If you're in Rishikesh and want to go for a short walk in the forest, Neergarh Waterfalls is a great choice. It's also called the Secret Waterfall. It's only about 3 kilometers away from the main mall road in Rishikesh, so it's not too far.

The trek to the waterfall is pretty easy, even for beginners. You can even bring kids along with you. Once you reach the waterfall, you'll see a natural stream of really cold water from the mountains. It's a perfect spot to take a refreshing bath and get all pumped up with energy.

If you go on this trek early in the morning, you might find that there aren't many people around. It's a great time to be in nature, meditate, and breathe in the fresh air. So, it's a great way to start your day feeling refreshed and energized.

What to watch out for

The changing sound of the stream as you climb up

When you start walking, pay attention to the little stream next to you. You can hear it bubbling and gurgling as you walk, like a happy friend keeping you company. It stays with you as you keep going, like a faithful guide leading you on your journey. The sound it makes changes as you walk along, sometimes soft and gentle, other times a bit louder and more lively, but always soothing to your ears. It's like nature's own music, playing just for you. 

And as you walk, don't forget to look up and admire the birds perched on the tree branches nearby. They're like colorful jewels decorating the path, adding to the beauty of the scenery around you. So take your time, enjoy the walk, and let the sights and sounds of nature fill you with joy and wonder.

The accessibility of the trek

One highlight of the Neergarh Waterfalls Trek is its accessibility and suitability for all levels of hikers. Whether you're a seasoned trekker or a beginner, you can enjoy this hike. 

The trail is not too difficult, making it perfect for families with kids as well. Plus, the proximity to Rishikesh's main  road makes it convenient to reach, allowing you to easily escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a serene nature experience at the waterfall.

Trail Information

The trail for this trek is very beginner-friendly. The entire path is covered with trees, with the water flowing on one side and the mountain on the other. 

The entire trek is about 3 kilometers from the highway diversion. Out of which, 2 km can be covered by hiking, or you can even take a scooter or taxi. The remaining 1 kilometer needs to be covered on foot. 

Throughout the trail, we have a very gradual ascent, which takes you from 1420 feet to 2441 feet. And an average person can complete this trek in 1-2 hours.

Section I: Neergarh Bus Stop to Neergarh Waterfall Parking

Trek Distance: 2 km

Trek Duration: 1 hour (without long breaks)

Altitude Gain: 1,420 ft to 1,936 ft = 820 ft

GPS coordinates of Neergarh Bus Stop:  30.13784055384339, 78.33832309147994

GPS coordinates of Neergarh Waterfall Taxi Stand:  30.14489874876543, 78.34051249340207

Start your trek from the Neergarh Waterfall bus stop (as shown in the image above) to Neeragarh Waterfalls car parking. This section of the trek can also be covered via transportation, like a scooter or a taxi. 

The path is mostly a paved road, equivalent to a 1-2 lane(s) road, and there can be a fair amount of dust that can go into your mouth. So it is suggested that you cover your mouth with a mask or balaclava.

About 300 meters into the trek, you will get to the Forest Department checkpoint. This is the place where you will buy a ticket/permit to go further. 

For an Indian adult, the entry fee is only 30 rupees. You will receive a receipt like the one shown below. Keep it safe; this will be checked at the entrance of the waterfalls.

Now, for the next 1.7 km, you don't have any water sources, so fill your water bottles here. 

The road is mostly broad enough, but you can have regular traffic coming and going, so keep your distance and walk towards the mountainside of the road. 

One thing to keep in mind is that the road is prone to landslides. Hence, on the trail, you may find some sections that are washed away - like the one shown in the image below.

Hence, you need to pay attention while you are hiking on this section of the trail. Other than this risk, there is no other risk associated with this hike. 

At the end of this section, you will reach the parking lot. Here you can park your vehicles (if you came on one) - there is no fee to park your vehicles here. 

Try to do this trek as early as you can. The trail opens at 8 AM - so come as early as you can to do this hike. If you come early in the morning, you will have empty roads (like you can see in the images), and the waterfall will be less crowded as well. By noontime, this place gets too crowded.

