5-Day Chopta, Auli and Badrinath Himalayan Circuit: Complete Route & Itinerary

Introduction to the Garhwal Himalayan Triangle

The Garhwal region of Uttarakhand holds some of the most sacred pilgrimage sites, magnificent high-altitude bugyals (alpine meadows), and soaring Himalayan peaks in all of India. Combining Chopta, Auli, and Badrinath into a single 5-day circuit creates an extraordinary road trip and trekking experience. You will climb to the world's highest Shiva temple at Tungnath, stand atop the 4,000-metre Chandrashila summit with 360-degree panoramas of Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi, and Trishul, glide above pine canopies on the Auli cable car, and visit the sacred shrine of Badrinath alongside Mana, India's first border village. If you are researching preparation for the first hiking section, check our dedicated Chopta travel guide and read our overview of the top things to do in Chopta.

This 5-day circuit is structured to balance exhilarating mountain ascents with comfortable bases in Joshimath and Chopta. It offers an unmatched immersion into Garhwal's spiritual heritage, alpine geology, and panoramic Himalayan vistas.

Trip Overview & Key Details

• Total Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
• Circuit Route: Rishikesh → Devprayag → Rudraprayag → Ukhimath → Sari (Deoriatal) → Chopta → Tungnath & Chandrashila → Gopeshwar → Joshimath → Auli → Badrinath & Mana → Rishikesh
• Total Driving Distance: ~620 km round-trip from Rishikesh
• Highest Elevation Reached: 4,000 metres (Chandrashila Summit) & 3,133 metres (Badrinath Temple)
• Ideal Season: May to June for pleasant weather, green meadows, and temple opening; September to November for crystal clear post-monsoon Himalayan views; December to March for snow trekking in Chopta and skiing in Auli (note: Badrinath temple closes in winter).
• Trek Difficulty: Moderate. The hike to Deoriatal is easy (2.5 km), while Tungnath-Chandrashila is a moderate, paved uphill climb (4.5 km one way) with significant altitude gain.

Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Rishikesh to Sari Village & Hike to Deoriatal Lake

Start early at 06:00 AM from Rishikesh along the all-weather Char Dham highway (NH7). The scenic drive follows the roaring Alaknanda River, passing the sacred confluences at Devprayag (where the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda unite to form the holy Ganga) and Rudraprayag (confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini). Divert along the Mandakini River past Agastyamuni and Kund, climbing past Ukhimath to reach the traditional stone-roofed hamlet of Sari (elevation 2,000m, approx. 190 km / 6 to 7 hours drive).

From Sari village, embark on the well-defined 2.5 km uphill trail through rhododendron and oak forests to the sacred emerald waters of Deoriatal Lake (elevation 2,438m). According to the Mahabharata, this is the spot where the Yaksha questioned the Pandava brothers. On a calm afternoon or clear morning, the crystal surface of Deoriatal mirrors the gigantic four-pillared Chaukhamba massif in breathtaking perfection. For full trek details, explore our guide on the Deoriatal Chopta trek. Stay overnight in a local eco-camp near Sari or drive 15 km further to Chopta (elevation 2,680m).

Day 2: Tungnath Temple (3,680m) & Chandrashila Summit (4,000m) to Joshimath

Begin your summit push before sunrise from Chopta. The paved stone path winds steadily through crimson and pink rhododendron groves before breaking out above the tree line into alpine pastures. After 3.5 km of switchbacks, reach Tungnath Temple at 3,680 metres, the highest of the sacred Panch Kedar shrines and the highest Shiva temple on earth, believed to be over 1,000 years old.

From Tungnath, push another 1 km up the steep rocky ridge to reach the Chandrashila Summit at 4,000 metres. The summit offers an astounding 360-degree amphitheater of high Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba, Kedar Dome, Bandarpunch, and Kamet. After soaking in the views, descend back to Chopta (approx. 2.5 hours down) for a warm lunch. In the afternoon, board your vehicle for the 95 km scenic drive via Mandal, Gopeshwar, and Chamoli to Joshimath (elevation 1,890m), the ancient winter seat of Adi Shankaracharya and gateway to the upper Garhwal valleys. For more local base options, check our Joshimath travel guide.

Day 3: Joshimath to Auli Ropeway & Gorson Bugyal High Meadow Trek

After breakfast, take the famous Joshimath-Auli Ropeway—one of the longest and highest passenger cable cars in Asia, spanning 4.1 km. As the cable car glides high above coniferous oak forests, enjoy panoramic vistas of Mount Nanda Devi (India's second highest peak) and Hathi-Ghodi Parvat. Disembark at Auli Top Station (elevation 3,010m) near the artificial snow lake.

