The short answer
Auli: what visitors should know first
Worth visiting, especially if you want high-altitude access to the Himalayas without trekking hard. In winter, skiing is possible if there is snow. In summer, the meadows, cableway rides and trekking access are the draw.
Useful facts
Auli facts at a glance
- Location
- Auli, Chamoli district, on the Joshimath–Auli road
- Type
- Landmark
- Time needed
- 1–2 days: drive up, take the cableway, walk the meadows, perhaps overnight
- Best time
- December to February (skiing, if snow comes); May to October (trekking, meadows, cableway rides)
Why it matters
Why Auli is worth your time
Auli is India's symbol of skiing and high-altitude winter tourism. It was developed in the 1980s as a winter sports destination, though snow reliability has been challenged by climate change. Beyond skiing, it represents the effort to make the high Himalayan zone accessible to non-trekkers.
For the Kedarnath region, Auli is a gateway to the higher altitudes without the commitment of Kedarnath pilgrimage. It is also a point on the multi-day Panch Kedar trek, where climbers access the sacred peaks.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Reach Auli by road from Joshimath (about 1 hour winding drive to 3,000m). The resort has a cableway (ropeway) that climbs further up towards Gursons Bugyal (alpine meadow). A ride up and down takes about 1 hour and offers views of the Nanda Devi massif and the high peaks. From the top, you can walk in the meadow.
In winter, if there is adequate snowfall, the ski slopes operate, though the season is short and conditions variable. In summer, the cableway is a lift for trekkers accessing the high meadows. Many people stay at a hotel in Auli for the night, take the cableway in the morning, and walk the high meadows in the afternoon.
The altitude is high enough to feel the thinness of air, but the cableway means you do not have to hike uphill to reach it. Evening views from the hotels are often spectacular.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Book accommodation in advance during ski season (December–February) and peak trekking season (May–June, September–October)
- The road to Auli is winding and steep; allow extra time and go slow if prone to altitude sickness
- Bring layers; it is cold at 3,000m even in summer
- The cableway may close for maintenance or bad weather
- Mobile signals are weak
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Auli, Chamoli district, on the Joshimath–Auli road
- Time needed
- 1–2 days: drive up, take the cableway, walk the meadows, perhaps overnight
- Best time
- December to February (skiing, if snow comes); May to October (trekking, meadows, cableway rides)
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- The cableway can be used by people of any fitness level (there is a small age limit for safety). Walking the meadows is gentle. Skiing requires different skills. At 3,000m, altitude is manageable for most people.
- Tickets and access
- Ticketed. The cableway ride is the main paid activity. Lodging is available at hotels and guesthouses.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Auli
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
The cableway can be used by people of any fitness level (there is a small age limit for safety). Walking the meadows is gentle. Skiing requires different skills. At 3,000m, altitude is manageable for most people.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Is Auli suitable for non-skiers?
Yes. The cableway and meadow walks are open to anyone. Skiing is optional.
Does Auli reliably have snow in winter?
Increasingly not. Climate change has made snow unreliable in recent winters.
Can you ski at Auli if you are a beginner?
Yes, there are beginner slopes. Equipment and lessons are available.
How long does the cableway ride take?
About 15–20 minutes one way; allow an hour for the full up-and-down experience with time at the top.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
