Arrive early in Nainital and check into a budget guesthouse near Mall Road. Start with a gentle walk around the sparkling Naini Lake, enjoying the panoramic view of the surrounding hills and the iconic Naini Peak.
Lunch at a lakeside café serving local Kumaoni dishes like bhatt ki roti. Afterward, explore Mall Road’s bustling shops, then visit the Nainital Zoo to see Himalayan wildlife such as the snow leopard and Himalayan black bear.
Watch the sunset from Naini Peak’s viewpoint, followed by a street‑food dinner on Mall Road featuring aloo tikki, grilled corn, and warm tea before retiring for the night.
Depart Nainital after breakfast and drive to Ranikhet (about 1.5 hours). Begin the day with a guided trek through the dense pine and oak forest trail that winds up to the scenic Jhula Devi Temple, offering sweeping vistas of the Himalayas.
Enjoy a packed lunch amid the forest, then continue to Chaubatia Gardens, where terraced orchards of apples, apricots, and plums provide a colorful backdrop for photo‑ops and a short nature walk.
Return to Ranikhet town, freshen up, and dine at a local dhaba savoring Kumaoni dal‑baati and a glass of freshly churned ghee‑rich tea. End the day with a leisurely stroll around the town’s quiet market.
Early morning drive to Auli (≈3 hours). Board the famous Auli Ropeway from Joshimath to Auli, enjoying a 10‑minute aerial ride over snow‑capped peaks before reaching the ski slope.
Spend the afternoon on Gorson Bugyal’s high‑altitude meadow: try snow‑shoeing, build a snowman, or take a short guided alpine trek to the nearby artificial lake for stunning reflections of the surrounding glaciers.
Warm up with a hearty thukpa at a mountain lodge, then watch the twilight turn the snow pink. Return via ropeway to Joshimath for an overnight stay.
Leave Auli early and drive back toward Nainital, stopping at Bhimtal Lake for a quick paddle boat ride and photo session with the island temple.
Continue to Naukuchiatal, a tranquil seven‑cornered lake, for a brief lakeside walk and a light snack of fresh fruit chaat. Arrive back in Nainital for a final lunch featuring classic Kumaoni rajma chawal.
Embark on the scenic highway to Lucknow (≈5 hours), arriving by nightfall. End the trip with a farewell meal in Lucknow’s famous Tunday Kababi house, savoring kebabs and biryani.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Naini Lake | Free |
| Naini Peak | Free |
| Mall Road | Free |
| Nainital Zoo | $5 |
| Jhula Devi Temple | Free |
| Chaubatia Gardens | $3 |
| Auli Ropeway | $12 (round‑trip) |
| Gorson Bugyal | Free |
| Bhimtal Lake | $2 (boat ride) |
| Naukuchiatal | Free |
| Tunday Kababi (Lucknow) | $20 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | $250-350 (excluding personal shopping and optional activities) |