Arrive at Auli via Joshimath after the scenic drive through pine and deodar forests; check into your hotel or the cosy GMVN/guesthouse and warm up with a hot drink while you take in sweeping views of Nanda Devi and surrounding peaks. Spend the late morning exploring the Auli ridge on foot—stroll along the groomed ski slopes, visit the Auli Ski Resort base, and snap panoramic photos near the ropeway upper station.
After a hearty local lunch, ride the Auli-Joshimath ropeway down for close-up views of the valley and the Vishnuprayag confluence, then visit the ancient Narsingh Temple in Joshimath to soak up local culture and Himalayan temple architecture. If time and energy permit, take a short guided hike toward the Gurso Bugyal trailhead for introductory mountain walking and more photo stops among snow-clad meadows.
Return to Auli before sunset to watch the mountains glow in golden light and enjoy an early dinner featuring Kumaoni specialties like bhatt ki dal and aloo ke gutke at your hotel. Finish the day with a relaxed walk along the ridge under clear starlight, or gather by a fireplace in your lodge to exchange stories and plan tomorrow’s skiing or guided slope activities.
Wake up to crisp mountain air and head to the Auli Ski Resort for a morning of beginner-friendly slope time—book a short lesson with a local instructor or rent gear at the resort to practise basic turns on the groomed slopes near the ropeway upper station. After skiing, take the short walk to the Auli viewpoint by the artificial lake to soak in uninterrupted views of Nanda Devi and the surrounding Himalayan peaks while photographing the sparkling snowfields.
Return to Joshimath via the Auli-Joshimath ropeway for a leisurely lunch of local Kumaoni dishes in a dhaba or your guesthouse, then explore Joshimath’s ancient Narsingh Temple and the peaceful Shankaracharya Math to learn about the region’s spiritual heritage. If you prefer more walking, follow the trail toward Gurso Bugyal for a gentle, snow-dusted meadow walk with panoramic vistas and plenty of photo stops before heading back to Auli.
As daylight fades, stroll along the Auli ridge to watch the sunset paint the peaks and enjoy a hot cup of chai at your lodge, warming up by a bonfire if available. Finish the day with a relaxed dinner featuring local fare—bhatt ki dal and aloo ke gutke—and a quiet walk under clear Himalayan stars, or gather in the common room to compare notes with fellow travellers and prepare for tomorrow’s onward journey to Mussoorie.
After an early breakfast in Auli or Joshimath, set out for the scenic drive to Mussoorie (expect a long travel day with mountain roads and valley views); stop en route at picturesque viewpoints and small towns for tea and photos, and arrive in Mussoorie by late afternoon. Check into your hotel, freshen up, and take a short rest — the change from Garhwal’s high alpine landscapes to Mussoorie’s cedar-lined slopes is a delightful contrast.
Spend the afternoon easing into Mussoorie life with a leisurely visit to Gun Hill via the Mall Road ropeway for sweeping views across the Doon Valley and the distant Shivalik ranges; afterwards, stroll through Cambridge and Landour Bazaar to admire colonial-era cottages, pick up local Tibetan handicrafts, and sample steaming momos or honey-laced jalebi at a cosy café. If time permits, visit Lal Tibba in Landour for sunset prospects and the small observatory-like viewing spots that offer clear panoramas of the Himalayan peaks.
Return to Mall Road as dusk falls to soak up the old-world atmosphere — browse the bookshops, try local bakeries, and enjoy candlelit or wood-fired-dinner options at one of the many restaurants facing the ridge. End the night with a calm walk along the Mall, listening to street musicians and watching the town lights twinkle below before heading back to your hotel to rest up for tomorrow’s Kempty Falls and further exploration.
Head out after breakfast for the 30-40 minute drive to Kempty Falls, arriving early to enjoy the falls before larger crowds—take the stone steps down to the terraces, feel the mist on your face, and if you’re brave try a quick dip in the cold pools or a riverside chai from a local stall. On the return, stop at Cloud’s End or Company Garden for a short walk among deodar trees and seasonal blooms, stretching your legs while taking in contrasting views of Mussoorie’s ridgeline.
After lunch back on Mall Road or in Landour, ride the cable car or drive up to Gun Hill for panoramic vistas across the Doon Valley and the distant Himalayan ranges; ascend the small observation tower for unobstructed photo opportunities and watch paragliders drift by on clear days. Spend a little time browsing Landour’s charming bakeries and bookshops—try the famous Landour biscuits or a slice of plum cake at a café before heading to the next viewpoint.
Return to Mall Road as dusk approaches to soak in the old-world ambience—stroll past souvenir shops, enjoy street-side snacks like momos or roasted corn, and catch the sunset glow over the valley from one of the benches near the Library End. Finish with a cozy dinner at a restaurant facing the ridge, then take a calm post-dinner walk along the lit Mall to listen to street musicians and unwind, preparing for tomorrow’s transfer toward Nainital.
After breakfast in Mussoorie, set out for the scenic 6-7 hour drive to Nainital, pausing en route at lovely viewpoints near Kotdwar or Lansdowne for tea and photos of the changing foothill landscape; arrive in Nainital by early afternoon, check into your hotel near the lake, and stretch your legs with a short walk to the Mall. Drop bags, breathe in the cool mountain air, and take a quick visit to the charming Nainital Zoo or the nearby Tiffin Top (Dorothy’s Seat) if time allows for a panoramic introduction to the Kumaon foothills.
After a lakeside lunch on Mall Road, board a traditional rowboat or motorboat for a leisurely cruise on Naini Lake, drifting past Tallital and Mallital while admiring the reflection of the surrounding hills and colonial-era buildings; disembark to explore the vibrant shops and cafés along the Mall, or visit the nearby Naina Devi Temple for a short cultural stop. If the weather is clear, take the cable car up to Snow View Point for sweeping Himalayan vistas and memorable photos of the valley and distant peaks before returning to town.
As dusk falls, stroll the Mall Road to sample local snacks—try bal mithai or a steaming cup of chai at a cosy café—and browse the handicraft stalls for souvenirs like woollens and carved wooden keepsakes. Finish with a relaxed dinner at a lakeside restaurant, watching lights shimmer on Naini Lake, then take a peaceful post-dinner walk along the waterfront or rest at your hotel to prepare for tomorrow’s Naini Peak and market explorations.
Start the day with an early cable-car ride or brisk walk up to Naini Peak (Snow View Point) for sweeping Himalayan vistas; linger at the viewpoint café for chai and capture photos of the snow-capped ranges and the horseshoe-shaped Naini Lake below. After descending, pay a quiet visit to the Naina Devi Temple and the nearby Governor’s House lawns to enjoy the morning light and the colonial architecture that frames the lakeside.
Return to the Mall for a leisurely lakeside lunch, then explore the bustling bazaars of Mallital and Tallital—browse shops selling woollens, hand-carved wooden items and Kumaoni sweets like bal mithai and singhori, and stop at a bakery in Landour-style cafés for plum cake or fresh bread. If you want a bit more panorama, take the short hike to Tiffin Top (Dorothy’s Seat) for a late-afternoon view over the valley before heading back toward the lake.
As dusk falls, glide on a tranquil boat ride across Naini Lake to see the town lights reflected in the water, then stroll the Mall Road to sample street snacks and pick up last-minute souvenirs from friendly stallkeepers. Finish with a cozy dinner at a lakeside restaurant—choose a spot facing the water to watch the lights shimmer and reflect on your six-day Himalayan loop before preparing for departure the next day.