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Delhi to Rishikesh

Escape the capital's chaos on a quick throttle therapy session to the Yoga Capital of the World. This 3-day solo motorcycle ride now offers the option of the newly inaugurated Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, significantly cutting travel time to Rishikesh to around 2.5-3 hours. Tolls on the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway for cars are approximately ₹670-700 for a single journey and around ₹1,000 for a return journey within 24 hours. All toll plazas are FASTag-only, with no cash lanes. The temporary traffic diversion on the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor between Ganeshpur and Dehradun for slope stabilization work concluded on June 8, 2026. Alternatively, the Delhi-Meerut Expressway is currently experiencing severe delays due to ongoing road maintenance and recarpeting work near Ghazipur until June 30, 2026, and its tolls increased by 5% from April 1, 2026. Commuters are advised to avoid the affected NH-9 stretch near Ghazipur and use NH-24 as an alternative. During the Kanwar Yatra (typically early August), specific traffic restrictions are imposed; for instance, in early August 2026, Kanwar vehicles were not permitted on the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, and the Delhi-Haridwar highway was closed. Be aware of severe and ongoing traffic congestion, flash flood warnings, and heightened landslide risks in the Rishikesh/Tapovan area due to intense monsoon rainfall. The Ganga River has recently risen above the danger mark in Rishikesh. Intense heatwave conditions have eased with the change in weather. Mandatory online registration is now strictly checked at entry points like Haridwar and Rishikesh. Experience the thrill of white-water rafting, explore the abandoned Beatles Ashram, and visit the new Bajrang Setu (India's first glass-floor suspension bridge, now open to visitors and replacing Laxman Jhula. Access to the glass walkways is available for a fee, while the central concrete deck is free for two-wheelers and pedestrians 24/7) and vibe with fellow travelers in Tapovan's bustling hostels. Additionally, ongoing projects like the Spur to Haridwar and Haridwar Bypass are nearing completion, expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion in and around Haridwar, especially for vehicles heading towards Delhi and western Uttar Pradesh.

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Verified · 20 Aug 2026 · Active
Roads: GoodSafe for WomenNight Riding OK

📅 Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Delhi → Rishikesh

6:00 AMStart from Delhi

Depart early. Consider taking the newly inaugurated Delhi-Dehradun Expressway for a faster journey, reducing travel time to Rishikesh to approximately 2.5-3 hours. Tolls on the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway for cars are approximately ₹670-700 for a single journey and around ₹1,000 for a return journey within 24 hours. All toll plazas are FASTag-only, with no cash lanes. The temporary traffic diversion on the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor between Ganeshpur and Dehradun for slope stabilization work concluded on June 8, 2026. Vehicles can now use the expressway without this diversion. If using the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, be aware of ongoing road maintenance and recarpeting work causing potential delays, especially during evening peak hours, until June 30, 2026, particularly near Ghazipur. Tolls on DME increased by 5% from April 1, 2026.

0 km

8:00 AMBreakfast at Cheetal Grand, Khatauli

The most iconic biker stop on this route. Famous for its lush garden, clean washrooms, and gold-standard Paneer Pakoras and grilled sandwiches.

100 km

10:00 AMRefuel at Muzaffarnagar Bypass

Quick fuel top-up at the Indian Oil pump on the bypass. The road is smooth 4-lane tarmac from here to Roorkee. Expect potential construction work on the Muzaffarnagar Bypass.

130 km

12:30 PMHaridwar - Har Ki Pauri

Stop at the holy city. Walk to Har Ki Pauri ghat to feel the spiritual energy of the Ganges entering the plains. Heavy traffic expected here.

220 km

⚠️ Traffic is chaotic between Haridwar and Rishikesh. Watch for state buses. Be aware of increased traffic congestion in the Rishikesh/Tapovan area. Note that new bypass projects around Haridwar are nearing completion, which are expected to ease traffic flow in the future.

2:00 PMArrive in Rishikesh (Tapovan)

Ride across the river towards Tapovan. Check into a backpacker hostel like Zostel or Skyard. Evening walk to the new Bajrang Setu (India's first glass-floor suspension bridge, now open to visitors and replacing Laxman Jhula. Access to the glass walkways is available for a fee, while the central concrete deck is free for two-wheelers and pedestrians 24/7). Be aware of severe and ongoing flash flooding, heightened landslide risks, and increased traffic congestion in the Tapovan area due to intense monsoon rainfall. The Ganga River has recently risen above the danger mark in Rishikesh. Intense heatwave conditions have eased with the change in weather.

250 km

Day 2: Explore Rishikesh

9:00 AMRiver Rafting at Shivpuri

Ride 16km up to Shivpuri for the classic Ganges rafting experience. Tackle rapids like 'Roller Coaster' and 'Golf Course'. Be aware of severe and ongoing flash flooding, heightened landslide risks, and increased traffic congestion in the Rishikesh/Tapovan area due to intense monsoon rainfall. The Ganga River has recently risen above the danger mark in Rishikesh. Intense heatwave conditions have eased with the change in weather.

16 km

1:00 PMLunch at Little Buddha Cafe

Head back to Laxman Jhula. Enjoy a pizza or platter at this famous river-facing cafe with a view of the Ganges.

16 km

3:30 PMThe Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)

Visit the abandoned ashram where The Beatles stayed in 1968. Explore the graffiti-covered meditation domes and forest trails.

5 km

6:00 PMGanga Aarti at Triveni Ghat

Ride down to the main town for the grand Maha Aarti. The chanting and fire rituals create a mesmerizing atmosphere.

10 km

1 more day locked

Day 3 · Rishikesh → Delhi

240 km · 5-6 hours · 4 timed stops

✓ Verified 7 days ago by a partner rider

8:00 AMStart Return Journey0 km

Check out and ride towards Haridwar. Try to cross the Haridwar choke point before peak morning traffic. Be aware of increased traffic congestion in the Rishikesh/Haridwar area, though new bypass projects are expected to alleviate this in the near future.

+ 3 more stops in this day

  • Remaining itinerary1 day · 4 stops
  • Per-day cost breakdownfuel ₹1,550 +
  • Packing list for this route21 items
  • Offline PDF + navigationincluded

30 days · every trip · no auto-renew · refund policy

💰 Cost Breakdown

Estimated Total₹6,050 - ₹13,050
🔒

Per-day cost breakdown locked.
Unlock to see fuel, stay, food, and activity estimates.

📋 Packing Checklist

🎒

21-item route-specific packing list locked.
Tuned for this route's terrain, weather, and altitude.