Escape To Auli: Ski Ridges & Snowy Summits

Curated Expedition through the Garhwal Himalayas

  • Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
  • Location: Uttarakhand, Northern India
  • Destinations Covered: Rishikesh – Devprayag – Joshimath – Auli – Rishikesh

Auli, India’s premier skiing destination. This journey is a transition from the spiritual foothills of Rishikesh to the high-altitude meadows (Bugyals) that sit in the shadow of India’s highest peaks. As you ascend, you will witness the sacred geography of the Panch Prayag, where the emerald waters of the Alaknanda meet legendary tributaries to form the holy Ganges.

The centerpiece of this escape is Auli, a winter wonderland transformed into a lush green sanctuary during the summer. Perched at nearly 10,000 feet, Auli offers more than just world-class slopes; it provides a front-row seat to the formidable Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Kamet peaks. Whether you are gliding across the snow-dusted ridges on Asia’s longest cable car or seeking blessings at the ancient Narsingh Temple, this itinerary captures the dual spirit of adventure and Himalayan serenity.

Designed for those with limited time but a desire for maximum altitude, this program ensures a seamless mountain transit. From the oak-scented forests of Joshimath to the pristine banks of Auli’s artificial lake, every mile reveals a landscape of staggering scale and beauty.

| Tour Highlights

  • The Prayag Trail: Witness the dramatic confluences of Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, and Nandprayag en route.
  • Asia’s Longest Ropeway: A 4-km cable car journey from Joshimath to Auli offering breathtaking aerial views of the oak forests.
  • Winter Seat of Divinity: A morning Darshan at the Narsingh Temple, the historic winter residence of Lord Badrinath.
  • Skiing Capital of India: Dedicated time on world-class slopes designed for both professional enthusiasts and beginners.
  • Nanda Devi Panoramas: Unobstructed views of the 7,816m Nanda Devi peak, India’s second-highest mountain.
  • Gorson Bugyal Trek: A guided hike through alpine meadows to witness 360-degree Himalayan views.
  • High-Altitude Engineering: A visit to the Auli Artificial Lake, one of the world’s highest man-made lakes.

Tour Highlights

A long but spectacular mountain traverse tracing the birth of the Ganges

The Essence: Your journey begins at dawn, embarking on a significant 10-hour transit that traces the lifeline of the Himalayas—the Alaknanda River. While the distance is substantial, the road serves as a masterclass in sacred geography. You will witness the four major Prayags (confluences), where the landscape shifts dramatically from subtropical river valleys to the dense, high-altitude alpine forests of Joshimath.

  • Morning | The Sacred Ascent: Early morning departure from Rishikesh. Stop at Devprayag to witness the birth of the Ganges at the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda.
  • Afternoon | The Prayag Journey: Continue through Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, and Nandprayag. Observe the changing vegetation as you climb higher into the Garhwal range.
  • Evening | Gateway to the Heights: Arrive in Joshimath. Check-in at your hotel and enjoy a warm Himalayan meal as the mountain air turns crisp.
  • Overnight: Joshimath.
Ascending to the white ridges where the peaks touch the sky

The Essence: Today we transition from the spiritual to the spectacular. After seeking blessings at the ancient Narsingh Temple, we make the short but steep ascent to the white ridges of Auli. Whether you arrive via the scenic mountain road or the iconic ropeway, the view that greets you—a panoramic wall of 7,000-meter peaks—is nothing short of transformative.

  • Morning | Spiritual Heritage: Visit the Narsingh Temple for morning Darshan. Afterward, begin the short 22-km drive (or optional ropeway) to reach the high meadows of Auli.
  • Afternoon | Alpine Immersion: Visit the Auli Artificial Lake, one of the world's highest man-made lakes. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and taking in the views of Trishul and Hathi-Ghoda Parvat.
  • Evening | Sunset over Nanda Devi: Watch the "Alpenglow" as the setting sun turns the peaks into brilliant shades of gold.
  • Overnight: Auli.
Deepening the connection with the snow-dusted meadows

The Essence: With a full day at your disposal, the pace slows down to match the mountain silence. Today is about exploration at your own rhythm. Whether you choose to glide down the slopes or trek through the deodar forests to reach the vast Gorson Bugyal, you are standing in a landscape that feels untouched by time.

  • Morning | The Skiing Thrill: Engage in skiing sessions with experienced instructors on well-maintained slopes.
  • Afternoon | Trekking the Meadows: Embark on a guided trek to Gorson Bugyal. This alpine meadow offers a stunning 360-degree perspective of the Himalayan giants.
  • Evening | Mountain Leisure: Relax at your alpine resort, enjoying the starlit sky far away from city lights.
  • Overnight: Auli.
Descending from the heights through the long, winding valleys of Garhwal

The Essence: After a final breakfast with a view of the peaks, we begin the long return journey (approx. 9–10 hours) back to the foothills. This descent allows you to watch the high-altitude peaks slowly recede into the horizon as the air grows warmer and you return to the vibrant, riverside energy of Rishikesh.

  • Morning | Mountain Farewell: Final photographs of the Himalayan range followed by breakfast and hotel check-out.
  • Afternoon | The Return Drive: Traverse back through the winding valley roads, stopping for lunch at a riverside café near the confluences.
  • Evening | Arrival in Rishikesh: Reach Rishikesh by late evening, where the tour concludes with sweet memories of the alpine heights.
$5,200 for 2 PAX
Inclusive of all charges

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