Joshimath, Chamoli · Uttarakhand
Auli
Snow slopes with a view of Nanda Devi, and India's best-known ski meadow outside Gulmarg.
Auli is an easy snow destination in Joshimath, Chamoli, Uttarakhand, reaching 3,050 m. The best time to go is January to March and October and November. Plan 4 to 5 days on the ground from Dehradun / Rishikesh and about ₹3,500 per person per day.
What to do in Auli
The one thing not to miss
Gorson Bugyal
A walk of about 3 km through oak forest to an open meadow above the slopes.
- 2Skiing lessonsBeginner slopes and instructors from January to March, snow permitting.
- 3Nanda Devi at sunriseThe peak catches first light from most of the ridge.
A sample plan: 5 days
Day 1
Dehradun to Auli
Check in and take a short walk to get your bearings; go gently, you have gained height.
Day 2
Gorson Bugyal
A walk of about 3 km through oak forest to an open meadow above the slopes.
Day 3
Skiing lessons
Beginner slopes and instructors from January to March, snow permitting.
Day 4
Nanda Devi at sunrise
The peak catches first light from most of the ridge.
Day 5
Auli to Dehradun
Leave after breakfast; hill roads are slower than the map suggests.
A starting point built from the things to do above. Move days around to suit your pace.
When to go
- ❄︎Jan
- ❄︎Feb
- ❄︎Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- ❄︎Dec
Why go
Snow you can reach by road, with family-friendly stays and beginner ski courses.
Why not
Snowfall is unreliable some winters; check reports before booking a ski trip.
Before you go
- Permits
- None.
- Guide
- Ski instructors via GMVN or private schools.
- Safety
- Check road status through Joshimath before you go (land subsidence has affected the area since 2023).
- Phone & internet
- Good in Joshimath, decent in Auli.
Altitude
Auli reaches 3,050 m. Most people feel fine, but a mild headache or poor sleep on the first night is common.
- Take the first day slowly and drink plenty of water.
- Avoid alcohol on the first night.
- If a headache comes with nausea, dizziness or unusual tiredness, do not go higher until it clears.
General guidance, not medical advice.
Permits, food and festivals in Uttarakhand →
These details haven't been field-verified yet. Confirm permits, road status and weather locally before you travel.
If something goes wrong
Nearest help: District disaster control room, Chamoli, Gopeshwar.
All emergency contacts for Uttarakhand →What to pack for Auli
Worked out from its season, altitude and terrain. Tick things off as you pack; tap a name to find it in a shop.
Clothing
10 items
- Fleece or light sweater Evenings turn cold in the hills even in summer.
- Thermal inner wear (top and bottom) Nights drop below freezing in the snow months.
- Down or padded jacket Your main warm layer for mornings, evenings and high points.
- Woollen cap that covers the ears Most body heat is lost from the head.
- Woollen socks, 2–3 pairs Dry woollen socks for the night matter more than you expect.
- Waterproof gloves You will be touching snow; ordinary woollen gloves get wet.
- Neck gaiter or balaclava Covers nose and neck in wind and on cold mornings.
- Hand warmers A small, cheap comfort at camp and on early starts.
- Compact umbrella Showers are frequent in the rainy months.
- Rain jacket or poncho The season here overlaps the rains.
Footwear
2 items
- Comfortable walking shoes with grip Hill towns mean slopes, steps and wet stone.
- Waterproof snow boots Ordinary shoes soak through in snow. Often rentable on the spot — check before buying.
For day outings
2 items
- Day pack, 20–30 litres For day outings: water, a layer, a camera.
- Water bottles, 2 litres in total Refill rather than buying plastic bottles.
Health and sun
6 items
- Sunscreen, SPF 50 UV is much stronger at altitude and on snow.
- Small first-aid kit and your own medicines The nearest chemist may be hours away.
- UV-protection sunglasses Protects against snow glare and strong high-altitude light.
- Lip balm with SPF Cold, dry air cracks lips within a day.
- Motion-sickness bands or tablets The approach roads are long and winding.
- Insect repellent Mosquitoes and midges at lower altitudes and in the wet months.
Documents and money
3 items
- Government photo ID and two photocopiesAsked for at hotels, check posts and permit counters.
- Enough cash for the whole tripATMs are scarce and often empty beyond the gateway town.
- Permits and registrationsNone.
Phone and power
2 items
- Power bank Charging is limited, and cold drains batteries fast.
- A SIM that works thereGood in Joshimath, decent in Auli.
For what you're going for
2 items
- Light travel tripod For sunrise, night skies and long exposures.
