The best bike routes from Rishikesh run in five directions: a flat ghats loop, a hill climb to Neelkanth Mahadev, a Haridwar highway half-day past the Rajaji forest gate, a two-day highway run toward Rudraprayag, and a hill road out to Kimadi near Dehradun. Each suits a different vehicle and a different amount of time.
This is a guide to routes — a ride with a line on the map and stops along it — not a list of single places. For individual spots without a full ride, see our guide to places to visit near Rishikesh. Every route starts and ends at our shop, where you can arrange your bike rent in Rishikesh first.
Five Routes to Ride from Rishikesh
1. The Ghats Loop — Triveni Ghat, Ram Jhula, Laxman Jhula, Neer Garh
A good first ride on a rented scooty. From our shop it is 10 km to Triveni Ghat, where the Ganga Aarti happens every evening around sunset, then on to Ram Jhula (11 km from the shop) and Laxman Jhula (13 km from the shop) along the river, before Neer Garh waterfall (18 km from the shop). Give it half a day with stops, mostly on town roads with regular traffic. The Honda Activa 125 is completely fine — no need for a geared bike. Tip: ride early morning to miss ghat traffic.
2. The Neelkanth Mahadev Climb
Neelkanth Mahadev temple is 32 km from our shop on a hill road climbing through forest. Give it half a day, more with temple time. A solo rider manages fine on the Activa; with a pillion, the TVS Apache RTR 160 or the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 on rent make the steeper hairpins easier, with more torque. Tip: carry water for the climb.
3. The Haridwar Highway Loop
Ride to Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar, 14 km from our shop, then loop back via the Chilla gate of Rajaji National Park, 19 km from our shop the other way. A highway half day with one forest-edge stretch near the Chilla gate, where you may spot deer or peacocks. Any vehicle handles this; the Apache suits a quick highway run best. Tip: slow down near the Chilla gate — animals cross the road here.
4. The Badrinath Highway to Rudraprayag
A proper two-day trip. From Rishikesh the highway runs via Devprayag to Srinagar Garhwal (105 km) and on to Rudraprayag (143 km), with an overnight stop recommended en route. We only give this route on the Apache or the Hunter — the Activa is not provided for long hill routes like this one. Read our full Rishikesh to Rudraprayag by bike guide for stops and fuel points. Tip: fill up whenever you pass a pump in a town.
5. Rishikesh to Kimadi via Dehradun
Kimadi is 54 km from our shop, 16 km out of Dehradun on the hill road — a quieter alternative route. Give it a full day; the Dehradun-to-Kimadi stretch climbs through hill terrain, so this is an Apache or Hunter route, not an Activa one. See our guide on Kimadi near Dehradun for what to expect. Tip: start early so you are back at the shop by 8 PM.
Route Summary at a Glance
| Route | Distance | Time to give it | Suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ghats loop: Triveni Ghat, Ram Jhula, Laxman Jhula, Neer Garh | Up to 18 km from the shop | Half day | Activa |
| Neelkanth Mahadev | 32 km from the shop | Half day | Activa solo; Apache/Hunter with a pillion |
| Haridwar via Har Ki Pauri and Chilla gate | 14 km and 19 km from the shop | Half day | Any vehicle; Apache for a quick run |
| Rishikesh to Rudraprayag (Badrinath highway) | 143 km from Rishikesh | 2 days | Apache or Hunter only |
| Rishikesh to Kimadi via Dehradun | 54 km from the shop | Full day | Apache or Hunter |
Before You Ride a Long Route
- Fuel up first — the nearest pump is about 500 m from our shop; the bike is handed over with only enough starter fuel to reach it.
- Plan your return by 8 PM; after that, a late return is charged at ₹100 per hour.
- Carry your original driving licence and Aadhaar (foreign riders: passport and IDP). Both helmets are free — wear them.
- Check the road status after rain, especially toward Neelkanth Mahadev, Rudraprayag or Kimadi — hill roads can be affected by landslides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which route is best for a new rider?
The ghats loop — Triveni Ghat, Ram Jhula, Laxman Jhula, Neer Garh — is the easiest: flat town road, short, fine on the Honda Activa 125.
Can I take the Activa to Rudraprayag or on the Badrinath highway?
No. The Activa is not given for long hill routes such as Rudraprayag, Kedarnath or Badrinath. Book the TVS Apache RTR 160 or the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 instead.
Do I need to book these routes in advance?
Send your dates on WhatsApp and we confirm with a ₹500 advance; rent and the ₹1,000 refundable deposit per vehicle are paid at pickup. For a two-day route like Rudraprayag, book a day or two ahead so we can keep the right bike free.
What if it rains before a long route like Kimadi or Rudraprayag?
Check the road status before you leave — hill roads can be affected by landslides or water-logging. Message us on WhatsApp if unsure.
