Key hubs
Auli airport and railway station
- 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
How to reach Auli by air
Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest, roughly 5–6 hours by road to Joshimath, with Delhi's Indira Gandhi International as a further backup.
How to reach Auli by train
Rishikesh and Dehradun, both on the broad-gauge network to Delhi and beyond, are the nearest railheads; Joshimath itself has no station.
How to reach Auli by road
The hill road from Rishikesh to Joshimath is winding and steep, typically taking most of a day by private car and driver.
Getting around Auli
From Joshimath, a ropeway carries visitors up to Auli; local jeeps handle the road approach through the valley.
For parents and senior travellers
Easy transfers to and in Auli
- The ropeway ascent itself is comfortable and safe, but the plateau air is thin. Walk slowly, rest often, and carry water.
- The road to Joshimath is steep and winding; if you have inner ear problems or motion sickness, take medication before departure.
- Ask the airline or railway for wheelchair or porter assistance when you book, not on the day.
- Pre-book the pickup from the airport or station, so nobody has to negotiate with drivers after a long journey.
- Choose arrivals in daylight where you can, and keep the first afternoon free to rest.