Take an early morning flight to Jolly Grant (Dehradun) so you have time to transfer to Rishikesh the same day; confirm flight times and baggage allowance for all 5. Winter schedules vary — book now.
Collect luggage and board a pre-booked 7–9-seater tempo/travel van for the 60–90 minute drive to Rishikesh — most comfortable with gear for trekking later.
Light riverside lunch to relax after the flight; both spots are popular with good vegetarian and continental options — check they’re open (many open 9:00–21:30).
Explore the iconic suspension bridges, local shops and temples for photos and pre-trek purchases (energy bars, warm socks). Shops usually open 9:30–20:30; bring layers — December is chilly.
Early warm dinner and final packing check for trek gear (waterproofs, warm layers, gloves, gaiters); restaurants serve until ~22:00 but confirm opening in winter.
Hearty breakfast and good coffee; Chotiwala opens early and is ideal for a hot north-Indian meal before packing. Confirm timings (many open around 7–8am).
Explore the graffiti, meditation caves and riverside ruins; typical hours ~9:00–17:30 but winter hours can change — confirm in advance and buy group tickets.
Short riverside walk or meet the trekking operator for kit check and permit confirmation; December rafting is limited — confirm availability if interested.
Attend the operator’s briefing to confirm pickup timing, porters, and emergency plan; have an early, warm dinner and set out duplicates of IDs/permits for all 5 members.
Leave pre-dawn to cover the long mountain drive to the trek trailhead via Devprayag → Srinagar (Garhwal) → Rudraprayag → Karnaprayag; winter roads can be slow — choose an experienced driver and warm vehicle.
Begin the gradual ascent to the first campsite (2–4 hours depending on route). Expect cold afternoons and possible frost — guides set a steady pace for the group.
Dinner at camp and final safety briefing for the next day’s higher-altitude hiking; camps will provide hot meals but ensure sleeping bags rated for sub-zero are available for each person.
A longer day (4–6 hours) gaining altitude to alpine meadows with panoramic views of peaks like Nanda Devi; guides will maintain a gentle pace for the group of 5 to manage acclimatization.
Warm breakfast to prepare for a key altitude day; check personal oxygen or medication needs if anyone feels unwell — winter acclimatization is important.
Steady ascent with photo stops and tea breaks; expect 5–6 hours of walking, with possible snow patches in December — follow guides for safe route selection.
Very early start to reach the pass in stable morning conditions; expect icy or snowy patches in December — guides may equip the group with crampons or poles if needed.
Ascend to the Kuari Pass ridge for sweeping 360° views of peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul and Chaukhamba — winter conditions make this spectacular but cold; follow guide safety instructions.
Long downhill day to the motorable trailhead (4–6 hours depending on route). Descend carefully — icy patches are possible in December, so follow guide advice.
Depart early to reach Mussoorie (approx 1–1.5 hours). Weekend/holiday traffic can be heavy on December 24 — an early start avoids the worst and finds parking.
Stroll the Mall and walk the scenic, leveled Camel's Back Road promenade for Himalayan views; shops typically open 10:00–21:00, but some close earlier in winter.
Have breakfast, final packing and check that everyone’s travel documents and baggage are ready; December morning roads require extra buffer time to the airport.
Leave with ample buffer for traffic and winter delays; Jolly Grant is 30–60 minutes from central Dehradun depending on location and time of day — book a larger van for 5 + luggage.