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Hiking to Neer Garh Waterfall, Rishikesh

Hiking to Neer Garh Waterfall, Rishikesh

Neer Garh Waterfall Rishikesh is a multi-tiered limestone waterfall that flows down the Uttarakhand foothills and into the Ganges River. Here’s a quick guide to this epic waterfall hike from Rishikesh.

Rishikesh might be better known as the world’s Yoga capital. However, being positioned beside the holy Ganges River and underneath the foothills of the Himalayas means that there are also epic waterfalls to be found.

In this quick guide, I’ll detail how to get to Neer Garh Waterfall from Rishikesh (Neergarh). I’ve also included a short section of what to expect and some pictures for finding the best waterfall tier.

Where is Neer Garh Waterfall?

The Neer Garh Waterfall is located approximately 4 km or 40-minute walk from the Laxman Jhula Bridge in the main Tapovan Area of Rishikesh.

I've pinned the exact location below to make it easy to navigate, but basically you will need to follow Highway 7 (Karprayag-Haridwar Rd) east until you see signs for Neer Garh Waterfall.

Of course, you could rent a motorbike or scooter to make for a quicker trip to Neer Garh Waterfall from Rishikesh. However, the walk along the highway has adequate room for safe foot traffic and is quite scenic as it follows and climbs the steep banks of the Ganges.

Make sure to keep an eye out for a steep winding road that diverts left from the highway. This is Neergarh Waterfall Road and is just opposite the Neer Buddha Hotel.

Walk up this steep road until you reach a ticket stand where you will need to pay the entry fee. From here, continue walking up the road, with the option of a few shortcuts trails through the forest until you reach the waterfalls.

Neer Garh Waterfall Map

Neer Garh Waterfall Rishikesh Ticket Price

The cost to get to Neer Garh Waterfall Rishikesh is 50 Rupees for foreigners and 30 Rupees for locals. There is a ticket desk on Neergarh Waterfall Road just before entry to the walking track.

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Hiking to the Neer Garh Waterfall Tiers

Neer Garh Waterfall Rishikesh is made up of several tiers as the flow cascades down the mountain slopes. There is a walking track to each tier, which is a combination of dirt, concrete and, small foot-bridges.

Neer Garh waterfall hike takes approximately 20-30 minutes from the ticket stand to the upper level of the falls. However, you can probably expect to spend at least a few hours relaxing and swimming at the falls. Overall, the hike is not too steep and fairly easy. There were more than a few older ladies walking up to the upper levels when I visited.

There are also a few cafes and restaurants that have been built up around the waterfalls. Personally, I prefer more secluded and natural waterfalls, therefore I'll recommend my favorite tier below, which is somewhat hidden from view.

SWIMMING AND HIKING AT NEER GARH WATERFALL IN RISHIKESH

Nearby: Patna Waterfall Rishikesh


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Most Secluded Waterfall Tier

Many people tend to skip this level of Neer Garh Falls, heading straight for the concrete track leading to the upper tiers. If you'd prefer a more secluded waterfall away from cafes and crowds, I'd recommend stopping by the lower level.

You'll find this just out of sight, below the top bend of Neer Garh Road, near the waterfall car park (GPS coordinates below).

This level has a few smaller tiers and shallow, turquoise swimming holes. This section of the waterfall is quite steep, but makes for an amazing view as you bask in the fresh Himalayan waters as you look out over the mountainscape ahead.

  • GPS Coordinates: 30°08'39.9"N 78°20'24.6"E
NEER GARH WATERFALL HIKE IN RISHIKESH
RISHIKESH WATERFALL HIKE
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Upper Neer Garh Waterfalls

Here are some photos of the main, upper levels of Neer Garh Waterfall Rishikesh. Notice that these levels are typically much more crowded and the banks of the pools are built up with concrete blocks to maintain swimming depth.

UPPER TIER OF NEER GARH WATERFALL RISHIKESH
NEER GARH WATERFALL RISHIKESH

Related: Garud Chatti Waterfall Rishikesh


Keep Hiking

Once you reach the tallest tier of Neer Garh Falls, there is an option to continue hiking up the dirt track. This track follows the stream to the hills above Neer Garh, passing a small structure devoted to Lord Shiva on the way.

This track leads to a secluded yoga retreat named Uddibaba, which is a quaint and scenic off-the-beaten-path camp nestled between the green hills above Rishikesh.

RISHIKESH HIDDEN YOGA RETREAT ABOVE THE WATERFALLS

This same track leads all the way up to the small communities of Dangoo. We decided to follow the stream track to the hill just above the yoga retreat. From here, we have rewarded with great views of the distant mountains and the valleys below.

HIKING IN RISHIKESH

Where to Stay in Rishikesh

After spending a few weeks relaxing and experiencing all of the epic things to do and see in Rishikesh, I ended up staying at a few different hotels and hostels. The main thing to look for in Rishikesh is the location.

Many backpackers including myself recommend staying in the Tapovan area. There are so many things to do in Tapovan, since this is the main tourist area in Rishikesh. It doesn't matter too much whether you stay on the south side, or the north side, as everything is within walking distance.

  • My favorite hostel in Rishikesh: Live Free Hostel - After checking out a few hostels, Live Free definitely had the best vibe. Complete with a courtyard and comfortable rooms, there is also a big downstairs hangout area where they have group cooking activities, rooftop yoga, and movie nights.
  • Best budget private room: Hotel Yog - If you'd prefer to relax by yourself or as a couple, the Hotel Yog is one of the best budget hotels in the Tapovan area. Rooms are considered budget but are a little more expensive than the nearby hostels. However, at only around $20 a night for spacious rooms with mountain views, a continental breakfast and a rooftop terrace, you really can't go wrong.
  • Best-rated yoga resort: Rudram Hotel Yoga and Ayurveda Retreat - Looking to do a whole bunch of yoga in Rishikesh but still want to stay within the Tapovan area? This place offers yoga courses and free yoga sessions by the Ganges. The rooms are super comfortable and come with AC and mountain views.
Rudram Yoga retreat

More Waterfalls and Things to do in Rishikesh

I hope this quick guide to Neer Garh Waterfall Rishikesh has inspired you to explore this incredible part of India. For more waterfalls and ideas for things to do in Rishikesh, take a pick from the list below.

Otherwise, a good place to start for more ideas in Rishikesh is this guide to the Best Things to do in Rishikesh.

Enjoy!

NEER GARH WATERFALL