Auli Tour Package from Patna
Auli Tour Package from Patna: Itinerary, Kumbha & Upasana Express Guide, and Rishikesh Finale
Planned and reviewed by Govind Bisht, Operations, SnazzyTrips | Last updated: 27 October 2026
Patna has one of the most convenient rail links to Uttarakhand of any city in eastern India. Between the Kumbha Express and the Upasana Express, a direct train leaves Patna Junction for Haridwar every night of the week, around 9:15 PM, and reaches Haridwar the next afternoon. The return trains leave Haridwar late at night, which means your last day in Uttarakhand doesn’t have to end at lunchtime.
This package is built around those two timings. You arrive in Haridwar in the afternoon and settle in Rishikesh for the night. The next day, you drive deep into the Alaknanda valley to Joshimath, then go up to Auli for two nights of slopes, meadows and Nanda Devi views. You come back down to Rishikesh, and the final day is yours: white-water rafting on the Ganga or a drive to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, followed by the Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar and the late-night train home.
SnazzyTrips is a local Uttarakhand-based DMC operating since 2003, with teams in Haldwani and Dehradun. To compare all routes and durations, see the full set of Auli itineraries.
🚆 Patna to Haridwar: A Train Every Night
Kumbha and Upasana together cover all seven days
| Direction | Train | Days | Departs | Arrives |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patna → Haridwar | Kumbha Express | Sun, Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat | Patna ~9:15 PM | Haridwar ~3:50 PM next day |
| Patna → Haridwar | Upasana Express | Tue, Fri | Patna ~9:15 PM | Haridwar ~3:50 PM next day |
| Haridwar → Patna | Kumbha / Upasana Express | Most days (check) | Haridwar ~11:43 PM | Patna ~5:30 PM next day |
Timings approximate; train numbers and running days can change. Confirm on IRCTC before booking.
⏱️ Train-to-Train: How the Timings Fit
No hotel night is wasted
| Moment | Time | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Day 0 | ~9:15 PM | Board at Patna Junction |
| Day 1 | ~3:50 PM | Arrive Haridwar; driver meets you |
| Day 1 | ~5:00 PM | Check in at Rishikesh (25 km away) |
| Day 6 | Morning | Rafting or Neelkanth Mahadev |
| Day 6 | Afternoon | Check out; drive to Haridwar |
| Day 6 | ~6:30 PM | Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri |
| Day 6 | ~11:43 PM | Board train home |
| Day 7 | ~5:30 PM | Arrive Patna |
🗓️ Itinerary Grid
Six days, start to finish
| Day | Plan | Stay |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive Haridwar ~3:50 PM; transfer to Rishikesh; evening at Ram Jhula | Rishikesh |
| 2 | Rishikesh to Joshimath via Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag | Joshimath |
| 3 | Joshimath to Auli (14 km); slopes and artificial lake | Auli |
| 4 | Gorson Bugyal walk; skiing or chairlift in season | Auli |
| 5 | Auli to Rishikesh | Rishikesh |
| 6 | Rafting or Neelkanth Mahadev; Har Ki Pauri aarti; late train home | – |
🧭 Short Day Notes
🚣 Your Day 6 Choice: Rafting or Neelkanth?
Two ways to spend the last morning
| Option | Distance from Rishikesh | Season | Time Needed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| River rafting (Shivpuri to Rishikesh, ~16 km stretch) | Start point about 16 km away | Roughly Sep–Jun; closed in monsoon | 3–4 hours | Friends, couples, teens (age limits apply) |
| Neelkanth Mahadev Temple | About 32 km by road | Year-round | 3–4 hours return | Families, Shiva devotees |
| Beatles Ashram and Lakshman Jhula area | In Rishikesh | Year-round | 2 hours | Relaxed travellers |
| Har Ki Pauri Ganga Aarti | Haridwar, 25 km | Year-round, at sunset | 1.5 hours | Everyone (included) |
Rafting is an optional add-on run by licensed local operators; minimum age and safety rules apply. Timings approximate.
⚖️ Auli vs Nepal’s Pokhara: Which Should Patna Travellers Choose?
