Rishikesh is a popular tourist and pilgrimage destination nestled in the Shivalik ranges at the foot of the Himalayas. It is situated at a point where the Garhwal Himalayas rise, with lush forests all round and the enchanting Ganges river weaving through. It is a perfect destination for those looking to escape the pollution and crowds of the cities. It is also great for bird watchers and nature lovers as the surrounding forests are filled with a wide variety of flora and fauna.
Camping
The breathtaking views, pine forests, and the holy river of Ganges make this place a perfect camping destination in India. You’ll stay in idyllic campsites sheltered by amphitheatres of mountains. You also have the option of riverside camping in Rishikesh, although this is not along the Ganges. The campsites are set up along the banks of the tributaries of the river.
There are also various Rishikesh camping packages offered for different budgets, from tents to bamboo huts and even cottages. And some campsites even offer air-cooled Swiss tents and cottages for warmer days. You can choose your Rishikesh camping packages based on your budget, room preference, or group size.
Group camping is also possible at Rishikesh as most campsites are designed to host families and large groups.
Most Rishikesh camping packages include on-camp adventure activities for all ages, like rope activities, ladder climbing, burma bridge, rappelling, obstacle course, etc. If you choose riverside camping packages in Rishikesh, you’ll have access to go kayaking or paddling.
Best time to go
The best time to go camping in Rishikesh is in winter, from October to mid-February. However, during this time, the water can get really cold, so if you’re planning to go rafting, do keep this in mind. Riverside camping in Rishikesh in the winters is very beautiful as you can enjoy the cool weather, crackling bonfires, and misty morning walks along the river.
Summer is a great time to go, when the cool river is a refreshing change from the bright heat of the sun. The melting snow from the mountains gushes down and swells the river, making it super fun to raft on during this time.
How to get there
TRishikesh is a popular tourist and pilgrimage destination, hence reaching the town from most major cities and towns of India is easy and convenient. Rishikesh does not have its own airport, but you can fly in to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is only about an hour’s drive away. There are daily flights between Dehradun and Delhi, and regular flights connecting most other major cities of India.
If you’re coming by train, you’ll get off at Haridwar, which is about two hours away. There are regular express trains to Haridwar from most major cities of the country too.
From Dehradun, Haridwar, and other cities and towns around, you can also catch a private cab or bus to reach Rishikesh. The road to Rishikesh is also well marked and well-travelled, so if you’re feeling adventurous, you could also drive your own car or motorcycle to the town. Most campsites have parking facilities.
How to get around
While you're camping in Rishkesh, you will have to travel to various sites like the shopping markets, rafting start points, etc. The best way to getting around in the town is on foot, or if your destination is at a distance, then you can take auto-rickshaws or buses to get there. There are also shared taxis, known as 'vikrams' in the town which you can use. And if you want to cross the river, then the best way is to cross one of the two suspensions bridges or taking a ferry to the other side.
Rafting in Rishikesh
Other than being the yoga capital of the world and a pilgrim page, Rishikesh is also famous for its rafting trips. Check out these various Rishikesh camping packages that include rafting sessions on the Ganges river. Your camping in Rishikesh trip is incomplete if you don't go rafting in the Ganges River. It is one of the best spots for rafting in India and is on the bucket list of many adventure enthusiasts.
There are four rafting routes in Rishikesh offering different ranges of difficulty and grades of rapids. The easiest of the routes takes you over Grade II rapids, and the longest and toughest stretch has Grade III and Grade IV rapids. On the longest route, you can even attempt The Wall rapid, a Grade IV+ rapid which is infamous for its high waves and deep drops.
Other than rafting, Rishikesh also offers various other adventure activities. It is home to India's highest bungee jump, at 270 feet. Along with bungee jumping, you can also do Asia's longest flying fox.
Trekking in Rishikesh
Rishikesh is also a starting point for many amazing treks, some of which are considered to be the best in India. Trekking near Rishikesh offers a wide range of dramatic and gorgeous landscape from lush pine forests to shrubs of upper reaches, gushing rivers and alpine meadows, to high-altitude mountain passes. Some of the most popular treks in Rishikesh are:
Nag Tibba trek:
This is an easy trek perfect for beginners and gives you a pleasant experience of trekking in the mountains while taking you through thick forests and offers magnificent views of the surrounding Himalayas.
Valley of Flowers trek:
This is an easy trek perfect for beginners and gives you a pleasant experience of trekking in the mountains while taking you through thick forests and offers magnificent views of the surrounding Himalayas.
Camping in Rishikesh packing list:
The best season for camping in Rishikesh is during the seasons of winter and summer. Regardless of the weather, the tour operator will provide all the camping equipment that you need, so you only need to carry personal essentials.
If you're going during summer, then you need to carry basic clothes like t-shirts and pants along with sunscreen, sunglasses, cap, shoes, etc. Remember to carry a hoodie or a jacket for the night as they can sometimes be cold.
If you're going during winter, then you need to carry thermals along with your basic clothes. Carry thermal inners, fleeces, down jackets along with woollen gloves and hat. And if you're going rafting then you should wear quick-dry apparel that is comfortable and non-restrictive. Apart from this, you should carry a strong backpack, personal med kit, personal toiletries, etc. It is important to note that you should also check the inclusions of the package that you're booking as some budget Rishikesh camping packages might not include sleeping bags or blankets for the night.
Rishikesh Camping Summary
- State: Uttarakhand
- Nearest city: Rishikesh
- Total days: 2
- Grade: Easy
- Max altitude: 1220 feet
- Season: Summer and winter
- Avg temperature: 9 to 36 degree Celsius
Camping in Rishikesh Trip Gallery
Camping in Rishikesh
Sketch itinerary:
Day 1: Check-in at the campsite
- Check-in in the afternoon
- Spend the day relaxing at the campsite
- Sit around a bonfire at night/li>
- Spend the night in tents
Day 2: Try adventure activities and check-out
- Wake up to a gorgeous sunrise
- ery out some adventure activities like bungee jumping, rafting, etc.
- Check-out of the campsite
Detailed itinerary:
Day 1: Check-in at the campsite
Check-in at the campsite at the assigned time where your tents will be allotted to you. You can spend the rest of the day at leisure or head out to explore Rishikesh. However, return to the campsite by night. After a bonfire session, you'll retire into your tents for the night.
Day 2:Try adventure activities and check-out
Wake up to a splendid view of the sun rising over the Himalayan hills, and then head out to try some adventure activities like river rafting, bungee jumping etc. Return to the campsite, freshen up and check-out. The trip ends here.
Inclusions:
Accommodation in Swiss-style tents for 1 night on twin-sharing basis | In-tent amenities: attached washroom, bed, linens, pillows, washroom toiletries, pedestal fan, cupboard, table | All buffet, vegetarian meals from lunch on day 1 to breakfast on day 2 | Outdoor games/activities: badminton, volleyball, cricket, trekking, village visit, beach visit, waterfall visit | Bonfire (subject to good weather conditions) and DJ music | All applicable taxes
Exclusions:
Travel arrangements between home city and campsite | Any meals except those mentioned in inclusions | Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, natural calamities etc. | Personal expenses such as additional meals or beverages etc. | Adventure travel or health insurance | Anything not mentioned in inclusions/p>
Overnight Budget Stay + All Meals
Overnight Standard Stay + All Meals
Overnight Premium Stay + All Meals
Best time to go/Weather
You can go camping in Rishikesh in summer and winter as the weather is pleasant during these seasons. However, if you're planning to go rafting, then you should go during summer as the water is not too cold. Rafting is possible in winter as well but the water is really cold.
Getting there
Rishikesh is a popular tourist destination and a hub for many adventure activites. There are many ways to reach Rishikesh, including rail, flight and road. If you prefer flying in, then the closest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, with daily flights from Delhi and regular flights from other cities. From there, you can hire a cab to reach Rishikesh.
