Rishikesh Tours &
Things to Do
Discover the best Rishikesh tours and things to do in India’s yoga capital on the sacred Ganges: witness the mesmerising evening Ganga Aarti, raft the white-water rapids, practise yoga and meditation, visit the abandoned Beatles Ashram, trek into the Himalayan foothills, and cross the swaying Laxman Jhula bridge. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.
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Explore Rishikesh by interest
Whatever brings you to Rishikesh — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Top attractions in Rishikesh
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Ganga Aarti
River ceremony.
Ganges Rafting
White-water rapids.
Yoga
Classes & retreats.
Beatles Ashram
Murals & history.
Laxman Jhula
Suspension bridge.
Himalayan Foothills
Trek country.
Waterfalls
Jungle hikes.
The Ganges
Sacred river.
River awayGanges Rafting
White-water rapids.
Foothills awayHimalayan Trek
Mountain hikes.
Town awayBeatles Ashram
Murals & history.
Ghats awayGanga Aarti
River ceremony.
Town awayYoga Class
By the Ganges.
Foothills awayWaterfalls
Jungle hikes.
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Rishikesh visitor asks before booking.
Spring (Feb–Apr)
Warm and pleasant — ideal for rafting and yoga.
Summer (May–Jun)
Hot in the day; cooler than the plains.
Monsoon (Jul–Sep)
Rainy; rafting pauses at high water.
Autumn–Winter (Oct–Feb)
Cool, clear and the best time to visit.
For rafting
Autumn to spring, outside the monsoon.
Best overall
October to April for fine weather.
One day
The bridges, a yoga class and the Aarti.
Two days
Add rafting and the Beatles Ashram.
Three+ days
Add a Himalayan trek and a yoga retreat.
For yoga
Join a multi-day retreat.
For adventure
Rafting, trekking and waterfalls.
For spirit
The Aarti, temples and ashrams.
On foot
The town and bridges are walkable.
By river
Ferries and rafts cross the Ganges.
Tours & transfers
Tours run to rafting points and treks.
From Delhi
About six hours by road or rail plus transfer.
Where to stay
Stay near Laxman Jhula or Tapovan.
Indian rupee
India uses the rupee; carry some cash.
Ganga Aarti
Arrive early for a spot at the ghats.
Rafting
Book outside the monsoon for the best runs.
Yoga
Choose a class or retreat to suit your level.
Dress modestly
Cover up at temples and the ghats.
Beatles Ashram
Bring a small entry fee for the ashram.
No alcohol
Rishikesh is a holy, alcohol-free town.
Rafting
Rafting trips fill up — book ahead.
Yoga retreats
Retreats fill up — reserve early.
Treks
Himalayan treks fill up — book ahead.
Aarti tours
Evening Aarti tours fill up — reserve early.
Riverside stays
The best guesthouses book out — reserve early.
Peak season
October to April is busiest — book well ahead.
Rafting
Around $11–25 for a white-water rafting trip.
Aarti tour
About $15–30 for an evening Aarti tour.
Yoga class
Roughly $19–40 for a yoga class or session.
Beatles Ashram
Around $16–30 for a guided ashram tour.
Himalayan trek
About $71–120 for a guided trek.
How to save
Join group tours to save over private ones.
Rishikesh through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Rafting & yoga.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Ideal.
- Best for
- Quieter town.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Hot.
- Best for
- Green hills.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Rainy.
- Best for
- Best weather.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Peak.