Rishikesh, this city which is part of the state of Uttarakhand is certainly one of the most exciting travel destinations in India. The rural setting along the Ganga River like a pictorial painting and the foothills of the Himalayas make it a rather unique vacation spot in India. The place gives off a perfect symbiosis between the spiritual and the temporal making the trip to this city a unique getaway, far from the beaten track. Here is a travel guide to visit Rishikesh and all the important information.
This travel guide for Rishikesh opens the way to the unexplored wonders of the earth. You will live unique moments. You will taste the thrills of adventure, the bliss of yoga, you will admire the magical sunset. You will visit sumptuous temples, attend sacred rituals, and not forgetting stays in ashrams where you will rediscover your youth of yesteryear.
Synonymous with bliss, Rishikesh tour packages have a lot to offer to make every memory the best of your life, and a source of incomparable and inexhaustible pleasures. The pure mountain air of this small town rejuvenates the body, mind and soul.
It is because yoga has found its roots here, that Rishikesh has been named: The World Capital of Yoga.
If you are looking for an adventure, then the list of things to explore in Rishikesh is also quite long. The city is famous for being the destination of all the adventurers in India.
White water rafting in Rishikesh will offer you moments of bliss, action that are truly exceptional. The Ganga River that flows rapidly through the city is marked by a number of streams of different levels, perfect for an adrenaline rush. Idyllic for amateurs and experts alike, adventure sports are exhilarating at their highest level, indescribable. It is an opportunity to test your skills by rafting down the river.
Camping on the banks of the river offers immense pleasures and it is an opportunity to taste adventure in various forms. Kayaking, trekking, rock climbing, body surfing, waterfall, trekking, cliff jumping, Flying Fox and bungee jumping are all options for a holiday in Rishikesh. You just have to check out the different programs to make your choices and set off to conquer the city.
The ancient city is one of the holy places of India. Many temples populate the banks of the river. Dedicated to the various gods and goddesses of Hindu mythology, each one has its own story to tell and graces and blessings to impart.
The ashrams of Rishikesh are numerous and constitute the soul of the city. It is a place of retreat founded to isolate oneself from the world and practice yoga, meditation. So if you are looking for spirituality, inspiration, ashrams are the right places to taste the immaterial, to find inspiration. In fact, Rishikesh has inspired many. Even the musicians of the “Beatles” found their happiness, their inspiration and produced masterpieces in this atmosphere of bliss.
To learn more about the secret of health and well-being, thanks to traditional yoga, do not miss attending the International Yoga Festival. Held every year during the first week of March, this global event brings together people from all walks of life under the auspices of yoga experts.
Among the most cherished experiences in Rishikesh, the evening ritual of Ganga aarti is simply unmissable. Every day, at dusk, Hindu priests chant incantations to the glory of Mother Ganga and make offerings of lights. You will witness this magical, unreal procession of lamps that descend the rivers. This is the worship of the Goddess of the River.
Parmarth Niketan Ashram is the best place to participate in the Ganga aarti.
Holidays in Rishikesh can only seduce all minds. Whether you are a hardened adventurer, or a lover of peace and nature or looking for escape, you will find all your happiness there.
Things to do in Rishikesh? Travel Guide to Visit Rishikesh
Practice Yoga in Rishikesh!
Rishikesh is known as the birthplace of Hatha Yoga, and thus one of the most popular destinations in the world for practicing Yoga. The city offers you a wide variety of ashrams and styles of yoga and meditation and it is up to you to decide which one is the most suitable.
Many famous gurus and yoga practitioners settle in Rishikesh for a few months of the year, and many Westerners plan their trips to Rishikesh to get their baptism, listen to their Guru’s satsang (spiritual discussions) and listen to themselves and others.
Other travelers simply come to meditate by the river and in ancient spiritual caves.
Even if you have never tried yoga, this is a great place to experience it. The city has no dearth of places to practice yoga without having to make an appointment.
Explore Rishikesh on foot!
Rishikesh is a great place to shop. No one here is demanding or pushy, instead you will have a very enjoyable experience.
Cross one of the two suspension bridges and you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the Ganges. The spectacle is even more fascinating at sunset. Venture to the ghats along the river and attend their parties that take place around 7 am to 6 pm.
Visit a Ghat along the river!
The Ghats are a place where one can witness impressive daily rituals.
Every evening, people gather at the Parmarth Niketan Ashram (in the Swag Ashram area) to experience the Ganga Aarti (fire worship).
It is a beautiful show of faith in honour of the goddess Ganga through songs of praise and lighting lanterns.
