrulous sage Narad. Another legend associates the place with the penance of Sati, who was reborn as Parvati after self - immolation. The Rudraprayag is situated at a distance of 140 kms from Rishikesh and 70kms from Deoprayag on Rishikesh Badri-Kedar motor road.

Deoprayag
Deoprayag is situated on the confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers. It is commonly believed to be the birthplace of Ganga. It comprises the oldest route to Badrinath and Gangotri. The famous Raghunath Math (another name for Lord Ram's Temple) is situated here and it is at this place the priests of Badrinath abide in winter.Important pilgrim spots are Shiva Temple and Raghunath Temple. These temples are roughly 70 Kms from Rishikesh on Rishikesh-Badrinath motor road. Badrinath is considerably far at a distance of 307 Kms from Rishikesh and can be reached by bus.