Published On - Jun 21, 2025
Updated On - Oct 30, 2025
10 min
Auli Travel Guide
Discover the stunning hill station of Auli in Uttarakhand, India. Explore skiing, cable car rides, snow-capped views, and treks. Get travel tips, itinerary suggestions, and tourist info in this complete guide.
With stunning landscapes and topography, this place is heaven for adventure and nature lovers. This place is quite popular as a Ski destination and recently hosted the National Winter Games. Yes, you get it right. I’m talking about Auli. Auli is a remote destination of Uttarakhand. Very few people have heard about it. That’s why Auli is considered a pristine destination and an excellent choice to escape your fast-paced city life. For the last 3-4 years, Auli has in a trending destination in Uttarakhand. Auli is a popular ski resort in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The sheer beauty of Auli is divine & enthralls the tourists with scenic beauty.
Auli is endowed with beautiful mountains, verdant, rich Coniferous and oak forests with the sight of glorious mountain peaks as Durnagiri, Mt Nanda Devi, Mana Parvat, Dunagiri, Kamet, Hathi Parbat, Ghori Parbat, etc. Snow skiing is the main tourist attraction at Auli. The ride on beautiful scenic trails is a great experience for all skiers. Apart from Skiing, this place has lots of interesting things to experience.
Auli, Uttarakhand: India’s Quiet Ski Capital In A Story
Auli is that hush of snow when the world goes silent. A ridge-line meadow above Joshimath with a winter personality: chairlifts humming, pine-scented air, skis cutting fresh powder, and the Himalayan wall rising all around—Nanda Devi, Trishul, Dunagiri, Hathi Parvat. It’s compact, practical, and deeply scenic. In summers, the meadows turn emerald (Bugyals); in winters, Auli becomes India’s skiing classroom. Add Garhwali food, golden oak forests, a gondola that floats over valleys, and homestays that feel like home—and you’ve got a destination that’s more experience than a checklist.
Short description: Auli is Uttarakhand’s ski town—reachable via Joshimath with a chairlift up, gondola views, and slopes where national skiing tournaments run. Come for snow, stay for stories: the first soft crunch of fresh powder, kandali ka saag from a village kitchen, and that moment the clouds part to reveal Nanda Devi in full majesty.
Introduction: Why Auli Hooks The Heart
Sometimes, a place wins you over by being honest. Auli doesn’t promise glittering malls or nightlife—it offers something quieter and more powerful. You wake early, step out, and silence greets you. Snowflakes fall like feathers, and for a second, you’re eight again, watching the world turn white. Unlike rain, snowfall here lands silently, like cotton drifting from the sky. Within minutes, the meadows blush white; within hours, the village wears a whole new face. Travelers say it’s often their first real, heavy snowfall—the kind that leaves your bike, boots, and even your thoughts buried and warm.
On a clear day, Auli is a balcony to the Himalayas. Walk the ridge to the Hanuman Temple and listen to the old tale of Sanjeevani—Dronagiri peak (across the valley), where the herb once grew. Take the chairlift higher, and Auli Lake appears—one of the highest man-made lakes in the world, built to feed snow machines so tournaments never run dry. In that moment—blue sky, glittering snow, vast peaks—you understand why skiers call this slope king.
But Auli is not only about winter. Come spring and summer, green meadows (Bugyals) roll like velvet lawns. Gorson Bugyal spreads out endlessly; tiny wildflowers peep out; a breeze chills in the sun. Sit for half an hour (it turns into an hour), then you don’t want to get up. The quiet, the clarity, the forest of golden oak—everything slows down your inner metronome.
The best memories here are simple. A homestay below the ITBP camp, where dinner is decided like a family debate: will it be bhatt ki churdkani, gahat soup, kandali ka saag? A guide named Bhatt, who takes you across the meadow for Rs. 800 and points out Trishul from one angle and Hathi Parvat from another. A canteen at the Gorson base serving chainsoo with mandua roti, eaten in the sun with fingers slightly numb, heart full.
