Start your trip in Rishikesh, known as the Yoga Capital of the World. In the morning, witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Triveni Ghat. Afterward, explore the famous Lakshman Jhula, a suspension bridge over the Ganges River. In the evening, take a peaceful boat ride on the river and watch the sunset.
Triveni Ghat: Witness the Ganga Aarti ceremony. Estimated cost: Free. Time spent: 1 hour.
Lakshman Jhula: Explore the suspension bridge. Estimated cost: Free. Time spent: 2 hours.
Ganges River Boat Ride: Enjoy a peaceful boat ride. Estimated cost: INR 500 ($7) per person. Time spent: 1 hour.
Restaurants
For breakfast in Rishikesh, head to Chotiwala Restaurant, known for its delicious Indian breakfast dishes such as parathas and dosas. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try Ira's Kitchen & Tea Room, a cozy restaurant that offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes. Don't miss their thali, a traditional Indian platter. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For dinner, enjoy a culinary experience at The Sitting Elephant, a rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the Ganges River. They specialize in Indian and international cuisine, and their tandoori dishes are highly recommended. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Saturday, November 11: Mussoorie
Head to Mussoorie, a beautiful hill station. Start your morning with a visit to Kempty Falls, where you can take a refreshing dip. In the afternoon, explore the Mall Road, known for its shops and restaurants. In the evening, take a cable car ride to Gun Hill for panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Kempty Falls: Enjoy the waterfall and swimming. Estimated cost: INR 50 ($0.70) per person. Time spent: 2 hours.
Mall Road: Explore shops and restaurants. Estimated cost: Varies. Time spent: 3 hours.
Gun Hill: Take a cable car ride for scenic views. Estimated cost: INR 75 ($1) per person. Time spent: 1 hour.
Sunday, November 12: Chopta
Travel to Chopta, a serene hill station known for its breathtaking views and trekking opportunities. In the morning, embark on a trek to Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world. Afterward, visit Chandrashila Peak for panoramic views of the Himalayas. Spend the evening enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of Chopta.
Tungnath Trek: Trek to the highest Shiva temple. Estimated cost: Free. Time spent: 6-7 hours.
Head to Tehri, a town famous for its Tehri Dam and beautiful lake. In the morning, visit the Tehri Dam, one of the tallest dams in the world. Enjoy water sports activities like jet skiing and boating in Tehri Lake in the afternoon. Spend the evening relaxing by the lake.
Tehri Dam: Visit the tallest dam. Estimated cost: Free. Time spent: 2 hours.
Tehri Lake Water Sports: Enjoy jet skiing and boating. Estimated cost: Varies. Time spent: 3 hours.
Restaurants
The Breakfast Club: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Breakfast Club, located near Tehri Dam. They offer a variety of breakfast options such as pancakes, omelettes, and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
Taste of Tehri: For lunch, head to Taste of Tehri, a popular restaurant known for its authentic Tehri cuisine. Try their signature Tehri Pulao or Rajma Chawal for a taste of local flavors. The average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
Lakeview Sunset Restaurant: Enjoy a scenic dinner at Lakeview Sunset Restaurant, situated by Tehri Lake. Indulge in mouthwatering multi-cuisine dishes while enjoying the beautiful sunset view. The average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Tuesday, November 14: Rishikesh
Return to Rishikesh to explore more of its spiritual and natural attractions. In the morning, visit the iconic Beatles Ashram, where the Beatles stayed in the 1960s. Spend the afternoon exploring Neer Garh Waterfall and enjoying the natural beauty. In the evening, attend a yoga session at one of the many yoga centers in Rishikesh.
Beatles Ashram: Explore the ashram. Estimated cost: INR 150 ($2) per person. Time spent: 2 hours.
Neer Garh Waterfall: Enjoy the waterfall and natural surroundings. Estimated cost: Free. Time spent: 2 hours.
Yoga Session: Attend a yoga class. Estimated cost: Varies. Time spent: 1-2 hours.
Wednesday, November 15: Rishikesh
Continue exploring Rishikesh's spiritual side. In the morning, visit the famous Parmarth Niketan Ashram for a spiritual experience and participate in a morning yoga session. In the afternoon, go for a thrilling river rafting adventure on the Ganges River. In the evening, relax on the riverbank and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Parmarth Niketan Ashram: Experience spirituality and attend a yoga session. Estimated cost: Free. Time spent: 2-3 hours.
River Rafting: Enjoy an exhilarating rafting experience. Estimated cost: INR 1,200 ($16) per person. Time spent: 3 hours.
Thursday, November 16: Departure
On your last day, bid farewell to Rishikesh and prepare for departure. Spend the morning exploring local markets for souvenirs. In the afternoon, visit the scenic Triveni Ghat for a final glimpse of the Ganges River. Depart from Rishikesh in the evening.
Local Markets: Shop for souvenirs. Estimated cost: Varies. Time spent: 2-3 hours.
Triveni Ghat: Take in the views of the Ganges River. Estimated cost: Free. Time spent: 1 hour.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For an off the beaten path experience, consider visiting the Vashishta Cave near Rishikesh, where the sage Vashishta is said to have meditated. Another hidden gem is Dhanaulti, a small hill station near Mussoorie, offering tranquility and panoramic views. Locals love to visit Devprayag, the confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers, where the Ganges River originates.