Treks in Rishikesh
1. Chandrashila Trek with Chopta Tungnath2. Kuari Pass Trek
3. Pangarchulla Peak Trek
4. Roopkund Trek
5. Kunjapuri Temple Sunrise Trek
Challenge your adventurous streaks and explore the hidden treasures of nature as you enjoy trekking in Rishikesh at the most challenging summits and awe-inspiring hikes. Whether you're a hardcore hiker or someone who's just brushing up the hiking skills, the hikes in Rishikesh are fit for each one of you. Rishikesh Waterfall Trek is one such hiking destination that has well-marked paths and grants stunning views to the visitors. Kunjapuri Trek Rishikesh is another short hike in Rishikesh that offers you a chance to enjoy the views of high mountains like Gangotri, Bandarpunch, Swarga Rohini, and Chaukhamba.
The treks in Rishikesh are legendary in terms of the diversity in the landscape and spectacular sceneries that they offer. Patna Waterfalls Trek is one such iconic hiking destination that takes you through stunning water bodies and picturesque valleys, and you can even take a dip in its cold water once you reach there.
Another fascinating hiking destination is Trek To Surkanda Devi Temple that has steep and slippery paths and is best suited for the experienced hikers. So grab your boots and get ready to have the best experience of your life as you undertake the Rishikesh Treks.
People Also Ask About Trekking in Rishikesh
-
Which are some famous treks in Rishikesh?
1. Chandrashila Trek with Chopta Tungnath:
Starting from Haridwar, this 4-day 3-night trail is one of the most popular treks in Rishikesh as it takes you to a whopping altitude of 12,083 feet. The trek starts from Haridwar and reaches to Sari Village via Kund and Ukhimath before finally awarding you with spellbinding views of the Deoriatal Lake, a high-altitude lake.
Location: Haridwar (Base camp: Sari).
Difficulty level: Easy to moderate.
Approx. cost: Rs 7250.
2. Kuari Pass Trek:
Located in the magnificent Garhwal Himalayas, the Kuari Pass Trek starts from Haridwar takes you through dense forests dotted with blossoming rhododendron and oak trees, which makes trekking in Rishikesh serene.
Location: Haridwar.
Difficulty level: Easy to moderate.
Approx. cost: Rs 8750.
3. Pangarchulla Peak Trek:
Setting the bar of Rishikesh trekking high, the Pangarchulla peak trek will test your determination as it takes you to a formidable 15,096 feet, covering a distance of 34 km. Start your trek from Hardiwar and reach the Pangarchulla peak via Auli on this 6 days and 5 nights trail. Enjoy the spectacular views of Mt Nanda Devi and Hathi Parbat while sipping a cup of hot tea at a local shop. If you are a snow enthusiast, take this trek during the winter months to wade through the snow to reach the summit.
Location: Haridwar (trek begins from Joshimath).
Difficulty level: Moderate to difficult.
Approx. cost: Rs 9250.
4. Roopkund Trek:
Enjoy the mesmerising views of the enchanting Roopkund Lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. If you want to experience high altitudes during Rishikesh trekking, take the Roopkund trek which takes you to a whopping altitude of 16,499 feet. The 53 km trek allows you admire the beauty of Mt Trishul and rare flora and fauna along the trek. Light a bonfire under the starry night to make your trek memorable.
Location: Kathgodam (Basecamp: Lohagunj).
Difficulty level: Moderate to difficult.
Approx. cost: Rs 8890.
5. Kunjapuri Temple Sunrise Trek:
Immerse yourself in the spellbinding views of the rising Sun by trekking to the Kunjapuri Temple in Rishikesh. Start your day early and climb 250 steps to reach the temple for an exotic view of the sunrise against the town. You can enjoy the views of the holy Ganga River and explore the local life along the route for an exciting weekend getaway.
Location: Rishikesh.
Difficulty level: Easy to moderate.
Approx. cost: Rs 1580
Know more about the Chardham yatra by helicopter -
Which are the famous one-day treks in or near Rishikesh?
1. Rishikesh Waterfall Trek: Hidden away from the crowd, the Neer Gaddu waterfall is an ideal destination for trekking in Rishikesh. Many food joints and cafes are surrounding this waterfall, where you can stopover to enjoy delicious meals. Trek to this waterfall starts from Laksman Jhula pass, and after around 3½ km, the uphill trek starts and you need to keep climbing for several minutes.
After that, you will find a path that will take you to the waterfall. The entire trekking route is dotted with lush greenery and shallow pools that will give you a chance to appreciate the glory of nature.
2. Kunjapuri Trek Rishikesh: Positioned at the height of 1645 meters, Kunjapuri Trek is one of the best one-day treks in Rishikesh. This is an eight-hour trek that takes you through beautiful villages, small water streams, forests, and agricultural lands.
You can also enjoy a splendid sunrise view from the top and immerse into the breathtaking beauty of nature. From here, you can also enjoy the views of high mountains like Gangotri, Bandarpunch, Swarga Rohini, and Chaukhamba.
