Auli Tour Package from West Bengal
Auli Tour Package from West Bengal: Bagh Express In, Doon Express Out — Kumaon-to-Garhwal Itinerary
Planned and reviewed by Govind Bisht, Operations, SnazzyTrips | Last updated: 27 October 2026
Travellers from Kolkata have two daily trains into the Himalaya, and they end at opposite sides of Uttarakhand. The Bagh Express leaves Howrah every night and reaches Haldwani and Kathgodam, the gateway to Kumaon, mid-morning on the third day. The Doon Express runs from Howrah to Haridwar and Rishikesh in Garhwal. Most packages use only one. This one uses both.
You arrive in Kumaon on the Bagh Express and are met at Haldwani station by our team, which is based in the town. From there, the trip moves west through Kausani’s tea gardens, crosses into Garhwal through the quiet border town of Gwaldam, and climbs to Auli for two nights on the slopes. You come down to Rishikesh at the end and board the Doon Express home the next evening, so you never retrace a road and the whole route runs one way across the hills.
SnazzyTrips is a local Uttarakhand-based DMC operating since 2003, with teams in Haldwani and Dehradun. If you’d prefer a simple out-and-back trip, see our standard Auli packages.
🚆 Arrive by Bagh Express, Leave by Doon Express
The two trains that shape this trip
| Leg | Train | Runs | Departs | Arrives |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kolkata → Kumaon | 13019 Bagh Express | Daily | Howrah ~9:40 PM | Haldwani ~8:55 AM / Kathgodam ~9:30 AM (Day 3) |
| Garhwal → Kolkata | 13010 Doon Express | Daily | Yog Nagari Rishikesh ~8:55 PM | Howrah ~7:00 AM (Day 3) |
| Alternative return | Kumbha / Upasana Express | Most days | Haridwar ~11:43 PM | Howrah, next day |
Timings approximate; confirm on IRCTC before booking. Bagh Express also stops at Bardhaman, Durgapur and Asansol.
🧭 Why Start in Kumaon?
The thinking behind the route
- Morning arrival: The Bagh Express arrives around 9 AM, so Day 1 is a full daylight drive to Kausani.
- Our home base: SnazzyTrips’ Haldwani team meets you at the station.
- A gentler climb: Kausani (around 1,900 m) and Gwaldam (around 1,600–1,700 m) help you adjust before Auli (around 2,800 m).
- No backtracking: The Kumaon–Garhwal crossing at Gwaldam means every day is on a new road.
- Evening departure: The Doon Express leaves Rishikesh at night, giving you a free final day.
🗓️ Five Nights, Two Regions
Your day-by-day route
| Day | Plan | Stay |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bagh Express arrives Haldwani; drive via Bhimtal, Kainchi Dham and Almora to Kausani | Kausani |
| 2 | Kausani sunrise; Baijnath Temple; short drive to Gwaldam | Gwaldam |
| 3 | Gwaldam to Auli via Tharali, Karnaprayag and Joshimath | Auli |
| 4 | Auli slopes, artificial lake, Gorson Bugyal | Auli |
| 5 | Auli to Rishikesh via the Badrinath highway | Rishikesh |
| 6 | Rishikesh day; Triveni Ghat aarti; 8:55 PM Doon Express | – |
🧭 Day Notes
🛣️ Gwaldam: The Quiet Crossing Between Kumaon and Garhwal
What the Day 2–3 route covers
| Stop | What It Is | Why It’s Worth It |
|---|---|---|
| Kausani | Ridge-top village with tea estates | Wide Himalayan sunrise panorama; Anasakti Ashram |
| Baijnath | Ancient stone temple complex on the Gomti river | Peaceful riverside temples |
| Gwaldam | Small town on the Kumaon–Garhwal border | Close views of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti; very few tourists |
| Tharali | Town on the Pindar river | Scenic river-valley drive |
| Karnaprayag | Alaknanda–Pindar confluence | One of the five Panch Prayags |
Altitudes and distances approximate. For more time in Kumaon’s tea country, consider a longer Kausani stay.
⚖️ Auli vs Sandakphu: Which Should West Bengal Travellers Choose?