It is a beautiful surreal experience that will stay with you forever and is much more practical than Triveni Ghat, although the Triveni Ghat in the main city is a more authentic experience.
Stroll along the river in the sun!
The river is absolutely beautiful. You can meditate and lounge on the rocks or on the fine sand, as Indians have always done for centuries.
However, we advise you to avoid the river after dark. The risk is very real, in fact, there have been attacks at night on the somewhat isolated banks.
Go rafting or learn to kayak!
Adventure lovers also have two good reasons to visit the city: the excellent trekking, and the rafting and kayaking opportunities in the area.
So, if you have never done white water rafting, or if you are a little scared, it is a great experience for beginners.
Visit Rishikesh: Trekking Options and Enjoy the Beauty of Nature
Rishikesh is the gateway to the Himalayas, which many are eager to explore. Trekking in Rishikesh offers an adventure full of thrills, with something for everyone. There are easy trekking trails for amateurs, while others are much more difficult reaching 4,000 m above sea level.
Trekking near Rishikesh offers a wide range of spectacular and beautiful views. From fragrant pine forests to dry shrubs, from boulder-strewn trails and wooden bridges over gushing rivers to high-altitude grassy meadows, from windy mountain passes to idyllic campsites sheltered by mountain amphitheaters, trekking in Rishikesh is always a unique experience that can give you thrills and adrenaline rushes.
Here, if you start trekking in Rishikesh and move towards the higher ground, you will be treated to the spectacle of glaciers roaring as they move, snow-capped peaks covered in a mantle of mist, icy lakes perched high up. Trekkers from all over the world start trekking in Rishikesh for these ineffable beauties.
Even if you start trekking in Rishikesh from the foothills, there is much to see and do. There are campsites with stunning views, spread across meadows smelling of hay. The trekking trails take you through pine-scented alpine forests.
On a trek near Rishikesh, you’ll stop at ancient temples, pass through villages with traditional architecture, meet friendly shepherds tending their flocks of woolly sheep, and maybe even have a little philosophical discussion with a monk or sage you meet along the way.
If you’re thinking about trekking near Rishikesh, here are some of the most popular treks:
- Nagtibba trekking:
The Nagtibba trek is an easy trek, perfect for beginners or for those who want to start trekking near Rishikesh. This trek offers you a pleasant mountain experience as it takes you through the thick Himalayan forests and streams, and where you will see the splendid panoramas of the Himalayas. The trek can be completed in 1 night, but it is best to spread it over 2 nights.
- Chopta Tungnath – Chandrashila:
Although the Chopta trek takes you to the dizzying heights of the mountains, it is considered to be the most moderate trek in the Himalayan region of India. Hence, it is perfect for beginners who are looking for a mix of mountain fun and beautiful scenery, and looking for some added excitement while scaling some of the steep peaks.
Chopta trek takes you through pine forests and golden meadows to the legendary Tungnath temple that has been there for 1,000 years. It is the highest Shiva temple in the world, nestled at an altitude of 3,680 meters.
- Valley of Flowers Trek:
The Valley of Flowers trek is a moderate trek, ideal for both novices and seasoned trekkers looking for a thrill. The view of this Valley dotted with flowers of various colors and shades, nestled between the rugged slopes of the Himalayas, is an image that you will cherish forever and will remain etched in your imagination forever.
You will admire waterfalls, glaciers, towering mountains, mighty rivers and quaint villages.
- Kuari Pass Trek:
The Kuari Pass trek is one of the few trekking destinations that are open in winter and is a very popular end-of-year trek. Also known as the Lord Curzon Trail, this trek is not very difficult, except for one day when you will be putting all your muscles to the test in a climb that will take you up to the Pangarchula peak, which stands majestically at 15,419 feet.
Your guides will give you a short briefing on climbing techniques and can even coordinate some climbing activities if required. The Kuari Pass trek is perfect for beginners and those who want to experience the grandeur and majesty of the Himalayas.
- Roopkund Trek:
This moderately difficult trek to Roopkund Lake is perfect for fit trekkers as it requires some muscle and stamina due to the changes in altitude and terrain.
This is one of the most popular treks in Garhwal, taking you through stunning mountain landscapes and enjoying the eerie, fairytale-like views it offers. You will walk through lush green meadows and ascend heights that become increasingly barren as you get closer to the giant peaks of the Himalayas. And who knows, you might even get a chance to witness snowfall on the lake itself.
- Rupin Pass Trek:
This trek starts from Dhaula in Uttarakhand and reaches the state of Himachal Pradesh. This trek will allow you to discover the diversity of landscapes, the splendor of nature and the richness of culture. The trek is a harmonious amalgam of more or less accessible slopes with some steep climbs, and even becoming very difficult in case of bad weather on the Rupin Pass.
