About the Destination
Auli is where most Indians see real Himalayan snow for the first time. Spread across high slopes above Joshimath in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district, it's India's best-known skiing destination. In winter, its slopes are covered in powder snow, and the Garhwal Himalayas rise all around, with Nanda Devi, India's second-highest peak, among them. In summer and autumn, the same slopes turn into green alpine meadows, or bugyals, with some of the clearest mountain views in the country.
Auli is unlike most hill stations. There's no Mall Road, no crowded market and no lake promenade, just open slopes, oak and deodar forests, a few hotels and resorts, and mountains in every direction. That's its charm. It's also why planning matters: snow conditions change year to year, the road from Joshimath behaves differently in every season, and the famous Joshimath–Auli ropeway, which many older websites still promote, has been suspended since early 2023.
SnazzyTrips is a Destination Management Company (DMC) based in Haldwani, and we've worked only in Uttarakhand since 2003. We plan Auli trips with current information on snow, roads and stays, from family snow holidays and ski courses to summer meadow treks and Auli–Badrinath–Valley of Flowers circuits.
This guide covers everything you need: package prices, the best time for snow, skiing for beginners, how to reach Auli now that the ropeway is closed, where to stay, day-by-day itineraries, nearby places, what to pack, and honest local advice.
Packages: Auli tour packages start from ₹10,999 per person for a 3-day trip from Haridwar. They cost about ₹12,998 for 5 days from Delhi, ₹19,999 for 8 days combined with the Valley of Flowers, and ₹18,999–₹35,999 from cities like Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Bangalore and Chennai.
Snow and skiing: Visit from late December to February.
Clear views and green meadows: Visit April–June or October–November.
Getting there: Auli is currently reached by road from Joshimath, about 16 km, because the Joshimath–Auli ropeway remains suspended.
Last updated: October 2026 by the SnazzyTrips Garhwal team
1. The Joshimath–Auli ropeway remains suspended. The ropeway was suspended after the Joshimath land subsidence crisis in early 2023, and it hasn't returned to regular service. Auli is reached by road from Joshimath, about 16 km. Many websites still describe the ropeway as running, so plan your trip around the road route.
2. The Auli chair lift operates in season. The chair lift on the slopes runs during the ski and tourist seasons, connecting the lower and upper slopes. It's the main lift for skiers and sightseers.
3. Faster road access from Delhi. The Delhi–Dehradun Expressway, opened in April 2026, has cut the first part of the journey significantly. Delhi–Rishikesh is now about 3.5–4.5 hours, which makes Auli more practical for 5-day trips from Delhi.
4. Joshimath is now also called Jyotirmath. The town was officially renamed after the historic Jyotirmath founded by Adi Shankaracharya. You'll see both names on signboards and maps.
5. Winter 2026–27 snow outlook. Snow quality varies every year. We share real-time snow updates with every traveller before departure, so you know whether to expect powder, thin snow or green slopes on your dates.
Update this box every month in winter.
Real snow, close to North India. For travellers from Delhi, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat, Auli is one of the most accessible places to see deep Himalayan snow.
India's best-known ski slopes. Auli has long, open slopes with a chair lift, ski equipment on hire and instructors. It's one of the few places in India where beginners can learn to ski properly. It hosted the first South Asian Winter Games in 2011.
Some of India's finest Himalayan views. From Auli and Gorson Bugyal you can see a wide arc of peaks, including Nanda Devi (7,816 m), Kamet, Mana Parvat, Dunagiri and Trishul.
Green meadows outside winter. From April to November, Auli's slopes become wide grassy bugyals, ideal for easy walks, photography and family picnics with mountain views.
On the way to Badrinath and the Valley of Flowers. Auli sits on the same route as Badrinath, Hemkund Sahib and the Valley of Flowers, so it's easy to combine pilgrimage, trekking and snow in one trip.
Quiet and uncrowded on weekdays. Outside holiday weekends, Auli is peaceful, with far fewer crowds than Mussoorie or Nainital.
Auli is really two destinations, depending on when you go.
Prices from other cities usually exclude flights or trains to Delhi, Dehradun or Haridwar. Winter prices may rise around Christmas, New Year and long weekends.
Yes. Auli is one of the best places in India to learn skiing. Its lower slopes are gentle, and instructors are available in season. Most beginners can stand, glide and turn on easy slopes after 2–3 days of lessons.
Usually from late December or January to February, depending on snowfall. In good snow years, skiing can continue into early March. Ski conditions depend entirely on natural snowfall each year.
You can hire skis, boots, poles and ski clothing in Auli during the season.
Approximate costs (they vary by season and provider):
Equipment hire: a few hundred to about ₹1,500 per day
Instructor: charged per session or per day
Chair lift: a separate ticket
For a 2–3 day beginner experience, budget roughly ₹6,000–₹10,000 per person extra for equipment, lessons and the chair lift.
Short answer: Travel to Rishikesh, Haridwar or Dehradun, then drive about 250–270 km through Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag and Chamoli to Joshimath. From Joshimath, drive the last 16 km up to Auli. The Joshimath–Auli ropeway is currently suspended, so plan for road access.
Fly to Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (about 270 km from Auli). The drive to Joshimath takes about 9–10 hours, so most travellers stay overnight in Rishikesh, Rudraprayag or Joshimath on the way.
The nearest railheads are Yog Nagari Rishikesh and Haridwar (about 250–275 km). From Delhi, the Dehradun Shatabdi and Vande Bharat reach Haridwar.
Route: Delhi → Haridwar or Rishikesh → Devprayag → Rudraprayag → Karnaprayag → Chamoli → Joshimath → Auli
The Joshimath–Auli ropeway, once promoted as one of Asia's longest, was suspended after the Joshimath land subsidence crisis in early 2023. It hasn't returned to regular passenger service. All our Auli packages use the road route from Joshimath. If the ropeway reopens, we'll update this page and include it where possible.
Separate from the ropeway, the Auli chair lift runs on the ski slopes in season. It carries skiers and visitors between the lower and upper slopes, with sweeping views of Nanda Devi.
Our recommendation:
For snow and skiing: mid-January to mid-February.
For clear Himalayan views: October to mid-November.
For meadows with Badrinath: May–June.
Day 1: Haridwar or Rishikesh → Joshimath (about 260 km, 9–10 hours)
Early start along the Ganga, through Devprayag (where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi meet to form the Ganga), Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag and Chamoli. Overnight in Joshimath or Auli.
Day 2: Auli full day
In winter: snow play, a ski taster session, the chair lift and sunset over Nanda Devi.
In other seasons: a walk to Gorson Bugyal, the artificial lake viewpoint and photography.
Overnight in Auli or Joshimath.
Day 3: Auli → Haridwar or Rishikesh
Early drive back down the valley. Overnight on the way, or reach Haridwar or Rishikesh by evening.
Day 1: Delhi → Rishikesh via the expressway. Evening Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan.
Day 2: Rishikesh → Joshimath via Devprayag, Rudraprayag and Karnaprayag.
Day 3: Joshimath → Auli. Full day of snow and skiing in winter, or meadows and Gorson Bugyal in other seasons.
Day 4: Auli morning (sunrise views) → drive to Rudraprayag or Rishikesh.
Day 5: Rishikesh → Delhi via the expressway.
Day 1: Haridwar → Rudraprayag
Day 2: Rudraprayag → Joshimath
Day 3: Joshimath → Badrinath for darshan, Mana Village and Vyas Gufa. Return to Joshimath.
Day 4: Auli full day (meadows, Gorson Bugyal)
Day 5: Joshimath sightseeing (Narsingh Temple, Shankaracharya Math, Kalpavriksha) → Chamoli or Rudraprayag
Day 6: → Rishikesh
Day 7: Departure
Haridwar → Joshimath → Govindghat → Ghangaria → Valley of Flowers → Hemkund Sahib → Govindghat → Auli → back to Haridwar.
