Rishikesh: Kunjapuri Temple Sunrise Trek & Neer Garh Waterfall

Summary

Sunrise prayers at Kunjapuri and a winding trek to waterfalls

You’ll start before dawn in Rishikesh with hotel pickup and chai on the way up winding mountain roads. Watch sunrise prayers at Kunjapuri Temple, then trek down through Himalayan villages toward Neer Garh waterfall—with breakfast included and a local guide sharing stories along the way.

What’s the experience like?

The car was already waiting outside my hotel in Rishikesh when I shuffled out, still half-asleep and clutching my water bottle like a lifeline. Our guide—he introduced himself as Suresh—handed me a steaming cup of chai before we drove up the twisting roads toward Kunjapuri Temple. The air got colder as we climbed, and the windows started to fog up. Suresh told us stories about Goddess Shakti and why this temple matters so much here; he pointed out little shrines tucked into the hillsides that I never would’ve noticed on my own.

At the top, there were maybe a dozen other people—mostly locals lighting incense, their voices soft in the blue dawn. I fumbled with my jacket zipper while Suresh pressed his palms together in greeting to an old priest sweeping the temple steps. The sunrise felt slow at first, but then suddenly everything was gold—the Himalayas behind us looked impossibly far away and close all at once. The smell of incense mixed with cold mountain air stuck with me (I can still catch it sometimes if I think hard enough). We shared breakfast right there—nothing fancy, just warm parathas and more chai, but somehow it tasted better than any hotel buffet.

The trek down was quieter than I expected. We passed through tiny villages where kids waved from rooftops and women in bright scarves carried bundles of wood. Suresh stopped now and then to show us wildflowers or explain why certain houses had painted doors (apparently it’s for good luck). My legs started to feel wobbly around hour two—I probably should’ve trained more—but honestly, nobody rushed me. At one point we heard distant bells from another hillside temple; it echoed weirdly through the valley, almost like a reminder that you’re not alone out here.

By the time we reached Neer Garh waterfall, my shoes were muddy but I didn’t care anymore. There were local families picnicking by the water, laughing over something I couldn’t quite catch. Suresh handed me a towel with a grin—“You made it!”—and yeah, I guess I did. The drive back to Rishikesh was quiet; everyone seemed lost in their own thoughts or maybe just tired in that good way you get after walking all morning. Sometimes I still think about that sunrise when city noise gets too loud.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kunjapuri Temple Sunrise Trek

• Pick up from Rishikesh early morning
• Drive 1 hour to Kunjapuri Temple
• Visit Kunjapuri Temple and view sunrise
• Trek 9 km down through villages and farms
• Reach Neer Garh waterfall
• Car pick up and drop at hotel

Top questions

How long does the Kunjapuri Temple Sunrise Trek take?

The tour is a half-day excursion starting early morning from Rishikesh and ends by midday.

Is pickup included for the Kunjapuri sunrise trek?

Yes, free hotel pickup and drop-off in Rishikesh are included.

How difficult is the trek from Kunjapuri Temple?

The trek covers about 9 km downhill; moderate fitness is recommended.

What do you see during the day trip from Rishikesh to Kunjapuri?

You’ll see Himalayan views, local villages, farms, and end at Neer Garh waterfall.

Is breakfast provided on this tour?

Yes, breakfast is included during the tour after visiting Kunjapuri Temple.

Who leads the trek?

A professional local guide accompanies you throughout the tour.

Are there religious customs to follow at Kunjapuri Temple?

You should maintain respectful behavior inside the temple and follow any guidelines given by your guide or locals.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation with free hotel pickup and drop-off in Rishikesh, an experienced local guide who shares stories along the way, breakfast after sunrise at Kunjapuri Temple, and all transfers—including your ride back from Neer Garh waterfall after finishing the trek.