Before you go
Auli with elderly parents: what to know
- Consult a doctor before travelling to altitude above 2,500 metres. Discuss altitude sickness, heart conditions, and blood pressure concerns.
- Ascend slowly: consider a night in Joshimath before ascending to Auli. Allow a full day at altitude before strenuous activity.
- 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.
- Stay hydrated and avoid heavy meals at altitude. Eat light, frequent meals and drink water throughout the day.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses: high-altitude sun is intense, and snow (in winter) reflects it powerfully.
- Choose accommodation with oxygen availability or a link to medical services. Note the nearest clinic or hospital in Joshimath.
Easiest first
Places in Auli sorted by walking effort
Easy on the legs (10)
- Auli Dam (Places to visit · 20-30 minutes as a viewpoint stop) — A car can stop close to a viewing area. There are no major walks involved; this is a short viewpoint stop.
- Auli Ropeway (Places to visit · 30 minutes including the cable car round trip; add time to walk and rest at the top) — The cable car is a comfortable seated ride, but altitude matters. By the time you reach the top you are at roughly 3,000 metres, which can cause breathlessness and headache in people unaccustomed to heights, especially those over 65. Spend 30 minutes at the top in the fresh air rather than rushing.
- Auli Temple (Places of worship · 10–15 minutes to visit) — The walk from the cable car to the temple is short and mostly flat, but the altitude and wind are the constraints, not the distance. Spend time sitting inside the temple shelter rather than walking around in the cold.
- Chamoli (Places to visit · 2-4 hours for a town walk and local meals; overnighting depends on whether it is a base or a transit stop) — Chamoli town centre is walkable on level ground, and cars can navigate the narrow main bazaar. The altitude (roughly 2,200 metres) is moderate. Services are basic, so expect simple guesthouses and limited medical facilities. Bring any required medications.
- Govindghat (Places to visit · Half day if stopping briefly; overnight if trekking onward) — The settlement is at roughly 1,800 metres and is flat. Walking around it is easy. The trek from Govindghat to Ghangaria (5–6 hours) is steep and long; few older visitors attempt it. Base yourself here and day-trek if your fitness allows.
- Joshimath (Places to visit · A few hours to walk the bazaar and visit key temples; overnight stay recommended before going to Auli) — Joshimath is at 1,900 metres, which causes mild altitude effects for some. The bazaar walk is short. Staying overnight allows acclimatization before attempting Auli or higher routes. Guesthouses offer basic comfort.
- Joshimath Bazaar (Shopping · 1-2 hours for shopping and eating) — The bazaar is compact and mostly flat. A car can park near the main street, and walking is gentle.
- Kailas Hot Springs (Culture and craft · 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on how long you soak) — The walk to the springs is short and mostly level or gentle downhill. Soaking in warm water is comfortable for most people. Bring non-slip footwear, as the approach can be wet and slippery.
- Nanda Devi (Places to visit · Viewing: 30 minutes to 2 hours from multiple Auli viewpoints. Climbing: a serious multi-week expedition) — Viewing Nanda Devi from the Auli plateau is perfectly manageable for older travellers; the walks to viewpoints are gentle. Climbing the peak is not appropriate for anyone without mountaineering experience and excellent fitness.
- Narsingh Temple (Places of worship · 30–45 minutes including queue time and darshan) — The temple is in the bazaar with easy access. There are steps into the inner sanctum but benches near the entrance. The stairs and the crowd can be managed by most older visitors, though queue times can be long during peak hours.
Some walking — plan a break (5)
- Auli Bugyal (Places to visit · 1–2 hours for a partial walk; full day if exploring extensively) — Short walks on gentle slopes are manageable for those accustomed to 2,500+ metres altitude. The meadows lack shade and the wind is constant, so older travellers do better in cooler months (September–October) and with breaks to sit and rest.
- Auli Lake (Places to visit · 1–2 hours including the walk to and from Auli Base) — The walk is short but steep, and the altitude is significant (2,800–3,000 metres). Most people over 65 find the cable car to Auli Top adequate; reaching the lake adds exertion that some may find taxing.
- Auli Ski Resort (Culture and craft · Half day for cable car and simple slopes; full day if skiing or doing trails) — The cable car to the ridge is the best part for non-skiers or those with mobility concerns, but altitude becomes an issue above 3,000 metres. Consult a doctor before visiting if you have cardiac or respiratory concerns. The lower slopes can be managed by steady walkers with time to acclimatize.
- Chitrakantha Summit (Places to visit · 4-6 hours for a day trip from Auli including drive and trek) — The walk is moderate, with some climbing but no technical sections. Older travellers who are comfortable with 2-3 hours of hillside walking can manage this. The altitude (roughly 2,600-2,700 metres) is lower than Auli plateau.
- Tapovan (Places to visit · 1–2 hours including the walk, bathing and return) — The descent and ascent are steep and take physical effort. Some older visitors find the steps slippery. Bathing is traditionally segregated by gender, and changing facilities are basic. If you have mobility concerns, check local conditions before attempting the walk.
Lots of walking or steps — choose carefully (2)
- Kuari Pass (Places to visit · 4-6 hours for trekking; 2-3 hours if accessed by vehicle from a higher road junction) — The altitude (around 3,600 metres) and thin air make this unsuitable for most older travellers. The trek involves steep sections, uneven terrain and no shade. Vehicle access from above is possible but less scenic. Consult a doctor before attempting this at altitude.
- Sundardunga Glacier Trek (Places to visit · 3-5 days for a complete trek and return from Auli, including travel to the road head) — Not suitable. The altitude (above 3,500 metres), exposure, and physical demand make this unsuitable for most people over 60, even if fit.
Base yourself well
Where to stay in Auli with parents
Auli plateau (lodges and resorts)Best for: Visitors seeking immersion in high-altitude life and easy access to trekking
Joshimath (valley town)Best for: A more comfortable base with better food and services, for staged acclimatisation
Plan the rest of your Auli trip
Want help?
Have Auli planned around your parents
We build the route at their pace, book the stays, and can add a companion on the ground.