⚠️ Keep a buffer day. Monsoon landslides and winter snow can delay the road between Rishikesh and Joshimath.
The heart of Auli: wide open slopes that are snow-covered in winter and green meadows in other months.
It runs between the lower and upper slopes in season, giving skiers a lift and visitors a scenic ride.
A beautiful alpine meadow above Auli, reached by a walk of about 3–4 km through oak and conifer forest. In summer and autumn it's a carpet of green with wide Himalayan views. In winter it's deep in snow. It's the most popular walk in Auli and suits most fit travellers.
A small high-altitude lake beyond Gorson Bugyal, reached by a longer walk. It's best for fit walkers with a local guide.
Auli has one of the highest man-made lakes in India, built to supply snow-making machines for the ski slopes. It's a scenic stop near the upper slopes.
At several points across the upper slopes and Gorson Bugyal, you get clear views of Nanda Devi, Kamet, Mana Parvat and Dunagiri, best in the early morning.
A famous 4–6 day trek starting near Joshimath, with views of over 20 Himalayan peaks. It's a great extension for trekkers.
The base town below Auli, rich in history:
One of the Char Dham, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It's usually open from late April or May to November. Nearby are Mana, India's "First Village", and Vyas Gufa.
The UNESCO-listed Valley of Flowers (blooming July–September) and the Sikh shrine of Hemkund Sahib are reached from Govindghat, about 20 km from Joshimath.
In winter:
Choose a stay with proper room heating.
Heavy snow can cause power and water interruptions in Auli. Good hotels have backup, so ask before booking.
These are approximate. Weather at this altitude changes quickly.
For winter (snow) trips:
For summer and autumn trips:
Warm layers for evenings, comfortable walking shoes, a light rain jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses and a cap.
For every trip:
Personal medicines, a power bank, cash (no ATMs in Auli itself), and a reusable water bottle.
Short answer:
3-day trip from Haridwar: from ₹10,999 per person.
5-day trip from Delhi: from ₹12,998.
Packages from other cities: about ₹18,999–₹35,999.
Skiing extras: budget roughly ₹6,000–₹10,000 per person for equipment, lessons and the chair lift on a 2–3 day ski experience.
Key takeaway: Choose Auli if you want a quieter ski holiday with Nanda Devi views, and the option to combine it with Rishikesh or Badrinath.
Altitude: Auli (about 2,500–3,050 m) is high enough for some people to feel breathless or get mild headaches on the first day. Take it easy on arrival, drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol on the first evening.
Snow safety: Stay on marked slopes, ski only with an instructor if you're a beginner, and wear proper boots on icy paths.
Road safety: The Rishikesh–Joshimath highway runs through steep valleys. Avoid night driving, and keep a buffer day in the monsoon and after heavy snow.
Joshimath subsidence: After the 2023 land subsidence, parts of Joshimath were affected and some buildings were vacated. The town remains the working base for Auli and Badrinath, and tourism continues. We book only stays we have checked.
Children and seniors: Auli is family-friendly. In winter, keep young children well layered and avoid long hours in the snow. Seniors usually find April–June and October the most comfortable months.
SnazzyTrips is a Haldwani-based Uttarakhand DMC since 2003, trusted by 20,000+ families, covering 50+ destinations with 150+ verified local partners and a 4.6/5 average rating across verified traveller reviews.
Read more about us on our About Us page and see traveller feedback on our Reviews page.
1. What is the cost of an Auli tour package?
Auli tour packages start from ₹10,999 per person for a 3-day trip from Haridwar. A 5-day trip from Delhi starts at ₹12,998, the 8-day Auli and Valley of Flowers package at ₹19,999, and packages from other cities cost about ₹18,999–₹35,999.
