Cycling in Northern India – 1995

Joshimath – Rishikesh (by bus)

We got up at 5 o’clock to get the ‘fast’ bus to Rishikesh. We were asked to pay for putting the two bikes on the roof of the bus but since everyone seems to be loading his complete household on that same roof without extra costs we simply refused. It took us 11 hours with only two short stops to descend on winding mountain-roads to Rishikesh on the banks of the river Ganges. We realised that traveling form Joshimath to Rishikesh had taken more time then flying from Amsterdam to Delhi!

Rishikesh

Rishikesh has hundreds of ashrams and temples all along the holy river Ganges. The numerous little shops that sell religious goods are an attraction in itself.

Ganges sunset

At sunset holy ceremonies (called ‘Aarti’) were performed on the banks of the river. Priests are lighting enormous oil-lamps and were chanting holy hymns. An experience definitively recommended to anyone who visits Rishikesh.