Maximum altitude: 1,650 metres
Grade: Moderate difficulty
Duration: 8 Hours
Trekking distance: 14 km
Rail head: Rishikesh railway station
Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
Snow Season: Winter
Service from: Rishikesh
Base camp: Rishikesh
Best season: October to March
Region: Uttarakhand
Rishikesh/Haridwar - Kunjapuri trek - Rishikesh/Haridwar
Start early with a pick up service from your hotel or any specified location in Tapovan to the main gate of the temple to start your Kunjapuri trek.
Begin your long climb up the 150 stairs that will lead you to the auspicious shrine at the very top.
Soak in some of the most breathtaking views of the surrounding areas with mountains, forests, and snow covered peaks in the distance.
Once at the temple, pay your respects and enjoy views of the lush green Shivaliks from the top.
Embark on your descent all the way back to Rishikesh through tiny hamlets, forests, paddy fields, as well as the gorgeous Neer Waterfall.
Documents:
Carry all necessary documents including ID cards with photocopies
Trekking shoes:
Carry good quality waterproof trekking shoes with a good grip. This should help keep your feet comfortable and protected during the long stretches of walking, climbing, and hiking.
Backpack with a rain cover / Day pack with a rain cover:
Go for a 40-liter or less backpack and one with sturdy straps, side pockets, and departments to organize things properly. You can also keep a day pack if you wish to travel light during the trek and offload your backpack at the camp.
Walking pole:
Carry at least one walking pole especially for the tricky stretches. You can also keep two poles for more traction and support.
Water bottle / thermos:
Carry at least two water bottles of 1 liter each and a thermos for hot water. Avoid carrying disposable bottles to maintain the ecological balance of the place.
Light snacks:
Keep some ready to eat light snacks such as chocolates, oats or protein bars, and dry fruits. Pack them in small reusable airtight bags that can help you travel green.
First aid kit:
Carry all your prescription medicines as you may not find them at any of the local medical stores. Apart from that also carry Band aids, bandages, ORS, electrolytes, or energy drink powder, ointment for shoe bites, antibiotics, and pain killers. Ensure that you keep anti-inflammatory tablets, anti-diarrhea medicines and antacids, altitude sickness tablets, medicines for motion sickness, for fever and allergies if any, knee and back support, anti-fungal powder, and instant pain relief spray.
Other essentials:
Sunglasses: They should cover your eyes completely and be UV protected.
Sunscreen: should have an SPF of at least 50.
Toiletries: including toilet paper rolls, toothpaste, and toothbrush.
Cutlery: including your plate, glass, and spoon.
Clothes:
Wear layers as they will not only keep you warm in the higher altitudes, but can also be removed easily as and when required.
Warm clothes including Inner thermal wear, Fleece or woolen jacket, woolen Gloves, woolen socks, winter cap.
For day wear carry long sleeved collared t-shirt of nylon or synthetic fabric and Waterproof trekking pants if possible with side zipper, hiking socks, and sun cap that covers the neck or has flaps.
For protection from wind and sudden bursts of rain carry a wind cheater, raincoat or poncho with hood, Waterproof gloves.
By Air: The nearest airport to Rishikesh is the Jolly Grant airport at Dehradun which is about 35 km from here. There are daily flights that operate from New Delhi as well as Lucknow. Once at the airport you can avail of the taxi or bus services here to take you to Rishikesh.
By Rail: Haridwar is the nearest railway station to Rishikesh which lies about 25 km away. You can take a direct train from most major Indian cities and then either take a bus or taxi to Rishikesh.
By Road: Rishikesh is well connected by road network and good bus services from important places such as Haridwar, Dehradun and New Delhi. You can reach other cities via Highway 58 if you drive yourself or take a taxi from Delhi.
The Kunjapuri trek is a short one day hike with a moderate level of difficulty that can be made extremely enjoyable and memorable by following a few simple tips. Keep your cameras handy as you will witness some of the most captivating sights of the Himalayan peaks.
Get a good night’s rest and start your trek early in order to catch the sunrise from the summit. It is an absolutely spectacular view and one you would not want to miss.
Build your strength and stamina and maintain a good fitness level at least one month before you set out on your trek.
You can do this by going for long brisk walks daily and practicing carrying a backpack of at least 4-5kg as you do so.
Read about how your body can react in high altitudes and learn about the symptoms, preventions, and treatments.
In the days before the trek drink plenty of water and avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
Research about the local weather conditions, the routes, the best viewpoints, and stopovers to make the trip more effective.
Wear comfortable trekking boots that support your ankle and has a good grip as there may be some tricky stretches along the way.
Carry raincoats as opposed to umbrellas as they keep your hands free for grips and support.
Bring your swimsuits along so that you can take a dip at the pool near the Neer Waterfalls on the way.
Where is Kunjapuri trek located?
The Kunjapuri trek is located at a distance of about 28 kms from the town of Rishikesh in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The highest point on the trek where the famous Kunjapuri Temple is located lies at an altitude of 1650 meters above sea level.
How difficult is the Kunjapuri trek?
The Kunjapuri trek Rishikesh has been classified as a low to medium difficulty level. This is despite its altitude that is almost 1667 meters above sea level and is quite steep. It can be undertaken by beginner level trekkers as well with basic fitness and stamina.
What is the best time to do the Kunjapuri trek?
The best time to do the Kunjapuri trek is during the early mornings in time for the spectacular sunrise views. The best time of the year to do the trek is during the Navratri festival when you can witness the richness of the local culture and traditions here. The months between October and March are also a good time for the trek as the weather is cool and pleasant during this time and conducive for the journey.
What is the highest altitude of the Kunjapuri trek?
The highest altitude of the Kunjapuri trek is 1,676 meters above sea level which lies about 25 kilometers north of Rishikesh. The holy temple of Goddess Kunjadevi is situated at the summit and is considered a place of pilgrimage among Hindu devotees.
Is it possible to trek Kunjapuri solo?
Yes, the Kunjapuri trek can be undertaken solo as it is a short day-long trek that does not involve extreme levels of difficulty. There are also several solo women who have been seen undertaking this trek without any concerns.