Duration
8 Nights / 9 Days
Route Coverage
Delhi - Haridwar - Auli - Joshimath - Kausani - Mukteshwar - Bhimtal - Nainital - Delhi
Stay Category
Hill Resorts & Lakeside Hotels
Tour Highlights Gallery
Package Description
The Uttarakhand Travel Plan is a relaxed 9-day circuit built for families, honeymooners, and anyone chasing crisp mountain air over crowded plains. The route threads together the spiritual ghats of Haridwar, the snow-draped slopes of Auli, the temple town of Joshimath, and the quieter Kumaon hill stations of Kausani, Mukteshwar, Bhimtal, and Nainital.
Expect a gentle pace with time for the Ganga Aarti at sunset, a cable-car ride across one of Asia's longer ropeways, a forest trek with Himalayan views, and lazy afternoons beside lakes rimmed by pine and oak forest — rounded off by shopping on Nainital's Mall Road before the drive back to Delhi.
Day-Wise Detailed Itinerary
Arrival in Delhi & Drive to Haridwar
Land in Delhi and meet your representative for the road transfer to Haridwar. Check into your hotel by late afternoon and settle in. Haridwar is one of Uttarakhand's holiest towns, centred on Har-ki-Pauri, the riverside ghat where pilgrims bathe in the Ganga. In the evening, join the Ganga Aarti — rows of floating lamps drifting on the water make it a genuinely moving sight. Overnight stay in Haridwar.
Haridwar to Auli via Joshimath
Check out and drive to Joshimath, then hop onto the cable car linking Joshimath and Auli — one of the longest ropeways in Asia at roughly 16 km — for sweeping views of Himalayan peaks and oak forest along the way. Check into your resort in Auli and enjoy the sunset light on Nanda Devi and the neighbouring snow peaks, a favourite spot for skiers and trekkers. Dinner and bonfire music in the evening. Overnight in Auli.
Auli — Skiing & the Lake Valentine Trek
After breakfast, spend the morning picking up the basics of skiing (or sledging, if you'd rather). Later, set off on a trek through dense pine forest to Lake Valentine, with fine views over the Helang Valley along the way — it's a moderately steep trail, so a reasonable fitness level helps. Return for bonfire music and dinner at your hotel.
Joshimath Sightseeing & Back to Auli
Head out for a sightseeing loop of Joshimath, the winter seat of Lord Badrinath. Highlights include the Narasimha Temple dedicated to Vishnu's man-lion incarnation, the Shankaracharya Cave near the Kalpavriksha tree, and Tapovan, known for hot sulphur springs said to have medicinal value. Take the ropeway back to Auli for another evening of bonfire music and dinner.
Drive to Kausani
After breakfast, drive to Kausani and check into your hotel. Spend the rest of the day exploring the town's low-key attractions — the Anasakti Ashram (associated with Mahatma Gandhi), the Sumitranandan Pant gallery honouring the Hindi poet, and a walk through the local tea estate. Overnight in Kausani.
Kausani to Mukteshwar via Bhowali & Ramgarh
Drive onward toward Mukteshwar, breaking the journey at Bhowali, home to one of the region's biggest fruit markets, and Ramgarh, often called the fruit bowl of Kumaon. Mukteshwar itself takes its name from the ancient Mukteshwar Dham Shiva temple. After checking in, visit the temple and stay on to watch the sunset paint the snow peaks in the distance. Dinner and overnight in Mukteshwar.
Mukteshwar to Bhimtal via Naukuchiatal & Sattal
Set out for Bhimtal, pausing at Ghorakhal, known for its Sainik School and scenic surrounds, then Naukuchiatal — a nine-cornered lake ringed by forest where parasailing and boating are on offer — and Sattal, a cluster of seven interconnected freshwater lakes with notably cool, clean air. Check into your hotel in Bhimtal and explore its namesake lake, overlooked by the Bhimeshwar Mahadev temple, said to have been built by Bhima of Mahabharata fame. Overnight in Bhimtal.
Bhimtal to Nainital
After an early breakfast, drive to Nainital and check into your hotel. Spend the day on a sightseeing tour covering Khurpatal Lake, the local waterfalls, Hanuman Mandir, and the Observatory, plus a cable-car ride up to Tiffin Top and a boat ride on Naini Lake. Round off the evening with some shopping along Mall Road. Overnight in Nainital.
Nainital to Delhi & Departure
Check out after breakfast and begin the return drive to Delhi, with a direct drop-off at Delhi International Airport for your onward flight home.
Inclusions & Exclusions
What's Included
- Accommodation in selected hotels for 8 Nights
- Daily Breakfast and Dinner
- Sightseeing as per the itinerary above
- Transportation in the selected mode of transport
- All state taxes, toll taxes, parking fees, and driver charges
What's Excluded
- Air / Train fare
- Entry and camera fees at sightseeing places
- Guide service fees
- Laundry fees and other personal expenses
- Sightseeing of any place not mentioned in the itinerary