Auli isn’t flashy. It’s honest, elemental, and surprisingly accessible from Delhi. If you’re patient with the weather (snow is luck), you’ll be rewarded. If you’re curious (ask locals about peaks, food, routes), Auli opens up like a friend. And if you’re here for the first time, it will likely be the start of a habit.
BizareXpedition Tip: Snowfall is luck-powered. Weather apps help, but mountain snow is a mood. Keep a buffer day in peak winter.
Getting There & Best Time
1. Getting There:
- By road from Delhi (approx. 520 km): Delhi → Meerut → Muzaffarnagar → Roorkee → Haridwar → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Karnaprayag → Pipalkoti → Joshimath → Auli.
- From Joshimath to Auli (10 km):
- By road (taxis, shared or private).
- By ropeway/gondola (when operational) from Joshimath up to Auli Top—Asia’s second-highest/longest after Gulmarg. Check: Auli ropeway timings and ticket booking online.
- By chairlift segment (popular from the GMVN/guest house area up to the top slopes).
- Buses & Trains:
Reach Rishikesh/Haridwar/Dehradun by bus/train first. From Rishikesh/Haridwar, regular state buses and shared cabs go to Joshimath.
- Nearest airport: Dehradun (Jolly Grant). From there, taxi/bus to Joshimath, then up to Auli by road or ropeway.
2. Best Time:
- Best time to visit Auli for snowfall month-wise: Late December to February gives peak snow. March can have snow pockets depending on the year.
- Auli in December vs January, which is better: December has festive crowds and fresh snow bursts; January is colder, often steadier snow. Keep a buffer day, as the Auli weather in December, January February can swing quickly.
- Meadows/trekking: April–July.
- Avoid/plan around the monsoon for landslide risk.
- Always check Auli gondola ropeway maintenance closure updates a day in advance.
3. Tickets & Transfers:
- Chairlift (example): ~Rs. 500 round-trip segments, ~6 minutes each way.
- Ropeway/Gondola: Highly popular—arrive early, confirm Auli ropeway timings and ticket price.
- Parking: Use Joshimath ropeway parking and follow the parking and ropeway rules.
BizareXpedition Safety Note: In winter, roads freeze after sunset. Aim to reach Joshimath by late afternoon; move up in daylight.
Top Attractions & Experiences
1. Occasional valley loops (e.g., ~Rs. 3500 per person) when operating. Confirm locally; safety first.
- Auli Ski Slopes
- Gentle, tournament-grade slopes ideal for beginners and intermediates. Confirm Auli skiing season dates and fees locally.
- Rentals/lessons: Ask on the slope for ski rental and lesson packages in Auli and Auli skiing lessons for beginners, where to book.
- Story: Your first “perfect run” comes after a few cheerful tumbles. Embrace the falls.
- Chairlift Ride
Open-air lift from the GMVN zone to higher slopes. Fabulous for Auli photography spots, sunrise sunset points. Book early for holidays.
- Auli Ropeway/Gondola
Joshimath–Auli Top: Asia’s second-highest/longest after Gulmarg. Check Auli ropeway timings and ticket booking online, and Auli itinerary without ropeway, alternative road if closed.
- Auli Artificial Lake
One of the highest man-made lakes, used to feed snow cannons during events. Great Auli artificial lake viewpoint timing photos on clear days.
- Hanuman Temple & Dronagiri View
Local legend site with panoramic peak views.
- Peak-Darshan
Nanda Devi, Trishul, Dunagiri, Hathi Parvat—clear post-snow mornings make the best frames.
Gorson Bugyal
3 km from Auli hill station area—meadows, wildflowers, golden oak. Trek details: Gurson bugyal trek from Auli.
- Forest Gate & Oaks
Nominal entry; quiet walks among golden oak—fresh air therapy.
- Garhwali Food Trail
Seek kandali ka saag, chainsoo, bhatt ki churdkani, aloo thechwani, mandua roti, gahat soup, red rice with jaggery. Ask homestays/cafés; note Auli cafes and restaurants vegetarian options are limited—ask ahead.
