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Budget 9-Day Uttarakhand Loop: Haridwar → Rishikesh → Dehradun → Mussoorie → Nainital → Auli → Back to Rishikesh (2 Rooms, 6 People)

Viewed by 153 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Ganga Aarti

Haridwar, India on October 27, 2025

9:00am

Arrive Haridwar & Check-in

Reach Haridwar by train/vehicle and check into budget hotel; reserve 2 rooms (1 boys, 1 girls). Economical hotels near Har Ki Pauri are plentiful and convenient.
INR4000, 1h0m

9:30am

Breakfast at Chotiwala

Popular local vegetarian restaurant open from ~7:00am; serves North Indian breakfast like aloo paratha and poha—simple, filling and budget-friendly.
INR200perPerson, 1h0m

11:00am

Har Ki Pauri & Ganga walk

Walk along the Ganga ghats, see pilgrims and temples; easy, flat stroll that familiarises you with Haridwar's spiritual vibe.
INR0, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Barkha Bahar

Casual dhaba-style eatery near the ghats; good thalis and quick service—economical and local.
INR250perPerson, 1h0m

4:00pm

Rest / Local shopping

Time to rest in hotel, pack light items and buy puja/souvenirs around the bazaar.
INR500, 2h0m

6:00pm

Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri

Evening aarti (6:00–7:30pm generally) — must-see spiritual ceremony; arrive early for good viewing space.
INR0, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Hotel / Local Restaurant

Simple thali or dal–roti at hotel or nearby restaurant; keep it light after a long day.
INR200perPerson, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Haridwar

Day 2: Rishikesh Adventures

Rishikesh, India on October 28, 2025

7:30am

Drive Haridwar → Rishikesh

Short drive (~30–45 mins, 25 km). Book tempo traveller for whole trip (recommended) to keep luggage secure and for flexibility.
INR800, 0h45m

8:30am

Breakfast at Beatles Cafe / German Bakery

Popular cafés near Laxman Jhula open from ~8:00am; good for light breakfasts and coffee in a relaxed setting.
INR250perPerson, 1h0m

9:30am

Laxman Jhula & Ram Jhula visit

Iconic suspension bridges with temples, shops and river views; open all day and great for photos and a short walk.
INR0, 1h0m

11:00am

Optional White-water Rafting (Book in advance)

Rishikesh rafting runs 9:00am–4:00pm typically; choose 8–12 km stretches for beginners—thrilling and safe with certified operators.
INR700perPerson, 3h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Chotiwala or Pure Soul Cafe

Chotiwala for local hearty meals (open all day) or Pure Soul for healthier, budget-friendly options near the ghats.
INR300perPerson, 1h0m

4:00pm

Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)

Open 9:00am–5:00pm (check seasonal closures); serene abandoned ashram with murals and river views—good for a 45–60 minute visit.
INR50perPerson, 1h0m

6:00pm

Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat

Evening aarti (around 6:00–7:00pm); more intimate than Har Ki Pauri—arrive early for seating on steps.
INR0, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Little Buddha Cafe / Satvik dhaba

Budget-friendly, good vegetarian options; Little Buddha is slightly pricier but comfy, or try a local satvik dhaba for cheap meals.
INR250perPerson, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Rishikesh

Day 3: Dehradun City

Dehradun, India on October 29, 2025

8:00am

Drive Rishikesh → Dehradun

Drive ~1–1.5 hours (approx 45 km); check into budget hotel with 2 rooms. Dehradun is the gateway to Mussoorie and for local sights.
INR1200, 1h30m

9:30am

Breakfast at Kalsang Friends Corner

Popular for hearty breakfasts and Tibetan/Chinese fare; open from early morning and economical.
INR200perPerson, 1h0m

11:00am

Robber's Cave (Guchhupani)

Natural river cave where water flows inside the gorge; open 9:00am–6:00pm—walkable, fun and refreshing.
INR20perPerson, 1h30m

