5‑Day Lucknow → Rishikesh & Auli Adventure

Day 1: Lucknow to Rishikesh – Arrival & Exploration

Morning: Board an early morning train or bus from Lucknow to Haridwar (≈7 hrs) and continue by taxi to Rishikesh. The journey offers scenic views of the Ganga plains and foothills.

Afternoon: After checking into your hotel, stroll across the iconic Lakshman Jhula and nearby Ram Jhula, enjoying panoramic river views and local street stalls.

Evening: Head to Triveni Ghat for the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, where lamps flicker on the water and chants fill the air.

Day 2: Rishikesh – Spiritual & Adventure Highlights

Morning: Join a sunrise yoga session at Parmarth Niketan, followed by a peaceful walk through the historic Beatles Ashram, famous for its graffiti‑covered ruins.

Afternoon: Experience the thrill of Ganga Rafting (Class II‑III) on the river’s rapid stretches, then unwind with a stroll through the bustling Laxman Jhula market.

Evening: Relax at your hotel or explore the cafes along the riverbank, soaking in the laid‑back vibe of Rishikesh’s nightlife.

Day 3: Rishikesh → Auli – Scenic Transfer

Morning: Embark on a scenic drive to Auli (≈8 hrs), stopping at the confluence town of Devprayag where the Alaknanda meets the Bhagirathi.

Afternoon: Arrive in Auli, check into a hillside resort, and take a short walk to acclimatize while enjoying the snow‑capped Himalayas.

Evening: Wander around the quiet Auli village, sample local Garhwali cuisine, and rest for the next day’s high‑altitude activities.

Day 4: Auli – Snow, Ski & Views

Morning: Head to the Auli Ski Resort for a beginner’s ski lesson or, if you prefer, a trek to the breathtaking Gorson Bugyal meadow.

Afternoon: Ride the iconic Auli Ropeway up to 3,000 m for panoramic vistas of Nanda Devi and the surrounding peaks.

Evening: Return to your resort, enjoy a hot cup of tea by the fireplace, and reflect on the day’s alpine adventures.

Day 5: Auli → Lucknow – Return Journey

Morning: Depart Auli early, drive back to Dehradun Airport or Haridwar Railway Station for your flight/train home.

Afternoon: Travel back to Lucknow, arriving by late evening.

Evening: Unwind at home, reminiscing about the Himalayan highlights and planning your next escape.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Lakshman Jhula – 1 hour – Free
• Ram Jhula – 30 minutes – Free
• Triveni Ghat (Aarti) – 1 hour – Free (donations optional)
• Parmarth Niketan (Yoga) – 2 hours – ₹300
• Beatles Ashram – 1.5 hours – ₹50
• Ganga Rafting – 3 hours – ₹1,200
• Devprayag (Scenic stop) – 45 minutes – Free
• Auli Ski Resort (Ski lesson) – 3 hours – ₹1,000
• Gorson Bugyal Trek – 4 hours – Free
• Auli Ropeway – 30 minutes – ₹800
• Transport (train/bus, local taxis) – 5 days – ₹2,000
• Accommodation (4 nights) – ₹1,500 per night – ₹6,000
• Meals (average ₹300/day) – 5 days – ₹1,500
• Miscellaneous (entry fees, tips) – ₹500
• Total Estimated Cost: ₹12,200

Tips

If you have an extra day, consider extending your stay in Auli for a full‑day trek to Gorson Peak or a sunrise view from Chandrabadini Temple. To shorten the trip, skip the rafting and replace the Auli ski lesson with a shorter ropeway ride, which reduces both time and cost while still offering stunning mountain vistas.