Haridwar is the nearest railway station from Rishikesh which is connected to most major cities of India via a number of regular express trains. From there, you can take a bus or a cab to reach Rishikesh.
There are also regular state and privately run bus services connecting Rishikesh to Delhi, Haridwar, Dehradun, and other major cities of North India.
What to wear
The weather in Rishikesh is generally pleasant, so if you're going during the summer months, you only need to carry basic clothes like comfortable t-shirts and pants, closed shoes, sunglasses and a hat. However, if you're going during the winter months, you should also carry a jacket, scarf, woollen hat, etc. to keep yourself warm. Carry extra pair of quick-dry apparel if you're planning to go rafting in Rishikesh.
What to carry
FThe tour operator will provide all the equipment required for camping. You only need to carry personal essentials like toiletries, extra pair of clothes, jacket, etc. Check the inclusions of the package you're booking carefully as some operators may not provide sleeping bags or blankets for the night.
Preparation/Fitness
There are no fitness requirements for camping in Rishikesh, however you need basic fitness before embarking on rafting sessions during your Rishikesh camping trip. Make sure you choose the right rafting route that is suitable for you and your group as there are 4 rafting routes in Rishikesh that vary in difficulty.
FAQs about the Camping in Rishikesh
What is the minimum/maximum age restriction for camping in Rishikesh?
There are no age restrictions for camping in Rishikesh. Many families with children or senior citizens enjoy the camping experience here. However, do note that some campsites have a short walk between the parking area and the campsite. Do check before making your booking if you have a family/group member who will not be able to manage this.
When is the best time for camping in Rishikesh?
If you’re camping in Rishikesh and planning to go rafting, you should go in the summer months, or after the monsoon. During the winter, the river can get very cold, but rafting is still operational. Some operators will provide you with a wetsuit during winter rafting to keep you warm. However, if you are not planning to go rafting, camping is fun year-round, except during the monsoon months.
What else can I do in Rishikesh during camping?
FRishikesh is full of adventure activities to try during your camping trip. You can go bungee jumping, river rafting, kayaking, or try Asia’s longest Flying Fox. Some campsites also offer activities like rappelling, obstacle courses, etc. Apart from this, you can sign up for short treks, yoga sessions, or sight-seeing in Rishikesh. You must also make sure you visit the Ganga Aarti, which is a beautiful event, even if you are not religious.
What is provided for meals in Rishikesh?
Most campsites provide veg/non-veg options for dinner, with vegetarian food for other meals. You’ll get buffet-style meals for lunch and dinner, with rotis, rice, dal, vegetables, and one non-veg dish, and dessert, as well as accompaniments like salad, pickle, and papads. For breakfast, you’ll usually be offered a choice between eggs, bread and butter, aloo puri or paratha, and tea or coffee. Some campsites include a round of starters/BBQ snacks in the evening during the campfire.
I don’t want to camp in tents in Rishikesh. What are the other options?
Rishikesh has plenty of options for overnight stays, including budget and premium camping options. Some operators have very spacious tents with double beds, attached washrooms, and even coolers. However, you can also stay in air-conditioned cottages, which are especially comfortable in the warmer months.
How do I reach Rishikesh?
Rishikesh is a famous tourist destination in India and is also a revered pilgrim spots for followers of Hinduism. Hence, the town is quite easy to access.
If you're coming by train, then you should book a train to Haridwar station, which is a two hour drive away from Rishikesh. From there, you can take a cab/bus to get there.
If you're flying in from your home-city, then you should take a flight to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is an hour’s drive from Rishikesh. There are daily flights from Delhi to Dehradun and frequent flights from other cities of the country.
Rishikesh is also connected to other major cities and towns of North India by a network of state and privately run bus services. You can even drive your own car to the town as the roads are well marked and the drive is scenic, and many campsites also offer parking facilities on or near the site.
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