Joshimath + Auli explorer

Drive from Rishikesh to Joshimath at 1,875m — the town that sits at the junction of routes to Badrinath, Auli, and Valley of Flowers. Check in, walk the small bazaar, visit Shankaracharya math.

Established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century.

Asia's longest gondola from Joshimath to Auli at 3,049m. Spend the morning at the top — the Nanda Devi view is best before noon. Walk 3 km to Gorson Bugyal, a forest-fringed meadow used by shepherds in summer and skiers in winter.

Cable car runs 8 am–4 pm. Return included.

Drive 14 km south of Joshimath to the Tapovan hot springs — sulphur pools at the base of the valley, used by sadhus and pilgrims year-round. On the way back, stop at Vishnuprayag — the confluence of the Alaknanda and Dhauliganga rivers.

Bring a change of clothes for the hot spring dip.

Morning puja at the 1,200-year-old Narsingh Bhagwati temple — one of the Panch Badri shrines. The afternoon is yours: explore the local market for mountain honey, woollen goods, and dry fruits from Badrinath.

Narsingh temple opens at 6 am.

The long drive back through the Alaknanda valley. Stop at Devprayag sangam on the way — a different view from when you were heading up.

Drop at Rishikesh, Haridwar, or Dehradun as needed.