Section 2: Neergarh Waterfall Parking to Neergarh Waterfall

Trek Distance: 500 meters

Trek Duration: 30 minutes (without long breaks)

Altitude Gain: 505 ft

GPS coordinates of Neergarh Waterfall Taxi Stand:  30.14489874876543, 78.34051249340207

GPS coordinates of Neergarh Waterfall: 30.14727, 78.33949

Here comes the part of the trail that is full of trees and the sound of water. When you start your trek from this point, your entry ticket will be checked, so make sure to keep it safe.

The trail in this section is a rocky trail full of rocks and stairs. You will also be trekking beneath the trees, so you will feel a cold, breezy wind on the trail.

There are also a lot of shops in this section where you can buy food or water. Always remember to carry your food and water in your reusable water bottles and steel dabbas. You can read more about it here.

About 50-100 meters into the hike, you will see a waterfall - also called Neer Waterfall 1. It has a bridge through which you can cross the waterfall. 

The majority of people who visit this waterfall stop here and do not continue on the trek. That makes our further trek less crowded and more serene. As you cross the bridge - you will get a trail to climb on top of this waterfall and go beyond.

Now you start your ascent. The trail is a mix of a lot of variety - some places will be full of rock pebbles, a few places will have steps carved out of soil, some places will have mud, and so on. 

The trek to Neergarh Waterfalls has a section that might feel a bit steep, but it's manageable. There are steps along the way to help you climb up. 

As you hike, you'll be walking beside a stream. This means you'll get to hear the calming sound of the water flowing and breathe in the fresh scent of the soil. It's a peaceful and refreshing experience that adds to the enjoyment of the trek.

If you start your trek early in the morning, you might find that you have the entire trail to yourself. This is a fantastic opportunity to fully immerse yourself in nature without any distractions. You can take your time, enjoy the surroundings, and really connect with the beauty of the forest and the waterfall.

If you head out on the trek early in the morning, you'll have the chance to see the sun rising from the mountains on the opposite side. This adds a cozy warmth to the experience and makes it feel more vibrant and alive. 

Just when you are about to reach the waterfall, the trail will become more rough. You will feel like you are climbing a mountain. The path is less defined here - which makes it more interesting.

And now, after crossing this section, you finally reach the Neergarh Waterfall - aka Neer Waterfall or Secret Waterfall. 

NOTE:

When trekking to Neergarh Waterfalls, be mindful of the presence of algae along the path. It's essential to watch your step to avoid slipping and potentially injuring yourself. Additionally, beneath the water, there are many pebbles, which can be uncomfortable or even painful to walk on. Take caution and tread carefully, especially if you choose to walk in the water.

Best Time to do the Neergarh Waterfall Hike

This trek is open throughout the year; you can do it anytime you visit Rishikesh.

During the monsoon months, the trail becomes slippery due to slush and various small streams that form along the route. Winter is the best time to do the trek.  

Difficult Sections of the Neergarh Waterfall Hike

There are no such difficult sections on this hike. The entire trek is beginner-friendly and can be done in all seasons. During monsoons, the trail gets a bit slippery due to the slush formed at various sections of the trail. Be mindful of your footing 

The only part to be careful of is - if you choose to trek the first section. Watch out for the traffic. There are a lot of blind turns on the road, and there is a lot of running traffic after 10 a.m.

How to reach Rishikesh 

About Rishikesh

Rishikesh is a city situated on the foothills of the Himalayan mountains. This is the place where Goddess Ganga leaves the mountains and enters the plains. It is a sacred town in itself for Hinduism.

How to reach Rishikesh?

Rishikesh is a very well-connected city. You can reach Rishikesh by Bus, Taxi, personal transport, Train, Flight, etc.

It is about 46 km from Dehradun, and it takes about 1.2 hours to reach here by road.

To take the bus from Delhi, you can directly go to the State Transport Bus Terminal; buses leave for Rishikesh almost every 30 minutes.

From Dehradun, there are frequent buses and shared cabs going towards Rishikesh. 

Nearest International and Domestic Airports

Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun - 26.4 km

Nearest Railway Station

Rishikesh - 15 km.

