Route Guides
Rishikesh in One Day by Scooty or Bike: From Kunjapuri Sunrise to Triveni Ghat Aarti
By Hem Tiwari · Published 15 October 2026
Because our bike rental in Rishikesh runs on an 8:00 AM to 8:00 AM day with 24-hour support, you do not have to wait for a shop to open. You can collect the vehicle the evening before and be on the road to Kunjapuri before dawn. This is how we would spend one full day on your own wheels, about 135 km in all.
Why the 8 to 8 rental day matters
A rental day here runs from 8:00 AM to 8:00 AM. Pick up around 6 PM and you get the evening, the whole next day and the sunrise ride, and still return the vehicle by 8 AM the day after. Send your licence and ID on WhatsApp first, and we can have it delivered directly to your Tapovan hotel or hostel.
The loop
4:45 AM: Kunjapuri for sunrise (35 km)
Ride up to Kunjapuri Devi Temple for first light on the Himalayan ridgeline. Allow about an hour for the climb, then around 300 steps from the parking area on foot. Wear a warm layer, it is cold up there before dawn. Full details are in the Kunjapuri sunrise ride guide.
9:30 AM: Neer Garh waterfall and breakfast in Upper Tapovan
Ride back down, stop for chai at the top if you need it, and head to Neer Garh. See waterfalls near Rishikesh for the walk in and the best time to go. Then have a proper breakfast in Upper Tapovan, where most of the cafés open early. Our cafés guide has places to try.
1:30 PM: Ram Jhula, Swarg Ashram and the Beatles Ashram
Cross to the Swarg Ashram side for lunch and a walk around the ashrams, including Chaurasi Kutia, the Beatles Ashram. Park near Ram Jhula in a proper space, not in front of shops or across a lane, and keep your helmet and lock with you. Our shop is right by the Ram Jhula bridge if you need help.
3:00 PM: Neelkanth Mahadev (32 km) or a slower afternoon
The forest road up to the temple is a good afternoon ride, about an hour each way. It is an extra 64 km round trip, so skip it if you are tired, or if you want to catch the evening aarti. Read the story and ride behind Neelkanth Mahadev before you go, and start back with daylight to spare, since the hairpin forest road is unlit.
Evening: Triveni Ghat aarti
Finish at the ghat for the sunset aarti. See Ganga Aarti timing and the Triveni Ghat guide for where to stand and where to park.
Which vehicle
A Honda Activa 125 is enough for this whole loop, even two-up. See scooty vs bike if you would rather ride a Royal Enfield. This loop is also much cheaper than hiring a taxi for the day. Check the rates on our main page.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pick up the scooty the evening before?
Yes. The rental day runs 8 AM to 8 AM, so an evening pickup gives you the next morning for a sunrise ride. Message us with your timing.
How far is this loop?
About 135 km with Neelkanth, or around 70 km without it.
Is it safe to ride before dawn?
The Kunjapuri road is quiet but unlit and animals use it, so ride at a pace that lets you stop.