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December Himalaya & Spiritual Retreat Itinerary

Viewed by 133 travelers

Day 1: Arrival in Haridwar

Morning: Arrive at Haridwar railway station by 11:30 AM and check into Madhuban Hotel. Freshen up and enjoy a light lunch at the hotel.

Afternoon: Visit the sacred Har ki Paudi to soak in the panoramic view of the Ganges and take a short meditation session.

Evening: Experience the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, where lamps illuminate the river and chants fill the air.

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Day 2: Haridwar Exploration

Morning: Start with a peaceful walk to the hilltop Mansa Devi Temple, enjoying the serene atmosphere and panoramic city views.

Afternoon: Descend to the nearby Chandi Devi Temple via cable car, exploring its historic shrine and surrounding hills.

Evening: Return to the city for a leisurely stroll along the ghats, sampling local street food and watching the river’s twilight glow.

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Day 3: Travel to Rishikesh

Morning: After breakfast, depart for Rishikesh (≈ 1 hour drive). Check into a riverside guesthouse and settle in.

Afternoon: Explore the tranquil Triveni Ghat, where three rivers meet, and participate in a short yoga session by the water.

Evening: Enjoy the calming ambiance of the banks, watching locals perform evening prayers and lights flickering on the Ganges.

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Day 4: Rishikesh Adventures

Morning: Embark on a pilgrimage to the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, nestled in the forested hills, and admire its vibrant architecture.

Afternoon: Visit the nearby waterfall for a refreshing dip and then head back for an adrenaline‑filled bungee jumping session over the Ganges.

Evening: Relax with a riverside dinner, recounting the day’s thrills while listening to live acoustic music.

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Day 5: Travel to Joshimath

Morning: Early departure to Joshimath (≈ 7 hours drive). En route, enjoy scenic mountain vistas and brief stops for photography.

Afternoon: Arrive in Joshimath, check into a cozy lodge, and have a warm lunch featuring local Garhwali cuisine.

Evening: Visit the historic Narsingh Mandir, offering a peaceful setting for evening prayers and reflection.

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Day 6: Joshimath to Auli

Morning: Take a short drive to Auli and board the famed gondola ride, ascending to the snow‑capped peaks with breathtaking views.

Afternoon: Enjoy a gentle hike around the glacial lake, then return to the lodge for a hot tea break.

Evening: Attend a brief cultural talk on the region’s ecology, followed by a cozy dinner with local cheese specialties.

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Day 7: Auli Skiing Day

Morning: Begin with a ski lesson for beginners, then glide down the pristine slopes of Auli, surrounded by alpine forests.

Afternoon: Continue skiing or try snow‑shoeing across the plateau; optional sled ride for extra fun.

Evening: Warm up by a bonfire, savoring hot chocolate and sharing stories of the day’s adventures.

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Day 8: Return Journey to Haridwar

Morning: Depart Auli early, descending through picturesque valleys back toward Haridwar.

Afternoon: Arrive in Haridwar, check into Madhuban Hotel for a final night, and enjoy a relaxed lunch.

Evening: Take a leisurely walk along the ghats, revisiting favorite spots and capturing last night‑time photographs.

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Day 9: Return to Ghaziabad

Morning: Breakfast at the hotel, followed by checkout and a comfortable drive back to Ghaziabad.

Afternoon: Arrive in Ghaziabad by early afternoon, concluding the journey with memories of spirituality and adventure.

Evening: Unpack, share travel photos, and plan future trips based on the experiences enjoyed.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Ganga Aarti – 1 hour – ₹0
  • Har ki Paudi – 30 minutes – ₹30
  • Mansa Devi Temple – 1 hour – ₹30
  • Chandi Devi Temple – 1 hour – ₹30
  • Triveni Ghat – 1 hour – ₹0
  • Neelkanth Mahadev Temple – 2 hours – ₹50 (travel & entry)
  • Neelkanth Waterfall – 1 hour – ₹0
  • Bungee Jumping (Rishikesh) – 2 hours – ₹2,500
  • Narsingh Mandir – 45 minutes – ₹0
  • Auli Gondola Ride – 2 hours – ₹1,200
  • Auli Skiing – 4 hours – ₹2,000
  • Travel & Accommodation (average per night) – – ₹15,000
  • Total Estimated Cost – – ₹20,860

Tips

If you wish to extend the trip, consider adding a day in Rishikesh for river rafting or a visit to the nearby Shivalik Fossil Park. To shorten the itinerary, you could skip the Auli skiing day and spend that time exploring the cultural sites of Dehradun, reducing travel fatigue while still enjoying the key spiritual highlights.

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