Pilgrimage from Rishikesh - Char Dam Pilgrimage

May to September are popular months to go for pilgrimage in the mountains north of Rishikesh. During these months, Rishikesh is normally very crowded with pilgrims and hotels and guesthouses are often full. These are also the hottest months in Rishikesh and the tides in the Ganges can be dangerously strong and high (not adviced to swim in it during these periods).  

There are a few popular sites near Rishikesh that local tourists visit for pilgrimage. One of them is the Neelkantha Mahadeva Temple, about an hour up the mountains just behind Rishikesh. Jeeps can be chartered or shared from Laksman Jhula jeep stand to get there. Be prepared for the very windy road up, so if you tend to get car sick, get those seats facing the front and not sideways. Private taxis are also available from all the taxi stands in Rishikesh.

What is very famous and important in this region is the Char Dham pilgrimage to Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri high up in the mountains with beautiful routes along the Ganges, the Alaknanda and many other rivers. Starting with Rishikesh either with the bus from the city bus station or a private taxi, you will pass through the holy site where the Ganges starts (not the source but where the river starts to be known as the Ganges) at Devprayag. Expect the car ride to be a day long to reach any of the temples and do plan at least a 7-10 days if you wish to visit all 4 temples. The limited hotel/guesthouses in the mountains are often full during the pilgrimage months, so book ahead and be prepared to pay pretty high prices for basic accomodations. The weather is hot and sunny in the day, but cools down rapidly in the night, so bring some warm clothes and good walking shoes. Take note that Kedarnath is about 17km walk one way, a stay overnight near the temple is usually required.

If you are still haven't had enough of the mountains after visiting the Char Dham sites, there are a few other lovely hikes and pilgrimage sites such as the Valley of the Flowers and the Hemdkund Sahib - an important pilgrimage site for the Sikhs. These sites also require day long hikes to reach.

If holy sites are not your thing, there are plenty of nice hikes in these mountains. Discuss with a tour agent in Rishikesh and they will arrange something to meet your ability and needs.

Badrinath Temple

View from Tungnath Temple