Ghaziabad – Haridwar – Rishikesh – Joshimath – Auli – Ghaziabad (Dec 20‑27, 2025)

Day 1: 20 Dec – Arrival in Haridwar

Morning: Depart from Ghaziabad early and enjoy a scenic drive to Haridwar, reaching the city by 11:30 am. Check‑in at Madhuban Hotel and freshen up.

Afternoon: Visit the Mansa Devi Temple and the Chandi Devi Temple, taking the cable‑car for panoramic views of the Ganges valley. Allocate about an hour at each shrine.

Evening: Stroll to Har Ki Pauri for the famous Ganga Aarti (6‑7 pm). The ritual of lights and chants creates a magical riverside atmosphere.

Day 2: 21 Dec – Haridwar to Rishikesh

Morning: Relax with a leisurely walk along the ghats of Haridwar, perhaps a quick dip at Triveni Ghat. Enjoy local snacks at a nearby café.

Afternoon: Explore the historic lanes of Haridwar, shop for devotional items, and prepare for the journey to Rishikesh. Lunch at a riverside dhaba.

Evening: Board the 6:00 pm bus to Rishikesh. Arrive late evening, check‑in at your chosen accommodation, and unwind.

Day 3: 22 Dec – Rishikesh Exploration

Morning: Begin with a visit to the tranquil Triveni Ghat for sunrise reflections, then head to the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple nestled in the forested hills.

Afternoon: Discover the local waterfall (e.g., Patna Waterfall) and enjoy a short trek. Afterwards, experience the thrill of bungee jumping at the nearby adventure park.

Evening: Relax by the Ganges promenade, sample street food, and soak in the laid‑back vibe of Rishikesh.

Day 4: 23 Dec – Travel to Joshimath

Morning: Depart early for Joshimath (≈ 8 hrs by road). Enjoy the mountain scenery en route and stop for breakfast in Devprayag.

Afternoon: Arrive in Joshimath, check‑in, and visit the sacred Narsingh Mandir, a revered shrine of Lord Narsingh.

Evening: Stroll through the quiet town, dine on local Garhwali cuisine, and rest for the next day’s Auli excursion.

Day 5: 24 Dec – Day Trip to Auli

Morning: Take a short drive to Auli and board the iconic gondola ride for spectacular alpine views. The ascent offers photo‑ops at every turn.

Afternoon: Spend time skiing on the pristine slopes of Auli. Rentals and lessons are available for beginners and experienced skiers alike.

Evening: Return to Joshimath, unwind with a warm cup of tea, and reflect on the day’s adventure.

Day 6: 25 Dec – Joshimath Leisure

Morning: Visit the historic Shankaracharya Math and explore the local market for handcrafted souvenirs.

Afternoon: Optional short trek to the Vasuki Tal (if weather permits) or simply enjoy the serene mountain ambiance.

Evening: Pack and prepare for the journey back to the plains.

Day 7: 26 Dec – Return to Haridwar

Morning: Depart Joshimath and drive back toward Haridwar, stopping at scenic spots along the route for brief rests.

Afternoon: Arrive in Haridwar, check‑in again at Madhuban Hotel, and relax after the long drive.

Evening: If time permits, revisit Har Ki Pauri for a quiet evening by the Ganges before departure.

Day 8: 27 Dec – Return to Ghaziabad

Morning: Check‑out from the hotel and begin the journey back to Ghaziabad.

Afternoon: Stop for lunch en route and continue the drive.

Evening: Arrive in Ghaziabad, concluding the trip.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Har Ki Pauri (Ganga Aarti) – 1 hr – Free (optional donation)
• Mansa Devi Temple – 1 hr – Free (donation ₹50)
• Chandi Devi Temple – 1 hr – Free (donation ₹50)
• Triveni Ghat (Haridwar) – 0.5 hr – Free
• Neelkanth Mahadev Temple – 1 hr – Free (donation ₹100)
• Patna Waterfall – 1 hr – Free
• Bungee Jumping (Rishikesh) – 2 hrs – ₹1,500
• Narsingh Mandir (Joshimath) – 0.5 hr – Free
• Gondola Ride (Auli) – 2 hrs – ₹800
• Skiing (Auli) – 3 hrs – ₹2,000 (gear & lift)
• Shankaracharya Math – 0.5 hr – Free
• Vasuki Tal (optional) – 2 hrs – Free
• Transport (bus, car rentals, fuel) – 8 days – Approx. ₹12,000
• Accommodation (Madhuban Hotel 3 nights, Rishikesh & Joshimath 4 nights) – Approx. ₹6,000 per night total ₹42,000
• Food & Miscellaneous – Approx. ₹2,000 per day total ₹16,000
• Total Estimated Cost – ₹84,950

Tips

If you wish to extend the trip, consider adding a full day in Rishikesh for river rafting or a night stay in Auli to enjoy more skiing. To shorten the itinerary, you can skip the optional Vasuki Tal trek and the evening Ganga Aarti on Day 1, focusing only on the main attractions.