3. Patna Waterfalls Trek: This is another popular one day Rishikesh Treks that can be undertaken by both beginners as well as expert trekking enthusiasts. This trek starts five km from Lakshman Jhula on the Neelkanth temple road and takes you through stunning water bodies and picturesque valleys. You're advised not to undertake this trek during the summers as the waterfall is completely dry.
4. Neelkanth Mahadev Trek: If you're looking for one of the best places for trekking in Rishikesh, then Neelkanth Mahadev Trek should be your ideal spot. The major highlight of this trek is the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, located on the top of this trek.
The total length of the Neelkanth Mahadev trek is fourteen kilometers, and it takes you through a wonderful mix of flora and lush green forests. The trek starts from Bharmour and ends at Neelkanth Mahadev Temple.
5. Trek To Surkanda Devi Temple: Located at an altitude of 9500 feet, Surkanda Devi Temple is one of the best places for trekking near Rishikesh. The trek is steep and has few slippery areas; therefore, it shouldn't be undertaken by the beginners. This three-kilometer long trek is covered with layers of snow in winters as the temperature falls to -2 degree Celsius.
The trek starts from kaddukhal and takes you through dense forests and magnetizing mountain passes. Once you reach the Surkanda Devi Temple, which is the last destination of the trek, you will have an appealing view of Dehradun, Rishikesh, Mussoorie, the greater Himalayas, and Chamba.
6. Neer Garh Waterfall Trek: This is one of the most fascinating treks in Rishikesh, located a short drive from Tapovan. This is a challenging trek, and the paths over here are not well marked, making it difficult to find the routes.
The trek starts from Lakshman Jhula, and once you reach the waterfall, the gurgling symphony of the water delights the senses, and you can even take a refreshing dip in the water. -
What is the best time to go for trekking in Rishikesh?
While the weather in Rishikesh is pleasant throughout the year, the best time to go for Rishikesh trekking is between the months of October and February, when the chances of rainfall are minimum and heat is minimum. You may experience rainfall between May and September, hindering your trek while the summer temperature may pant you due to the comparatively higher temperature.
-
What should I wear while trekking in Rishikesh?
Sport airy and light clothes to help oxidation of your skin while hiking. While trekking shoes are a must, you must carry two pairs of full-sleeve t-shirts and track pants, cotton socks, woollen socks, fleece jacket, a pair of gloves and sunglasses as Rishikesh trekking is demanding along high-altitude trails.
-
How difficult is the Roopkund trek?
Roopkund trek is a moderate difficulty level trek located at an altitude of 15750 feet. You will need pristine mental and physical strength to undertake this trek. It has well-marked paths that take you through mountainous rivers, beautiful ridges, scenic meadows and lush green forests.
If you're a beginner, then you should opt for the easy level treks before undertaking this trek. During monsoon, you might experience landslides and flash floods over here. -
What is the mystery of Roopkund lake?
Roopkund's glacial lake has a baffling mystery wherein it is believed that hundreds of human skeletons were discovered surrounding the lake in the 1940s by a forest guard. It has therefore been tagged as the mystery lake since then. -
I am visiting Rishikesh for the first time, how should I prepare myself for trekking?
1. While trekking in Rishikesh, you must acclimate yourself to the high altitude and climatic conditions by taking adequate time.
2. Ensure that you start walking and make cardio exercises a part of your routine a month before the trek so that you arrive fit.
3. Invest in a good pair of shoes and try walking in them before you use them on the trek.
4. Prevent the consumption of alcohol or tobacco to enhance your fitness levels during the trek. -
What things one must carry while trekking in Rishikesh?
Apart from the trekking attire, one must carry:
- Backpack (min. 60 litres) with rain cover
- Thermal inners
- Cotton socks
- Woollen socks
- 1 full sleeves jacket or a fleece jacket
- One jacket
- One pair of gloves
- Sun cap
- One scarf
- Light towel
- Lip balm
- Sunscreen (SPF 40+) and cold cream
- Water bottle
- Head/torch with extra batteries
- Toilet kit and paper
- Medicine kit
- UV protected sunglasses
- Walking stick
Rishikesh Top Attractions
Places To Visit In Rishikesh
Lakshman Jhula happens to be one of the famous hanging bridges across the holy river Ganga. The jhula is a link in between two important villages in Rishikesh. It connects the Tapovan village in Tehri Garhwal and Jonk village in Pauri Garhwal. The bridge is made up of iron and it is almost 450 feet long, which is suspended at an elevation of almost 70 feet above the river. Lakshman Jhula has been one of the centres for tourist attraction since its inception for its amazing association of the Hindu Mythology. As per the popular Hindu mythology, Ramayan, it is believed that Lord Ram and his brother Lakshman had crossed the Ganga river at the same place, where the bridge has been built. The bridge was opened for public in the year 1929. In recent times, in order to boost the tourist footfall, many other developments have been carried out around the famous Lakshman Jhula. Tourists now love to spend a considerable amount of time in these places in the course of their Rishikesh Trip. You can not only visit the Lakshman Jhula, but you can also spend time in some of the other nearby tourist attractions like Tera Manzil Temple, Ram Jhula, and Lakshman temple. Let us get to know more about this religious place of worship.History of Lakshman Jhula- Lakshman Jhula has its significance in the most popular Hindu Mythology, Ramayana. As per the tales, Lord Ram and Lakshman had crossed the river Ganga at this place. The duo crossed the river Ganga with the help of just two ropes. In order to praise this act of fearlessness, Lakshman Jhula was built. This 284 feet long suspended bridge was the main point of contact between the villages until the year 1889. However, one of the floods in the year 1924 completely washed away the bridge. Initially the Lakshman Jhula was made up of jute, however, after the floods, it was replaced by a much stronger and sturdier iron bridge in the year 1939. The reconstruction was instigated in the same place and the name of the bridge was also not changed as per the significances. The bridge now stands tall above the river Ganga and happens to be one of the major tourist attractions in the tourism corridor of Rishikesh. However, the Lakshman Jhula is no more used for communication from 12th July 2019 for safety concerns. This bridge is almost 96 years old and it is not capable of handling the load of the current traffic. In order to preserve this iconic tourist attraction, one more bridge has been built and the Lakshman Jhula stands as a mere tourist attraction near to it.
