Upper Tapovan is where Rishikesh breathes. Away from the chai stalls and tourist bustle of Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula, Upper Tapovan sits at a higher elevation — quieter, greener, and closer to the Himalayan landscape that draws spiritual seekers from every corner of the world.
Roots & Peaks is located on Secret Waterfall Road in Upper Tapovan. This guide covers everything worth doing within walking distance and a short drive — from the obvious to the hidden.
The Secret Waterfall Trek Walking Distance from Roots & Peaks
The Secret Waterfall is a 20-minute walk from Roots & Peaks along a forest path that climbs gently through deodar pine and rhododendron. The waterfall itself is small but striking — a sheet of cold mountain water over smooth black rock, with a natural pool below. Very few tourists find it without a local guide.
The best time to visit is early morning (6:30–8:00 AM) when the path is quiet and the light through the forest is golden. Wear walking shoes — the trail is uneven in sections. This trek is included in all yoga retreat programmes at Roots & Peaks.
Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat 20-Minute Drive
The Ganga Aarti — the nightly fire ceremony on the banks of the Ganges — is one of the most powerful experiences available in Rishikesh. Triveni Ghat holds the largest aarti in the area, beginning at dusk (around 6:00 PM in winter, 7:00 PM in summer). The air fills with incense, bells, and the sound of Sanskrit chanting as priests circle burning lamps over the river.
Arrive 30 minutes early to find a seat. The ceremony lasts approximately 45 minutes. Dress modestly. Entry is free.
Yoga and Meditation at the Property
The yoga shala at Roots & Peaks was designed specifically for morning practice — north-facing, with full-length windows that frame the Himalayan foothills and fill with natural light from 7 AM. If you are staying as a room guest (not on a structured retreat), you can join the morning yoga session on a drop-in basis, subject to availability.
The Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia) 25-Minute Drive
In 1968, The Beatles spent several months studying Transcendental Meditation with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi at this ashram above the Ganges. Now abandoned and overtaken by jungle vines, it has become one of Rishikesh's most atmospheric sites. The walls of the meditation pods are covered in vivid murals, and the surrounding forest adds to the otherworldly quality.
Admission: ₹150 for Indian nationals · ₹600 for international visitors
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple 45-Minute Drive
At 1,330 metres elevation, the Neelkanth Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and sits in a dense forest above Rishikesh. The drive up the mountain road is itself spectacular — switchbacks through thick forest with occasional river views. The temple is particularly atmospheric in the early morning before the crowds arrive. Combined with a return stop at a forest café, this makes an ideal half-day excursion from Upper Tapovan.
White-Water Rafting on the Ganges
The Ganges between Shivpuri and Rishikesh is one of India's most accessible white-water rafting routes, with rapids ranging from Grade II to Grade IV depending on the season. Rafting operators are based in Shivpuri, approximately 15 km from Upper Tapovan. The 16 km stretch takes 2–3 hours and includes stops at a beach for cliff jumping (optional).
Best months: October–November and March–May. Not recommended during monsoon season.
Ayurvedic Treatment at Roots & Peaks
The wellness therapy rooms at Roots & Peaks offer traditional Ayurvedic treatments including Abhyanga (full-body warm oil massage), Shirodhara (continuous oil flow over the forehead), and targeted therapeutic sessions. These are available to both retreat guests and independent room guests. Sessions run 60–90 minutes and should be booked at least 24 hours in advance.
The combination of a morning yoga session and an afternoon Ayurvedic treatment on the same day is, by wide consensus among guests, the single most restorative experience available in Upper Tapovan.
Sattvic Breakfast at Café Hamsa
Even if you are not staying at Roots & Peaks, Café Hamsa is worth visiting for breakfast or lunch. The menu features fresh seasonal produce, Himalayan herbal teas, cold-pressed juices, and a daily-changing selection of sattvic dishes. The café's terrace looks out over the Upper Tapovan treeline — one of the quieter spots for a morning meal in Rishikesh.
Explore Tapovan Village
The village of Tapovan itself — a short walk from the property — has a handful of small cafés, crystal and mala shops, a few guest houses, and the kind of unhurried energy that has been disappearing from central Rishikesh. It is a good place to buy locally made incense, rudraksha beads, or a hand-printed notebook. The pace is slower here, and conversations with locals tend to be more genuine than in the more tourist-trafficked areas.
Stay in Upper Tapovan at Roots & Peaks
Our boutique hotel on Secret Waterfall Road puts you within walking distance of everything in this guide — the waterfall trail, the yoga shala, Café Hamsa, and the quiet forest paths that make Upper Tapovan special.
View rooms and availability → Explore yoga retreats →
