Auli sits at around 2,500–3,000 metres above sea level on the northern face of the Nanda Devi range, near the town of Joshimath. In winter, it becomes India's only commercial ski destination, with lifts, runs and a handful of lodges. In other seasons, it is a quieter mountain retreat for trekking, alpine meadow walks and the slow pace of high-altitude settlements. The views are the main draw: on clear mornings, Nanda Devi and the surrounding peaks fill the horizon.
The accessibility here is unusual. A ropeway from the valley floor lifts you to the plateau, removing a long climb, though the air is thinner and altitude adjustment is important. Once at the plateau, the terrain opens up into smooth meadows in summer and ski runs in winter. Days here tend to follow the light: early starts to catch the sunrise views, a midday rest or shelter from wind, and late-afternoon exploration before dusk.
For older travellers, the altitude is the main consideration—a doctor's consultation beforehand is wise. The road to Joshimath is windy and steep, and onward transport can be basic. But for those adapted to the height, the rewards are genuine: solitude, clear skies and the sense of standing above the clouds.
Before you plan
Know Auli at a glance
- Best months
- December to February for snow and skiing; June to September for trekking and alpine walks. March to May can be pleasant but may have patchy snow.
- Ideal trip length
- 2–3 days on the plateau; combine with Joshimath and nearby valleys for a longer trip
- Nearest airport
- Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (Indira Gandhi International in Delhi as backup); roughly 5–6 hours by road to Joshimath, traffic and weather dependent
- Railway station
- Rishikesh or Dehradun (both served by major lines to Delhi, Kolkata, and other cities); Joshimath has no railway station
- Getting around
- A private car and driver is essential. The road to Joshimath is winding and steep; onward transport from Joshimath to Auli typically includes a ropeway ascent, with local jeeps for the valley approach
- Daily budget
- Roughly ₹2,500–₹5,000 per person per day excluding hotel, depending on meals and activities; limited food options on the plateau mean prices are higher than in the valley
- Senior comfort
- Moderate difficulty: altitude is the main concern—consult a doctor before travelling. The ropeway ascent is comfortable for most mobility levels, but onward walking involves uneven terrain and thin air. Plan rest days at altitude.
- Language
- Hindi and Garhwali locally; English spoken in ski resorts and main lodges
Prices, opening hours and weather change. Recheck live details before booking.
How many days do you have?
A Auli itinerary that leaves room for Auli
01 1 day in Auli
- Day 1: Plateau walks and valley views. Ascend by ropeway early in the morning to acclimatise. Spend the day on gentle walks across the plateau meadows, taking time to adjust to the altitude and soak in the Nanda Devi views. Visit the small Auli Temple if energy permits. Return to Joshimath in the late afternoon.
02 2 days in Auli
- Day 1: Arrival and plateau acclimation. Travel to Joshimath, check in to a hotel there, and take an afternoon ropeway ascent to Auli to acclimatise. Spend time on the plateau at a relaxed pace, perhaps visiting the temple or a nearby meadow. Return to Joshimath for the night.
- Day 2: Ridge walks and sunrise views. Start early from Joshimath, ascend by ropeway, and spend the day trekking along the upper ridges and meadows if weather permits. Take a packed lunch and water. Aim to be back in Joshimath by late afternoon. Explore Joshimath town in the evening—the Narsingh temple and the old bazaar.
03 3 days in Auli
- Day 1: Joshimath settlement and altitude check. Travel to Joshimath. Check in and spend the day walking gently around the town: visit the Narsingh temple, the Auli Bugyal (meadow) viewpoint from town, and explore the bazaar. Eat a light dinner and rest early to allow altitude acclimatisation.
- Day 2: Ropeway ascent and plateau trekking. Ascend early by ropeway to Auli plateau. Spend the day on ridge walks: head towards Chopta or explore the upper meadows and viewpoints. Visit Auli Temple. Return to the ropeway station by late afternoon. Descend to Joshimath for the night.
- Day 3: Extended meadow trek and descent. If acclimatised, ascend again and trek further along the ridges towards Gwaldarn or the Chopta direction, weather permitting. Pack a full lunch. Alternatively, explore Joshimath further: visit the hot springs area, drive towards the nearby Auli Bugyal viewpoints from below, or rest and prepare for the descent. Depart for lower elevations in the late afternoon.
