Neelkanth Mahadev Temple Trek
TREK DIFFICULTY
Easy
TREK DURATION
1 Days
HIGHEST ALTITUDE
1500
GROUP SIZE
3- 8-12
TREK DISTANCE
12 km
BASECAMP
Uttarakhand
BEST TIME
All Around Year
PICKUP POINT
Rishikesh
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple Trek Overview
Rishikesh offers one of the most outstanding day hikes & treks. This Ram Jhula-Neelkanth Mahadev trek is characterised by outstanding scenic beauty and wildlife, including elephants, muntjac deer, peacocks, junglefowl, and numerous birds, because it's very close to Raja Ji National Park, and you experience all this within a short period of time, with a basic level of fitness.
It begins from Ram Jhula, a suspension bridge that lies over the banks of the Ganga River, and ends with a visit to the Neelkanth Temple, where devotees make offerings to Lord Shiva. The trek takes you through a variety of environments, including dense forests of sal trees, river valleys, and pathways used by pilgrims for thousands of years.
This day hike is a wonderful introduction to trekking and offers a peaceful and spiritual environment far from the chaotic streets of the city.
History of Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Saints, sages, and pilgrims have walked the trail from Rishikesh to Neelkanth Mahadev for centuries. According to Hindu mythology, the temple at Neelkanth is where Lord Shiva drank the poison that emerged during the Samudra Manthan (the turmoil of the ocean). The poison was held in his throat and caused his throat to turn blue, which is how the temple received its name (Neelkanth).
Long before the introduction of motor roads, the forested path from Ram Jhula to Neelkanth played a crucial role in preserving the spiritual and cultural significance of the trek.
- Neelkanth Mahadev Temple—A Sacred Temple
- Amazing Scenic Views Of The Ganga River.
- Visually Stunning Dense Himalayan Sal Forests And Mixed Forests
- The Peaceful Pilgrimage Trail Provides A Unique And Therapeutic Atmosphere.
- Ideal For Beginners For A Short Trek
Views of the sunrise/sunset are stunning through clearings in the forest.
Ram Jhula lies in the heart of Rishikesh, the yoga capital of the world. While Neelkanth
Mahadev Temple—This holy place is hidden in the mountain range of Nar and Narayan.
The area has a rich tradition of ashrams, temples, nature reserves, and a tradition of spirituality.
The terrain ranges from lively ghats with a lot of tourists to quiet forest paths.
Difficulty level: Easy
Distance: Approximately 10 - 12 km (one way).
Elevation: Moderate.
Duration: 4 to 5 hours.
The trail will require continuous hiking with a moderate incline for the duration of the trip.
- February to June: Pleasant temperatures
- September to November: Clear skies and lush greenery
- December to January: Cold weather
- July to August: A bit slippery trails, although not risky
Early morning starts are recommended year-round.
- Rishikesh: Auto or on foot.
- Haridwar: 25 km from Rishikesh by car.
- Dehradun: 50 km from Dehradun to Rishikesh by car.
- Delhi: An overnight bus or train to Haridwar/Rishikesh.
The trek starts directly from the Ram Jhula area.
- Small backpack
- Trekking Shoes
- 1.5 - 2L of Water
- Light Snacks or Nuts/Dried Fruits
- Hat, Sunglasses, Sunscreen
- Rain Jacket (Seasonal)
- Basic First Aid Kit
- ID Proof
Start at Ram Jhula, go to Neelkanth Mahadev, and return via Rishikesh.
- Visit to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
- Perform meditation and take nature walks
- Take pictures of Ganga Valley
- Explore the ashrams like Parmath Niketan ashrams at Ram Jhula
- Combine the trek with yoga or a spiritual retreat.
- White River rafting
- Bungee jumping
- Attend yoga classes
- Begin your trek early to avoid the heat and crowds
- Stick to the trail
- Do not hike when it is raining hard
- Be mindful of the temple’s religious beliefs
- Do not litter.
- Kunjapuri temple trek
- Garudchatti trek
- Neer Garh waterfall trek
- Gartang Gali trek
- Guided spiritual walking tours
- Yoga and meditation sessions
- One-day or two-day itineraries
- Group or solo hikes
- Great for corporate wellness trips and beginning trekkers, as well as spiritual groups.
The Ram Jhula to Neelkanth trek isn't just another hike in the foothills of the Himalayas; it's an experience that combines elements of spirituality and adventure while allowing for exploration of the natural beauty surrounding the area. This type of trek can be undertaken by both seasoned trekkers and those who are new to outdoor activities. It provides individuals with an opportunity to escape from city life and enjoy an experience unlike any they would find within the confines of urban living, while also giving them access to one of Uttarakhand's most popular Shiva temples. The trekking route is easy, offers shaded wooded areas along the way, has excellent vantage points from which to view the Ganga Valley, and provides trekkers with both a refreshed physique and a relaxed mental state.
If you are looking for either a spiritual pilgrimage or a way to get into shape, as well as an introduction to the Himalayas, then the Neelkanth Mahadev Trek is an ideal choice for anyone who wants to connect with nature and learn about his/her place in the world through trekking. It is an outstanding illustration of how much the Himalayas have to offer even through shorter and more accessible trails, so if you plan on visiting Rishikesh, this is a trek that should not be missed.
Day 1: Arrival at Rishikesh
Arrive at Rishikesh, explore Ram Jhula, and attend the evening Ganga Aarti at Trivani Ghat. Stay overnight.
Quickly leave for an early morning hike; hike on a trail through a forested area; arrive at Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. Return to Rishikesh either by car or by hiking back.
Yes, it is best for beginners with a basic level of fitness.
Yes, with assistance and breaks.
Not mandated, but it is suggested for individuals hiking for the first time.
Yes, it’s a day hike, so you can complete it in one day.
Taxi fare from Neelkanth Mahadev Temple to Ram Jhula (approx. 24–32 km) generally falls between ₹2,000 and ₹3,000.
It's around 20 km from Laxman Jhula to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple.
Height of approximately 1,330 meters (4,363 feet) above sea level.
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