Last updated on June 3rd, 2026 at 04:40 pm
Reading Time: 5 minutesRishikesh had been on my list from the very beginning.
The Yoga capital of the world, and gateway to adventure sports in Uttarakhand. I wanted to sit beside ganga and feel the positive vibes.
Finally, me and my college friend decided to take the Rishikesh trip.
Table of Contents
My Rishikesh Weekend Trip Overview
| Trip duration | 2 days |
| Distance from Delhi | 240 km — approximately 5–6 hours |
| Best way to go | Overnight bus from Patel Chowk / ISBT |
| Stay | Hostel Moustache, Tapovan |
| Must do | White water rafting, Laxman Jhula, Triveni Ghat Aarti |
| Budget per day | ₹1,000–1,800 per person |
| Best season | September to June |
Day -1—A 4 AM Walk – Reaching Rishikesh
We started from Patel Chowk Metro Station at 10 PM — overnight bus was booked in advance.
I knew it was going to be a sleepless night. The excitement made sure of that.
We reached Haridwar at 3 AM. Most passengers got off there. We continued and reached the Rishikesh bus stand at 3:50 AM.
The moment we stepped out, people approached us for rafting bookings. We booked our slot for 12 PM right there.
It was slightly cold. Our hostel was in Tapovan, 8 km away. No autos available, and the one we found was charging hefty.
We decided to walk.
Walking to Laxman Jhula at 5 AM
That decision turned out to be one of the better ones of the trip.
The inner city at 4 AM was completely empty. Not a single person visible. Just the two of us walking in the dark, no idea what was ahead.
After walking about an hour, the sound of Ganga became more prominent.
We reached Laxman Jhula at 5 AM. Strong wind, pleasant weather, sunrise colors beginning to appear.
I was standing on that suspension bridge before sunrise. The quietness of ghats, the soulful sound of river below, no crowd — was truly memorable.
We crossed Laxman Jhula, walked through the market, and made our way toward Ram Jhula.
Both are suspension bridges connecting the two banks of the Ganga at different points. You’ll find foreign travellers here at any hour. Rishikesh draws people from across the world for yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, and adventure sports.
The morning walk before the city woke up was worth the sleepless night.
Hostel Moustache, Tapovan
After the morning walk we finally reached Hostel Moustache in Tapovan and got some rest.
I’ll give this hostel its own section because I genuinely loved it.
Moustache is a backpacker hostel chain which is widely popular among young travellers and growing steadily across India. The Tapovan location is well-placed, the atmosphere is energetic, and it draws an interesting crowd.
On that trip I met people from Germany who were travelling across India while working remotely. They told me they chose India specifically because the hostels made budget long-term travel genuinely possible.
If you like meeting new people and want an affordable stay with energy — Moustache is the answer. My first experience with them was in Jaipur, and since then I loved the vibe of Moustache hostel.
You can browse hostels near Laxman Jhula here if you want to compare options.
Breakfast at Café Tattv
After rest, we had breakfast at Café Tattv — just nearby the hostel.
The top floor seating is what makes this place. Good variety, decent food, and the kind of view that makes a slow morning breakfast feel worthwhile.
If you’re staying in Tapovan, it’s an easy first stop for the morning.
Before river rafting, we’re exploring around the ghats and the streets of Rishikesh.
18 km River Rafting from Shivpuri
At 12 PM our rafting slot was up.
We got into a car and headed to Shivpuri. It’s the starting point of our rafting. We were joined by others, mostly foreigners from Spain.
The rafting covered 18 km from Shivpuri to Laxman Jhula, approximately 3 to 3.5 hours on the water.
The major rapids on this stretch:
- Roller Coaster
- Golf Course
- Club House
Each one hits differently. Between rapids, the river calms and the banks open up. At one point we passed what I can only describe as a mini-Goa — people relaxing on the banks, music, a completely different atmosphere than the spiritual Rishikesh you see near the ghats.
I’d never even heard of that side of Rishikesh before experiencing it.
By the time we hit Laxman Jhula at the end, the only thought was whether we could start again—Yes, by spending with extra money.
Though, the river rafting was tiring. It may look cool from outside, but it’s a tiresome process honestly.
Rafting practical info:
- Most popular stretch: Shivpuri to Rishikesh — approximately 18 km
- Duration: 3–3.5 hours
- Cost: ₹600–1,000 per person depending on operator
- Book on arrival in Rishikesh, multiple operators near the bus stand and near Laxman Jhula or from your accomodation.
At Evening — Triveni Ghat Aarti and Dinner
After rafting, rest was necessary. The body needed it.
By evening we headed to Triveni Ghat for the Aarti.
The evening Aarti at Triveni Ghat is one of those experiences that doesn’t require explanation — the lamps, the chanting, the Ganga in the evening light. Just be there on time. It happens daily at sunset.
After the Aarti, dinner at Tip Top or Geeta Bhawan near Ram Jhula — good quantity, good food, and the night view of the river from the market area is its own experience.
Shopping in Rishikesh: The main market near Triveni Ghat is known for clothes and daily items. Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula markets also have options. Most shops close by 8–9 PM. So, plan accordingly.
Day 2 — Exploring Around The Ganga
Day 1 had done its job. Day 2 was for something quieter.
After checking out from the hostel, we spent the day walking along the Ganga Ghats. We don’t have any schedule, or any particular plan.
Sitting by the river and doing nothing specific is underrated in Rishikesh. The place has an energy that’s hard to describe, partly spiritual, partly adventurous, partly just the sound of fast-moving water that makes you feel something.
If you’re feeling bored, bungee jumping at Jump’n Heights is nearby.
For offbeat options from Rishikesh:
- Devprayag — 74 km, where Bhagirathi and Alaknanda merge to form the Ganga. Worth a day trip if you have time.
- Rudraprayag — 141 km, another Prayag with significant spiritual and scenic value.
- Mussoorie, Kanatal, Dehradun — all within comfortable driving distance for extended Uttarakhand trips.
I’ve written about Dehradun and Mussoorie separately if you’re combining the trip.
Final Thoughts
A Rishikesh weekend trip from Delhi is completely doable, and it majorly covers more into two days than most longer trips.
Honestly, for Rishikesh trip you doesn’t require a comprehensive planning. An overnight bus, an accomodation and rafting booking on the spot is a good way to start.
The rest figures itself out.
Great read!
Thank you !