Kunjapuri Sunrise Trek & Neer Waterfall from Rishikesh

Sunrise at a sacred hilltop, then downhill through villages and waterfalls

A seven-hour trek from Rishikesh that begins with a private drive to Kunjapuri Temple, a Shakti Peetha at 1,645 meters where you watch the sun rise over snow-capped Himalayan peaks, then descend 9 kilometers through remote villages, jungle and river valleys to reach Neer Waterfall. Private transport from your hotel, a local guide, and waterfall entry are included.

The experience

The day starts before dawn with pickup from your Rishikesh hotel and a 32-kilometer private drive through winding mountain roads to the temple trailhead. You climb about 300 cemented steps to the hilltop shrine at 1,645 meters, arriving as the first light touches peaks like Bandarpunch, Chaukhamba and Gangotri. The 180-degree views shift through gold and orange while you stand at the temple. Afterward you receive blessings at the sacred Pindi and learn the site's spiritual history from your guide.

The trek itself is the descent: a 9-kilometer downhill walk that passes through inhabited villages, dense jungle, a river valley and the Neer Waterfall. The largest waterfall near Rishikesh. You move at a pace that lets you take in the landscape and the communities along the route. A restaurant sits near the start of the descent if you want to stop for a continental breakfast before continuing.

Your guide is English-speaking and local to the region, which means they know the villages you pass through and can explain what you're seeing. The trek ends back in Rishikesh with the same private transport that brought you up, so you don't arrange a separate return.

What’s included

• Private pickup and dropoff from your Rishikesh hotel.
• English-speaking local guide for the full trek.
• entry to Neer Waterfall.
• all taxes and fees.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 04:30 and 05:00

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (5 to 90 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Rishikesh Day Tour 1

Is this one for you?Book this trek if you want to start in darkness at a sacred temple and end at a waterfall, moving downhill the whole way: a single-day immersion in Himalayan villages and landscape without the strain of climbing.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What time does the trek start from my hotel in Rishikesh?

Pickup happens early enough to reach Kunjapuri Temple before sunrise. Your guide will confirm the exact time when you book, as it depends on the season and the current sunrise hour.

Is the 9-kilometer downhill trek difficult?

The trek is downhill the entire way and suitable for all physical fitness levels according to the operator, though it does involve sustained walking over uneven terrain through villages, jungle and river valleys.

What is Neer Waterfall like when we reach it?

Neer Waterfall is the largest waterfall near Rishikesh and sits at the end of the downhill route. The trek passes through it as part of the descent, and entry is included in your booking.

What do I need to bring for a seven-hour trek?

Wear sturdy hiking shoes, bring water and sun protection, and dress in layers since the temperature drops at the hilltop before dawn and warms as you descend through the day.

Can I eat during the trek?

A restaurant sits near the start of the downhill section where you can order a continental breakfast on your own before continuing. Bring snacks and water for the rest of the descent.