Embark on a long but breathtaking road journey from Rishikesh into the heart of the Garhwal Himalayas. The route follows the Alaknanda river, passing through sacred confluences like Devprayag and Rudraprayag. Start as early as possible to avoid driving in the dark on mountain roads.

Stop for a simple, hearty North Indian lunch at a dhaba in one of the towns en route, such as Srinagar or Rudraprayag. Enjoy classic dishes like dal, roti, and sabzi with a view of the river.

Arrive in Joshimath and check into your hotel. Settle in and acclimatize to the higher altitude (approx. 1,875m / 6,150 ft).

In the evening, take a short walk to the Narsingh Temple, the winter seat of Lord Badrinath. It's an ancient and highly revered temple in Joshimath. Also visit the nearby Shankaracharya Math, established by Adi Shankaracharya.

Savor a traditional Garhwali dinner at your hotel's restaurant or a local eatery. Try regional specialties like Gahat ki Dal (horse gram lentil), Mandua ki Roti (finger millet flatbread), and Chainsoo (black gram dal).

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, preparing for a day of high-altitude exploration.

Experience one of the highlights of the trip – the 4 km cable car journey from Joshimath to Auli. The 22-minute ride offers breathtaking, panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks, including the majestic Nanda Devi.

Upon reaching Auli, visit the serene artificial lake, the world's highest man-made lake. It was created to provide snow for the ski slopes in winter. Walk around the lush green meadows (Bugyals) and soak in the 270-degree views.

Have lunch at the GMVN (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam) restaurant near the ropeway station in Auli. The food is simple, but the views from the restaurant are unparalleled.

For even better vantage points, take the chair lift from the GMVN complex further up the slope. It's a short but thrilling ride that takes you closer to the starting point of the Gorson Bugyal trek.

Take the ropeway back down to Joshimath before it closes for the day. Enjoy the golden hues of the setting sun on the peaks during your descent.

After a rewarding day of trekking, have a hearty and delicious dinner. You might want to try some comforting Tibetan food like Thukpa or Momos, which are popular in this region.

Have an early and energy-rich breakfast at the hotel. Ask the hotel to prepare a packed lunch for your trek.

Travel from Joshimath to Auli (Tower 10) via ropeway or a pre-booked taxi. The trek to Gorson Bugyal starts from here.

Embark on a moderate 3 km trek (one way) to the stunning high-altitude meadow of Gorson Bugyal. The trail winds through dense forests of oak and conifers before opening up to a vast, undulating meadow. The 360-degree views of towering peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Dron Parvat are simply unforgettable.

Find a scenic spot in Gorson Bugyal and enjoy your packed lunch. Eating amidst such spectacular natural beauty is an experience in itself.

Start your trek back to Auli by 2:30 PM to ensure you have enough daylight. From Auli, take a taxi or the ropeway back to your hotel in Joshimath.

Hire a local taxi for the day to explore the areas around Joshimath. This gives you the flexibility to visit multiple spots at your own pace.

Drive to Vishnuprayag (12 km from Joshimath), one of the five sacred river confluences (Panch Prayag). Witness the turbulent and awe-inspiring meeting of the Alaknanda and Dhauli Ganga rivers. The sheer force of the water is a sight to behold.

Visit the natural hot water springs at Tapovan (15 km from Joshimath). The sulphurous water is believed to have therapeutic properties. There are basic, separate bathing areas for men and women.

Return to Joshimath for lunch. Explore the main market area and choose from one of the local restaurants.

Spend the afternoon at your leisure. You can explore the bustling Joshimath market to buy local handicrafts, woollen shawls, pickles, or religious souvenirs to take back home.

If the weather is poor and outdoor activities are not possible, visit the Nanda Devi National Park Interpretation Centre in Joshimath. It provides excellent information about the region's unique flora, fauna, and the 'Chipko' movement.

Enjoy an early breakfast at your hotel before checking out and starting your journey back.

Begin the long drive back to Rishikesh. The views on the return journey are just as spectacular, offering a final chance to soak in the beauty of the Himalayas.

Stop for lunch at Devprayag, the sacred confluence where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers merge to form the holy Ganges. Many restaurants here offer stunning views of the confluence.

Arrive in Rishikesh by the evening, where the trip concludes. You can then proceed with your onward journey.