Bengal’s own snow peak or the Garhwal slopes
| Factor | Auli | Sandakphu |
|---|---|---|
| Altitude | Approx. 2,500–3,050 m | Approx. 3,636 m |
| Access | Road to the hotel | Trek or Land Rover from Maneybhanjan |
| Stays | Hotels and resorts | Basic trekkers’ lodges |
| Snow | Likely late Dec–Feb | Likely in winter |
| Skiing | Yes, beginner lessons | No |
| Big peaks | Nanda Devi, Trishul | Kanchenjunga, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu |
| Distance from Kolkata | 2 nights by train | Overnight to New Jalpaiguri, then road |
| Best for | Families, comfort, skiing | Fit trekkers, photographers |
❄️ Puja Holidays and Other Seasons
When to go
| Period | Auli | Kausani & Gwaldam | Bengal Calendar Fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Late Dec – Feb | Snow likely, ski season | Cold, very clear | Winter holidays |
| Mar – Apr | Thaw | Rhododendrons in bloom | Around Poila Boishakh |
| May – Jun | Green slopes | Pleasant | Summer vacation |
| Jul – Aug | Heavy rain | Rainy | Avoid |
| Sep – Nov | Clear skies, cold nights | Best views | Durga Puja and Kali Puja holidays |
🥾 Effort at a Glance
Quick answers to common worries
- Is there trekking? Only the optional Gorson Bugyal walk, about 3 km each way.
- Is it okay for seniors? Yes, for most; the route climbs gradually and hotels are road-accessible.
- Children? Fine for children above about 4; carry motion-sickness tablets for the winding roads.
- Altitude? Mild breathlessness in Auli is common on the first evening and usually settles.
- Health conditions? Consult a doctor first if you have heart, lung or blood pressure issues.
💰 Kolkata Fare Ladder
Total trip cost for two people by travel class
| Travel Class (2 people, Bagh Express in + Doon Express out) | Train Fare | Total with Standard ₹32,999 |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeper | ₹2,400 | About ₹35,400 |
| 3AC | ₹6,400 | About ₹39,400 |
| 2AC | ₹9,200 | About ₹42,200 |
| 2AC with Premium tier (₹43,499) | ₹9,200 | About ₹52,700 |
| Non-stop flight both ways (reversed route) | ₹31,000–48,000 | About ₹64,000–81,000 |
Approximate; check IRCTC and airline fares. Luxury tier is ₹59,499 per couple.
✈️ For Flyers from Kolkata
A different way in
IndiGo runs a non-stop Kolkata–Dehradun flight on selected days, roughly 2–2.5 hours. If you fly, we reverse the route: Rishikesh first, then Auli, Gwaldam and Kausani, ending at Haldwani, where you can take the Bagh Express home or drive to Pantnagar Airport for a connecting flight. Check current flight days before fixing dates.
🏨 Package Tiers
Choose your comfort level
| Tier | Price (per couple) | Stay Style |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | ₹32,999 | Clean mid-range hotels; simple stay in Gwaldam |
| Premium | ₹43,499 | Himalaya-view rooms in Kausani, slope views in Auli where available |
| Luxury | ₹59,499 | Best available properties, candlelight dinner included |
🤝 What Our Haldwani and Dehradun Teams Do
Two offices, one trip
- Haldwani team: Meets you off the Bagh Express and handles the Kumaon half.
- Dehradun team: Covers the Garhwal half, Auli road updates and your Rishikesh departure.
- One driver throughout: The same vehicle and driver from Haldwani to Rishikesh.
- Road checks: We confirm the Gwaldam–Tharali road the evening before Day 3.
- Train timing: Day 6 is planned around the 8:55 PM Doon Express, with luggage storage.
⭐ Travelling with SnazzyTrips
How the trip runs
- Stay: Checked hotels in Kausani, Gwaldam, Auli and Rishikesh, with heaters in winter.
- Food: Breakfast and dinner daily. Rice, dal and vegetables are easy to arrange everywhere; fish is rarely available in the hills, and Rishikesh is a vegetarian town.
- Transport: One private vehicle (sedan, SUV or Tempo Traveller) with a driver who knows both Kumaon and Garhwal roads.
- Support: 24x7 phone support from our Haldwani and Dehradun teams.
SnazzyTrips is a Leading Uttarakhand DMC 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 Trip a Good Fit?
Quick check
✅ Good fit if you:
- Prefer trains from Howrah, Bardhaman, Durgapur or Asansol
- Want Kumaon’s tea country and Garhwal’s snow in one trip
- Like quieter places such as Gwaldam over crowded hill towns
- Want a free last day before an evening train
⚠️ Not ideal if you:
- Want three or more nights in Auli
- Expect guaranteed snow during Puja holidays
- Have serious heart or lung conditions
🎒 Packing from Kolkata
What to bring
- Thermals (2 sets) and a heavy jacket for winter; fleece and a light jacket for other seasons
- Waterproof shoes with good grip
- Monkey cap or woollen cap, gloves and warm socks
- Sunglasses and SPF 50 sunscreen
- Moisturiser and lip balm
- Personal medicines and motion-sickness tablets
- A small day bag for Day 6 while luggage is stored
- Snacks for the 36-hour Bagh Express journey
- Aadhaar or another government ID
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from West Bengal travellers
1. What does the Auli tour package from West Bengal cost?
It starts at ₹32,999 per couple for 5N/6D (Standard tier). Premium is ₹43,499 and Luxury is ₹59,499 per couple; train or flight tickets are extra.
2. How many days do I need for Auli from Kolkata?
The package is 5N/6D. With about a day and a half on the train each way, plan 9 days in total.
3. Which train goes from Kolkata to Kathgodam?
The daily 13019 Bagh Express from Howrah reaches Haldwani around 8:55 AM and Kathgodam around 9:30 AM on the third day.
4. Which train do I take back to Kolkata?
The daily 13010 Doon Express from Yog Nagari Rishikesh, which leaves around 8:55 PM. The Kumbha and Upasana Expresses from Haridwar are alternatives.
5. Is there a direct flight from Kolkata to Dehradun?
Yes, IndiGo runs a non-stop flight on selected days of about 2–2.5 hours. Flyers do the route in reverse.
6. Why does the trip start in Kumaon?
The Bagh Express arrives in the morning, our Haldwani team is based there, and the route through Kausani and Gwaldam avoids driving the same highway twice.
7. What is Gwaldam?
A quiet town on the Kumaon–Garhwal border with views of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti, used as our crossing point into Garhwal.
8. Is Auli better than Sandakphu?
Auli suits families who want hotels, road access and skiing. Sandakphu suits fit trekkers who want Kanchenjunga and Everest views and don’t mind basic lodges.
9. Can I travel during Durga Puja?
Yes. Puja usually brings clear mountain views but no snow on the slopes. Book trains as early as possible.
10. 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.
11. Is snow guaranteed in Auli?
No. Snow is most likely from late December to February, but it depends on each year’s weather.
12. Is this trip suitable for seniors and children?
Yes, for most seniors and children above about 4. Anyone with heart or lung conditions should consult a doctor first.
13. What is included in the package?
Five nights’ stay, breakfast and dinner, one private vehicle from Haldwani to Rishikesh, luggage storage on Day 6, tolls and parking. Train and flight tickets, ski lessons and ropeway or chairlift tickets are not included.
14. Can I board the Bagh Express at Bardhaman or Asansol?
Yes. The Bagh Express stops at several West Bengal stations, including Bardhaman, Durgapur and Asansol; check exact times on IRCTC.
15. Can I spend more time in Rishikesh?
Yes. We can add an extra night before your train; see Rishikesh before your train options.
16. How do I book the Auli package from West Bengal?
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 (Bagh Express and Doon Express schedules): https://www.irctc.co.in/
- Uttarakhand Tourism (destination information): https://uttarakhandtourism.gov.in/
- Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (Kumaon tourism and stays): https://www.kmvn.in/
📞 Plan Your Trip with SnazzyTrips
Share your Bagh Express date
Tell us your Bagh Express date, return train and group size. Our Haldwani team will meet you at the station and we’ll send a confirmed itinerary before you travel.
Request your Auli Tour Package from West Bengal:
🌐 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, flight days, road conditions on the Gwaldam–Tharali route and NH7, 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.