Options to reach Neergarh Waterfall from Rishikesh:

To start the Neergarh waterfall hike, you will need to come to the Neergarh waterfall bus stop. You can take an auto or e-rickshaw to reach here from Tapovan, Rishikesh ISBT, or the railway station.

Once you reach the bus stop, either you can choose to trek the entire trail or you can choose to take an auto or rent a scooter/taxi to the Neergarh Waterfall Taxi Stand and trek the remaining part of the hike.

Frequently Asked Questions about Neergarh Waterfall Hike

Permission and Camping on the Neergarh Waterfall Hike

To do the Neergarh Waterfall Hike, you must buy a ticket from the forest department.   It can be obtained at the beginning of the trek. You need to keep that ticket and one government ID proof with you while hiking.

The pricing for Indians is Rs 30 for adults and Rs 20 for kids. For foreigners, it costs Rs 50 for adults and Rs 30 for Kids  

Timings on the Neergarh Waterfall Hike

The trek is open between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. 

I will recommend doing this trek as early as possible. You will not get any traffic on the road, you will be cleared of the Forest Department checkpoint quicker, and the trail will be less crowded and more serene.

Food and Water Sources on the Neergarh Waterfall Hike

Once you reach the taxi stand (Section 2 of the hike), the entire trail is full of food counters and shops. It's always better to carry your own food in steel dabbas instead of buying or using packaged food. This will serve the environment in the long run. You can read more about it here.

Emergency contacts for Hike

Police Station: To contact the police, one can dial 100. Speaking from personal experience, the police are very responsive and fast. Even if you are stuck somewhere on the trail, you can dial 100, and they will deploy the Forest Department to rescue you.

ERSS: For any kind of emergency help, you can contact the Pan-India Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) number- 112

Network on the Trail

Places to visit in/near Rishikesh:

1) Ganga Aarti: Rishikesh is famous for its Ganga Aarti. Every day, priests gather to thank Maa Ganga for all the well-being she is bringing into our lives. The aarti is done twice a day, - one during the sunrise and the other during the sunset.

There are a lot of ghats where you can witness the aarti throughout the city. Pramarth Ghat’s aarti is the most famous aarti in Rishikesh.

2) Vashishtha Gufa: This is said to be the cave where Rishi Vashishtha used to meditate. If you are looking to focus and meditate, you can visit this cave for that.

3)    George Everest Peak Trek George Everest Peak takes you to the house of Sir George Everest. It’s in his honor that Mt. Everest is named. An easy trek that can be done by both fit beginners and experienced trekkers, George Everest Peak Trek is just 4 km away from Mussoorie. 

The House of Sir George Everest, perched on a peaceful hilltop in Mussoorie, is a legacy in ruins. The iconic house offers a mesmerizing view of the Doon valley on one side and the Aglar River and majestic Himalayan peaks on the other. The trek takes you through the forest sections filled with deodar, fir, and rhododendron trees. It’s also a paradise for birders.

4)    Landour lal tibba Trek The highest peak of Mussoorie, Lal Tibba is one of the most popular places in the region. Located at Depot Hill in Landour, Lal Tibba is well known among travelers and trekkers alike. Be it the sight of mesmerizing mountain peaks or the splendid sunrise and sunset views, Lal Tibba doesn’t fail to amaze you.

Lal Tibba is also one of the oldest places in Mussoorie. A testament to it is the structures from the pre-independence era that you see on the trail. Lal Tibba is a steep trail and is nestled in the dense canopy of Deodar trees. At the top, there is a government-approved mounted telescope at a cafe named Lal Tibba Binocular Cafe. On a clear day, from the telescope, you get an excellent view of the Himalayas, including Badrinath and Kedarnath!

The Landour -  Lal Tibba trek is suitable for both fit beginners and experienced trekkers.

5)    Kipling Trail trek Once the main route from Dehradun to Mussoorie, the Kipling trail is now an exciting trek far removed from the traffic and overcrowding that marks the new Mussoorie road. This is a 9 km trail starting from the Shahanshahi Ashram and going all the way to Mussoorie through Jharipani and Barlowganj villages.