The nearby Himalaya or the snow Himalaya
| Factor | Auli | Pokhara (Nepal) |
|---|---|---|
| Altitude | Approx. 2,500–3,050 m | Approx. 800 m |
| Snow | Likely late Dec–Feb, reachable by road | None in town; snow needs trekking |
| Skiing | Yes, in season | No |
| Big peaks | Nanda Devi, Trishul | Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre |
| Documents | Indian ID only | Passport or voter ID for Indians |
| Getting there from Patna | Direct train to Haridwar, then road | Road via the border or flight via Kathmandu |
| Best for | Snow and mountain slopes | Lakes, paragliding, culture |
❄️ Bihar’s Calendar and Auli’s Seasons
When to go
| Period | Auli | Bihar Calendar Note |
|---|---|---|
| Late Dec – Feb | Snow likely, ski season | Winter break; very cold in Auli |
| Mar | Thaw, quiet | Around Holi; good shoulder season |
| Apr – Jun | Green meadows, cool days | Summer vacation; rafting season open |
| Jul – Aug | Heavy rain | Avoid; rafting closed |
| Sep – early Nov | Clear skies | Durga Puja and Chhath: book trains very early |
🥾 Who Finds It Easy, Who Finds It Hard
Effort by traveller type
| Traveller Type | Ease | What to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Friends / college groups | Easy | Rafting and Gorson Bugyal add adventure |
| Couples | Easy | Day 6 can be relaxed or active |
| Families with kids (4+) | Moderate | Long drives; carry snacks and motion-sickness tablets |
| Seniors | Moderate | Skip Gorson Bugyal and rafting; Neelkanth is by car |
| Anyone with heart/lung conditions | Check with doctor | Auli is about 2,800 m |
💰 Rupee by Rupee: Cost Per Person
Useful for groups splitting the bill
| Item (per person) | Sleeper | 3AC | Flight via Delhi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Return travel | ₹1,040–1,100 | ₹2,700–2,900 | ₹12,000–22,000 |
| Package (Standard, twin share) | ₹14,250 | ₹14,250 | ₹14,250 |
| Approx. total | ₹15,300–15,400 | ₹17,000–17,200 | ₹26,000–36,000 |
| Rafting add-on (optional) | ₹600–1,200 | ₹600–1,200 | ₹600–1,200 |
Approximate; check IRCTC and airline fares. Groups of 6–12 travel in a Tempo Traveller; ask us for group pricing.
🏨 Package Tiers
Pick your stay level
| Tier | Price (per couple) | Stay Style |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | ₹28,499 | Mid-range hotels in Rishikesh, Joshimath and Auli |
| Premium | ₹37,499 | River-facing Rishikesh rooms; slope views in Auli where available |
| Luxury | ₹52,999 | Boutique properties, candlelight dinner included |
🤝 What We Handle for You
The parts that are hard to arrange alone
- Afternoon station pickup: Your driver is at Haridwar station when the train arrives.
- Joshimath halt: Pre-booked so Day 2 has a clear end point.
- Two Auli nights in snow season: Rooms blocked early.
- Day 6 logistics: Late check-out, luggage storage, Neelkanth transfer or rafting booking with a licensed operator.
- Night-train drop: We get you to Haridwar station with time to spare.
- Road and weather updates: Our Dehradun team checks NH7 every morning.
⭐ Travelling with SnazzyTrips
What the trip feels like
- Stay: Checked hotels in Rishikesh, Joshimath and Auli, with heaters in Auli in winter.
- Food: Breakfast and dinner daily. Rishikesh and Haridwar are vegetarian towns; non-vegetarian meals are available at some Joshimath and Auli hotels.
- Transport: One private vehicle (sedan, SUV or Tempo Traveller for groups) with a hill-trained driver.
- Support: Our team tracks your train on arrival day and checks road conditions throughout.
We are a DMC in Uttarakhand operating since 2003, with teams in Haldwani and Dehradun, 50+ destinations, 150+ verified local partners and 20,000+ families hosted. Our average rating is 4.6/5 from verified traveller reviews.
👨👩👧 Is This Package Right for You?
