Board your pre-booked overnight train or Volvo bus to Rishikesh — this saves daytime travel and gets you into Rishikesh early on 17 Dec. Trains/buses typically depart late evening; confirm PNR/ticket and platform beforehand.
Arrive at Rishikesh railway station or bus stand; drop bags at hotel/locker and freshen up before setting out — check-in if early check-in is available.
Enjoy a hearty North Indian breakfast (parathas or puri with sabzi) at Chotiwala (popular, budget-friendly) or a lighter organic option at Little Buddha Café; both open from about 07:30–09:00 onwards.
Walk the iconic iron suspension bridge, browse riverside shops and temples and take photos — easy, atmospheric and central to Rishikesh’s vibe (usually open all day).
Explore the graffiti-filled ruins and meditation cells where the Beatles stayed; the site normally opens ~07:00–18:00 (check seasonal timings and ticket counter on arrival).
Have a relaxed vegetarian lunch or sandwiches and smoothies at Pure Soul or German Bakery near the river; both serve fresh, traveller-friendly fare and are open through the afternoon.
Spend a peaceful hour at Parmarth Niketan ashram or visit nearby temples — ashram timings typically allow afternoon visits; ideal for short meditation or a Ganga-side walk.
Attend the famous evening Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat — a colourful, devotional ceremony that starts around 18:00; arrive 15–20 minutes early for a good view.
Leave Rishikesh early by pre-booked private car for the long mountain drive to Joshimath (gateway to Auli); drive time is 10–12 hours with scenic stops — road may be slower in winter, so allow buffer.
Quick photo stop at Devprayag (confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers) to stretch legs and capture the dramatic confluence; 20–30 minutes recommended.
Reach Joshimath; check into a hotel or leave luggage and take the Auli ropeway (subject to weather) or drive the final switchbacks up to Auli. Ropeway operates typically ~08:00–16:30 but may run later depending on season — confirm locally.
Auli has limited eateries; most guests dine at their hotel or HPTDC restaurant which serve simple hot meals and are open for residents into the evening.
Take the scenic Joshimath–Auli ropeway for sweeping Himalayan views; ropeway typically opens around 08:00 and runs until late afternoon, but check local notices for seasonal changes.
Take a beginner ski lesson (if available) or rent skis/boots for casual runs and supervised slopes; local instructors operate from ~09:00–15:00 during winter — book in advance when possible.
If conditions permit, do a short guided trek or snow-walk to Gorson Bugyal for panoramic views of Nanda Devi and the surrounding ranges; allow 1–2 hours depending on pace and snow cover.
Descend from Auli to Joshimath by ropeway or road; leave early to maximise chances of good road conditions and to make onward connections to Dehradun/Delhi.
Begin the 10–12 hour drive back to Rishikesh/Dehradun. If you prefer faster transfer to Delhi, head straight to Dehradun (Jolly Grant Airport) — expect long mountain driving time in winter.
Arrive at Dehradun; if you have an evening flight to Delhi, transfer to the airport (25–40 minutes from Rishikesh). Flights to Delhi take ~1 hour — book evening seats to reach Delhi quickly.
Land at Delhi and transfer to your hotel (airport taxi or pre-booked cab). If you chose overnight train instead, you may arrive later — book a comfortable sleeper.
Drive to Qutub Minar complex (open approx 07:00–17:00) to see the tallest brick minaret in India and surrounding ruins — allow for traffic time between sites.
If you’re up for Old Delhi, have a classic non-veg meal at Karim’s (open midday) or choose regional cuisine near your next stop; Old Delhi exploration can be time-consuming due to crowds.
Shop or relax in Khan Market (upmarket cafés and bookstores) or try the lively Hauz Khas Village for bars, cafés and sunset views by the historic reservoir.
Enjoy a memorable final-dinner in Delhi at a recommended restaurant in Khan Market/Hauz Khas or try famous street food in Old Delhi if you missed it at lunch.
Have an early breakfast, final packing and hotel check-out; confirm your flight time and allow 2–3 hours for airport arrival depending on domestic or international flight.
Taxi or pre-booked transfer to Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi) — aim to be at the airport 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight.