Ghaziabad – Haridwar – Rishikesh – Joshimath & Auli Itinerary (20‑27 Dec)

Day 1: Arrival in Haridwar (20 Dec)

Morning: Depart Ghaziabad early and reach Haridwar by 11:30 AM; check‑in at Madhuban Hotel and freshen up.

Afternoon: Explore the bustling market near Har Ki Pauri and enjoy a light lunch by the Ganga.

Evening: Witness the soulful Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri between 6 PM and 7 PM, followed by a stroll along the ghats.

Day 2: Haridwar Exploration (21 Dec)

Morning: Take the cable car up to Mansa Devi Temple for panoramic views of the city.

Afternoon: Visit the historic Chandi Devi Temple via ropeway and explore nearby shrines.

Evening: Board the 5 PM bus to Rishikesh, arriving late evening; check‑in at a pre‑booked Rishikesh stay.

Day 3: Rishikesh Adventure (22 Dec)

Morning: Start with a peaceful walk at Triveni Ghat and soak in the sunrise over the confluence.

Afternoon: Drive to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple and visit the nearby waterfall for a refreshing dip.

Evening: Experience the thrill of bungee jumping at the iconic Rishikesh jump site before returning to the hotel.

Day 4: Journey to Joshimath (23 Dec)

Morning: Depart Rishikesh by the 7:30 AM bus; enjoy scenic mountain vistas during the long ride.

Afternoon: Continue the journey through winding roads, stopping for lunch at a roadside dhaba.

Evening: Arrive in Joshimath around 5 PM, check‑in, and relax after the day’s travel.

Day 5: Joshimath Sightseeing (24 Dec)

Morning: Visit the ancient Narsingh Mandir and admire its intricate architecture.

Afternoon: Stroll around the town, explore local markets, and enjoy a traditional Garhwali lunch.

Evening: Return to the hotel for a quiet evening, preparing for the next day’s Auli excursion.

Day 6: Auli Day Trip (25 Dec)

Morning: Take a short drive to Auli and board the gondola ride for spectacular alpine views.

Afternoon: Spend time skiing on the pristine slopes; beginners can opt for a short lesson.

Evening: Descend via gondola, enjoy a hot tea by the hilltop café, and return to Joshimath for dinner.

Day 7: Leisure & Return Prep (26 Dec)

Morning: Leisurely explore any missed spots in Joshimath or relax at the hotel.

Afternoon: Pack belongings, enjoy a final walk through the town, and savor a local meal.

Evening: Board the overnight bus back to Ghaziabad, anticipating arrival on the 27th.

Day 8: Return to Ghaziabad (27 Dec)

Morning: Arrive in Ghaziabad, concluding the journey with memories of the Himalayan adventure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Ganga Aarti (Har Ki Pauri) – 1 hour – Free
• Mansa Devi Temple (cable car) – 1.5 hours – ₹70
• Chandi Devi Temple (cable car) – 1.5 hours – ₹70
• Triveni Ghat – 1 hour – Free
• Neelkanth Mahadev Temple – 2 hours – Free (donation ₹50)
• Waterfall visit – 1 hour – ₹100
• Bungee Jumping (Rishikesh) – 2 hours – ₹3,500
• Narsingh Mandir – 1 hour – Free
• Gondola Ride (Auli) – 1 hour – ₹1,200
• Skiing (Auli) – 3 hours – ₹2,500
• Total Estimated Cost: ₹7,490

Tips

To extend the trip, consider adding an extra night in Rishikesh for river rafting or a day in Joshimath to explore the nearby Jolly Grant peak. If you need to shorten the itinerary, skip the Auli skiing day and use the time for a relaxed departure from Joshimath, catching an earlier bus back to Ghaziabad.