Quick fit check
✅ Good fit if you:
- Live in or near Patna and prefer a direct train
- Want snow plus a lively Rishikesh finish
- Are travelling as friends, a couple or a family with older children
- Want a full last day before a late train
⚠️ Look elsewhere if you:
- Want three or more nights in Auli
- Expect guaranteed snow
- Have serious heart or lung conditions
- Don’t want any long drives
🎒 Pack Smart from Patna
What to bring
- Thermals (2 sets) and a heavy jacket for December–February
- Fleece and light jacket for other months
- Waterproof shoes with good grip, plus sandals for rafting
- Quick-dry clothes and a spare set if rafting
- Woollen cap, gloves and warm socks
- Sunglasses and SPF 50 sunscreen
- Personal medicines and motion-sickness tablets
- Snacks and water for the 18-hour train
- Aadhaar or another government ID
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from Patna travellers
1. What is the cost of the Auli tour package from Patna?
It starts at ₹28,499 per couple for 5N/6D (Standard tier). Premium is ₹37,499 and Luxury is ₹52,999 per couple; trains or flights are extra.
2. How many days do I need for Auli from Patna?
The package is 5N/6D. With the overnight train each way, plan about 7–8 days in total.
3. Is there a direct train from Patna to Haridwar?
Yes. The Kumbha Express (Sun, Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat) and Upasana Express (Tue, Fri) both run from Patna Junction to Haridwar in about 18.5 hours.
4. What time does the train from Patna reach Haridwar?
Around 3:50 PM, after leaving Patna around 9:15 PM the previous night.
5. Is there a direct flight from Patna to Dehradun?
No regular non-stop flight. One-stop flights via Delhi take about 4–8 hours.
6. What is the best time to visit Auli from Patna?
Late December to February for snow, April–June for green meadows and rafting, and September–early November for clear views. Avoid July and August.
7. Can I do river rafting on this trip?
Yes, as an optional Day 6 add-on in the rafting season (roughly September to June). Age and safety rules apply.
8. Is Neelkanth Mahadev Temple included?
Yes, the transfer to Neelkanth Mahadev, about 32 km from Rishikesh, is included as a Day 6 option.
9. Is Auli better than Pokhara for snow?
Yes. Pokhara is at about 800 m and has no snow in town, while Auli’s slopes are likely to have snow from late December to February.
10. Why does the trip end in Haridwar?
The return train leaves Haridwar around 11:43 PM, so you can enjoy the evening Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri before boarding.
11. Is the Joshimath–Auli ropeway working?
It has been closed since the Joshimath land-subsidence crisis. Check current status with GMVN; the package uses the road.
12. Is snow guaranteed in Auli?
No. Snow is most likely from late December to February, but it depends on each year’s weather.
13. Is this trip suitable for groups of friends?
Yes. Groups of 6–12 travel in a Tempo Traveller, and rafting and Gorson Bugyal add adventure. Ask us for group pricing.
14. What is included in the package?
Five nights’ stay, breakfast and dinner, a private vehicle from Haridwar to Haridwar, the Neelkanth transfer, luggage storage, tolls and parking. Trains, rafting, ski lessons and ropeway or chairlift tickets are not included.
15. Can I spend more time in Haridwar?
Yes. We can add a Haridwar night before your train; see our Haridwar packages.
16. How do I book the Auli package from Patna?
Call +91 79834 29120 or email care@snazzytrips.in with your train dates and group size. We confirm the itinerary and hotels before payment.
📚 Sources
Official references
- IRCTC (Kumbha and Upasana Express schedules): https://www.irctc.co.in/
- Uttarakhand Tourism (destination and rafting information): https://uttarakhandtourism.gov.in/
- Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (Auli ropeway and chairlift): https://gmvnonline.com/
📞 Plan Your Trip with SnazzyTrips
Send us your train dates
Tell us which night you’re leaving Patna, your return date and group size. We’ll match pickup to your train, book the Day 6 activity and send a confirmed itinerary. For more ideas on your last day, see our Rishikesh adventure and stay options.
Request your Auli Tour Package from Patna:
🌐 Website: www.snazzytrips.in
✉️ Email: care@snazzytrips.in
📞 Phone/WhatsApp: +91 79834 29120
⚠️ Travel Disclaimer and Cancellation Policy
Please read before booking
Travel disclaimer: Train timings and running days, NH7 road conditions, rafting season and ropeway or chairlift operations can change at short notice. SnazzyTrips may change the itinerary for safety reasons. Snowfall and mountain views cannot be guaranteed. Fares shown are approximate.
Cancellation: 30+ days before travel: 90% refund | 15–29 days: 50% refund | 7–14 days: 25% refund | Under 7 days: no refund.