Nanda Devi sunrise
On clear mornings from October to May, the first light hits Nanda Devi's west face at roughly 6:30am. The peak turns from pink to gold in about 15 minutes. Walking up to the ski slope top before sunrise is worth every cold moment.
Auli
India's best Himalayan ski resort, and one of its finest alpine meadows.
2,500m above sea level
Altitude
2,500m
Best time
December–March for skiing (best snow January–February)
Taxi from Rishikesh
₹7,000 · 9.5 hrs
Overview
About Auli
Auli is a wide bowl of grass and oak forest that becomes a ski run in winter. The meadows face south-east, which means morning light on Nanda Devi (7,816m) — India's second-highest peak — is an almost daily spectacle from roughly October to May. In summer, the same meadows are green and dotted with wildflowers. It's one of those rare mountain places that earns its reputation in every season.
The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) runs basic but functional ski training from December to March, with equipment rental available. The runs here are not long or technically demanding — this is beginner and intermediate terrain — but the setting, with the Nanda Devi massif filling the horizon, is unmatched in India. The cable car from Joshimath makes day-tripping feasible.
In summer, Auli connects to Gorson Bugyal — a high meadow at 3,056m — by a 3 km trail. The trek takes about 90 minutes each way and is manageable for reasonably fit walkers. Pahadi Express includes Auli in both the Auli Snow Package and the Joshimath–Auli Explorer trip.
Highlights
What to see and do
Ski slopes
GMVN operates beginner and intermediate runs from mid-December to early March. Equipment rental (skis, boots, poles, helmet) is available at the slope. Instructors speak Hindi and basic English. Book through GMVN or via Pahadi Express.
Gorson Bugyal trek
A 3 km trail from Auli through oak and rhododendron forest to the Gorson high meadow at 3,056m. On a clear day you can identify Nanda Devi, Trishul, Kamet, Mana, and Dunagiri from the meadow top.
Kwani Bugyal
A lesser-visited meadow beyond Gorson, accessible as a full-day trek from Auli. Few tourists make it here — you'll often have the meadow and the Himalayan panorama entirely to yourself.
GMVN cable car
The gondola from Joshimath to Auli covers 4 km and 1,000 metres of elevation gain in 20 minutes. Even without skiing plans, the ride alone — over dense oak forest with Nanda Devi ahead — is remarkable.
Best time to visit
December–March for skiing (best snow January–February). April–May for wildflower meadows and clear Nanda Devi views. October–November for clear skies and empty trails. Avoid July–August due to monsoon fog.
How to reach
15 km from Joshimath by road, or 4 km via the cable car (gondola). From Rishikesh: 265 km, roughly 9.5 hours. There is no direct bus to Auli — go to Joshimath first, then cable car or local vehicle.
Packages
Trips that include Auli
Nearby
Stops along the corridor
Need a taxi to Auli?
From Rishikesh: ₹7,000 · 9.5 hrs. Local Pahadi driver, comfortable vehicle, flexible pickup time.