- Joshimath Day
Ropeway base, ATMs, fuel, and winter seat of Badrinath at Narasimha Temple. Good for Auli to Joshimath sightseeing one-day plan.
- Side Trips (season-permitting)
- places to visit near Auli within 50 km: Vishnuprayag viewpoint, Chenab Lake trail (ask for permits: Chenab Lake trek from Auli permit and route).
- Summer trek arcs: Auli to Valley of Flowers best time and permit, Auli to Hemkund Sahib trek opening dates, Auli to Kuari pass trek beginner guide.
- Pilgrim/peak arcs: Auli to Badrinath day trip feasible months, Auli to Mana village last Indian village.
- Chopper Joyrides (as reported by travelers).
2. Side Trips (season-permitting; road and permit dependent)
- Niti Valley
- A stark, high-Himalayan border valley beyond Joshimath, known for dramatic rock walls, sparse villages, and big-sky vistas. Access is highly seasonal and may require permits/security checks. Plan with the local authorities and start early from Joshimath. Combine with Vishnuprayag viewpoints on the way back if daylight allows.
- What it feels like: austere, photogenic, and humbling—perfect for travelers who enjoy raw mountain geography and long valley drives.
- Essentials: Carry ID, confirm road status a day prior, and pack warm layers even in shoulder months.
- Rimkhim (RimKim)
- A high-altitude meadow-hamlet experience on routes towards the frontier. When open, it offers huge panoramas, quiet trails, and that “edge-of-the-map” vibe.
- Good for: unhurried photography, sunrise/sunset frames, and long-lens peak-spotting.
- Notes: Check local accessibility and seasonality in Joshimath; roads can close without notice in bad weather.
- BizareXpedition Tip: For Auli travel tips for first timers—layer up, keep buffer time for ropeway queues, and always carry cash for small canteens.
Culture & Food
Auli’s rhythm is Garhwali—soft hellos, strong tea, slow-cooked dinners. Below the ITBP camp, homestays feel familial. The best meals are planned hours ahead: “chainsoo or churdkani tonight?” Kitchens here cook with patience.
1. Must-tries:
- Kandali ka saag (mild nettle): seasonal, juicy, homestyle.
- Chainsoo: roasted coarse urad dal gravy—ask for jakhia tempering if available.
- Bhatt ki churdkani: black soybean stew with roasted flour; depth comes from using the bean-soak water.
- Aloo thechwani: crushed potatoes with skin—rustic and delicious.
- Mandua roti: energy-packed, soft when well-made.
- Gahat soup: ginger-garlic warmth.
- Red rice with jaggery: winter dessert soul.
2. Cultural anchors:
- Joshimath’s Narasimha Temple (Badrinath’s winter seat).
- Meadow manners: stick to trails, keep Bugyals clean.
Practical Guide
1. How to Reach:
Delhi to Joshimath by overnight drive or via breaks (Rishikesh/Srinagar).
Trains/buses to Rishikesh–Haridwar–Dehradun; onward state buses/shared cabs to Joshimath; chairlift/ropeway/road to Auli.
Route planning: Delhi to Auli best route via Rishikesh, Rudraprayag. If the ropeway shuts, use the road—Auli itinerary without the ropeway alternative road.
2. Where to Stay:
- Auli:
Limited slope-side stays. Book early for Auli hotels near the ropeway station, Auli resort with cable car access, Auli resorts with mountain view, ski-in ski-out Auli (where available/closest).
- Joshimath:
More inventory—good for Joshimath hotels for Auli visitors, hotels near Auli ropeway Joshimath, budget to mid-range, easier parking near Auli ropeway Joshimath.
3. Price Pointers (indicative; vary by season):
- Auli hotel price in December peak: higher due to demand; book early for Christmas–New Year.
- Budget: Budget hotels in Auli under 3000 with a heater, possible off-peak or in Joshimath.
4. Meals:
Limited on-slope options; Pre-request Garhwali meals at stays or Gorson base canteens. For vegetarians: Auli cafes and restaurants have vegetarian options—ask ahead.
