Pilgrimage tourism in Rudraprayag District is a memorable and enriching experience as it offers several ancient temples that are worth visiting. Three of the `Panch Kedars` are located here. According to legend, Kedarnath, the chief seat of Panch Kedar, came into being during the period when Pandavas were asked to seek Lord Shiva`s blessing. In Rudraprayag District, most of the temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva. Some of the main pilgrimage sites to be explored in Rudraprayag District are as follows.

Kedarnath: With the stunning background of towering snow clad mountains, Kedarnath temple presents an enchanting sight. All around it is an aura of peace and purity. The temple of Kedarnath is considered to be more than a thousand years old. The temple is magnificent in its style and architecture. The temple of Sri Kedarnath is situated at an altitude of 3581 metres above sea level. At the entrance is the statue of the "Nandi". The walls inside the temple are exquisitely carved with images. Places which can be visited from here are the Bhairav temple, Samadhi of Adi Shankaracharya and Gandhi Sarovar. Vasukital, yet another beautiful lake is situated at a distance of 8kms from Kedarnath.

Omkareshwar Temple: Omkareshwar temple at Ukhimath features a beautifully crafted and carefully maintained icon of Lord Shiva. Several popular legends are associated with this temple. Ukhimath is dotted with temples dedicated to Goddess Usha, Shiva, Parvati, Aniruddha and Mandhata. Located nearby is Deoria Tal, which catches the reflection of the Badrinath peak mirroring its grandeur.

Tungnath Temple: The Tungnath temple is situated at the height of 3680 metres atop Chandranath parvat. In this temple of Lord Shiva where the dome spans sixteen doors, a 2.5 feet tall idol of Shankaracharya is located along side the lingam. The Nanda Devi temple is also situated at Tungnath not far from the awe-inspiring Akash Ganga water fall. The spectacular Chaukhamba, Kedarnath and the Gangotri-Yamunotri peaks add to the splendor. A popular legend says that Rishi Vyas told the Pandavas that they were guilty of killing of their own relatives and their sins would be expiated only if Shiva pardoned them. Lord Shiva kept avoiding them as he knew that Pandavas were guilty. So the Lord took refuge underground and later, his body parts resurfaced at five different places. These five places, where five magnificent temples of Lord Shiva stand, are known as the "Panch Kedar". Each one is identified with a part of his body. Tugnath is where his hands were supposedly seen. Kedarnath, his hump; Rudranath, his head; Kalpeshwar, his hair; and Madmaheshwar, his navel.

Madmaheshwar Temple: This Shiva temple is the second `Panch Kedar`. This temple is beautifully located amidst serene environs. The temple remains close for six months during winter when the silver idols are taken ceremonially to Ukhimath for worship.

Triyuginarayan Temple: This magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, lies in the village of Triyuginarayan. It is similar in architectural style with the temple of Kedarnath making this village an important pilgrimage centre. According to a legend, Triyuginarayan was the capital of the legendary Himavat. There are three other kund in this village, Rudra kund, Vishnu kund and Brahma kund.

Hariyali Devi: A route diverting from Nagrasu, on the main Rudraprayag Karnprayag route, leads to the Siddha Peetha of Hariyali Devi. It is 22 kms from Nagrasu which in turn is 37 kms from the main town of Rudraprayag. At an altitude of 1400 metres this place is surrounded by peaks and thick forests. On the occasions of Janmashtami and Diwali this place is visited by thousands of devotees.

Koteshwar Temple: At a distance of 3 kms from Rudraprayag and on the holy bank of Alaknanda River is situated the Koteshwar temple. The Koteshwar temple is in the form of cave temple. There are many idols which have been formed naturally. It is believed that before going to Kedarnath, Lord Shiva meditated here. During the months of August and September, thousands of devotees come here for offering prayers.

Kalimath: Kalimath is situated close to Ukhimath, and Guptakashi. It is one of the "Siddha Peethas" of the region and is held in high religious esteem. The temple of Goddess Kali located here is visited by a large number of devotees throughout the year.

Kartikswami: 38 kms from Rudraprayag is a village Kanak Chauri from where 3 kms trek leads to Kartikswami. This place has a temple and idol of Lord Shiva`s son Kartikeya, situated at an elevation of 3048 metres, the place abounds in natural beauty and one can have a close and panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks.

Indrasani Mansa Devi Temple: The temple is situated in village Kandali Patti at a distance of 14 kms from the main town of Rudraprayag and at about 6 kms from Tilwara. It is believed to have been constructed in the age of Adi Shankaracharya. The temple has unique architecture surrounded by temples of Jal kedareshwar and Jakh Devta.

These religious sites offered by Rudraprayag District are worth a visit and they attract a large number of devotees from far and wide.