A land with an aura of spirituality spread all around, Rishikesh is the epitome of serenity and tranquility. An escape for those who are seeking solitude, this yoga capital of the entire world blankets some of the most surreal and enchanting marvels of mother nature. The harmonious sounds of bells ringing in sync with the hymn, this destination turns into a supernatural land by the evening. Along with being home to numerous ashrams, Rishikesh is a destination that blankets adventures not only in the heart but also around itself. One of the most spectacular things to do in Uttarakhand has to be trekking near Rishikesh
Planning an escape to the mountains is one of the most exciting moments for true travelers and wanderers. Spending some time away from the hustle and bustle under the mountain sky, soaking in the enchanting beauty of nature, and embracing the peacefulness that reeks out is an escapade that everyone wishes. Take a look at this list of top places that one can visit near Rishikesh to satisfy that need of adventure!
Best Time For Trekking Near Rishikesh
Uttarakhand is one of those destinations that can be visited throughout the year. The pleasant weather, serene atmosphere, and the panoramic views of the hills around makes this one of the favorite spots amongst tourists to escape the city life for a while. Trekking is one adventurous activity that appeals to thrill-seekers and nature lovers. The best time for trekking in Uttarakhand near Rishikesh is mainly during the summer months from April to June and the autumn months from September to November. But for those who wish to this land turns into a magical town, then visit this destination in winters to experience the fresh snowfall and embrace the unmatchable beauty.
Top 10 Places For Trekking Near Rishikesh
Looking for some of the best treks that one can go for when in Rishikesh? Here is a list of all the places that one can add on their bucket list when seeking a getaway from Rishikesh!
1. Valley Of Flowers
Exhibiting some of the breathtakingly beautiful views and picturesque landscapes, the Valley of Flowers is one of the most stunning places for short day trekking around Rishikesh. Nothing less than paradise on earth for all the nature admirers and photographers out there, the Valley of Flowers is home to an extensive number of exotic species of flora. A great escape for beginners, the trek to this wonderful destination is complete with narrow trails, sharp climbs, and rugged paths, making it even more adventurous. One can take a bus from Rishikesh to Joshimath and reach Govindghat, the base of the trek, from where one can embark on their trek full of magnificent experiences.
Distance From Rishikesh: 270 kilometers
Level Of Trek: Easy
Duration Of Trek: Same day return
Distance Of Trek: 14 kilometers
Starting Point Of Trek: Ghangaria
Altitude: 3858 meters or 12654 feet
Must Read: Pre-Wedding Shoot In Rishikesh: 9 Locations That Are Perfect For Couple Photography
2. Chopta-Chandrashila
A crowd-pleaser amidst the adventure enthusiasts, Chopta-Chandrashila is one of the prevailing routes taken by thrill-seekers for trekking near Rishikesh. Often tagged as the ‘Mini Switzerland’ and the ‘Moon Rock’, Chopta and Chandrashila are often covered as one trek because of their vicinity with each other. Chandrashilla summit overs some of the most awe-inspiring and hair-raising views of various peaks like Banderpucnh, Kedarnath peak, and more to the spectators. Deodar, pine, and rhododendrons trees await to welcome the travelers and trekkers at the destination. Take a bus to Ukhimath from Rishikesh and arrive at Chopta. From there, head to Tungnath which is the most significant base of Chopta-Chandrashila Trek.
Distance From Rishikesh: 165 kilometers
Level Of Trek: Easy/Moderate
Duration Of Trek: 3 to 6 days
Distance Of Trek: 5 kilometers from Chopta to Chandrashila
Starting Point Of Trek: Ukhimath
Altitude: 4090 meters or 13415 feet
Suggested Read: 7 Resorts In Rishikesh For A Laid-Back Vacation
3. Kuari Pass
A great option for those beginners, Kuari Pass Trek offers one of the best trekking around Rishikesh. The bamboo and oak forests, exotic species of flora and fauna, alluring rivers and lakes, velvety green meadows, and the tranquil atmosphere is exactly what makes Kuari Pass a great nature-escape! This destination offers some of the most panoramic and jaw-dropping views of the surrounding peaks including Neelkanht, Kedarnath, Nanda Devi, and many more. The trek to Kuari Pass commences from the Dhak Village and reaches till the Gorson Bugyal. With the subtle sounds of rivers gushing somewhere nearby, this trek offers some extremely magical experiences.
