Written by someone who actually lives here.
No affiliate padding, no top-ten filler. These are the questions guests ask us at breakfast, answered properly. We are writing them one at a time.
The guides we are writing.
Asked at breakfast, most mornings.
When should I come?
February to April and September to November are the best months. The monsoon closes the rafting. Char Dham season fills every room in town, so book early if you are travelling then.
Is Rishikesh dry?
Yes. Rishikesh and Haridwar are alcohol-free and largely vegetarian. Plan for that rather than being surprised by it.
How long do I need?
Three nights is enough for the aarti, one rafting trip and a sunrise ride. A week if you want to slow down, and a month if you are here for a course.
Do I need to book activities in advance?
Usually not. Tell us the night before and we will arrange it for the morning. Bungee slots in peak season are the exception.
Can you hold my luggage after checkout?
Yes, and it is free for our guests. Most night buses to Delhi leave long after checkout, so nearly everyone uses this.
I am a foreign national. Anything to know?
Bring your passport and visa. We file the Form C registration for foreign guests, which is required and which a lot of small properties quietly skip.