2. Is the Joshimath–Auli ropeway open?
The Joshimath–Auli ropeway was suspended after the Joshimath land subsidence crisis in early 2023 and hasn't returned to regular service. Auli is reached by road from Joshimath, about 16 km.
3. How do I reach Auli?
Travel to Rishikesh, Haridwar or Dehradun, then drive about 250–270 km to Joshimath via Devprayag, Rudraprayag and Karnaprayag. From Joshimath, drive about 16 km up to Auli.
4. When does it snow in Auli?
Auli usually gets snow from late December to February, sometimes lasting into early March. Snow conditions vary every year.
5. When is the best time to visit Auli?
Visit from mid-January to mid-February for snow and skiing, October to mid-November for the clearest Himalayan views, and May–June for green meadows and Badrinath.
Yes. Auli has gentle beginner slopes, and instructors and equipment are available in season. Most beginners learn the basics in 2–3 days.
For a 2–3 day beginner experience, budget about ₹6,000–₹10,000 per person for equipment hire, lessons and the chair lift. Costs vary by season and provider.
Yes. GMVN has traditionally run ski courses at Auli in winter, typically a 7-day beginner course and a 14-day advanced course. Check the current season's schedule before booking.
No. Skiing is possible only when there's enough snow, usually from late December to February. The rest of the year, the slopes are green meadows.
Plan 3 days from Haridwar or Rishikesh, 5 days from Delhi, and 7–8 days to combine Auli with Badrinath or the Valley of Flowers.
Auli's slopes range from about 2,500 m to 3,050 m above sea level.
On clear days you can see Nanda Devi, Kamet, Mana Parvat, Dunagiri, Trishul, Hathi–Ghoda and Neelkanth.
Gorson Bugyal is a beautiful alpine meadow above Auli, reached by a walk of about 3–4 km through forest. It offers wide Himalayan views and is green in summer and snow-covered in winter.
Yes. Auli's snowy slopes, quiet resorts and mountain views make it a popular honeymoon choice, especially combined with Mussoorie or Rishikesh.
Yes. Children love the snow in winter, and the meadows in summer are safe for walks and picnics. Keep young children well layered in winter.
Yes, especially from April to June and in October. In winter, icy paths and freezing temperatures can be hard for seniors, so plan shorter outdoor time.
Stay in Auli for snow at your doorstep, sunrise views and ski access. Stay in Joshimath for more choice, better value and easy Badrinath access. Always confirm your hotel's exact location.
Yes. Badrinath is about 45 km from Joshimath and is usually open from late April or May to November, so Auli and Badrinath fit well together in summer and autumn.
Yes. The Valley of Flowers (July–September) starts from Govindghat, about 20 km from Joshimath. Our 8-day Auli & Valley of Flowers package covers both.
No. ATMs are available in Joshimath, so withdraw enough cash before going up to Auli.
After heavy snowfall, the Joshimath–Auli road can be icy or briefly closed until cleared. Our drivers carry snow chains and plan around conditions.
Gulmarg has bigger ski infrastructure and suits serious skiers. Auli is quieter, great for beginners and families, and has outstanding Nanda Devi views.
Choose Auli for skiing and easy snow access by road. Choose Chopta for snow trekking to Tungnath and Chandrashila.
Wear thermals, a down jacket, a waterproof outer layer, waterproof gloves, a woollen cap, woollen socks and waterproof shoes with good grip. Sunglasses and sunscreen are essential on snow.
Call or WhatsApp +91 7983429120, email care@snazzytrips.in, or use the booking form. Share your dates, group size and whether you want snow, skiing or meadows, and our team will send a tailored plan with a current snow update.
Whether you want your first snow, a beginner ski course, a honeymoon in the mountains or a summer walk across Gorson Bugyal, Auli is best planned with current local information. Our team checks snow, roads and stays for your dates, and supports you from Rishikesh to Auli and back.
📞 Call or WhatsApp: +91 7983429120 | ✉️ care@snazzytrips.in | 📍 Haldwani, Uttarakhand