Trekking in Rishikesh: “Top 4 Treks You must-do in 2024-2025”

Rishikesh, located in the foothills of the Himalayas, is famous for adventure travel and spiritual retreats. With its peaceful surroundings, beautiful mountain views, and spiritual vibe, it is a great starting point for exciting trekking adventures in India.

Trekking in Rishikesh allows you to explore stunning natural beauty, challenge yourself, and embark on a journey of self-discovery, whether you’re an experienced hiker or a nature lover.

Kunjapuri Trail

Quick Look at Short Treks in Rishikesh ( Small Treks in Rishikesh )

Explore the beauty of Rishikesh with these short and delightful treks! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trekker, these trails offer something for everyone. Let’s take a quick look at some of the fantastic small treks in Rishikesh:

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1. Waterfalls Trek 

Some of the best waterfall treks in Rishikesh are in the dense jungles of Rajaji National Park, offering a perfect example of jungle trekking. These trails lead to hidden waterfalls within the park. If you enjoy hiking, waterfall trekking in Rishikesh is an exciting activity. Some popular waterfalls trek in the national park are:

• Neer Garh Waterfall Trek
  A 3 km walk from Lakshman Jhula and 6 km from Tapovan, the Neer Garh trek offers a quiet morning hike in Rishikesh. It’s more challenging than other nearby waterfall treks and is one of the most popular in the area

• Garud Chatti and Phool Chatti Waterfall Trek
  Located 5 km from Lakshman Jhula on Neelkanth Road, Garud Chatti is a popular spot with tea joints and restaurants along the way. Bring swimwear if you want to swim. Phool Chatti, 3 km further, is another scenic waterfall with a slightly slippery trail.

• Patna Waterfalls Trek
  This short, 30-minute hike from Rishikesh town offers a pleasant walk with beautiful scenery peeking through the thick jungle.

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2. Kunjapuri Temple Sunrise Trek

The Kunjapuri trekking in Rishikesh is a popular half-day hike located right in the heart of the city. The trek takes you to the Kunjapuri Temple, perched at 1645 meters, offering stunning views of the Himalayan peaks, Haridwar, and the Doon Valley.

To start this trek, take the road from Narendra Nagar to Hindola Khal, from where it’s another 5 km trek to the temple. Being a sacred place for Hindus, the temple sees many devotees year-round, especially during Navratra.

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Duration: One Day Trekking in Rishikesh
• Trail Distance:  12 kilometers One way

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3. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple Trek

The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is situated at 1330 meters. This 14 km trek offers a wonderful hiking experience in Rishikesh. The path to the temple is surrounded by dense forests and a variety of flora, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination.

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Duration: One Day Trekking in Rishikesh
• Trail Distance: 24 kilometers roundtrip

Patho Village Trek

Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 4 hours roundtrip
Trail Distance: 8 kilometers roundtrip

The Patho Village Trek is a short, easy hike that takes about 4 hours for the roundtrip. Covering 8 kilometers, this trek leads you through scenic trails and terraced fields. You pass by secret waterfall , Shiva Temple and enchanting beautiful valley.  You’ll get to experience the traditional lifestyle of the villagers, making it a delightful and enriching journey.

4- Kota Village Trek

Kota Village Trek
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Duration: Full-day

The Kota Village Trek offers a chance to experience the rustic beauty of the Himalayan foothills. This full-day trek is suitable for all levels, providing a moderate challenge. As you trek to Kota Village, you’ll be welcomed by the warm hospitality of the locals. You can savor delicious local cuisine and immerse yourself in the cultural heritage of the region. The trek allows you to connect with nature of Rajaji National Park, making it a memorable experience for all.

Popular Places To Go Trekking Near Rishikesh

Here are some of the best trekking places near Rishikesh that offer a surreal experience:

Kuari Pass Trek

• • Discovered by Lord Curzon, the Kuari Pass Trek includes Auli, a popular ski resort.
  • Best done in winter, the trek reaches an altitude of 4425 meters.
  • The trek is 38 km long and takes about 5 days to complete.
  • Starting from Joshimath, trekkers can enjoy views of Mt Kamet, Mt Chaukhamba, Mt Trishul, and Nanda Devi.

Chandrashila Trek

• • Located in the Chopta-Chandrashila-Deoriatal region, this 6-day trek is popular in Uttarakhand.
  • Known for its winter scenery, it reaches 4000 meters above sea level.
  • The trek is challenging and not recommended for beginners.

Valley Of Flowers Trek

• • Combined with Hemkund Sahib, this trek begins at Ghangaria base camp.
  • The trek takes about 4 days from Govindghat and covers 3200 meters.
  • The valley is filled with a variety of flora species, offering a mesmerizing experience.

Trek To Surkanda Devi Temple

• • Located 87 km from Rishikesh in Tehri District, at an altitude of 9500 feet.
  • A short 2.5 km uphill trek with lush green surroundings.
  • Ideal for those seeking a religious outing and scenic beauty.

Camping and Trekking in Rishikesh

Staying in a camp near Rishikesh offers the best trekking experience, with the added benefit of adventure activities:

Camp Aquaforest

• • Located in a natural setting with Swiss tents.
  • Activities include trekking, rappelling, rock climbing, cliff jumping, and river rafting.
  • Tariff: INR 2500 per person per night onwards.

Camp Rapidfire

• • Situated by the Ganga river, offering peace away from the city’s bustle.
  • Features buffet dinners and campfires.
  • Tariff: INR 4500 per person per night onwards.

Camp Gold Coast

• • Offers continental breakfast, free private parking, and organized tours.
  • Ranked as one of the best camps in Rishikesh by the Ganga river.
  • Tariff: INR 6500 per person per night onwards.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trekking In Rishikesh

Q. What is the best time to plan an adventure trip to Rishikesh?

The best time for an adventure trip to Rishikesh is during the winter months, from October to March. The weather is cold and perfect for outdoor activities, and you can witness the exquisite beauty of Rishikesh during this time

Q. What are the major adventurous things to do at Rishikesh?

Rishikesh is a hub for adventure enthusiasts, offering numerous thrilling experiences such as river rafting, bungee jumping, cliff jumping, and rock climbing.

Q. What are the best places for trekking in India?

Popular trekking destinations in India include Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Ladakh in the north, and Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu in the south.

Q. What is the best time to visit Rishikesh for camping?

While adventure lovers visit Rishikesh year-round, the best time for camping is early summer and post-monsoon, specifically from February to mid-May and September to November.

Q. Where to camp in Rishikesh?

Some of the best camping sites in Rishikesh are Shivpuri, Brahmpuri, Marine Drive, and Kaudiyala. These locations offer scenic beauty and a chance to reconnect with nature while spending quality time with family and friends.
Which are the best places to visit near Rishikesh?

Q. Explore these nearby places for a weekend getaway with family and friends:

• Haridwar: 20 km from Rishikesh
• Dehradun: 46 km from Rishikesh
• Kanatal: 81 km from Rishikesh
• Dhanaulti: 103 km from Rishikesh
• Mussoorie: 77 km from Rishikesh

Q. What are the budget-friendly activities to do in Rishikesh?

Enjoy these activities in Rishikesh with discounts of up to 50% off:
River Rafting
Bungee Jumping
Flying Fox
Giant Swing
Camping
Trekking