Long weekend getaways from Delhi: Malari | Badrinath | Auli

Weekend trips from Delhi are the most sought after. With Rajasthan, Haryana, UP, Himachal and Uttarakhand  at an arm’s distance, there are ample options to explore around. But one thing that comes time and again in minds of the ‘wanderers’ are the options for Long weekend getaways from Delhi. The wanderers will not go to Shimla and Mussoorie (No offence meant), just that they will not be satisfied with the foothills. They poise for Higher Himalayas where the barren mountains and their might talk out loud and roads less driven shout out loud.

We planned at 9’o clock night for this road trip from Delhi and the next day at 7 AM sharp, we were out of the house for long weekend getaways from delhi. That’s the fun with road trips, no booking required! For that matter, no reservations required too. Just hop on and stay wherever the lights start dimming or the tiredness starts kicking. Road trips are just amazing. Please get on one if you haven’t and I don’t mean driving till Shimla or Mussoorie with reservations on (please, no offence meant again). I mean a trip wherein you are driving for days and staying at impulse. Well, you can book your hotel reservations, no harm but on the impulse is just another fun altogether.

Day 1

Delhi- Haridwar- Rishikesh- Karna Prayag

We stayed the night at GMVN KarnaPrayag. For the hotel: Basics in place and food better than expectation. The blanket stunk and I wished I had carried my sleeping bag. That reminds me, do carry your sleeping bags for such last minute halts during road trips. GMVN hotels are generally well maintained, maybe this one was an exception. After a good dinner, we watched some TV and just fell to sleep after a tired day.

Day 2- Malari Village

Malari is a small village, 60 kms from Joshimath near the Indo-Tibetan border. The village is located in the Dhauli Ganga valley and is surrounded by steep snow mountains. Malari is located on the route to Niti village which is situated in another beautiful valley. Niti Pass connects India and Tibet.

How to reach Malari and Niti valley: These 2 villages can be reached via Joshimath by road. Nearest airport is at Dehradun and railway stations at Dehradun and Rishikesh.

One of the wonders on the way is the ‘Valley of perfume“. Don’t miss the sign as it’s a steep detour on the way. Also, not to be missed is the Dronagiri Peak from where Lord Hanuman picked the Sanjeevani booti. There is a sign for that aswell.

The road to Malari village is quite shaky with no tarmac at most of the stretches, but that’s the fun of these places. The terrain changes to a Tibetan plateau as you reach the village and it reminded me of my Spiti Valley- Kunzum La trip. One has to wander to see such beauties. By mid afternoon, we started retreating and made our way to Badrinath. By evening we reached Badrinath and checked in Hotel Snow Crest, a decent hotel with all the basic amenities. After a quick break, we proceeded to the temple. We had our dinner at the famous hotel near the temple.

Day 3

By 1 afternoon, we started for Auli and reached there by 5 with a quick pit stop at Gobind Ghat Gurudwara. At Auli, we stayed at GMVN, neat and clean with good food. I had no problems with this hotel. The evening was at ease and we had some friends for the evening there, which made the time all the more special. Some merry making and some banter and the evening gone.

Day 4

We all took a ropeway ride and had alot of fun. Auli is a famous ski destination in winters. There is a trek route too. Best time to visit is winters in peak snow. By 12 noon, we started retreating to Delhi. Ideally we would have stayed at Rishikesh or Haridwar for the night, but the go getter in us took an almost non-stop ride to reach Delhi by 2 night. At last, we reached Home Sweet Home.

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