Trekking is one of the most thrilling outdoor activities that connects you with nature, brings peace to your mind, challenges your limits, and leads you to discover hidden beautiful places, trees, animals, and birds. India is home to several trekking destinations and Rishikesh Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas region remains the ultimate paradise for trekkers. Rishikesh offers river rafting, bungee jumping, camping, and many other activities. It has also gained popularity as an ideal destination for trekking. The area offers picturesque trekking trails, mesmerizing views, lush forests, and serene rivers, making it a top choice for outdoor activities. Rishikesh trekking places promise unforgettable memories for every explorer. In this blog, we WIll take you through the top 10 trekking routes in Rishikesh, each offering something special to every trekker.
Top 10 Trekking Places in Rishikesh
Trekking in Rishikesh offers an exhilarating blend of adventure, spirituality, and breathtaking natural beauty. Here are the top 10 famous trekking routes in Rishikesh that you shouldn’t miss.
Neer Garh Waterfall Trek
One of the easiest and most scenic treks near Rishikesh, the Neer Garh Waterfall Trek is perfect for beginners and families. The route leads through dense forests, narrow trails, and small streams, offering glimpses of nature’s beauty. The Neer Garh waterfall, cascading down rocky cliffs, provides a refreshing endpoint to the trek. This trek provides a refreshing and peaceful escape into nature, ideal for those looking to relax and explore the beauty of Rishikesh.
Distance: 3 km (one way)
Difficulty Level: Easy
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Proximity to Ram Jhula: 4 km
Nearby Places to Explore:
Laxman Jhula (6 km) – A famous suspension bridge with bustling markets nearby.
Tera Manzil Temple (6.5 km) – A 13-story temple offering panoramic views of the Ganges.
Parmarth Niketan Ashram (5.5 km) – Renowned for its evening Ganga Aarti and spiritual atmosphere.
Kunjapuri Temple Trek
The Rishikesh trek to Kunjapuri Temple is a blend of spirituality and adventure. This temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga, is perched at an elevation of 1,645 meters and offers stunning views of the Himalayas and the Ganges valley. The trail starts from Hindolakhal village and leads through pine forests and mountain trails to the temple, perched at 1,645 meters. The temple offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges and is especially popular for sunrise treks.
Distance: 14 km
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: September to June
Proximity to Ram Jhula: 27 km
Nearby Places to Explore:
Shivpuri (10 km) – A hub for river rafting and adventure sports.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple (23 km) – A sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Tota Ghar Waterfall (8 km) – A hidden gem for nature lovers.
Phool Chatti Waterfall Trek
Phool Chatti Waterfall Trek is another popular trekking in Rishikesh. The easy trail takes you through rustic paths surrounded by beautiful flora. Ideal for nature lovers, this trek provides a serene getaway and ends at the picturesque Phool Chatti Waterfall.
Distance: 4 km (round trip)
Difficulty Level: Easy
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Proximity to Ram Jhula: 5 km
Nearby Places to Explore:
Patanjali Yogpeeth (7 km) – A hub for yoga and meditation enthusiasts.
Geeta Bhawan (6.5 km) – A popular spiritual retreat on the banks of the Ganges.
Trayambakeshwar Temple (6.7 km) – A towering temple with multiple floors of shrines.
Chaurasi Kutiya Trek (Beatles Ashram Trek)
The Beatles Ashram Trek, also known as the Chaurasi Kutiya Trek, is a short walk leading to the abandoned ashram where the Beatles stayed and meditated. The trek is easy and offers a peaceful environment with scenic views and graffiti-covered walls, making it a unique experience. It takes you through an abandoned ashram where the Beatles once stayed, providing a journey into history and spirituality
Distance: 2 km (from Ram Jhula)
Difficulty Level: Easy
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Nearby Places to Explore:
Swarg Ashram (2.5 km) – A spiritual center with numerous temples and ashrams.
Rishikund (3 km) – A small, sacred pond associated with Hindu legends.
Ram Jhula (2 km) – A suspension bridge over the Ganges, surrounded by shops and cafes.