From Auli, begin a gentle 3.5 km alpine trek into the expansive rolling pastures of Gorson Bugyal (elevation 3,350m). The trail leads past Chattarkund freshwater pond and opens into sweeping meadows where local shepherd flocks graze against dramatic glaciated backdrops. Gorson Bugyal offers some of the most unobstructed views of Nanda Devi's twin peaks found anywhere in the Himalayas. Return to Auli in the afternoon to watch the golden alpenglow illuminate the snow peaks before descending back to your hotel in Joshimath. Find out more about regional attractions in our guide to places to visit in Auli and Joshimath.

Day 4: Joshimath to Badrinath Temple Darshan & Mana Border Village

Set out early on the 45 km mountain drive from Joshimath to Badrinath (elevation 3,133m) through the dramatic Vishnuprayag and Govindghat river gorges. Badrinath is one of the four cardinal Char Dham pilgrimage centers, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Take a holy dip in the natural geothermal sulfur springs of Tapt Kund on the banks of the Alaknanda River before entering the brightly painted temple complex for darshan. If you need step-by-step route planning from the plains, refer to our guide on how to reach Badrinath from Delhi and Haridwar.

After darshan, drive 3 km further north to Mana Village, the last inhabited Indian village before the Tibetan border along NH7. Explore the ancient Vyas Gufa (where Sage Vyasa composed the epic Mahabharata), Ganesh Gufa, and Bheem Pul—a massive natural rock bridge spanning the roaring Saraswati River. Energetic hikers can undertake the 5 km trail toward the magnificent 400-foot Vasudhara Falls, where glacier meltwater plunges from sheer granite walls. Return to Joshimath by evening for your final night.

Day 5: Joshimath to Rishikesh / Haridwar via Panch Prayags

Begin your descent early along the smooth NH7 highway, tracing the sacred confluences (Panch Prayags) along the Alaknanda River: Nandaprayag (Nandakini), Karnaprayag (Pindar), Rudraprayag (Mandakini), and Devprayag (Bhagirathi). The 250 km journey takes approximately 7 to 8 hours, bringing you back to Rishikesh by late afternoon.

In Rishikesh, conclude your mountain pilgrimage by attending the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat or Parmarth Niketan, listening to Vedic hymns and watching hundreds of earthen lamps float on the sacred river before heading for your train or flight back home.

Best Season to Plan the Circuit

• Summer (May to June): Prime season for this circuit. Chopta's meadows are lush green, Auli is pleasantly cool (12°C to 20°C), and Badrinath temple is open with smooth road access. Advance hotel bookings are essential.
• Autumn (September to November): The best window for crystal-clear mountain views and crisp blue skies. Photography conditions at Chandrashila and Auli are at their absolute peak.
• Winter (December to March): Badrinath temple closes around Diwali for winter, but Chopta and Auli transform into world-class snowscapes. Auli becomes India's premier skiing destination, and the Tungnath trek can be completed as a winter snow hike with microspikes.

Essential Travel & Safety Tips

1. Acclimatization: Chopta sits at 2,680m and Chandrashila reaches 4,000m. Drink plenty of water, avoid excessive exertion on Day 1, and consider taking preventive medication if you are prone to acute mountain sickness (AMS).
2. Road Conditions & Landslides: The Char Dham all-weather highway between Rishikesh and Joshimath is broad and well-engineered, but monsoon rains (July-August) can cause temporary rockfalls. Travel during dry daylight hours.
3. Clothing Requirements: Pack layered clothing: a breathable moisture-wicking base layer, a warm fleece or down jacket, thermal innerwear, gloves, a woolen beanie, and sturdy trekking shoes with good traction.
4. Cash & Fuel: The last reliable bank ATMs and petrol pumps before Chopta and Badrinath are at Ukhimath, Gopeshwar, and Joshimath. Fill your tank and carry adequate cash.

Conclusion

The 5-day Chopta, Auli, and Badrinath circuit is one of the most fulfilling journeys in the Indian Himalayas. It effortlessly combines high-altitude summit trekking with spiritual sanctity and alpine meadow beauty. From watching Chaukhamba reflected in Deoriatal to standing before the sacred sanctum of Badrinath, every single day offers an extraordinary Himalayan memory.