Upper Tapovan is the hilly area across the busy Badrinath Road behind Lower Tapovan. The area is quite spread out and quiet if you don't choose places near the main road but it can be quite a walk up the hill to get home. Many local residential houses are located here with a few guesthouses and yoga retreat places spread out around the area. If you are looking to stay longer term, some local residents have rooms for rent in their houses and they often come with a kitchenette and private bathrooms. Staying here can make one feel more like a resident and less of a tourist. However there are only a few restaurants and shops and some small local provision shops. And if you intend to go more often to the other areas of Rishikesh, it can be quite an effort. This area, like many residential areas here, becomes rather quiet and dark in the evenings.
The accessibility here is similar to Lower Tapovan with few car access roads. With the public transportation you will also need to walk from the autorickshaw stand on the main road at Laxman Jhula. Upper Tapovan is more recommended for travellers who would like to stay longer here and do not need to move around Rishikesh too much.