Distance From Rishikesh: 131 kilometers
Level Of Trek: Easy/Moderate
Duration Of Trek: 6 to 10 days
Distance Of Trek: 20 kilometers
Starting Point Of Trek: Lata
Altitude: 4265 meters or 13990 feet
Suggested Read: 40 Places To Visit In Rishikesh On Your Religious Getaway
4. Har Ki Dun
Nestled in the Western Ganges, Har Ki Dun offers some of the most impeccable experiences of trekking near Rishikesh. Exhibiting views that seem right out of a storybook, this destination is a cradle-shaped valley that is surrounded by majestic peaks and lush green vegetation all around. Har Ki Dun boasts about an extensive number of paths less takes and the beauty of untouched nature. When in this location, trekkers get an opportunity to witness the rarest species of Bhojpatra and Brahmakal trees. The expansive variety of flora with peaks forming the backdrop has landed this destination on the list of most photogenic marvels of mother nature in the entire country!
Distance From Rishikesh: 118 kilometers
Level Of Trek: Easy/Moderate
Duration Of Trek: 8 days
Distance Of Trek: 47 kilometers
Starting Point Of Trek: Sankri
Altitude: 3566 meters or 11697 feet
Suggested Read: Bungee Jumping In Rishikesh: Here’s A Handy Guide To Know Everything About This Thrilling Activity
5. Nag Tibba
One of the best trekking near Rishikesh, Nag Tigga Trek happens to be a favorite amongst trekkers. Translating to the ‘Mountain of Serpent’, the Nag Tibba is a great peak to pitch the tent, witness the mountain star-studded night sky, and camp in the mountains. It is believed that the Himalayan region is home to Nag Devta, the snake god who is worshipped by the locals around. When trekking to this enchanting destination, one can witness the stunning views of Bandarpunch Peak, Doon Valley, Kedarnath Peak, snow-clad peaks of Chanabang, and many more. There are a total of four routes that can lead trekkers to Nag Tibba including Aunter, Magalori, Devalsari Village, and the Pantwari Village. Out of all of these trek routes, the route from Pantwari Village happens to be the most popular one!
Distance From Rishikesh: 164 kilometers
Level Of Trek: Easy
Duration Of Trek: 2 to 5 days
Distance Of Trek: 10 kilometers
Starting Point Of Trek: North East of Mussoorie
Altitude: 3048 meters or 9998 feet
Suggested Read: 12 Majestic Temples In Rishikesh That Are All About Architectural Grandeur
6. Roopkund
With numerous mysterious tales latched to it, Roopkund is one of the most intriguing places for trekking near Rishikesh. Also famed as ‘the Skeleton Lake’, Roopkund Lake is a destination where the water and its shore are both sprinkled with skeletons of thousands of human beings. It is believed that these skeletons belong to those travelers who got stuck at the Lake by virtue of the natural disaster back in the 14th century. One of the most popular trek trails, trekkers traveling to Roopkund Lake get to experience lush green forests, numerous spiritual sites, pristine and sparkling streams, fresh snow, and the magnificent peaks of Trishul and Bedni Bugya during the summer trek. Once the snow melts, trekkers also get to witness the human skeletons underlying the lake that sends chills down the spines.
Distance From Rishikesh: 142 kilometers
Level Of Trek: Moderate/Challenging
Duration Of Trek: 8 days
Distance Of Trek: 15 kilometers
Starting Point Of Trek: Lohajung
Altitude: 2438 meters or 8326 feet
Suggested Read: Rishikesh In December: 10 Experiences You Need To Have For Embracing The Chill!
7. Pindari Glacier
Home to some of the friendliest and warm-hearted locals, the Pindari Glacier Trek is one of the most popular trekking near Rishikesh. Sitting in the upper Kumaon region of Himalayas, the Pindari Glacier is surrounded by Nanda Devi Peak on one side while the Nanda Kot Peak covers this on the other side. Proud of its magical waterfalls, gushing rivers, mind blowing glaciers, vibrant flora, dense green vegetation, tranquil atmosphere and the impeccable marvels of mother nature, the Pindari Glacier is nothing less than the ‘Soul of Kumaon’. Appealing to all the nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts out there, the Pindari Glacier gives travelers an opportunity to pass through the quaint villages and the lands that are considered to have great mythological significance, simply doubling the excitement! The wooden bridges housing in this destination allows one to just soak in the beauty that is nothing but a blessing from nature.
