Cradled where the Ganges spills from the Himalaya, Rishikesh has drawn seekers and adventurers for centuries—from wandering sadhus to The Beatles in 1968. Today it’s the “Yoga Capital of the World,” a riverfront town of ashrams, hanging bridges, vegetarian kitchens, and river rapids. Just downstream lies Haridwar, among India’s oldest pilgrimage cities, where the evening Ganga Aarti turns the river into a ribbon of flame.

Two hours uphill, Mussoorie offers crisp air, colonial-era promenades, and broad Himalayan views. Its sister hamlet Landour adds deodar forests, bakeries, and quiet lanes where time idles. This 7-day itinerary braids wellness, culture, and soft adventure, with meaningful rituals and slow travel built in.

Practical notes: Rishikesh is largely vegetarian and alcohol-free; dress modestly near temples and ghats. Best weather: October–April; monsoon (July–September) can affect rafting. Fly into Dehradun (Jolly Grant Airport), 30–45 minutes from Rishikesh. For trains, Haridwar Junction is the gateway, about 1 hour by road to Rishikesh.

Rishikesh

Rishikesh hums with a meditative rhythm: sunrise bells, sandalwood in the air, kayaks slicing the jade river. Two pedestrian bridges—Ram Jhula and newer Janaki Setu—link ashrams and café-lined lanes, while the graffiti-splashed Beatles Ashram nods to a creative past.

• Top sights: Triveni Ghat Aarti, Ram Jhula promenade, Beatles Ashram murals, Neer Garh Waterfall pools, Gita Bhawan steps, Janaki Setu river walk.
• Activities: Sunrise trek to Kunjapuri Temple, white-water rafting (Shivpuri–Rishikesh), bungee/giant swing at Mohan Chatti, yoga classes at well-known ashrams, ayurvedic massages.
• Where to stay: For river views and easy access, base in Muni-ki-Reti/Tapovan. Search stays on VRBO Rishikesh or Hotels.com Rishikesh.
• Food and coffee: Ira’s Kitchen & Tearoom (vegetarian shakshuka, millet pancakes), Pure Soul Café (vegan bowls, smoothie jars, garden seating), Little Buddha Café (multi-cuisine with river views), Bistro Nirvana (North Indian comforts), Ganga View Restaurant at Ganga Kinare (seasonal thalis), Pumpernickel German Bakery (cinnamon rolls, good coffee), The Sitting Elephant rooftop (sunset over the river).

Getting to Rishikesh: Fly to Dehradun (DED); Delhi–Dehradun is ~1 hr, Mumbai–Dehradun ~2.5 hrs. Compare fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Trains from Delhi arrive to Haridwar (4–5 hrs); search Trip.com trains. Airport taxi to Rishikesh: 1,200–1,800 INR (30–45 min).

Haridwar

Haridwar is devotion in motion: brass lamps, Sanskrit chants, and pilgrims cupping river water with reverence. The focal point is Har Ki Pauri ghat, especially at sunset when priests perform the famed Ganga Aarti.

• Don’t miss: Har Ki Pauri Aarti, Mansa Devi Temple (cable car), Chandi Devi ridge-top temple, Kusha Ghat for quieter river time.
• Classic eats: Hoshiyar Puri (puri-chole, lassi), Mathura Walo Ki Pracheen Dukaan (kachori-sabzi), Chotiwala Haridwar (old-school North Indian plates).
• Stay options (if you choose an overnight): Browse VRBO Haridwar or Hotels.com Haridwar.

Mussoorie

Perched at 6,500 ft, Mussoorie pairs mountain panoramas with lamp-lit promenades. Stroll Camel’s Back Road at golden hour, then ride the Gun Hill ropeway for a sherbet sky.

• Top sights: Mall Road, Camel’s Back Road, Gun Hill viewpoint, Company Garden, Landour’s Lal Tibba telescope point, St. Paul’s Church in Landour.
• Eat and sip: Little Llama Café (wood-fired pizza, cheesecake), Kalsang Friends Corner (Tibetan momos, thukpa), Café By The Way (coffee in a vintage setting), Landour Bakehouse (old-world pastries), Emily’s at Rokeby Manor (slow lunch, local flavors).
• Where to stay: For quiet, consider Landour; for bustle, stay near Mall Road. Compare on VRBO Mussoorie or Hotels.com Mussoorie.

Rishikesh → Mussoorie: 2.5–3.5 hrs by taxi via Dehradun (2,800–4,000 INR). Budget option: bus/shared cab to Dehradun (2 hrs), then taxi to Mussoorie (1–1.5 hrs).

Day 1: Arrive Dehradun → Rishikesh, settle by the Ganges

Afternoon: Land at Dehradun (DED) and transfer 30–45 minutes to Rishikesh (1,200–1,800 INR by prepaid taxi). Check in near Tapovan or Muni-ki-Reti for easy river access—browse options on VRBO or Hotels.com. Shake off jet lag with a gentle river walk across Ram Jhula.

Evening: Join the Triveni Ghat Ganga Aarti at sunset. It’s moving, photogenic, and respectful to observe from behind the seated devotees. Dinner after at Ganga View Restaurant for a tasting thali, or go rooftop at The Sitting Elephant for North Indian grills with night vistas.

