What to Wear in Rishikesh

Around the ghats and ashrams

Covered shoulders and knees are the norm at Triveni Ghat, Parmarth Niketan and the temples. Loose cotton trousers or a long skirt with a kurta or a T-shirt works for everyone. Ashrams will ask you to change if you arrive in shorts or a vest, and some ask for plain, light-coloured clothes during classes. Carry a scarf or light shawl for covering your head at a shrine.

Yoga classes

Stretchy leggings or loose trousers and a T-shirt that stays in place when you bend are fine for most classes. Many schools ask that you walk through town in something over your yoga kit rather than in leggings alone. Bring a thin layer for the savasana at the end, as open halls get cool.

Rafting

Wear quick-dry shorts or trousers and a synthetic T-shirt, not cotton, and sandals with a back strap. Operators give life jackets and helmets. In October, November and March the water is very cold, so a thin thermal top under the life jacket helps. Keep a dry change of clothes in the vehicle.

Winter mornings and evenings

From December to February, mornings by the river can be cold and misty even when the afternoon is warm. A fleece or a woollen shawl, socks and a light jacket are enough for most days. The evening aarti is when you will feel it.

Summer and monsoon

April to June is hot on the ghats by late morning. Light cotton, a hat and sunscreen are essential. In the monsoon, bring a rain jacket and shoes with good grip, as ghat steps and forest paths turn slippery.

Footwear

You take off shoes at every temple and at the aarti, so slip-ons save time. Keep them in a bag or leave them at a shoe stand. Proper walking shoes are worth it for the forest paths at the Beatles Ashram and the climb at Neelkanth.

Shopping locally

The lanes near Laxman Jhula and Swarg Ashram sell cotton kurtas, yoga clothes, shawls and rudraksha beads. Quality varies a lot, so feel the fabric before you buy.