The Kipling Trail Trek follows a winding serpentine path with the Himalayan foothills on one side and spectacular views of the Dehradun valley on the other side. The trail first takes one through a steep jungle trail followed by small villages exhibiting remnants of the colonial era. Kipling Trail thus appeals to nature-lovers as well as those interested in history and heritage.

The trek is suitable for fit beginners and the steep incline would challenge experienced trekkers as well!

6)    Nag Tibba Trek Resting at 9806 ft, the summit of this trek is the highest in the Nag Tibba range of the Garhwal Himalayas. From here, you see a 100-degree view of snow-capped Himalayan ranges such as Swargrohini, Bandarpoonch, Kala Nag, Srikantha, and Gangotri. You also see Kedarnath peak in the north, Doon valley, and the snow peaks of Changabang. With views like this and a climb to make you earn them, this weekend trek may be one of the best. 

As you go up one side of the mountain and come down from another side, you also experience a variety of landscapes. This trek takes you through dense forests, clearings, and ridge walk. All within two days!

For beginners, Nag Tibba is a great introductory trek. That being said, even for the experienced trekkers, it offers the thrill of a summit climb in just two days.

7)    Nag Thach Trek A quaint village west of Pantwari called Saindul is the base of this short little day hike called Nag Thatch. 

From Nag Thatch, one can see almost all the mountain peaks of Garhwal Himalaya such as Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Kalanag, Shrikanth, Gangotri 1, Jaonli, Thalaysagar, Kedarnath Main, Kedarnath Dome, Chaukhamba and many others. For an easy and short trek of 2.5 kilometers, this is a dream come true! Apart from the big mountain views, the trek also has pretty meadows that are lush green in summer and golden brown in autumn. You’ll also find snow here in winter.

The Nag Thatch trek can be done by both fit beginners and experienced trekkers. It is an ideal trek for families with children and elders who find it difficult to do longer Himalayan treks.

8)    Deoban Trek Only on a few treks, you get to see great summit views and savour long forest walks. Deoban is one of those treks and the best thing is you get this rich experience in just a weekend! At Deoban’s summit, you see 55 high mountain peaks including Mt Nanda Devi, India’s highest mountain!

Deoban is also one of the few Uttarakhand trails dominated by Deodar trees. It is aptly named Deoban as Deo refers to “Deodar” trees and ban means “forests”. Usually, in Uttarakhand trails, you find clumps of these trees growing together in a mixed forest, but not an entire trail filled with them. An entire trail of Deodar trees is something that is mostly found in Kashmir or Himachal. The speciality of this forest trail is that the trees are incredibly tall and are over 600 years old. 

Deoban Trek also can be done by both fit beginners and experienced trekkers.

9)    Surkanada Devi Trek Surkanda Devi Temple is located near Dhanaulti in the Unniyal Village of Tehri district of Uttarakhand. It is one of India's 51 Shaktipeeth temples and is of great religious importance. Situated at an altitude of about 9,041 feet above sea level, Surkanda Devi Temple is encompassed by dense and thick backwoods.

Sukanda Devi trek trail is well laid throughout. The entire trek route is very scenic and offers beautiful views of the surroundings. From the top, you can enjoy stunning views of the dense forests and panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks.

Surkanda Devi Trek is an easy trek and can be done by both beginners and experienced trekkers

10)  Bhadraj Hill Trek  Bhadraj Hill Trek is a modest and well-balanced trek. One of the best weekend treks in Mussoorie, the total 13 km trek can be completed in one or two days. If you want to do this trek in one day, then you’ll have to start early in the morning. But the trek is better experienced over two days with overnight camping.

The trail to Dudhli Village is called Milkman’s Trail, as it helps supply milk to Mussoorie town every day. It’s a lovely trail that takes you all along the ridge with Gangetic plains sloping down on either side, while Himalayan ranges sit snug in the distance.

Bhadraj Hill trek is an ideal trek for beginners. That said, it offers a beautiful experience for any trekker who would like to explore and is looking for a short escape from the hustle of a citylife

Trek Contribution

Trek Documented and explored by Prajwal Agarwal.