Patna Waterfall Trek
The Patna Waterfall trek is among the most popular treks near Rishikesh for adventure seekers. This route leads to a hidden waterfall located amidst thick greenery. The path is rocky and narrow, offering just the right challenge for amateur trekkers.
Distance: 3 km (one way)
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Proximity to Ram Jhula: 7.5 km
Nearby Places to Explore:
Shivpuri (9 km) – Known for river rafting and camping activities.
Vashishta Gufa (13 km) – An ancient cave with spiritual significance.
Garud Chatti Waterfall (4 km) – Another beautiful waterfall on the same route.
Vashishta Cave Trek
This trek takes you to the ancient Vashishta Cave, which holds spiritual significance as it is believed to be the meditation spot of Sage Vashishta. The trail is relatively easy and perfect for those seeking peace amidst nature.
Distance: 1.2 km (one way)
Difficulty Level: Easy
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Proximity to Ram Jhula: 20 km
Nearby Places to Explore:
Kunja Puri Temple (16 km) – Offering panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Ananda in the Himalayas (8 km) – A luxury spa and wellness resort.
Shivpuri (7 km) – Ideal for adventure activities like rafting.
Rishikesh to Devprayag Trek
The trekking route from Rishikesh to Devprayag offers a unique blend of adventure and cultural exploration. Devprayag is a holy town where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers meet to form the Ganges. The trek takes you along rivers, small villages, and scenic landscapes.
Distance: 70 km (multi-day trek)
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Proximity to Ram Jhula: 0 km (starts in Rishikesh)
Nearby Places to Explore:
Devprayag Confluence – The meeting point of two rivers.
Raghunath Temple – A significant temple in Devprayag.
Kaudiyala (35 km) – Known for white-water rafting.
Nag Tibba Trek
The Nag Tibba trek is one of the most famous treks in the Rishikesh region, located a few hours away from the city. Also known as the ‘Serpent’s Peak,’ it offers panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges. This trek is suitable for experienced trekkers looking for a weekend adventure.
Distance: 16 km (round trip)
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Proximity to Ram Jhula: 75 km
Nearby Places to Explore:
Mussoorie (45 km) – A popular hill station with scenic attractions.
Dhanaulti (30 km) – Known for its eco-parks and scenic views.
Kempty Falls (50 km) – A famous waterfall near Mussoorie.
Jhilmil Gufa Trek
The Jhilmil Gufa trek is another offbeat yet rewarding trekking trail. It leads to an ancient cave located deep inside the forest, often visited by saints for meditation. The route offers a serene environment, making it a perfect escape from the bustling town.
Distance: 5 km (one way)
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Proximity to Ram Jhula: 9 km
Nearby Places to Explore:
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple (6 km) – A revered temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Shivpuri (8 km) – A hub for river rafting and adventure activities.
Rishikund (10 km) – A sacred pond surrounded by temples.
Brahmatal Trek
The Brahmatal Trek is one of the best winter treks near Rishikesh, though it is a bit farther from the town. The snow-covered trails, frozen lakes, and views of the mighty Trishul and Nanda Ghunti peaks make this trek an unforgettable experience for adventure lovers.
Distance: 22 km (round trip)
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult
Best Time to Visit: December to March
Proximity to Ram Jhula: 85 km
Nearby Places to Explore:
Wan Village (12 km) – A scenic village offering homestays and known as a pit stop for many trekking routes.
Ali Bugyal (18 km) – Another expansive meadow with panoramic views of the Himalayas, perfect for nature lovers.
Mundoli (10 km) – A quaint hamlet ideal for camping and experiencing local Garhwali culture.
Conclusion
Rishikesh is not just a spiritual town but also a haven for trekkers and adventure lovers. Whether you are looking for a short walk to a waterfall or a multi-day trek to the Himalayas, the treks near Rishikesh will leave you enchanted with their beauty and tranquility. The diverse trekking routes offer something for everyone, making Rishikesh a must-visit destination for trekking enthusiasts. So, pack your bags, put on your trekking shoes, and get ready to explore the hidden gems of Rishikesh!
