7 Days Auli & Valley of Flowers — Ski + UNESCO Trek

Early morning departure from Haridwar in a private vehicle. The drive follows the Alaknanda river through the sacred confluence town of Devprayag and the dramatic gorge country of Chamoli. By afternoon you arrive in Joshimath — the last major town before the Himalayan interior — at 1,875 m. Check in to your hotel, take in views of Auli Ridge from the terrace, and enjoy a hearty dinner.

Board Asia's longest gondola ropeway (4 km, 800 m elevation gain) to reach Auli at 2,519 m. The slopes here offer India's finest skiing conditions against a backdrop of Nanda Devi (7,816 m), India's second-highest peak. Beginners get a 1-hour ski lesson with our certified instructor; experienced skiers take on the intermediate runs. Equipment — skis, boots, poles, helmet — is all included. Afternoon at leisure on the slopes; return to Joshimath by ropeway at dusk.

After breakfast, drive to Govindghat (19 km), the trailhead for the Valley of Flowers. The trek to Ghangaria (13 km, ~5 hours) follows the Pushpawati river through rhododendron and oak forest, crossing several suspension bridges. Ghangaria (3,049 m) is the base camp for both the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib. Check in to the guesthouse, rest, and prepare for tomorrow's highlight.

The day every trekker comes for. An early start from Ghangaria for the 4 km climb to the valley floor (3,658 m). The Valley of Flowers National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — blooms from July to September with 500+ species of wildflowers including Brahma Kamal, Blue Poppy, and Himalayan Aster spread across 87 sq km. Your guide names each species and points out the rare ones. Return to Ghangaria by late afternoon.

Optional early morning side-trek to Hemkund Sahib (4,329 m) — a Sikh shrine at a glacial lake, one of the highest gurudwaras in the world (additional 6 km round-trip; +₹500 per person for guide extension). Otherwise, begin the descent post-breakfast back to Govindghat. Drive to Joshimath, hot showers, and a celebratory dinner marking the completion of your Himalayan trek.

A leisurely morning in Joshimath before the drive back through the foothills descending toward the Ganges plains. Stop at Devprayag confluence for photos, then continue to Rishikesh — the yoga capital of the world on the banks of the Ganges. Check in to your hotel near Laxman Jhula and enjoy the riverside evening.

Rise early for the morning Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat — a fitting close to a journey that began in the mountains and returns to the sacred river. Walk across Laxman Jhula bridge, pick up Himalayan handicrafts and organic honey from the market, then transfer to Haridwar railway station or Dehradun airport. Journey home with memories of snow-capped peaks and wildflower valleys that will last a lifetime.