5. Packing & Weather:
- Winter essentials: what to wear in Auli winter footwear, gloves, thermals, down/insulated jacket, waterproof shoes with grip, sunglasses, SPF.
- Plan by Auli weather by month for planning stays. Check Auli weather in December, January February right before travel.
- Avoid common Auli travel mistakes to avoid: late-night ascents in snow, underdressing, and ignoring sun protection.
6. Quick Itineraries:
- 3 Days (from Rishikesh/Joshimath base)
Day 1: Arrive Joshimath; Narasimha Temple; early sleep.
Day 2: Ropeway/chairlift; ski lesson; Auli Lake; Hanuman Temple; sunset views.
Day 3: Gorson Bugyal half-day; return. This aligns with Auli itinerary, 3 days from Delhi/Rishikesh, and an Auli trip in March spring snow chances if late season.
- 5 Days
Day 1: Rishikesh to Joshimath via confluences.
Day 2: Full Auli slopes/chairlift day, Gorson Bugyal trek.
Day 3: Niti Valley & Rimkim Village.
Day 4: Flex—extra ski lessons, Chenab Lake trail start (guide), café sun-time.
Day 5: Descend; Vishnuprayag; depart. Add Auli to the Joshimath sightseeing one-day plan.
7. Comparisons:
Auli vs Manali for skiing, which is better: Auli is compact, view-rich, with a calmer piste vibe; Manali has more town buzz. For pure slope serenity and peak views, Auli wins; for nightlife and large infrastructure, Manali.
8. Seasonal Bookings:
- Winter: Auli snowfall hotels December January, Auli ski season resorts February March, Auli long weekend packages, Auli Christmas new year hotel deals.
- Spring: Auli trip in March, Auli in November, early snow chances.
Bizarexpedition Tip: Keep cash for tickets and tiny cafés, and screenshot Auli ropeway timings and ticket price the night before—signals can fade at the counter.
9. Do’s & Don’ts:
- Do carry micro spikes or good tread shoes in peak winter; always hydrate at altitude.
- Don’t step off marked pistes; avoid meadows after dusk in snow.
Conclusion
Auli is made of moments. The hush when snow starts and you realize it’s your first real snowfall. The shock of blue sky after a storm, when the whole amphitheatre of peaks reveals itself. The small chairlift rumble, dangling over pines, as a cable hum keeps time. Gorson’s meadow bench, where an hour slips by unnoticed. Kitchens that teach you chainsoo and kandali without recipes—just hands, heat, and habit.
It’s tempting to compare Auli—Gulmarg is bigger, Manali is busier—but Auli’s charm lies in being easy-going and quietly grand. You can learn to ski in two days, get your mountain food fundamentals right, and still have time to simply sit and stare. The lake up top explains snow guns and tournaments; the temple down the ridge whispers old stories of herbs and heroes. Joshimath below keeps it all stitched together—food, fuel, faith, ropeways.
If you come in December–February, come with patience: snowfall is a guest, not an appointment. If you come in April–July, come with curiosity: the same slopes wear green, and the forest breathes more slowly. Either way, Auli doesn’t try too hard—it doesn’t need to. It’s the kind of place you return to for a better chairlift sunrise, a cleaner ski run, a longer lunch in the sun. You arrive as a tourist and leave as someone who knows the difference between good silence and great silence.
When the sun hits fresh snow in Auli, the whole meadow glitters. That’s the memory you’ll take home—the mountain’s way of saying, “Come again.”
BizareXpedition™ Quick Tips
Tip 1: Buy Auli ropeway timings and ticket booking online or reach counters at opening time on weekend mornings.
Safety Note: What to wear in Auli winter: footwear, gloves—waterproof shoes with grip, and warm gloves make or break your day.
Tip 2: For seniors/wheelchairs, plan a senior-friendly Auli trip ropeway access tips day—ropeway up, chairlift segment, short ridge strolls, frequent tea breaks.