Rishikesh itinerary

Plan 01

1 day in Rishikesh

1. 01

   Day 1: Triveni Ghat and the ghats by foot

   Arrive and settle by late morning, then take a gentle walk along the east bank to Triveni Ghat, stopping at small shrines and tea stalls along the way. Have a simple lunch at a ghat-side restaurant, then rest in your hotel through the hottest hours. In the late afternoon, walk to one of the rope suspension bridges—Janki Jhula or Laxman Jhula—to cross to the quieter west bank and explore the ashram gardens and riverside paths as the sun softens. Return to Triveni Ghat by sunset and stay for the evening aarti, a 20–30 minute ritual of lights, bells and chanting that you can watch from the water's edge or a platform seat.

Guides for the stops on this route

Plan 02

2 days in Rishikesh

1. 01

   Day 1: East bank temples and the Ganga aarti

   Explore the east bank in the cool morning, visiting Triveni Ghat, the small temples clustered at the ghat base and the town's main bazaar if crowds allow. Have lunch at a riverside dhaba or café. In the afternoon, rest, then take time to sit quietly by the river or visit a local ashram. In the late afternoon, cross the river at Janki Jhula or Laxman Jhula to the west bank and walk through the gardens and quieter paths of one of the larger ashrams such as Parmarth Niketan. Return to Triveni Ghat by sunset and watch the evening aarti from the ghats.

2. 02

   Day 2: West bank ashrams, rafting or yoga

   Spend the morning on the west bank, with a visit to an ashram or a gentle yoga class offered at many guest facilities. After lunch, either take a rafting trip on a calm section of the Ganges near Ram Jhula (a 1–2 hour paddle, suitable for most ages with proper life jackets) or do a long walk upriver towards the foothills. In the evening, walk back to Triveni Ghat and attend the morning aarti at dawn, or the evening ritual if it better fits your schedule.

Guides for the stops on this route

Plan 03

3 days in Rishikesh

1. 01

   Day 1: East bank temples and ghat walks

   Settle into your accommodation and start with a riverside walk on the east bank, visiting Triveni Ghat, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple (about 30 minutes from the ghats, slightly uphill) and the smaller temples dotting the ghats. Lunch at a ghat-side restaurant or dhaba. In the afternoon, cross the river at Janki Jhula and explore the quieter west bank; many ashrams allow day visitors to sit in their gardens or attend a late-afternoon meditation. Return for the evening aarti at Triveni.

2. 02

   Day 2: West bank deep dive and ashram experience

   Spend the morning on the west bank with a yoga class or sitting meditation at an ashram such as Parmarth Niketan or Ananda Yoga Ashram. Many offer drop-in classes at a modest fee. Have lunch with the ashram community or at a nearby café. In the afternoon, take a boat ride or rafting trip on a calm section of the river, or walk the scenic paths upriver towards the foothills, with views of distant ridges. Return to the east bank by late afternoon and explore the upper bazaar streets for local snacks and handicrafts. Attend the evening aarti at Triveni.

3. 03

   Day 3: Temples, day trip options and a gentle return

   Start early with the morning aarti at a ghat such as Parmarth Niketan on the west bank (the ritual is quieter before dawn). After sunrise, walk to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple or visit one of the larger ashrams with art and cultural exhibits. Have a leisurely lunch and then either rest at your hotel, browse the bazaars for sarees, shawls or handicrafts, or take a short 1–1.5 hour drive to nearby Haridwar (about 25 km) to see the Har-ki-Pauri Ghat at sunset. If staying local, spend the final evening in a quieter moment by the water or at a meditation session, or enjoy a simple dinner at a riverside restaurant watching the lights come up on the opposite bank.

Guides for the stops on this route

Pacing

Make the plan work for everyone

• The aarti rituals at Triveni Ghat and other main ghats are the best introduction to the town. Attend the evening ritual (6–7 pm in winter, 7–8 pm in summer) from a seated platform rather than standing by the water.
• Stick to the riverside walking paths and main ghats, which are mostly level. Avoid the narrow bazaar lanes during peak hours (mid-morning and early evening); go in the early morning or late afternoon instead.
• Cross the river on one of the suspension bridges (Janki, Ram or Laxman Jhula) with a guide or local if you are unsteady; they can be gently swaying. The walk is manageable for most older adults but not for those with balance issues.
• Many ashrams offer gentle yoga, meditation and breathing classes suitable for all ages. Ask the guesthouse staff to arrange a beginner's class; ashram teachers are accustomed to older visitors.
• Afternoon heat (April–June) can be tiring. Plan a long rest between noon and 4 pm, sit by the river, and save active sightseeing for the cooler morning and evening hours.
• Hire a car and driver for day trips to nearby Haridwar (25 km) or to visit temples further upriver; walking in the monsoon (July–September) brings landslide risks on hill roads.