Auli
Uttarakhand's Premier Ski Destination with Nanda Devi Views at 2,519m
Travel Guide
Everything You Need to Know About Auli
Overview
Auli, at an altitude of 2,519 metres in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, is India's finest ski resort and a year-round adventure destination. The ski slopes of Auli face the spectacular Nanda Devi (7,817m), India's second-highest peak, along with an array of Himalayan giants — Kamet, Dronagiri, Mana, Hathi, and Ghoda — creating a backdrop that has few rivals among the world's ski resorts. The resort is managed by GMVN (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam) and offers 3km of ski slopes at gradients of 10–25°, suitable for beginners through advanced skiers.
Auli is accessible by one of India's longest cable cars — a 4km gondola from Joshimath (1,890m) to Auli (2,519m) that takes 25 minutes and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan panorama. The skiing season runs from January to March, when snow conditions are best. GMVN organises skiing courses for beginners (1–7 days) and professional skiing camps during winter. The slopes are served by a 500-metre chairlift for easy return to the top.
Beyond skiing, Auli offers superb summer trekking — the Gorson Bugyal (meadow) at 3,056m is a 3km walk through oak and rhododendron forests offering panoramic Himalayan views. The Kwani Bugyal meadow extends the trek further for experienced hikers. Auli's strategic location — just 16km from Badrinath and adjacent to the Valley of Flowers trail — makes it an excellent base for combining spiritual pilgrimage with mountain adventure. The famous Auli–Gorson–Khulara–Gorson trek (a 5-day loop) is one of the finest moderate treks in Garhwal.
How to Reach Auli
By Air
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (280km from Auli). Taxis to Joshimath take 8–9 hours. Helicopter services to Auli available from Dehradun in winter season (advance booking required).
By Rail
Rishikesh (270km) is the nearest railway station. Regular bus and taxi services to Joshimath, then cable car or road to Auli.
By Road
From Delhi (490km): Delhi → Haridwar → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Chamoli → Pipalkoti → Joshimath → Auli. Drive 12–14 hours.
Local Transport
From Joshimath: Cable car (gondola) to Auli top (₹1,000 round trip, 25 minutes). Road also available (13km, 45 minutes by taxi).
Best Time to Visit
Cable car operates year-round (weather permitting). Ski equipment rental available from GMVN from January–March. Snow guaranteed January–February.
Best Open Closed
Distance from Major Cities
Why Visit Auli?
- Best ski slopes in India with views of Nanda Devi (7,817m)
- 4km cable car (gondola) from Joshimath — one of India's longest
- Skiing season January–March — GMVN courses for beginners and advanced skiers
- Gorson Bugyal meadow — 3km from Auli with 360° Himalayan panorama
- Gateway to Valley of Flowers National Park (Govindghat 20km)
- Auli Artificial Lake — highest man-made lake in India at 2,519m
- Stunning summer trekking through rhododendron forests in bloom (April–May)
Sample Itinerary
4-Day Auli Plan
A suggested itinerary — customise with AI for your dates and preferences
Delhi → Joshimath
- Drive from Delhi to Joshimath (490km, 12–14 hrs)
- Dinner and rest at Joshimath
- Prepare ski/trek gear for the next day
Joshimath → Auli Skiing / Trekking
- Morning cable car to Auli (25 min)
- Skiing lesson with GMVN instructor (beginners) or free skiing (experienced)
- Afternoon: Gorson Bugyal meadow walk (3km)
- Sunset at Auli with Nanda Devi views
Auli → Badrinath (Optional Extension)
- Morning skiing or second day on slopes
- Afternoon: drive to Badrinath (55km from Joshimath)
- Badrinath Temple darshan and Tapt Kund dip
- Return to Joshimath for night
Joshimath → Delhi
- Morning departure toward Rishikesh (270km)
- Stop at Devprayag sangam for photos
- Continue to Haridwar and Delhi
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Where to Stay
Hotels & Accommodation in Auli
Handpicked stays — from budget dharamshalas to comfortable mountain hotels
Top Stays in Auli
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Live Conditions
Current Weather at Auli
Live temperature and wind data from Open-Meteo — updated hourly
☀️ Peak Season
May–June & Sep–Oct
8–18°C day / -2 to 5°C night
Best for pilgrimage and trekking. Clear skies, stable weather.
🌧️ Monsoon
July–August
12–20°C day / 5–10°C night
Heavy rainfall. Landslide risk on mountain roads. Check advisories.
❄️ Winter
Nov–April
-10 to 5°C day / below -15°C night
Temple/destination closed. Heavy snowfall. Not recommended.
Tips & Precautions
Travel Tips for Auli
Travel Tips
- Book GMVN ski courses online well in advance for January–February — slots are limited.
- Ski equipment rental: skis, boots, poles, and helmets available from GMVN Auli resort.
- Non-skiing visitors can enjoy the cable car round trip for panoramic Himalayan views.
- Auli Artificial Lake (2,519m) near the ski slopes is a photogenic stop year-round.
- December–January: heavy snowfall can close the road — arrive via cable car from Joshimath.
- Summer trekking (June–October): combine Auli with Valley of Flowers (30 min from Joshimath).
- Joshimath has better restaurant and shopping options than Auli — most visitors day-trip or stay 2 nights.
Packing List
- Heavy thermal innerwear (for winter skiing)
- Waterproof ski jacket and trousers (for winter)
- Ski gloves, goggles, and balaclava
- Sturdy snow boots (rentable at GMVN)
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ (UV is intense at altitude)
- Trekking shoes for summer visits
- Layers: fleece, down jacket
- Camera with wide-angle lens for Himalayan panoramas
Health Precautions
- Auli at 2,519m: mild altitude — most visitors do not experience AMS.
- Acclimatise at Joshimath (1,890m) for 1 night before skiing at Auli.
- Stay hydrated — altitude increases fluid loss.
- Apply strong sunscreen — snow reflection amplifies UV radiation significantly.
- Beginners should take formal skiing lessons before attempting slopes — avoid overconfidence.
Safety Tips
- Always ski with a guide on your first day — slopes can be icy and steep for beginners.
- Check avalanche risk forecasts on IMD website before off-piste skiing.
- GMVN rescue ski patrol operates during skiing season.
- Emergency: GMVN Auli Resort: 01389-223282. Joshimath Police: 01389-222020.
Frequently Asked
Auli Travel FAQs
Everything travellers ask before visiting Auli
The best skiing season in Auli is January to March when snow conditions are ideal. January–February has the deepest snow and best powder. The GMVN Auli Ski Resort is open from January to March with ski courses, equipment rental, and slope-side accommodation available.
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