Auli — skiing, meadows, and complete travel guide

Auli (also called Auli Bugyal — "bugyal" means meadow in Garhwali) sits at 2,500 to 3,050 m in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand. It is 16 km from Joshimath by road and connected by one of Asia's longest cable cars.

Developed as India's premier ski destination by Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN), Auli earns that title. The skiing is genuinely good — long runs, reliable snow from January through March, and an unobstructed panorama of Nanda Devi (7,816 m), India's second-highest peak.

In summer Auli is a different place entirely: a rolling green meadow with oak and rhododendron forests, a man-made high-altitude lake, and access to excellent treks like Gorson Bugyal and Kuari Pass.

From the top of the ski lift on a clear January morning, you can see Nanda Devi, Mana Peak, Kamet, Dronagiri, and Hathi-Ghodi Parvat. No other ski resort in India offers this panorama.

By gondola (cable car)

The Joshimath-Auli ropeway covers 4.15 km between Joshimath (1,890 m) and Auli top station — one of the longest ropeways in Asia. The ride takes about 25 minutes each way with sweeping valley views.

Ticket prices (2026, counter-only — no online booking):

Round trip: 1,000 per person (adults), 500 per person (children under 12)

One way: approximately 500-600 per person

Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM daily (suspended during high winds or poor visibility)

By road

A motorable road connects Joshimath to Auli (16 km). Taxis charge 600-800 one way. The road is open May through November; after heavy snowfall in winter, the gondola becomes the only way up.

From Rishikesh

The full journey is approximately 250 km via NH-7, passing through Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Chamoli, and Joshimath. Driving time is 7-9 hours depending on road conditions and season. Pahadi Express taxis cover this route.

From Dehradun / Jolly Grant Airport

Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun) is the nearest airport, roughly 280 km from Joshimath. Haridwar and Rishikesh railway stations are the closest railheads. From any of these, the road to Joshimath follows the same NH-7 corridor.

Season

January through March. February is the peak month — snow depth reaches 1-2 m on the main slopes, weather windows are more reliable than January, and the Nanda Devi views are at their best on clear days.

Ski slopes

Auli has multiple slopes ranging from beginner to intermediate. The longest run is approximately 3 km with a vertical drop of about 500 m. Slopes are graded by colour — white (beginner, around 900 m), blue (intermediate, around 800 m), and red (advanced, around 400 m). There is no black-diamond terrain — Auli is best for beginners to intermediates.

Equipment rental

Full ski equipment (skis, boots, poles) rents for 800-1,500 per day depending on the vendor and quality. GMVN and private operators near the gondola top station both offer rentals. Quality is functional but not premium — serious skiers should bring their own boots at minimum.

Chair lift

A chair lift serves the main slopes. Ticket price is approximately 300-500 per person per ride. A ski lift day pass is also available during peak season.

GMVN ski school

GMVN runs skiing courses at multiple levels:

7-day non-certificate course (pre-basic/basic)

14-day certificate course (basic, intermediate, advanced)

A 5-6 night pre-basic course including accommodation (lodge), equipment, lift access, and instruction starts at approximately 14,500 per person. Longer and more premium packages (hotel or resort stay) range from 30,000 to 60,000 per person for 7 days. A single-day skiing session for beginners is also available through private operators.

Instructors are trained at recognised mountaineering institutes. If you have never skied before, budget at least five days to get comfortable on the slopes.

Artificial snow

Auli has 20 fixed snow guns and 4 mobile snow guns — the only such system in South Asia — fed by the Auli Artificial Lake. These were imported for the 2011 South Asian Winter Games and ensure skiable conditions even in low-snowfall years. Auli hosted the National Winter Games again in January 2025.

The meadow transforms from a ski slope to a grassland carpeted with wildflowers. This is the season for:

Gorson Bugyal trek

A 3 km walk (one way) from Auli to Gorson Bugyal at 3,056 m. One of the finest easy meadow walks in Uttarakhand — suitable even for first-time trekkers. Rhododendrons bloom red and pink in May. The round trip is roughly 6 km and can be done in half a day.

Kuari Pass trek

A 5-6 day moderate trek covering approximately 22 km (one way), reaching Kuari Pass at 3,816 m (12,516 ft). Also known as the Lord Curzon Trail. The route climbs gradually over the first three days to the summit, making it accessible for beginners with decent fitness. The Himalayan panorama from the pass — Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Kamet, Chaukhamba — is among the best in Uttarakhand. Best months: May-June and September-October.

Auli Artificial Lake

Built in 2003 at approximately 3,056 m by redirecting a stream, this is one of the highest man-made lakes in the world. Its primary purpose is feeding the snow guns, but it doubles as a scenic spot. The reflection of Nanda Devi on calm mornings makes it excellent for photography. Open for visits year-round (weather permitting).

Trishul Peak views

On clear days the 7,120 m Trishul massif is visible to the north. Combined with Nanda Devi and the full Garhwal Himalayan range, Auli offers a Himalayan panorama that few accessible hill stations can match.

At Auli (top station)

GMVN Ski Resort — the main government-run accommodation at the top. Rooms start at approximately 3,000-4,500 per night (2026). Book at least six weeks ahead for January-February weekends.

Clifftop Club Resort — a higher-end option with studio rooms and suites. Expect additional resort and utility surcharges on top of room rates.

Two to three small dhabas near the gondola top station serve dal-rice, Maggi, and omelettes. Fine for lunch; plan to eat properly in Joshimath.

In Joshimath (base town)

Most trekkers and skiers base in Joshimath and take the gondola up daily. Hotels range from 800 per night (budget guesthouses) to 4,000 per night (Hotel Kamet, Hotel Shailendra, and similar). Joshimath has a better spread of restaurants and shops.

Book the gondola return ticket when you go up in winter — queues for the last gondola down can be 45 minutes long in peak season.

What is the best time to ski at Auli?

Do I need ski experience to enjoy Auli?

Is Auli open in summer?

How much does skiing cost at Auli?

How far is Auli from Rishikesh?

Is the Auli gondola (ropeway) safe?

Can I visit Gorson Bugyal as a day trip from Joshimath?

Joshimath — the gateway town and where to stay

Badrinath — 45 km beyond Joshimath on the same corridor

Valley of Flowers — seasonal trek accessible from the same base

Rishikesh to Badrinath corridor — the full route overview