Nidhi, Rishikesh is calling.
Haridwar, Rishikesh and Mussoorie. One trip, before the next chapter begins.
Before September.
November won’t work, and that is fine. The mountains aren’t going anywhere, and neither is the Ganges. But your move to Canada has a date, so this trip needs one too.
Rafting runs from September to June, so winter and spring both work. Pick one long weekend, block it in your calendar, and treat it like a flight you have already paid for.
Three stops, one trip.
North from the plains to the hills, with the Ganges guiding the way. Change the nights to suit your dates.
Haridwar
Where the Ganges leaves the mountains and the plains begin. It is a gateway city with a train station, and a gentle first evening.
- Ganga aarti at Har Ki Pauri at dusk
- Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi temples on the hilltops
- Wandering the ghats and bazaars
Rishikesh
Yoga, riverside cafés, the two jhulas and white water. This is where the trip slows down and speeds up at the same time.
- Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula
- Rafting, bungee and trekking
- Beatles Ashram, Triveni Ghat aarti, yoga
Mussoorie
The hill station known as the Queen of the Hills. Cool air, misty ridges and long views, about three hours by road from Rishikesh.
- Mall Road for a slow evening walk
- Kempty Falls and Gun Hill
- Lal Tibba for the Himalayan view. It can be very cold in winter, so pack warm
Treks, by effort.
A steep, unpaved forest trail past hidden limestone caves to a secluded jungle cascade.
A well-trodden path with stone steps to multi-tiered rock pools and cliffside chai stalls.
A historic, panoramic trail through quiet forest valleys to a revered Shiva temple.
The most iconic mountain trek you can reach from Rishikesh. It climbs to the Kunjapuri Devi temple, a revered Shakti Peetha, with 360° views of Swargarohini, Gangotri and Chaukhamba. Most travelers drive up before dawn for sunrise and walk the scenic downhill trail back through villages and past Neer Garh.
Why Rishikesh.
Yoga and stillness
The yoga capital of the world, home to ashrams like Parmarth Niketan and Sivananda Ashram. In 1968 the Beatles came to study meditation here, and the ruins of the ashram are now covered in murals.
Adventure
Rafting, canyon swings, ziplines, and an 83 metre bungee jump at Mohan Chatti. Hike the Kunjapuri Temple Trail for sunrise over the snow peaks, or head to Neer Garh waterfall.
Clean living
The whole town is vegetarian and alcohol-free. It is a place for Ayurveda, detox, slow breakfasts and early nights.
- Getting there. Fly to Dehradun or take a train to Haridwar, then a cab of about an hour.
- What to bring. Layers, sturdy shoes, a shawl for temples, sunscreen and a power bank.
- Stay safe. Use registered operators, start treks in daylight and share your location with someone you trust.
Nidhi’s travel book.
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