- Spare memory card and camera battery Cold drains camera batteries; there is nowhere to buy spares.
Read before you go
1 item
- A guidebook for Uttarakhand Worth reading before you go, and it works without a signal.
Links to shops are affiliate links: if you buy, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. The shop handles payment, delivery and returns.
Share this place
Homestays in Uttarakhand
No homestays listed here yet. Run one? List it.
Getting there
The nearest gateway is Dehradun / Rishikesh.
Directions open in Google Maps with today's road time. In the mountains, add a third to whatever it says.
- Normal car?
- Yes, any car can make it. The road from Joshimath to Auli can be icy in winter; snow chains or a local taxi may be needed.
By road
From
Rishikesh
- Distance
- about 255 km to Joshimath
- Drive time
- 9–10 hours
- Rishikesh
- Devprayag
- Srinagar
- Rudraprayag
- Karnaprayag
- Chamoli
- Joshimath
From
Joshimath
- Distance
- about 14 km
- Drive time
- 30–45 minutes
- Joshimath
- Auli
From
Delhi
- Distance
- about 500 km
- Drive time
- two days
Break the journey at Rishikesh or Rudraprayag.
Live directions from Delhi
Buses and shared taxis. Trains and flights reach Dehradun (Jolly Grant airport) and Haridwar; buses and shared jeeps leave from Rishikesh and Dehradun early in the morning. Buses run as far as Joshimath.
Pickups & drivers
From Dehradun / Rishikesh. Call or WhatsApp the driver directly.
No drivers listed for Auli yet. Drive this route? List your cab.
Auli: questions people ask
What is the best time to visit Auli?
The best months for Auli are January to March and October and November. April to June and December are possible but not ideal. Snow is likely in December to March.
How difficult is Auli?
Auli is rated easy. No trekking is needed, starting at 2,800 m and reaching 3,050 m.
How many days do you need for Auli?
Plan 4 to 5 days on the ground, counted from Dehradun / Rishikesh. Add travel days to reach the gateway from your city.
How much does a trip to Auli cost?
Expect about ₹3,500 per person per day for a mid-range trip (stay, food and local transport). That is roughly ₹17,500 for 5 days, before the cost of getting to Dehradun / Rishikesh.
How do you reach Auli?
By road: from Rishikesh it is about 255 km to Joshimath, 9–10 hours (Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Karnaprayag → Chamoli → Joshimath); from Joshimath it is about 14 km, 30–45 minutes (Joshimath → Auli); from Delhi it is about 500 km, two days. Trains and flights reach Dehradun (Jolly Grant airport) and Haridwar; buses and shared jeeps leave from Rishikesh and Dehradun early in the morning. Buses run as far as Joshimath. The nearest gateway is Dehradun / Rishikesh.
Do you need a permit or a guide for Auli?
Permits: None. Guide: Ski instructors via GMVN or private schools.
Is Auli suitable for children and senior citizens?
With children it is great; with seniors it is good. It is moderately busy in season. Check road status through Joshimath before you go (land subsidence has affected the area since 2023).
What should you pack for Auli?
Pack fleece or light sweater, thermal inner wear (top and bottom), down or padded jacket, woollen cap that covers the ears, woollen socks, 2–3 pairs, waterproof gloves, neck gaiter or balaclava, hand warmers, compact umbrella. Also carry a government photo ID, enough cash and any permits. The full list is on this page.
Is there mobile network and internet at Auli?
Good in Joshimath, decent in Auli.
Will I get altitude sickness at Auli?
Auli reaches 3,050 m. Most people feel fine, but a mild headache or poor sleep on the first night is common. Take the first day slowly and drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol on the first night. If a headache comes with nausea, dizziness or unusual tiredness, do not go higher until it clears. This is general guidance, not medical advice.
Who should not go to Auli?
Auli suits most travellers, including children and senior citizens. The one drawback to know about: Snowfall is unreliable some winters; check reports before booking a ski trip.
Close to Auli
Within about 35 km in a straight line. Hill roads are a good deal longer, so check the drive before you combine two.
- Hemkund Sahibabout 19 km
- Valley of Flowersabout 22 km
- Roopkund (Skeleton Lake)about 34 km
- Chopta, Tungnath & Chandrashilaabout 34 km
More in Badrinath valley
- Hemkund Sahib4,329 mcompare
- Valley of Flowers3,658 mcompare
- Almora2,000 mcompare
- Bhimtal & Naukuchiatal1,400 mcompare
- Binsar2,412 mcompare
- Brahmatal3,734 mcompare