The Winter Adventure Route
Haridwar Joshimath (1 Night) Auli (2 Nights) Rishikesh / Haridwar (1 Night) Haridwar Departure
Tour Overview
Embrace the thrill of the winter season with our exhilarating 04 Nights / 05 Days Auli Skiing & Snow Tour Package. Known as the premier ski destination of India, Auli sits at a breathtaking altitude of 9,000+ ft, offering powdery snow slopes framed by ancient oak forests and unparalleled views of the Garhwal Himalayas.
To maximize your time in the mountains, your journey begins in Haridwar, following the scenic route along the Alaknanda River to Joshimath. From Joshimath, you will ascend to Auli via one of Asia's longest and highest aerial ropeways, a ride that provides vertigo-inducing, majestic views of the Nanda Devi peak (India's second-highest mountain).
In Auli, you will spend two full days hitting the slopes. Whether you are a complete beginner looking for basic ski lessons or an experienced skier wanting to carve fresh powder, Auli's slopes cater to all. The tour concludes with a relaxing drive back down, stopping at the spiritual confluences of the Ganges, ensuring a perfect mix of extreme adventure and mountain serenity.
Certified Ski Instructors & Winter Driving Safety
Snow activities demand strict safety protocols. We partner exclusively with government-certified ski instructors in Auli who provide international-grade ski equipment and boots. Our vehicles are winter-ready, and our hill-certified drivers are highly experienced in navigating icy, treacherous mountain roads to guarantee your safe arrival and departure from Joshimath.
Tour Highlights
- Learn basics or carve the advanced slopes with professional Skiing sessions in Auli.
- Ride the magnificent 4-km long Joshimath-Auli Ropeway (Gondola) over pine forests.
- Witness jaw-dropping 270-degree views of the mighty Nanda Devi and Kamet peaks.
- Seek blessings at the ancient Narsingh Temple in Joshimath, the winter seat of Lord Badrinath.
- Marvel at the divine river confluences (Prayags) including the spectacular Devprayag.
- Embark on an optional, highly scenic snow trek to the lush Gorson Bugyal meadows.
5 Days Detailed Itinerary
Your mountain adventure begins early in the morning from Haridwar/Dehradun. Our expert driver will pick you up, and we will commence the long, scenic ascent into the Garhwal Himalayas following the course of the Alaknanda River.
En-route Sights:
- Devprayag: Stop to witness the spectacular confluence of the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers, which merge to form the holy river Ganga.
- Rudraprayag & Karnaprayag: Drive past these beautiful river confluences.
Arrive in Joshimath by the evening. The temperature will be significantly colder here. Check into your hotel, have a warm dinner, and rest up. Overnight stay in Joshimath.
After an early breakfast, we head to the Joshimath Ropeway boarding point. Leave your heavy luggage in the vehicle (or hotel) and carry a backpack for your stay in Auli.
Adventure Details:
- Auli Ropeway (Gondola): Board Asia's longest aerial tramway. The 20-minute ride offers jaw-dropping views of oak forests and the towering Nanda Devi peak.
- Skiing Basics: Upon checking into your Auli resort/camp, meet your Ski Instructor. Get fitted with your ski boots and gear. Spend the afternoon on the beginner slopes learning to balance, walk, and snow-plough on skis.
Enjoy the surreal sunset turning the snow-capped peaks golden. Overnight stay in Auli.
Wake up to a pristine white wonderland. After a heavy breakfast, hit the slopes early.
Today's Highlights:
- Skiing Practice: Continue your lessons. Depending on your progress, your instructor will guide you to slightly steeper slopes. You can use the chairlift to reach higher points on the slope.
- Gorson Bugyal (Optional): For those who want a break from skiing, take a stunning 3 km snow trek from Auli to the Gorson Bugyal meadows. The trail winds through dense oak and coniferous forests, opening up to majestic views of Mt. Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Dronagiri.
Return to your resort in the evening. Enjoy a warm beverage and a bonfire (weather permitting). Overnight stay in Auli.
After breakfast, take the ropeway back down to Joshimath, bidding farewell to the snow-covered peaks.
Morning Sightseeing:
- Narsingh Temple: Before leaving Joshimath, visit this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu (in his Narsingh avatar). It serves as the winter seat for Lord Badrinath.
Board your vehicle and commence the long, winding descent back towards the plains. We will halt in Rishikesh or Haridwar by the evening. Check into your hotel, relax, and stretch your tired muscles. Overnight stay in Rishikesh/Haridwar.
Enjoy your final breakfast of the trip. If time permits, you can take a brief walk along the holy Ganges or explore the local market for souvenirs.
Check out from your hotel. We will drop you off at the Haridwar Railway Station or Dehradun Airport (Jolly Grant) for your onward journey, bringing your thrilling winter expedition to a beautiful end.
Package Inclusions
- 04 Nights Accommodation (01N Joshimath, 02N Auli, 01N Haridwar/Rishikesh)
- MAP Meal Plan (Daily Breakfast & Dinner at hotels/resorts)
- Exclusive AC SUV for all transfers (AC off in hills)
- Highly experienced, Hill-certified Driver for snowy terrains
- Basic Skiing equipment (Skis, Boots, Poles) for 2 days
- Certified local Ski Instructor for basic lessons
- Pick-up and Drop-off from Haridwar/Dehradun
Package Exclusions
- Flights or Train tickets to/from Haridwar/Dehradun
- Joshimath to Auli Ropeway (Cable Car) tickets
- Chairlift tickets or Ski-lift passes in Auli
- Heavy winter clothing (Jackets, Snow pants, Goggles, Gloves)
- Lunches throughout the 5-day tour
- Personal expenses, travel insurance, and medical contingencies
Frequently Asked Questions
The optimal time for skiing in Auli is strictly between late December to late February when the slopes receive heavy snowfall. Outside these months, Auli is a beautiful green meadow suitable for hiking, but skiing is not possible.
Absolutely! Auli has dedicated gentle slopes for beginners. Our certified instructors will guide you through the basics—how to wear the gear, balance, walk on snow, and execute the 'snow-plough' to stop. Safety is highly prioritized.
The Joshimath-Auli ropeway is managed by the government (GMVN) and tickets cannot be pre-booked online by agencies; they must be purchased directly at the counter. The ride is subject to weather conditions and operational timings.
Pack heavy thermal innerwear, waterproof snow pants and jackets, insulated gloves, woolen socks, and UV-protection sunglasses (crucial for snow glare). If you don't have snow clothing, you can rent them locally in Joshimath/Auli at a nominal daily cost.