Distance From Rishikesh: 169 kilometers
Level Of Trek: Moderate
Duration Of Trek: 6 days
Distance Of Trek: 90 kilometers
Starting Point Of Trek: Loharkhet
Altitude: 4150 meters or 13612 feet
Suggested Read: Trekking In Rishikesh Makes A Perfect Day Out In The Lap Of Nature
8. Nanda Devi
The peak on which Nanda Devi sits has often been tagged as one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the entire world. Another one of the treks commencing from the upper Kumaon region, Nanda Devi is one of the most popular trekking near Rishikesh. Giving travelers a chance to get a much closer look at the ever so stunning twin peaks of the Nanda Devi Mountain, this trek has plenty of magical experiences hiding in its lap. A trek for all the trekking pros out there who love some challenging paths to satiate the inner daredevils, Nanda Devi is one of the most difficult yet rewarding treks that one can ever conquer. This trek gives travelers a chance to come across some of the surreal and little villages and get an insight into the lifestyle of Kumaon. One also gets to witness some enchanting waterfalls and alluring meadows during the period of their climb.
Distance From Rishikesh: 271 kilometers
Level Of Trek: Moderate/Challenging
Duration Of Trek: 6 to 10 days
Distance Of Trek: 55 kilometers
Starting Point Of Trek: Lata Village
Altitude: 4250 meters or 13940 feet
Suggested Read: 38 Ultra Exciting Things To Do In Rishikesh With Your Travel Pals
9. Panch Kedar
One of the holiest places for trekking near Rishikesh, Panch Kedar is a destination with an essence of spirituality spread all around. For those who wish to escape the chaos of life and embrace some peace for a few days, this trek is definitely the answer. Home to 5 shrines of Lord Shiva, Panch Kedar offers one of the finest amalgamations of charming beauty and serenity in the surroundings. An escape for both a novice and an expert, this trek commences from Kalpeshwar and ends at Kedarnath, covering all the shrines of Lord Shiva, hence appealing to the devotees. After trekking till the cave temple at Kalpeshwar, one continues towards Rudrath, followed by Tungnath and Madhya Maheshwar, and then finally reaching the destination where it is believed that Lord Shiva appeared in the form of a bull. Locals believe that these five temples were built by the Pandavas and these combine to form the Panch Kedar.
Distance From Rishikesh: 254 kilometers
Level Of Trek: Moderate/Challenging
Duration Of Trek: 16 days
Distance Of Trek: 170 kilometers
Starting Point Of Trek: Gaurikund
Altitude: 3584 meters or 11758 feet
Suggested Read: Top 13 Yoga Retreats In Rishikesh Where You Can Embark On A Spiritual Journey
10. Mount Shivling
Another one of the challenging trekking near Rishikesh is the Mount Shivling Trek that offers some of the most surreal and dreamy views of the untouched mother nature. A sight to behold, the trail that leads to the final destination on this trek goes through the finely structured pine forest with the Bhagirathi River gushing on one side and the lush green foliage covering the floors on the other. Trek to Mount Shivling is exactly how paradise would look like. One of the most popular and appealing Hindu pilgrimage spots, Mount Shivling gives trekkers an opportunity to walk along the Gangotri Glacier which offers a combination of thrill and excitement. Trekkers also get to witness the charming views of the meadows of Tapovan that are stretched far and wide.
Distance From Rishikesh: 266 kilometers
Level Of Trek: Moderate/Challenging
Duration Of Trek: 10 to 13 days
Distance Of Trek: 115 kilometers
Starting Point Of Trek: Gangotri
Altitude:4800 meters or 15748 feet
Further Read: 26 Adventure Sports In Rishikesh For Every Thrill Seeker
Trekking near Rishikesh is a perfect escape to satisfy the inner spirit of adventure. The trekking trails sitting around Rishikesh are perfect for beginners and professionals alike. Passing through the lush-green jungles, walking across the pristine rivers, strolling under the starry mountain sky, and sitting in the tranquil surroundings, the hills have something about them. So, make the most of your Uttarakhand trip!