1:00pm

Tapkeshwar Temple & Lunch

Sacred cave temple with dripping water; nearby eateries offer simple meals—lunch after a short temple visit.
INR150perPerson, 1h0m

3:00pm

Forest Research Institute (FRI) Grounds

Large colonial campus with museums; check visiting hours 9:30am–5:00pm (museum may close earlier). Great for a relaxed walk and photos.
INR50perPerson, 1h30m

6:30pm

Evening Market & Dinner at Local Dhaba

Explore Paltan Bazaar for cheap shopping; dine at budget dhaba for north Indian comfort food.
INR250perPerson, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Dehradun

Day 4: Mussoorie Hills

Mussoorie, India on October 30, 2025

8:00am

Drive Dehradun → Mussoorie

Uphill drive ~1–1.5 hours (approx 35 km). Park at Library Bazaar or Mall Road area; walking or shared taxis uphill are common.
INR1000, 1h0m

9:30am

Breakfast at Kalsang or Mall Road cafes

Cafés around Mall Road open early and offer both local and continental breakfasts with mountain views.
INR250perPerson, 1h0m

10:30am

Mall Road & Camel's Back Walk

Stroll Mall Road, shop and walk to Camel's Back—easy, scenic, open all day.
INR0, 1h30m

1:00pm

Kempty Falls (check 8:00am–5:30pm)

Popular waterfall ~15 km from Mussoorie; spend time swimming or relaxing—entry/parking nominal. Open usually 8:00am–5:30pm.
INR50perPerson, 2h0m

4:30pm

Return to Mall Road & Tibetan Market

Browse handicrafts and try local snacks; good for buying woollens if needed.
INR300, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Gun Hill Restaurant / Local Dhaba

Gun Hill has views; choose a budget-friendly dhaba on Mall Road for economical group meals.
INR300perPerson, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Mussoorie

Day 5: Long Drive to Nainital

Drive: Mussoorie → Nainital, India on October 31, 2025

7:00am

Early Drive Mussoorie → Nainital

Long drive (~6–7 hours, ~260 km). Start early to reach before evening; pack snacks and water. Tempo traveller/day hire assumed for intercity legs.
INR5000, 7h0m

1:30pm

Lunch en route at highway dhaba

Stop at a clean highway dhaba (e.g., near Haldwani/Ramnagar) for a quick, budget-friendly meal.
INR200perPerson, 1h0m

3:30pm

Arrive & Check-in Nainital

Check into 2 budget rooms near the Mall/Nainital Lake for convenience; rest and freshen up.
INR4000, 1h0m

5:00pm

Evening Walk along Mall Road & Lake

Leisurely stroll by Naini Lake, sample street snacks and take photos—shops typically open till 9:00pm.
INR200, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Hotel / Mall Road Restaurant

Choose a simple north Indian restaurant near the Mall; inexpensive yet filling meals to recharge.
INR300perPerson, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Drive: Mussoorie → Nainital

Day 6: Explore Nainital

Nainital, India on November 1, 2025

7:00am

Naini Lake Boating

Boating usually available from 7:00am–5:00pm; row/paddle boats or small motor boats—great sunrise experience.
INR300perBoat, 0h45m

8:30am

Breakfast at Sakley's / Bakeries on Mall Road

Popular bakeries open early; good for breads, eggs and quick bites before sightseeing.
INR250perPerson, 1h0m

9:30am

Snow View Point (Cable Car) - Open 9:30am–4:30pm

Cable car gives panoramic Himalayan views; cable car timings typically 9:30am–4:30pm—walk option available via zigzag path.
INR200perPerson, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Sonam's / Local Dhaba

Popular wallet-friendly eateries near the Mall serving local Kumaoni dishes and north Indian thalis.
INR250perPerson, 1h0m

2:00pm

Naina Devi Temple & Eco Cave Gardens

Visit the temple and the Eco Cave Gardens (open 9:00am–5:00pm) for easy exploration and photos.
INR50perPerson, 1h30m

