Arrive at Dehradun Railway Station or Jolly Grant Airport, drop luggage at a budget guesthouse near Rajpur Road, and freshen up. Start with a leisurely walk to the Forest Research Institute campus, admiring its colonial architecture and the sprawling botanical garden.
Head to Tapkeshwar Temple, a natural cave shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, and enjoy the cool spray of the river that runs through it. Afterward, stop for a budget-friendly thali at a local dhaba near the temple, sampling regional flavors like aloo ke gutke and bhang ki roti.
Visit Robber's Cave (Guchhupani), a short 2 km trek through a narrow gorge with icy water streams—perfect for a sunset dip. Conclude the day with a relaxed dinner at a rooftop café on Rajpur Road, trying the famous Dehradun apple pie.
Take an early shared taxi to Mussoorie (approx. 1.5 h). Begin at Kempty Falls, climb the steps to the cascade, and enjoy the misty spray. Continue to Mall Road for a quick coffee and people‑watching.
Ride the historic cable car up to Gun Hill for panoramic views of the Doon Valley and the Himalayas. Descend and travel onward to Dhanaulti (about 45 min), checking into a budget homestay near the main market.
Stroll through Dhanaulti Eco Park, spotting deer and peacocks, then visit the Surkanda Devi Temple perched on a hilltop. Enjoy a simple dinner of khichdi and homemade gundruk at the homestay, followed by a night under a clear starlit sky.
Board a shared bus to Auli (≈ 6 h) with scenic stops at Rishikesh for a quick tea break. Upon arrival, rent a basic ski or snow‑shoe kit and explore the gentle slopes ideal for beginners.
Take the Auli Ropeway (cable car) from Joshimath to Auli for breathtaking aerial views of the Nanda Devi peaks. Visit the artificial lake at the top for a short walk and photo‑ops.
Warm up with a traditional Garhwali thali at a local dhaba, featuring rajma, bhang ki roti, and sweet jalebi. Return to your modest guesthouse, enjoy a hot cup of masala chai, and rest for the trek ahead.
Start early from Auli and drive to the trekhead at Joshimath (≈ 30 min). Begin the ascent to Kuari Pass (≈ 3 h), crossing rhododendron forests and spotting alpine flora; reach the pass by sunrise for stunning 360° views of Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba.
Descend to the base village of Jhulaghat, enjoy a packed lunch of rice, lentils, and pickles, and explore the local market for handmade woolen caps. Take a short walk to the nearby Chandak Hill viewpoint for an additional perspective of the Himalayan range.
Return to Dehradun by shared bus (≈ 7 h) or, if time permits, catch an overnight train from nearby Kathgodam. Celebrate the adventure with a final dinner of local kebabs and jalebi at a budget eatery in Dehradun.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Forest Research Institute (Dehradun) | ₹50 |
| Tapkeshwar Temple | Free |
| Robber's Cave (Guchhupani) | ₹30 |
| Kempty Falls (Mussoorie) | ₹20 |
| Gun Hill Cable Car | ₹150 |
| Dhanaulti Eco Park | Free |
| Surkanda Devi Temple | Free |
| Auli Ropeway (Cable Car) | ₹200 |
| Auli Snow Activities (ski/snow‑shoe rental) | ₹500 |
| Kuari Pass Trek | ₹300 (guide & permit) |
| Chandak Hill Viewpoint | Free |
| Shared transport (Dehradun–Mussoorie–Dhanaulti) | ₹400 |
| Shared bus to Auli | ₹600 |
| Accommodation (budget guesthouses/hostels, 3 nights) | ₹1,200 |
| Meals (local dhaba/restaurant, 12 meals) | ₹1,500 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | ₹5,800 |