Hello travel enthusiasts!
Nestled deep within the embrace of the Garhwal Himalayas lies a journey that whispers tales of snowy peaks, tranquil lakes, winding roads, and spirited adventures. Join me, Kshitij Sinha, as I recount an unforgettable 8-day adventure with my love through the pristine landscapes of Mussoorie, Tehri, Rishikesh, Joshimath, and Auli during the enchanting winter season.
Day 1: Hitting the Road from Delhi to Mussoorie
We drove 290 kilometres, which took us 7 hours to reach Mussoorie. There are many hotels to choose from on Mall Road. Parking can be difficult if you’re driving or taking a taxi. Renting a scooter is a good way to get around. Since we were short on time, we decided to explore Mall Road in Mussoorie. A must-try food in Mussoorie is the Lovely Omelette.
Must know:
- One-way train or bus from New Delhi to Haridwar or Rishikesh: ₹700–1500 per person.
- One-way bus from Haridwar/Rishikesh to Joshimath: ₹800 per person.
Day 2: Winding Roads to Tehri Lake
We drove about 80 kilometres, but it took longer because of the winding mountain roads. We booked our stay near Tehri Lake. At Tehri Lake, there are plenty of water activities like boating, parasailing, and motor sailing to enjoy.
Day 3: A Scenic Drive to Joshimath
The next day, we drove 190 kilometres through the mountains via Srinagar and Rudraprayag, which took us about 8 hours. Also, we arrived late at night and stayed at a budget hotel in the Joshimath market.
Day 4: A Day of Snow and Fun in Auli
We hired a taxi for the 15-kilometre ride to Auli since the upper part of the road had snow. Likewise, the coolest part was the ropeway up the mountain; it only cost ₹500 each.
At Auli, we met our guide and got all geared up for skiing. Our package for two people was ₹2500, and we had fun playing in the snow activities. Also, there were even little shops selling yummy snacks like Maggi, momos, tea, coffee, and water—perfect for refuelling after all that fun.
By afternoon, we were worn out from all the excitement and took the ropeway back down. Also, we relaxed at the hotel for the rest of the evening.
Day 5: Stay near Joshimath
We booked a glamping house between Auli and Joshimath and spent the day there. Also, we were lucky to experience snowfall during our stay.
Day 6: Back to Rishikesh
We hit the road for Rishikesh—about 250 km and an 8-hour drive. Also, we travelled through Rudraprayag and Devprayag along the way.
We stayed at a cool hostel in Rishikesh for the night. Also, our room costs ₹1500, but hostels here also offer dorm beds if you’re on a tighter budget. Prices usually range from ₹400 to ₹800 per bed per night.
Day 7: A Fun Day of Rishikesh Adventure
We spent the day in Rishikesh, enjoying river rafting and exploring cafes. River rafting costs us ₹400 per person for a 16-kilometre stretch.
Some recommended cafes to visit in Rishikesh include Ganga View Cafe, Tat Cafe, Beatles Cafe, and Freedom Cafe. Also, each offers a unique atmosphere and delicious food to enjoy alongside the scenic views of the Ganges.
Day 8: Back to Delhi: Ending the Adventure
We drove 240 kilometres from Rishikesh back to Delhi. If you’re a non-vegetarian and passing through Muzaffarnagar, make sure to try Char Chinar restaurant. It’s highly recommended for its delicious dishes.
Best time to travel to Mussoorie
Want to see snow in Mussoorie? Visit between December and February. It’s best to avoid going during the monsoon season, from mid-July to mid-September.
Suggestion for Travellers to Uttrakhand:
One can also take a 3-day trip to Auli. As there are no direct flights to Auli, the nearest airport is in Dehradun, and the railway station is in Haridwar. So one can start their trip from any of these places.
- On Day 1, take a bus or taxi to Joshimath, with buses being more economical and taxis offering greater convenience and flexibility; accommodation can be pre-booked or arranged upon arrival in Joshimath.
- On Day 2, hire a local taxi for the 10-kilometre journey to Auli since the ropeway is no longer operational, ensuring the driver is adept at handling snowy roads in winter. Also, upon reaching Auli, take an open ropeway to the top for various snow activities, then return to Joshimath by taxi at day’s end.
- On Day 3, travel back from Joshimath to Rishikesh, Haridwar, or Dehradun to conclude your trip.
Must know:
- Private taxi booking for 3 days from Haridwar: ₹20,000 approximately.
- Also, stay at Auli Top: ₹5000–15,000 per night, depending on the choice of resort.
What to pack:
- Mussoorie experiences pleasant days and cool nights, so pack layers so you can adjust. T-shirts, light long-sleeved shirts, a sweater, and a warm jacket are essential.
- Also, pack comfortable walking shoes, jeans, convertible hiking pants, and light pyjamas.
- Moreover, Mussoorie is a popular tourist destination, so it’s advisable to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak season.
Travel tips:
- One can extend the trip by a day and opt to stay at Auli, surrounded by snow.
- Also, one can also extend the trip by 1 or 2 days and stay at Rishikesh and do adventurous activities like river rafting, bungee jumping, ziplining, etc.
Mussoorie is a beautiful hill station located in Uttarakhand, India. It’s a perfect destination for a couple’s trip, offering stunning views of the Himalayas, a variety of sightseeing options, and a relaxed atmosphere. So, do visit Uttarakhand once to not miss out on such a beautiful destination.
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