Auli Travel Guide: Skiing, Trekking, Ropeway and Best Places to Visit Around

Tucked away in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, Auli is a dreamy destination nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas. Known for its snow-laden slopes, panoramic mountain views, and adventure sports, Auli is a paradise for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike. Whether you're visiting in winter for skiing or in summer for lush meadows and treks, Auli has something magical for every traveler.

Skiing on the Snowy Slopes:

Auli is India's premier skiing destination. The slopes here are perfect for both beginners and pros. Certified instructors and ski gear rentals are available from GMVN (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam).

• Best time: Late December to early March
• Hosted Events: National Skiing Championships

Ride the Auli Ropeway

One of the longest and highest ropeways in India, the Auli Ropeway connects Joshimath to Auli and spans over 4 kilometers. It offers jaw-dropping views of Nanda Devi and the surrounding peaks.

• Duration: ~25 minutes
• Altitude gain: From 6250 ft (Joshimath) to 10,010 ft (Auli)

Trek to Gorson Bugyal

Just 3 km from Auli, Gorson Bugyal is a gorgeous alpine meadow that transforms from snow-covered wonderland in winter to lush green grazing land in summer. The trek is relatively easy and perfect for beginners.

• Altitude: 3,056 meters
• Best time: March to June and October

Camping under the Stars

Camping in Auli gives you a chance to soak in the Himalayan silence and starlit skies. There are multiple campsites near Gorson Bugyal and Auli Top, surrounded by pine forests and snowfields.

• Recommended for: Stargazers, nature photographers

Snowboarding and Chair Lift

In addition to skiing, snowboarding is also gaining popularity in Auli. There’s also a Chair Lift service from GMVN to the ski slopes, offering quick access and beautiful views.

• Chair Lift Timings: 9 AM to 4:30 PM

Places to Visit Around Auli

• Joshimath (13 km): Located just 13 km from Auli, it's a sacred Himalayan town and the main gateway to Auli, Badrinath, and the Valley of Flowers. It is home to Adi Shankaracharya’s Math, the ancient Nar Singh Temple, and the revered Kalpavriksha Tree, believed to be over 1200 years old. This spiritual hub blends history, devotion, and mountain charm beautifully.

• Chenab Lake (11 km Trek): Chenab Lake is an unexplored natural lake around 11 km from Auli. Reaching it requires a moderate trek through forests and open meadows. The trail is quiet and less crowded, making it suitable for trekkers and photography enthusiasts who want to explore beyond regular tourist spots.

• Nanda Devi National Park (40+ km): Nanda Devi National Park in India is a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled in the Himalayas. It protects a high-altitude glacial valley shaped by the Rishi Ganga and glacier-fed rivers. This remote alpine wilderness offers breathtaking panoramas, wildflower meadows, dense woodlands, and rugged mountain edges. Trekking routes of 4 to 5 days from Joshimath define this adventure area. The park offers raw, untouched terrain and shelters rare wildlife like the snow leopard, Himalayan musk deer, and unique bird species. It surrounds Nanda Devi, India’s second-largest peak at 7817 meters, blending spiritual and cultural value in an icy, wild landscape.
• Valley of Flowers National Park: It's a breathtaking destination that offers a rewarding trip through the Himalayas. The journey starts from Govindghat, which serves as the base for the trek. The route to Ghangaria includes a steep climb, crossing wooden bridges, lush forests, and scenic waterfalls. The trail gradually ascends and passes through stunning views of snow-capped peaks. Trekkers often camp at Ghangaria before visiting Hemkund Sahib. To enter the Valley, one must hike about 40 km round trip over 5–6 days. The blooming flowers of over 600 species and the surrounding beauty make it unforgettable.
• Hemkund Lake: Being one of the high altitude lakes in Uttarakhand, it's a pristine glacial lake nestled at an altitude of about 4329 meters in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Surrounded by seven snow-clad peaks, it lies beside the revered Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara, attracting thousands of pilgrims and trekkers every year. The lake remains frozen for most of the year and melts during summer, revealing its crystal-clear waters. Its serene beauty, spiritual significance, and alpine setting make it a truly enchanting destination in the Indian Himalayas.
• Badrinath Temple: Badrinath Temple, located in Chamoli district along the banks of the Alaknanda River, is a sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It lies about 23.9 km from the Valley of Flowers and can be easily reached by hiring a taxi from Govindghat. This revered temple is part of the Char Dham pilgrimage and draws countless devotees every year for its spiritual importance and stunning Himalayan surroundings.
• Kuari Pass: it's a scenic and popular Himalayan trek located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, not far from Auli. This trek is known for its breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks like Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, and Kamet. The trail is accessible from nearby villages such as Dhak and Tugasi, making it an ideal adventure for trekkers starting from Auli. With moderate difficulty and rich alpine landscapes, Kuari Pass offers a perfect blend of nature, thrill, and panoramic mountain vistas.

Best Time to Visit Auli

• Winter (December to March): For snow activities and skiing
• Summer (April to June): For trekking, camping, and meadow views
• Monsoon (July to September): Not recommended due to landslides, but perfect for Valley of Flowers nearby

How to Reach Auli

• By Road: Regular buses and shared taxis from Rishikesh and Haridwar to Joshimath, then take the ropeway or drive to Auli
• By Rail: Nearest station is Haridwar (273 km) or Rishikesh (250 km)
• By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun (280 km)

Where to Stay in Auli

• GMVN Tourist Rest House
• The Tattva Resort
• Blue Poppy Resort
• Clifftop Club

For budget options, consider staying in Joshimath and taking the ropeway or taxi daily.

Travel Tips for Auli

• Book ski gear and lessons in advance during peak season
• Carry warm layers even in summer due to sudden temperature drops
• Start treks early to avoid afternoon weather shifts
• Avoid monsoon months unless heading to Valley of Flowers

Final Thoughts

Whether you are carving down its powdery slopes or just soaking in its alpine silence, Auli never fails to mesmerize. From thrilling adventures to peaceful escapes, this Himalayan gem is the perfect blend of adrenaline and tranquility. It’s not just a winter wonderland, but a year-round destination for the curious traveler.