Ram Jhula is one of the most iconic places in Rishikesh and if you are planning a pilgrimage to the city, or just visiting for a holiday, you must stop by this iconic bridge. It is a suspension bridge, built entirely out of iron and the length of the bridge is around 450 feet. It was constructed in the year 1986, by the PWD. The bridge is located over the holy Ganga river and it connects Sivananda Nagar in Muni Ki Reti, in the district of Tehri Garhwal in the west to Swargashram in the district of Pauri Garhwal, in the east.This bridge can be found in the state of Uttarakhand, approximately 3 kilometres away from the main town of Rishikesh. It is a comfortable walking distance from Rishikesh, and if you like long walks in the midst of stunning scenery then you can walk the length of the bridge as well. People can also traverse the bridge with bikes or cycles. A number of holy ashrams and Hindu religious centres and temples can be found lining the side of the bridge. These ashrams encompass the true essence of Rishikesh, with their peace, hospitality and piety. Another well-known bridge in the area is the Lakshman Jhula, which is lengthier than Ram Jhula and is situated 2 kilometres upriver, on the banks of the Ganga. One of the most memorable experiences you can enjoy at the Ram Jhula is overlooking the holy city of Rishikesh from the bridge itself in all its natural and historical glory, surrounded by the river and the mighty mountains. History of Ram JhulaThe famous Ram Jhula was initially a bridge made of very strong jute ropes, tightly intertwined to give it strength and to help it bear the weight of passers-by. It did not have any pillars to provide structural support in the beginning. Later, it was re-constructed with iron in the year 1986 by the PWD under government supervision. Since it is located in the spiritual and holy city of Rishikesh, the name of the bridge is derived from the Aryan King- Lord Ram- the protagonist of the epic Ramayana. The other famous bridge on the river is the Lakshman Jhula. The story goes that in the era of Ram’s reign, Lakshman had crossed the Ganga with the help of two ropes. To commemorate this mythological event, the Lakshman Jhula was constructed with ropes, in the year 1889. Therefore, a gesture of sibling love and camaraderie between the two brothers- Ram and Lakshman, the second bridge was named ‘Ram, indicative of the divine bond between the two brothers. About Ram Jhula MarketKeeping in mind the vast number of tourists and pilgrims who visit the place every year, there are innumerable shops and markets near the starting and ending point of the bridge. The Ram Jhula Market can be found in the point where the bridge ends, where you can find shops selling everything imaginable- from groceries to mementoes and religious tokens. You can find religious sculptures, statues and framed pictures of different gods and goddesses, dress materials, jewellery and other artefacts available in the markets. One can buy authentic semi-precious stones and gems at reasonable prices from here as well. Shoppers can choose from beautiful, ethnic, locally sourced handicraft items to bright and comfortable cotton clothes like sarees, lehengas and cholis, all at reasonable prices.
Adventurers know Rishikesh as the land of river rafting as it is one of the most popular destinations for this activity anywhere in India. So if you are planning a trip to Rishikesh, make sure not to skip this adrenaline-pumping adventure of rafting through the blustery waters of River Ganga. As your raft glides along with the swift river, you will also have a chance to catch the undiluted charm of the Himalayan foothills.Three different stretches of the river, ranging from 9 km to 26 km, are open for rafting. These stretches feature grade 3, grade 4, and grade 5 rapids, so whether you are seeking hardcore adventure or you are a beginner, rafting in Rishikesh is ideal for all. To give a boost to your adrenaline rush, the rafting experience also offers opportunities for cliff jumping and body surfing.Highlights: Long stretches, various rapid grades, and beautiful scenery.Timings: 7 am to 10 pmPrice: INR 600 per person
More Rishikesh Attractions
More Things to do in Rishikesh
More on Rishikesh Tourism
Popular Trekking Destinations
