Auli, located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, is a paradise for skiing, trekking, and nature lovers. Originally developed as a paramilitary base, it is now India’s most popular ski resort town. During winters, Auli becomes a hub for snow sports, while summers turn the landscape into lush green meadows.
Standing at an altitude of 2,800 meters, Auli offers breathtaking views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks, including the second-highest peak in India, Nanda Devi (7,816 m). The town is also the gateway to Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Park, home to rich biodiversity and sacred sites like Hemkund Sahib.
| Location | Google Maps |
|---|---|
| District | Chamoli |
| State/UT | Uttarakhand |
| By Air | Nearest Airport – Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (286 km away). Taxis and buses are available from Dehradun to Auli. |
| By Train | Nearest Railway Station – Haridwar (273 km) and Rishikesh (260 km). From Haridwar/Rishikesh, take a bus or taxi to Joshimath, then a cable car/taxi to Auli. |
| By Road | Joshimath (16 km away) is the nearest major town. Buses and taxis run from Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Delhi. |
| Besy Way | Flight to Dehradun + Taxi to Joshimath + Cable Car to Auli (Best for comfort). Train to Haridwar/Rishikesh + Bus/Taxi to Joshimath + Cable Car to Auli (Best for budget travelers). |
| Local Transportation | Cable Car (Ropeway) is the best way to reach Auli from Joshimath. Taxis and shared cabs are available for local travel. Trekking and walking are popular within Auli. |
| Peak Season | December to February (Best for skiing and winter sports). |
|---|---|
| Off Season | July to September (Monsoon season, risk of landslides). |
| Weather Conditions | Winter (December to February) – -4°C to 10°C, heavy snowfall, best for skiing. Summer (March to June) – 10°C to 25°C, perfect for trekking and sightseeing. Monsoon (July to September) – Rainfall, landslides possible, but lush green landscapes. Autumn (October to November) – Pleasant weather with clear views of the Himalayas. |
| Recommended Days |
3-4 days Day 1 – Arrive in Auli, enjoy the Auli Ropeway and visit Auli Artificial Lake. Day 2 – Try skiing or snowboarding, followed by a trek to Gorson Bugyal. Day 3 – Visit Chattrakund and Kwani Bugyal, explore local culture in Joshimath. Day 4 – Trek to Saildhar Tapovan or relax with a leisure walk and photography. |
|---|---|
| Budget Estimate |
₹3,000 - ₹12,000 per person per day Budget Travelers – ₹3,000-₹5,000 per day (hostels, public transport, local food). Mid-Range Travelers – ₹5,000-₹8,000 per day (hotels, guided treks, ski rentals). Luxury Travelers – ₹8,000-₹12,000+ per day (resorts, private guides, skiing lessons). |
| Languages Spoken |
Hindi and Garhwali are widely spoken. English is understood in tourist areas. |
| By Popularity | Seasonal Hotspot , Widely Popular |
|---|---|
| By Type | Town , Hill Station |
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