Tour to Alaska: Go Big — Midnight Sun, Glaciers, and the Northern Lights

Alaska feels like a place the world kept for itself: huge open skies, mountains that poke the clouds, rivers full of silver salmon, and towns that keep a slow, local rhythm. Some days the sun refuses to set; other nights the sky erupts in curtains of green and purple. There’s adventure at every scale — from easy wildlife drives to remote glacier landings. Below I’ve sketched two practical options (summer and winter), and added current airfare and hotel-price ranges so you can plan with your wallet in mind.

Best Seasons — and what they cost

Summer (mid-June through August) — for long days and wildlife

Why go: Hike, kayak, whale-watch, ride scenic trains, fish and visit Denali when trails are open and wildlife is active.
Temperatures: Typically mild—daytime averages often in the mid-teens to mid-20s °C.
Vibe: Bright, busy, beautiful — this is peak tourist season; book early.

Airfare (round-trip India → Anchorage, example ranges):

• From New Delhi: around US$1,300 – US$1,500 (roughly ₹110,000–₹125,000), depending on airline and routing.
• From Mumbai: round trips commonly seen in the US$1,000 – US$1,500 range (₹85,000–₹125,000), again depending on dates and stopovers.

Hotel costs (Anchorage base):

• Hotel Captain Cook (downtown, full-service): typical summer rates US$250–US$450 per night for standard rooms; suites and premium views cost more.
• The Wildbirch Hotel (boutique): expect US$200–US$350 per night in peak months.
• Alyeska Resort (Girdwood, mountain resort): US$250–US$500+ depending on rooms and package. (Resort pricing varies widely with demand.)

Sample 7-day summer budget (per person, moderate comfort):

• Flights (DEL → ANC roundtrip): US$1,300
• Hotels (6 nights average US$300/night double room split = US$150 pp/night): US$900
• Ground transport, tours, food, park entries: US$500–US$800
  → Total estimate: US$2,700–US$3,000 (≈ ₹230,000–₹255,000). (Use this as a planning figure; book early to lock better fares.)

Winter (December through February) — for northern lights and snow adventures

Why go: If the Aurora Borealis is the reason you’re traveling, winter is prime time — long, dark nights and crisp air give the best viewing windows. You’ll also find dogsledding, snow-machining, and cozy lodge life.
Temperatures: Very cold in interior Alaska—can drop well below −20 to −30 °C in places like Fairbanks. Dress in proper layers.

Airfare (round-trip India → Anchorage / Fairbanks):

• Same general ranges as summer, though you may find lower fares outside holiday windows. Recent round-trip quotes from India to Anchorage or via U.S. hubs commonly appear between US$1,000–US$1,400 depending on routing.

Hotel & aurora-lodge costs (winter):

• Anchorage hotels (off-peak winter): often US$150–US$300 per night for a standard room at properties like Hotel Captain Cook or The Lakefront.
• Fairbanks & aurora lodges (specialized stays): Expect US$180–US$450 per night for hotels that run aurora packages; remote igloo/aurora camps and basecamps (with viewing facilities and guided tours) can cost US$350–US$700+ per night during peak aurora season. Examples: Aurora Borealis Lodge / Borealis Basecamp experiences.

Sample 5-7 day winter budget (per person):

• Flights: US$1,100–US$1,400
• Hotels: If 5 nights averaging US$220 pp/night = US$1,100
• Aurora tours / dog sled / local transfers: US$400–US$800
  → Total estimate: US$2,600–US$3,300 (≈ ₹220,000–₹280,000).

Where to stay for what you want

• Anchorage (best all-round base): Hotel Captain Cook (upscale, downtown) and Wildbirch (stylish boutique) are both excellent choices for comfort and access. For airport-adjacent convenience, Lakefront Anchorage is practical.
• Denali area: Stay in Healy or park lodges for early access to park shuttles and tours. Expect mid-range lodge prices in summer; reserve months ahead.
• Girdwood / Alyeska Resort: Choose this if you want mountain lodge luxury or skiing.
• Fairbanks / Aurora lodges: If the Northern Lights are your goal, pick a Fairbanks-area aurora lodge or a dedicated basecamp (many run packages that include nightly aurora alerts and guided viewing).

A few practical tips (human-to-human)

1. Book flights and lodgings early for summer (by winter/spring of that year) — rooms and seats sell fast. For winter aurora trips, avoid holiday weeks (late Dec) if you want lower prices.
2. Consider multi-stop routing (India → U.S. or Canada hub → Alaska). Break the journey with a night in Seattle or Vancouver to shake off jet lag.
3. Watch the cancellation/transfer policies for lodges in remote areas—weather can shift plans quickly. Choose flexible tickets if your dates are weather-sensitive.
4. If chasing auroras, pick Fairbanks or remote lodges north of the city. They often offer wake-up calls for aurora displays and dedicated viewing shelters.

Quick checklist before you go

• Passport & (if required) U.S. visa — apply early.
• Thermal layers, waterproof outer shell, good hiking boots (or insulated winter boots for snow).
• Camera with manual exposure settings for aurora shots + tripod.
• Travel insurance that includes weather/disruption coverage.