Complete Guide to Places to Visit in Auli
Auli sits at 2,519–3,049 metres in Chamoli district — a high-altitude meadow famed for skiing in winter and trekking in summer. It faces the majestic Nanda Devi (7,816m), India's highest entirely-domestic peak, creating one of the most dramatic viewscapes in the Himalayas.
| Place / Activity | Type | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Auli Ski Resort | Skiing / snowboarding | 13 ski slopes; 500m vertical drop; GMVN managed |
| Auli Gondola (Cable Car) | Cable car | Asia's longest at 4 km; Joshimath to Auli; year-round |
| Gorson Bugyal | Alpine meadow / trek | 3 km trek from Auli; carpet of wildflowers in June–July |
| Kwani Bugyal | Alpine meadow / trek | 7 km from Auli; panoramic 180° Himalayan views |
| Chenab Lake | Glacial lake | Artificial lake at 3,048m; scenic picnic spot |
| Nanda Devi Viewpoint | Viewpoint | Best unobstructed view of Nanda Devi in India |
| Joshimath (14 km) | Base town | Shankaracharya Math; Narsingh Temple; Badrinath gateway |
| Chattrakund | Lake / day trek | Small glacial lake 3 km from Auli; good snow in winter |
Best Time to Visit Auli
- January – March: Peak ski season; 60–80 cm snow; Skiing, sledding, snowball fights
- April – June: Spring meadows; apple blossoms; trekking to Gorson and Kwani bugyals
- September – November: Crystal clear skies; best Nanda Devi views; light trekking
- July – August: Monsoon; lush green; bugyal wildflowers at peak; some trail slippage
How to Reach Auli
- By Road: Rishikesh → Joshimath (250 km, ~8 hrs) → Auli by cable car or road (14 km)
- By Cable Car: Joshimath → Auli gondola (4 km, 25 min, ₹1,000 round trip)
- By Road (direct): Joshimath → Auli road (14 km, 45 min) — accessible in summer
- By Air: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (280 km); Helicopter from Dehradun available in ski season
Budget and Hotels in Auli
| Category | Options | Price/night |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | GMVN Tourist Rest House Auli | ₹1,200–₹2,500 |
| Mid-range | Cliff Top Club, Hotel Snow Crest Joshimath | ₹3,000–₹6,000 |
| Luxury | Club Mahindra Auli, GMVN Ski Resort | ₹7,000–₹20,000 |
3-night Auli ski trip cost per person: ₹8,000–₹25,000 (travel + stay + ski equipment rental).
Travel Tips and FAQs
- Book ski equipment rental (₹700–₹1,200/day) and ski instructor (₹800/hr) from GMVN counter at Auli
- The cable car runs 8 AM – 5 PM; last descent is at 5 PM sharp — plan accordingly
- Carry layered clothing; temperature at Auli drops to -15°C in January nights
- For skiing beginners, enrol in a 3-day GMVN skiing course (₹3,500 approx) — highly recommended
- Auli road from Joshimath is closed in heavy snowfall; cable car is the only access
FAQ: Auli's ski season runs mid-January to mid-March. The gondola operates year-round for sightseeing even outside ski season.