Day 2: Yoga, Ram Jhula, and the Beatles Ashram

Morning: Begin with a drop-in yoga class at a reputable ashram or studio (60–90 minutes; 400–800 INR). Breakfast at Ira’s Kitchen & Tearoom—order the masala omelet or millet pancakes with local honey.

Afternoon: Explore the Beatles Ashram inside Rajaji Tiger Reserve buffer (entry ~150–600 INR depending on nationality). Wander meditation pods and mural-covered walls that commemorate the band’s 1968 stay and India’s 1960s counterculture moment.

Evening: Cafe-hop along the river: Little Buddha Café for momo soup and a view, then herbal tea at Pumpernickel German Bakery. If you prefer ritual, attend the gentler aarti at Parmarth Niketan’s ghat.

Day 3: White-water rafting and Haridwar Aarti

Morning: Raft the popular Shivpuri–Rishikesh stretch (9–16 km; 2–3 hrs including transfers; 800–1,500 INR). Expect Grade II–III rapids like Roller Coaster and Golf Course; life jackets and helmets are mandatory. Avoid during peak monsoon.

Afternoon: Late lunch riverside at Jal & Jalebi (vegetarian specials, river-facing tables). Rest up for the evening excursion.

Evening: Drive to Haridwar (45–60 min; taxi ~1,000–1,400 INR). Arrive before sunset for the Har Ki Pauri Ganga Aarti—arrive 45 minutes early to find a respectful vantage point. Dine at Hoshiyar Puri (puri-chole, lassi), then return to Rishikesh.

Day 4: Kunjapuri sunrise and ayurvedic unwind

Morning: Pre-dawn transfer to the Kunjapuri trailhead (30–45 min) for a sunrise trek to the hilltop temple (1–1.5 hrs ascent if trekking; many also drive up). Watch the first light touch peaks and the Ganges valley. Return for coffee and smoothie bowls at Pure Soul Café.

Afternoon: Book an ayurvedic massage or shirodhara session (1–1.5 hrs; 1,200–3,000 INR). Browse for copper diyas, sandalwood incense, and rudraksha beads in the bazaar near Ram Jhula.

Evening: Dinner at Bistro Nirvana—butter paneer, tandoor roti, and lemon soda hit the spot. Optional: crystal bowl sound bath or meditation workshop (check local studios; 800–1,500 INR).

Day 5: Waterfalls, bridges, and a cooking class

Morning: Hike to Neer Garh Waterfall (entry ~50 INR; 20–30 minutes to first pool). Bring grippy sandals and swimwear; the rock pools are refreshing.

Afternoon: Cross Janaki Setu for quiet river views and a late lunch at Ganga View Restaurant or Chotiwala (Tapovan) for classic North Indian fare. Pick up mithai for the road from a local sweet shop.

Evening: Join a hands-on vegetarian cooking class (often 2–3 hrs; 1,500–2,000 INR) to learn masala chai, dal tadka, and seasonal sabzi. Nightcap ginger-lemon-honey tea back at your hotel.

Day 6: Rishikesh → Mussoorie, Mall Road and Gun Hill

Morning: Depart Rishikesh by taxi to Mussoorie via Dehradun (2.5–3.5 hrs; 2,800–4,000 INR). Check in near Mall Road for easy strolling, or in Landour for serenity—compare places on VRBO or Hotels.com.

Afternoon: Amble along Camel’s Back Road—watch for the rock that resembles a kneeling camel. Coffee at Café By The Way (vintage décor, good cappuccino). Try Little Llama Café for a late lunch and balcony views.

Evening: Ride the Gun Hill ropeway (short, scenic; ticketed) for sunset colors over Doon Valley. Dinner at Kalsang Friends Corner—steaming momos, chili potato, and jasmine tea.

Day 7: Landour loop and departure

Morning: Head to Landour for a gentle heritage walk: St. Paul’s Church, ivy-clad cottages, and deodar-lined lanes. Breakfast at the Char Dukan cluster (butter pancakes at Anil’s Café) and pastries at Landour Bakehouse.

Afternoon: Take in long-range views at Lal Tibba (on clear days you may spot Bandarpoonch). Early lunch at Emily’s at Rokeby Manor—soups, slow-cooked mains, and Himalayan produce—then transfer to Dehradun Airport (1–1.5 hrs) for your afternoon flight. Check fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Evening: If you’re overnighting instead, consider a twilight stroll on Mall Road and a quiet tea back at your stay.

Budgeting quick facts: Airport transfers: 1,200–1,800 INR; Rishikesh↔Haridwar taxi: ~1,000–1,400 INR; Rishikesh→Mussoorie taxi: 2,800–4,000 INR. Rafting: 800–1,500 INR; bungee/swing at Mohan Chatti: typically 3,700–4,500 INR per jump; yoga classes: 400–800 INR.

Travel search links: Flights on Trip.com and Kiwi.com; trains (e.g., Delhi–Haridwar) on Trip.com trains. Stays: VRBO Rishikesh, Hotels.com Rishikesh, VRBO Mussoorie, Hotels.com Mussoorie.

Across a week you’ll balance sunrise mantras and mountain breezes with river rapids and ritual flame. Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Mussoorie reward curiosity—linger over chai, walk a little farther, and the Himalaya will reveal another layer.