Morning: Board the Shatabdi Express (12393) from New Delhi Railway Station at 06:00 AM, arriving at Kathgodam by 11:30 AM. Enjoy comfortable AC‑3 tier seating and scenic views of the foothills.
Afternoon: Transfer by a shared 12‑seater taxi to Auli (≈ 290 km, 8 hours). The journey offers picturesque mountain passes and a chance to stretch your legs at the Garur Road viewpoint.
Evening: Check into the booked “Alpine Chalet” Airbnb (3‑bedroom chalet for 8 guests). Settle in, relax by the fireplace, and enjoy a welcome dinner featuring local Garhwali cuisine.
Find HotelsMorning: After a hearty breakfast, head to the Auli Ski Resort and rent equipment. Take the cable‑car (Gondola) up to the Gorson Bugyal plateau for panoramic Himalayan vistas.
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon skiing on well‑groomed slopes suitable for all levels. Non‑skiers can try snow‑shoeing or simply savor the snow‑capped scenery.
Evening: Return to the chalet for a cozy bonfire. Sample local hot toddy and share stories while stargazing in the clear mountain sky.
Find HotelsMorning: Drive down to nearby Joshimath (≈ 16 km). Visit the historic Narsingh Temple and the ancient Shankaracharya Math, learning about the town’s spiritual heritage.
Afternoon: Explore the Auli Local Market for handicrafts, woollen wear, and fresh Himalayan produce. Enjoy a light lunch at a family‑run café serving thukpa and momos.
Evening: Return to Auli for a leisurely walk along the Gorson Bugyal meadow, capturing sunset photographs. Dinner at the chalet includes a traditional Garhwali thali.
Find HotelsMorning: Check out after breakfast and board the taxi back to Kathgodam. Stop briefly at the scenic Bhikiyasain Waterfall for photo opportunities.
Afternoon: Catch the Dehradun–Delhi Express (12425) departing Kathgodam at 02:30 PM, arriving in New Delhi by 08:00 PM.
Evening: Arrive in Delhi, concluding the memorable mountain getaway. Optionally, unwind with a relaxing dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Find HotelsTo extend the trip, add an extra day for a trek to Gorson Bugyal or a visit to the Chamoli Wildlife Sanctuary. If you need to shorten the itinerary, skip the Joshimath cultural tour and allocate that time to a relaxed morning in Auli before heading back, reducing accommodation and food costs accordingly.