Uttarakhand is not just about spiritual retreats and heritage towns—it is also home to one of India’s premier adventure destinations: Auli. With Hodophile Tour Travel as your trusted companion, you can experience thrilling snow adventures, scenic treks, and panoramic Himalayan views in complete comfort and safety. Auli, famously known as the Skiing Capital of India, offers perfectly groomed slopes suitable for both beginners and experienced skiers, with professional instructors and modern equipment available for an exhilarating winter experience. One of the highlights of the region is the Auli Ropeway, one of Asia’s longest ropeways, which connects Joshimath to Auli, offering breathtaking views of Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Dron Parvat, along with sprawling oak and pine forests.
By Road – Scenic and Convenient
The most popular way to reach Auli is by road, especially since the journey itself offers mesmerizing Himalayan views.
From Rishikesh: ~270 km | 8–9 hours
From Haridwar: ~285 km | 9–10 hours
From Dehradun: ~295 km | 9–10 hours
From Delhi: ~500 km | 12–14 hours
You can either:
Drive directly to Joshimath, and then take a 16 km mountain drive to Auli.
Or, from Joshimath, ride the Auli Ropeway, one of Asia’s longest and most scenic cable cars, which takes ~25 minutes and offers panoramic views of Nanda Devi and surrounding peaks.
Best Option: Hodophile Tour Travel provides private taxis with expert mountain drivers, ensuring a safe, comfortable ride with options to stop for sightseeing.
🚆 By Train – Easy Access, Closest Stations
There is no direct rail line to Auli, but nearby railway stations connect you well with the plains.
Haridwar Junction (285 km away): Well connected to Delhi, Lucknow, Kolkata, and Mumbai.
Rishikesh Railway Station (265 km away): Smaller station, good for regional connectivity.
Dehradun Railway Station (295 km away): Option for travelers coming from northern cities.
From the station, Hodophile Tour Travel can arrange a direct taxi to Joshimath/Auli.
✈️ By Air – Quickest Route
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport (DED), Dehradun, about 270 km away.
From the airport, you can hire a taxi or book a private transfer with Hodophile Tour Travel to Joshimath (8–9 hours by road).
From Joshimath, continue by road or hop on the scenic ropeway to Auli.
🚡 Within Auli – Getting Around
Once in Auli, the best way to move around is:
Ropeway: Between Joshimath and Auli.
Chair Lift & Ski Lifts: For moving between slopes in winter.
Trekking Trails: For short hikes to Gorson Bugyal or nearby meadows.
✅ Travel Tips for Auli
In winter (Dec–March), roads may be slippery due to snow—carry woolens and snow gear.
Book your ropeway tickets in advance during peak ski season.
If you’re planning skiing, Hodophile Tour Travel can provide ski equipment and instructors.
Joshimath (4 km): The base town for Auli, known for Narayan Temple, Shankaracharya Math, and local markets.
Gorson Bugyal (3 km): High-altitude meadow ideal for trekking, camping, and panoramic Himalayan views.
Nanda Devi National Park (25 km): UNESCO World Heritage site with rich biodiversity and trekking trails.
Kuari Pass (35 km): Famous trekking route offering breathtaking views of Nanda Devi and surrounding peaks.
Auli Artificial Lake (2 km): One of the world’s highest man-made lakes, perfect for photography and snow activities.
Badrinath (84 km): Renowned pilgrimage site with Badrinath Temple and spiritual significance.
Hemkund Sahib (65 km): Sikh pilgrimage site surrounded by snow-capped peaks and serene lakes.
-
-
-
Morning:
-
Arrive at Haridwar/Dehradun/Rishikesh by train/flight.
-
Drive to Joshimath (approx. 8–10 hours).
-
Enjoy scenic views of mountains, rivers (Alaknanda), and valleys.
-
-
Evening:
-
Reach Joshimath and take the ropeway (cable car) to Auli (if operational).
-
Check-in to your hotel or resort in Auli.
-
-
Overnight Stay: Auli
-
-
-
-
Morning:
-
Breakfast with mountain views.
-
Visit the Auli Artificial Lake.
-
Try skiing/snowboarding (in winter) or enjoy nature walks (in summer).
-
-
Afternoon:
-
Visit Gurson Bugyal – 3 km trek through meadows (ideal in summer).
-
Panoramic views of Nanda Devi, Trishul, Hathi Ghoda peaks.
-
-
Evening:
-
Sunset photography and bonfire (at the hotel/resort).
-
-
Overnight Stay: Auli
-
-
Morning:
-
Ropeway or drive to Joshimath.
-
Visit Shankaracharya Math, Narsingh Temple, and Kalpavriksha (believed to be 1200 years old).
-
-
Afternoon:
-
Explore local markets and try Garhwali cuisine.
-
-
Evening:
-
Return to Auli.
-
Optional: Stargazing (clear skies in winter and early spring).
-
-
Overnight Stay: Auli
Auli is a picturesque hill station in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, situated at an altitude of about 2,500–3,050 meters.
Auli is known as the Skiing Capital of India and is renowned for its snow-covered slopes, panoramic Himalayan views, and adventure sports.
Skiing and snowboarding
Trekking to Gorson Bugyal and Kuari Pass
Auli Ropeway rides
Camping and stargazing
Photography at the artificial lake
Winter (December–March): Best for skiing and snow adventures.
Summer (April–June): Ideal for trekking, camping, and meadows in bloom.
Monsoon (July–September): Lush greenery, but snowfall and landslides may affect travel.
By Road: Accessible via Joshimath from Rishikesh, Haridwar, or Dehradun.
By Rail: Nearest station is Ramnagar or Haridwar, then road transfer.
By Air: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun is the closest airport, followed by a drive to Auli.
