Exploring Tapovan

After a good night's rest it was time to check out of Parmarth Niketan. I still enjoyed the sheltered atmosphere of the Ashram's courtyard while journaling when I was asked to pose for a selfie with three young Indian ladies. It turns out they are here for their sister's wedding and spontaneously invited me to join them on this 5 day long lasting event. I've heard this is quite common in India, let's see if I can make it on Wednesday 😉.

It's around noon when I finally head out towards Laxman Jhula where there is one of the three bridges spanning the Ganges here in Rishikesh, since Tapovan, the district where I will spend the next three nights here, is on the West side of the river. It is quite warm and my two backpacks are heavy enough so I accept the offer of a moped taxi driver to give me a ride to the bridge. And I am even more grateful as I realise how far it actually is along our ride. It does take some core work though to keep nice and upright on the bike with my big backpack pulling me back 😅

Having reached my destination I learn that the bridge is under construction and can't be used to cross the river!! What to do?
Well, luckily there is a boat doing shuttle service for 40 Rps. Yeah, let's take a boat ride instead!

But the hardest part is yet to come! Tapovan is all uphill! So during the 15 min walk I break into a proper sweat and after the long hike yesterday I am in for another good workout for my thighs 🦵🏻💪🏻.
Room is clean, cozy and spacious compared to the Ashram. And I don't even mind that the water in the bucket shower was not quite hot yet as it gives me a good refreshment.

The rest of the day I spend with Katalin, a lovely Hungarian lady I met at Tushita. She has been to Rishikesh for two months during her yoga teacher training earlier this year so she knows her way around and shares her experiences with me. We have yummy lunch, feed a mommy cat with her gorgeous little kitten with the pouch of cat food I am carrying around with me since McLeod Ganj, walk along the Ganges river banks and overlook the sunset with chai at a good vibed, cozy restaurant called TAT, where Jade, another Tushita Co-meditator, comes to join us for a lovely evening.

What a nourishing day 🙏🏻💖🪷Læs mere