Complete Auli Travel Guide
Top Activities at Auli
Skiing (December–March, ₹500–1,500/day): Auli's main ski slope is 2.5 km long with a 500m vertical drop. The ski season runs December–March, with January–February having the best snow conditions. GMVN runs skiing equipment hire (₹500/day) and beginner lessons (₹1,500/day with instructor). Advanced skiers can access steeper off-piste terrain near Kwani Bugyal above the resort.
Gondola cable car (₹1,000/person round trip): Asia's longest cable car at 4 km — rising from Joshimath (1,890m) to Auli (3,010m) in approximately 25 minutes. The gondola operates year-round (weather permitting) and offers the most dramatic entry to a hill destination in India. The Nanda Devi massif fills the northern horizon from the gondola.
Nanda Devi View (3,049m from Auli top): The upper ski area at 3,049m has the most direct close view of Nanda Devi (7,816m) in all of India by road (and gondola). The air clarity at this altitude and the sheer scale of the peak — which rises 4,767m above the viewpoint — is extraordinary. Visible from the ski slopes and the meadow at the top gondola station.
Kwani Bugyal (4 km trek from Auli top): An alpine meadow at 3,500m above Auli — a moderate 2-hour trek from the top gondola station. Rhododendron, juniper and alpine flowers in May–June. Himalayan panorama including Nanda Devi, Dunagiri, Changabang. Day trek from Auli.
How to Reach Auli
| Origin | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Joshimath | 16 km road / 4 km gondola | 45 min (road) / 25 min (gondola) |
| Rishikesh | 255 km | 7 hrs |
| Haridwar | 280 km | 8 hrs |
| Delhi | 490 km | 11–12 hrs |
Take the gondola from Joshimath (₹1,000/return) or drive 16 km via the road. Rishikesh to Joshimath: 255 km via Devprayag-Rudraprayag-Chamoli (7 hrs). Buses from Rishikesh/Haridwar to Joshimath: daily GMOU service.
Budget, Hotels & Travel Tips
- Ski season: January–March for skiing. The slopes are groomed and the gondola is operational. Book the GMVN Ski Resort (₹1,500–4,000/night) well in advance for January–February.
- Summer Auli: April–June and September–November, Auli is a meadow with Himalayan views — the Kwani Bugyal trek and Gurso Bugyal (2 km trek) are the main activities. Less crowded and cheaper than winter.
- Joshimath landslide risk: Joshimath (the base town) has experienced subsidence issues — check current road and hotel conditions before travel during monsoon season.
Why Auli Is India's Best-Known Ski Slope
Auli sits between roughly 2,500m and 3,050m on the slopes above Joshimath, in Chamoli district. Its long, open meadows (bugyals), ringed by oak and deodar forest, give it some of the longest natural ski runs in India. It hosted the first South Asian Winter Games in 2011. To make up for patchy snowfall, the state built an artificial lake near the top slope to supply snow-making machines — one of the highest man-made lakes in the world.
The views are the other draw. From the upper slopes you face Nanda Devi (7,816m), the highest mountain entirely within India, along with Dronagiri, Kamet, Mana Parbat and Hathi-Ghoda Parbat.
Learning to Ski at Auli
- GMVN courses: Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam runs 7-day beginner and 14-day intermediate courses each winter, with equipment, instruction and stay included. Places fill quickly — book on the GMVN website once the season is announced.
- Private instructors: Certified local instructors offer day lessons. Ask for their certification from the Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering (IISM), Gulmarg, or from GMVN.
- When the snow is reliable: Mid-January to February has the most dependable cover. December snow varies a lot from year to year.
- Gear: Skis, boots and poles can be hired at Auli. Bring your own waterproof gloves, thermals and UV-protection sunglasses.
Auli in Summer: Treks and Meadows
- Gorson Bugyal (3 km): An easy walk from the top of the chairlift through conifer forest to a high meadow. It is carpeted with wildflowers in June and July.
- Kuari Pass (Curzon Trail): A classic 4–6 day trek with one of the best views of Nanda Devi. Auli and nearby Tapovan are the usual end points.
- Joshimath: The base town has the Narsingh temple, where Badrinath's winter rituals are performed, and Jyotirmath, one of the four monasteries established by Adi Shankaracharya.
Practical Notes
- The Joshimath–Auli gondola has been suspended at times since the 2023 land subsidence in Joshimath. Confirm locally whether it is running; the 16 km road is always the fallback.
- ATMs and pharmacies are in Joshimath, not Auli. Carry enough cash.
- Mobile coverage is reasonable on Jio and BSNL but weak on the upper slopes.
FAQs
- Is Auli good for beginner skiers?
- Yes — Auli has well-maintained beginner slopes (the lower run area) and GMVN-certified ski instructors. Beginner packages (₹1,500–2,000/day including equipment and instruction) are available. The main 2.5-km run is accessible to intermediate skiers. Advanced skiers will find Auli's vertical limited compared to European resorts, but the scenery — Nanda Devi filling the horizon — compensates for what the piste lacks in quantity. Expect 3–4 days to get comfortable on the slopes as a beginner.