Uttarakhand Adventure Escape – 14 Oct – 25 Oct (Group of 6‑7)

Day 1: Mumbai → Delhi (Train)

Morning: Board the 23:30 hrs Rajdhani Express from Mumbai Central. The comfortable AC‑3/2 tier cabins ensure a relaxed start for the group.

Afternoon: Enjoy onboard meals and scenic views as the train speeds through central India, passing by historic towns and verdant fields.

Evening: Arrive at New Delhi Railway Station around 08:30 hrs the next day; a pre‑booked taxi will transfer you to the hotel for a quick refresh before the journey northward.

Day 2: Delhi → Dehradun (Train or Cab)

Morning: Take the 09:30 hrs Shatabdi Express to Dehradun (≈ 5 hrs). Check‑in, freshen up, and enjoy a light breakfast.

Afternoon: Explore Robber's Cave – a natural gorge perfect for a short trek, followed by a visit to the sulphur springs at Sahastradhara.

Evening: Stroll through Paltan Bazaar for local snacks and a glimpse of Dehradun’s lively street scene.

Day 3: Dehradun → Mussoorie (Bike Ride Option)

Morning: Transfer by private cab (≈ 1 hr) to Mussoorie; check‑in and enjoy the cool mountain air.

Afternoon: Visit Kempty Falls and rent mountain bikes for a scenic ride along Camel’s Back Road, offering panoramic views of the valley.

Evening: Watch the sunset from Lal Tibba, the highest point in Mussoorie, before dinner at a local café.

Day 4: Mussoorie → Dhanaulti

Morning: Embark on a 45‑minute bike ride up to the tranquil hill station of Dhanaulti, passing pine‑covered ridges.

Afternoon: Explore the Eco Park and enjoy a gentle trek to the Surkanda Devi Viewpoint (non‑pilgrim scenic spot).

Evening: Set up a campfire at the resort, sharing stories under the starlit sky.

Day 5: Dhanaulti → Rishikesh

Morning: Depart by cab (≈ 2 hrs) for Rishikesh; check‑in and relax.

Afternoon: Take a guided bike ride along the Ganga banks to Shivpuri, with an optional white‑water rafting session for adrenaline seekers.

Evening: Experience the soulful Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan – cultural, not religious, with mesmerizing chants and lamps.

Day 6: Rishikesh → Auli (Cab)

Morning: Private cab journey (≈ 7 hrs) to the snow‑capped hill of Auli, with a brief stop at Haridwar for refreshments.

Afternoon: Ride the Gondola lift to the summit for breathtaking vistas of Nanda Devi and the surrounding glaciers.

Evening: Unwind in the hotel lounge, savoring hot tea and local Kumaoni delicacies.

Day 7: Auli → Nainital

Morning: Scenic drive to Nainital (≈ 5 hrs); check‑in to a lakeside resort.

Afternoon: Enjoy a tranquil boat ride on Naini Lake followed by a leisurely bike ride around the town’s cobbled streets.

Evening: Walk along the vibrant Mall Road, sampling street food and picking up souvenirs.

Day 8: Nainital → Binsar

Morning: Depart for Binsar (≈ 2 hrs); settle into a heritage homestay.

Afternoon: Trek inside Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary and rent mountain bikes to explore forest trails with occasional deer sightings.

Evening: Relax on the rooftop terrace for a stargazing session in the clear Himalayan sky.

Day 9: Binsar → Almora

Morning: Short drive to Almora (≈ 1 hr); check‑in and freshen up.

Afternoon: Wander the bustling Almora market, then bike to the famed Kasar Devi viewpoint for sweeping mountain panoramas.

Evening: Dine on traditional Kumaoni dishes like *Bhatt ki Churkani* at a local dhaba.

Day 10: Almora → Kausani

Morning: Drive to Kausani (≈ 2 hrs), known as the “Switzerland of India”.

Afternoon: Visit a tea garden and ride bikes along the gentle slopes to the Baijnath Viewpoint for a spectacular sunset over the Himalayas.

Evening: Enjoy a quiet evening at the resort, sipping tea while listening to local folk music.

Day 11: Kausani → Jim Corbett National Park (Ramnagar)

Morning: Depart early for Jim Corbett (≈ 4 hrs); check‑in to a wildlife lodge.

Afternoon: Embark on a guided jeep safari in the core zone – spot tigers, elephants, and a variety of birds.

Evening: Relax by the lodge’s bonfire, sharing wildlife photographs and experiences.

Day 12: Jim Corbett → Delhi → Mumbai (Train)

Morning: Depart by cab to New Delhi Railway Station (≈ 6 hrs); board the 20:00 hrs Rajdhani Express back to Mumbai.

Afternoon: Enjoy the onboard amenities, reflect on the adventure, and rest.

Evening: Arrive at Mumbai Central around 08:30 hrs the next morning, concluding the trip.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Rajdhani Express Mumbai‑Delhi (round‑trip) – 2 days total travel time; ₹3,200 per person (AC‑3 tier).
• Delhi‑Dehradun Shatabdi (round‑trip) – 10 hrs total; ₹1,800 per person.
• Private Cab Delhi‑Uttarakhand (total 2,800 km) – 45 hrs driving; ₹45,000 total (fuel, driver, tolls).
• Bike Rentals (mountain bikes) – 4 days × ₹500 per bike; ₹2,800 total for 6 bikes.
• Kempty Falls entry – ₹30 per person.
• Robber’s Cave entry – ₹20 per person.
• Sahastradhara entry – ₹20 per person.
• Gondola lift Auli (round‑trip) – ₹700 per person.
• Boat ride Naini Lake – ₹250 per person.
• Jim Corbett Jeep Safari (core zone) – ₹2,500 per person.
• Accommodation (mid‑range homestays & resorts, 11 nights) – ₹3,500 per room per night; 3 rooms × 11 × ₹3,500 = ₹115,500.
• Meals (average ₹600 per person per day) – 12 days × 6 persons × ₹600 = ₹43,200.
• Miscellaneous (permits, guide fees, snacks) – ₹10,000 total.
• Total Estimated Cost for 6 persons: ₹251,770

Tips

For a shorter 8‑day version, skip the Dhanaulti‑Almora‑Kausani loop and focus on Dehradun, Mussoorie, Rishikesh, Auli, and Nainital; this reduces travel time and accommodation costs while still offering mountain biking and scenic vistas. To extend the adventure, add a few days in the lesser‑known Pithoragarh region or a trek in the Valley of Flowers (season‑dependent). Booking cab transfers in advance ensures smoother logistics for a large group, and sharing bikes reduces rental expenses. Always carry a basic bike repair kit and stay hydrated at higher altitudes.