5:00pm

Shopping & Evening Tea

Stroll Mall Road for woollens, local handicrafts and enjoy evening tea with lake view.
INR200, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Local Restaurant

Economical group dinner—order simple shared dishes to keep cost low and portions sufficient for six.
INR350perPerson, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Nainital

Day 7: Drive to Joshimath

Drive: Nainital → Joshimath (base for Auli), India on November 2, 2025

6:00am

Very Early Drive Nainital → Joshimath

Long drive (~8–9 hours, ~310–350 km depending on route). Start very early and factor stops; this is the longest inter-city leg in the loop.
INR7000, 9h0m

12:30pm

Lunch en route (simple dhaba)

Stop mid-way for a hygienic highway dhaba meal—keep it light and hydrating.
INR200perPerson, 1h0m

4:30pm

Arrive Joshimath & Check-in

Check into modest guesthouse/guesthouse-style budget hotel; rest and acclimatise to altitude (~1600–1800 m).
INR4000, 1h0m

6:00pm

Short Walk around Joshimath

Explore local market, visit the Narsingh Math if open; keep activities light to adjust to altitude.
INR0, 0h45m

8:00pm

Dinner at Hotel

Eat early and hydrate well; simple dal–roti and soup recommended to help acclimatise.
INR250perPerson, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Drive: Nainital → Joshimath (base for Auli)

Day 8: Auli Day Trip

Auli / Joshimath, India on November 3, 2025

8:00am

Drive Joshimath → Auli or Gondola Ride

Gondola (Auli Ropeway) typically operates 9:00am–3:30pm (seasonal); if gondola not running, shared jeep uphill is an option. Book gondola early (limited capacity).
INR700perPersonGondola, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Auli Meadows & Ski Slopes

Walk across meadows and viewpoints; in winter there is snow and skiing (seasonal). Auli offers sweeping Himalayan views of Nanda Devi and Nar Parvat.
INR0, 2h0m

12:30pm

Packed Lunch / Cafeteria Meal

Facilities are limited and slightly pricey on the hill — carry packed lunch from Joshimath or eat at local cafeteria if available.
INR300perPerson, 1h0m

2:00pm

Gurson Bugyal / Short Hike

Easy-level walk among alpine meadows; excellent photo opportunities and quiet vistas—return to gondola base by mid-afternoon.
INR0, 1h30m

4:30pm

Return to Joshimath & Rest

Descend to Joshimath and rest; prepare for next-day long drive back to Rishikesh/Haridwar.
INR0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner & Overnight Joshimath

Simple local meal at guesthouse; plan for early departure next morning.
INR250perPerson, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Auli / Joshimath

Day 9: Return to Rishikesh

Drive: Joshimath → Rishikesh / Haridwar, India on November 4, 2025

6:00am

Very Early Drive Joshimath → Rishikesh (Return Loop)

Long day drive (~8–10 hours depending on stops and traffic). Aim to reach Rishikesh/Haridwar by evening to conclude the loop. Keep snacks and fuel breaks planned.
INR7000, 9h0m

1:00pm

Lunch en route

Stop at a clean dhaba/restaurant mid-way for lunch—budget-friendly and quick.
INR200perPerson, 1h0m

5:30pm

Arrive Rishikesh / Check-in Haridwar if preferred

Check into hotel in Rishikesh or Haridwar depending on plans—confirm 2 rooms and settle the final night bill.
INR4000, 1h0m

6:30pm

Final Evening: Relax or Beach/Market Walk

Leisurely evening around Triveni/Har Ki Pauri for last-minute shopping or relaxing by the Ganga.
INR0, 1h0m

8:00pm

Farewell Dinner

Group meal to wrap up the trip at an affordable restaurant—split bills to stay economical.
INR350perPerson, 1h0m

9:30pm

Trip Wrap-up & Depart next day

Pack and prepare for onward travel; confirm transport to station/airport next morning if required.
INR0, 0h30m
Find Hotels in Drive: Joshimath → Rishikesh / Haridwar
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