Rishikesh 2 Days Itinerary: A Complete Weekend Plan
Two days is the most common trip length for Rishikesh, and it's enough time to cover the ghats, one adventure activity, and a nearby viewpoint without feeling rushed. This itinerary is built for a Saturday–Sunday weekend trip from Delhi or a two-day stop on a longer Uttarakhand circuit.
Day 1: Ghats, Bridges & Ganga Aarti
- Morning: Arrive and check in around Tapovan or Laxman Jhula. Breakfast at a rooftop cafe overlooking the river.
- Late morning: Walk across Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula, browse the market stalls, and visit Parmarth Niketan ashram.
- Afternoon: Visit the Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia) — allow 1.5–2 hours to see the murals and old meditation huts.
- Evening: Reach Triveni Ghat by 5:30–6 PM for the Ganga Aarti. Arrive early to get a good spot by the river.
- Night: Dinner at a riverside restaurant; the German Bakery and Beatles Cafe areas have the widest choice.
Day 2: Adventure & a Himalayan Sunrise
- Early morning (optional): Drive up to Kunjapuri Temple (about 1 hour) for sunrise over the Himalayan range — leave by 4:30 AM.
- Morning: White-water rafting, typically a 16 km stretch taking 2–2.5 hours including safety briefing.
- Afternoon: Neer Garh Waterfall for a swim and lunch at a local dhaba, or relax at your camp/hotel.
- Evening: Second Ganga Aarti if you missed the crowd the first day, or shopping for Rudraksha beads and singing bowls near Ram Jhula.
If you'd rather spend one of the nights riverside instead of in town, see our Rishikesh camping price guide — most rafting operators bundle a night's camping with the rafting trip.
Getting There for a Weekend Trip
From Delhi, an overnight Volvo bus or an early morning drive (240 km, 6–7 hours) works well for a Friday-night-to-Sunday-evening trip. Full route options are in our Delhi to Rishikesh trip guide.
Budget for 2 Days
| Item | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay (1 night, mid-range) | ₹2,000–3,500 |
| Rafting (16 km) | ₹500–800 per person |
| Food (2 days) | ₹1,000–1,500 |
| Local transport/auto | ₹500–800 |
| Total per person | ₹4,000–6,500 |
FAQs
Can I do rafting and Kunjapuri sunrise on the same day?
Yes, but it's an early start — leave for Kunjapuri by 4:30 AM, return by 8 AM, and book a late-morning rafting slot.
Is one night camping and one night hotel a good split?
It's a popular combination — camp riverside after rafting on day one, then a comfortable hotel in town on day two.
Want the full context — attractions, food, and budget beyond two days? Read the complete Rishikesh Travel Guide 2026 or explore the Rishikesh city page. Check the Rishikesh weather and rafting season before you pick dates. You can also auto-generate this plan with our AI Trip Planner.