Since it is a high altitude trek with a steep climb to the Rupin Pass which is at 15,380 feet, it is rather recommended for seasoned hikers who have already done high altitude trekking. However, well-prepared and fit beginners had successfully completed the trek to the Rupin Pass.
Take Care your health and wellness!
Rishikesh is popular for many types of holistic practices. You can get an Ayurvedic consultation, a Reiki massage, a sound healing session, and much more. There are also schools for all these practices.
Ayurveda is popular in Rishikesh, and in India in general. You can indulge in the delicious Ayurvedic, organic, and health food.
There are many Ayurveda centers in Rishikesh, in case you are interested in a consultation or just a relaxing massage.
Best Time to Visit Rishikesh
Since Rishikesh is located in the foothills of the Himalayas, it offers a “cool” escape and a haven of well-being during the summer months when the rest of India is in the grip of scorching heat. Despite its reputation for being free from the heat, summers can still be quite hot, so we recommend visiting Rishikesh in the late February to April period, or October.
That said, Rishikesh has a short winter (December to mid-February), and it’s not exactly too harsh. If you’re visiting in winter, however, make sure to bring plenty of warm clothing, including a warm jacket, and plenty of woolen socks! T-shirts are not recommended, as although the days are refreshing, the nights are quite chilly and the mornings are a bit chilly for yoga!
In April, temperatures will start to reach 40 DC. July and August are the monsoon months, and you should avoid visiting Rishikesh during this time if you’re tempted by trekking or rafting.
But, if you are visiting Rishikesh to participate in yoga and meditation sessions, you can come anytime. But, since summer and winter are the off-season, the prices are therefore lower and the classes will not be crowded.
Festivals in Rishikesh: Travel Guide to Visit Rishikesh Continue
International Yoga Festival:
Yoga lover can enjoy this festival which is held in March every year. It is an annual week-long gathering with a full schedule of yoga classes, meditation. Discussion circles with the world’s greatest spiritual masters are also held. It is one of the largest yoga festivals in the world; however, the tickets are ridiculously expensive.
Holi in Rishikesh:
Holi is usually held in March. Since Rishikesh is quite westernized, the festival is not as dangerous or destructive for tourists.
Elsewhere, all the travelers we met, boys or girls, who celebrated this event in Varanasi, Delhi or Mathura, had a strange, even frightening experience. It seemed that many people were out of place, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, while the Indians in Rishikesh were generally sober.
However, the main square is intensely lively during the celebration of the color throwing. If you are a girl, you still have to be careful of inappropriate touching, but it is not as dangerous as in other parts of India.
Diwali in Rishikesh:
This is the second largest Hindu celebration, which usually takes place in October or November.
Being a spiritual city par excellence, Hindu festivals are constantly celebrated in Rishikesh. We estimate that the Hindu religion has 300 celebrations per year! We celebrated Shiva Day in February and it was amazing!
Rishikesh Travel Tips
Rishikesh is a holy Hindu city:
Any kinds o nonveg is not allowed here. So always you find vegetarian meal.
Alcohol is also illegal. Some backpackers will be disappointed, but keep in mind that many people are here to meditate, study, and detox. If you really need a beer, then go outside the this city.
Rishikesh is a great place to buy yoga supplies, books, clothing, and crafts.
Look out for the classic copper water bottles (and reduce your plastic use!) Try to walk around as much as possible and get a feel for prices. Yak scarves and yoga mat holders are also popular.
Many stores have fixed prices here.
While some items vary in price, it is harder to haggle because stores make a collective effort to keep prices similar.
Beware of monkeys and mischievous cows.
Monkeys will try to steal your food, especially on bridges and in restaurants. Cows are generally peaceful, but watch out for cows blocking the way on the footbridge!
Be open to change and advancement in your spiritual practice.
I know many people who travel to Rishikesh with no intention of practicing yoga. That’s okay, of course, but I suggest you give it a try anyway. You can enjoy it and you’re still in the yoga capital of the world!
And here’s our travel guide to visiting Rishikesh!
To summarize:
On the one hand, Rishikesh is rather “touristy”, as you will see more white people than Indians, so don’t spend much time here if you want to experience “the real, deep India”.
On the other hand, it’s a nice break from the sometimes too intense parts of India. It’s generally cleaner, the food is healthier and the people are more relaxed. Plus, it’s cooler than Rajasthan, making it a wonderful place to rejuvenate, even if you’re not a yogi.
