Rishikesh Wellness Retreat: Five Nights of Aarti, Ashram-Adjacent Mornings, and a Silence-Friendly Pace

Arrive at DED airport. The transfer to Rishikesh is approximately 45 minutes, potentially extending to an hour due to Dehradun's airport-exit traffic and the Haridwar-road bypass. Upon arrival, check into your ashram-adjacent accommodation for a peaceful start to your retreat.

• TipAllow extra time for the transfer from DED to Rishikesh, accounting for potential traffic delays.
• TipConfirm your ashram-adjacent accommodation check-in time in advance.

Take time to settle into your surroundings and find your inner rhythm. Enjoy a quiet period of reflection or a gentle walk near your accommodation, preparing for the spiritual journey ahead.

Witness the sacred Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan. This spiritual ceremony takes place daily between 8:00 AM and 10:00 PM. Find a spot early to experience the full reverence of the ritual by the holy Ganges.

• TipArrive early at Parmarth Niketan to secure a good viewing spot for the Ganga Aarti.
• TipParmarth Niketan is open until 10:00 PM; plan your arrival accordingly.

Begin your day with a revitalizing yoga session at an ashram-affiliated school. The specific teacher and start time for your session will be confirmed upon enquiry, as school schedules vary. This offers a flexible approach to your spiritual practice.

• TipEnquire locally about the ashram-affiliated school's yoga session times and teacher availability.
• TipArrive early for your yoga session to find a peaceful spot.

Enjoy a leisurely riverside day. Take a spiritual walk across the Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula suspension bridges, which are open 24 hours. Absorb the serene views of the Ganges and the surrounding Himalayan foothills.

Spend your evening in quiet reflection at Triveni Ghat, a significant spiritual site on the banks of the Ganges River. Alternatively, revisit Parmarth Niketan for another Ganga Aarti, which concludes by 10:00 PM.

• TipTriveni Ghat is a sacred site; observe local customs and traditions.

Begin your day with personal contemplation or a gentle walk. If you wish, consider another morning yoga session at an ashram-affiliated school, confirming timings locally. This allows for a flexible start before the afternoon activity.

Experience the Brahmapuri stretch white-water rafting, if the season permits (September 15 to June 30). Ensure you are at the put-in point by 13:30 for this activity, which operates until 5:00 PM.

• TipConfirm the rafting season and river conditions before planning this activity.
• TipArrive at the Brahmapuri put-in point by 13:30 to participate in the rafting.

Conclude your day with a serene visit to Triveni Ghat for quiet reflection as the sun sets. Alternatively, attend the Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan, which is open until 10:00 PM for spiritual gatherings.

Dedicate your morning to a ticketed visit to the Beatles Ashram, formally Chaurasi Kutia. Allow a full two hours to walk through the abandoned 1968 meditation cells, now adorned with decades of fan graffiti, within the Rajaji forest edge.

• TipAllocate at least two hours to fully experience the Beatles Ashram without rushing.
• TipWear comfortable shoes for walking around the extensive grounds of Chaurasi Kutia.

This afternoon is intentionally left open for personal reflection and rest. Enjoy the quiet pace of Rishikesh, perhaps reading or simply observing the serene surroundings from your ashram-adjacent accommodation.

Conclude your day with a peaceful evening. Consider a quiet dinner at a local establishment or a final visit to Parmarth Niketan for the Ganga Aarti, which is held until 10:00 PM.

Engage in your second yoga session of the retreat at an ashram-affiliated school. As before, the specific school and timings will be confirmed upon enquiry, ensuring flexibility with Rishikesh's shifting schedules.

• TipConfirm the yoga session details locally, as schedules can change.
• TipConsider trying a different ashram-affiliated school for varied instruction if available.

Today is designed for complete freedom and personal peace. There is no scheduled anchor, allowing you to follow your spiritual inclinations, whether it's quiet meditation, reading, or a gentle walk.

Enjoy a tranquil evening without any fixed plans. You might revisit a favourite spot like Triveni Ghat for quiet contemplation or simply relax at your accommodation, reflecting on your retreat experiences.

Enjoy an unhurried checkout from your accommodation. Take a final spiritual walk along the ghats, perhaps at Triveni Ghat, for some last moments of reflection before your transfer to DED airport.

• TipComplete your checkout formalities smoothly to allow time for a final ghat walk.
• TipEnsure your transfer to DED is booked with ample time before your flight, allowing for a 45-minute to hour-long journey.

The transfer back to DED airport will take approximately 45 minutes to an hour, mirroring your arrival journey. Ensure your departure is timed to include the standard two-hour domestic lead time at the airport.

This evening is not applicable as your spiritual retreat concludes with your departure from DED airport. Reflect on your experiences during your journey home.