Auli Travel Guide — India's Best Ski Resort & Himalayan Meadows

Auli is India's finest ski destination — a 4 km stretch of groomed ski slopes at 2,519 metres in the Garhwal Himalayas with a backdrop that rivals the Alps. The slopes are lined with oak and conifer forests and face a jaw-dropping panorama of 13 Himalayan peaks including Nanda Devi (7,816m — India's second highest), Kamet, Mana, Dunagiri and Rishikot. The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) runs the ski resort here, with a gondola (one of Asia's longest at 4 km) connecting Joshimath to Auli. Skiing runs from January to March when natural snow blankets the slopes. But Auli is equally spectacular in summer (April–June and September–October) when the meadows burst into wildflowers and the mountains are dramatically clear. The town of Joshimath at the base is the gateway to Badrinath and the Valley of Flowers — making Auli an excellent base for multiple adventures.

Places to Visit in Auli

Auli Ski Slopes

4 km of groomed slopes at 2,519–3,049m. 7 ski lifts, ski equipment rental. Beginner to advanced slopes. GMVN runs ski school — 3-day beginner courses available. Book at gmvnl.in.

Gorson Bugyal

A stunning alpine meadow 3 km trek from Auli. Magnificent 360° view of Nanda Devi and surrounding peaks. Covered in wildflowers May–June. A gentle, rewarding walk.

Chattrakund Lake

1.5 km trek from Auli. A small but beautiful glacial lake surrounded by oak forest. Picturesque and peaceful — favourite with birdwatchers.

Joshimath Town

Base town for Auli 13 km below. Home to Shankaracharya Math, Narasimha Temple (7th century) and starting point for Badrinath, Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib.

Experiences & Activities

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  Skiing (Jan–Mar): Rent equipment from GMVN ski shop (₹500/day). Ski school packages (₹3,000–8,000 for 3–7 days) available. Book via GMVN website. National Ski Championship held here annually.
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  Gondola Ride (Year-Round): Asia's one of the longest ropeways (4.15 km) from Joshimath to Auli. ₹1,000 return. Spectacular views of Nanda Devi even in non-ski season. Highly recommended.
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  Gorson Bugyal Trek: 3 km easy trek from Auli to a vast alpine meadow. June meadows are wildflower paradise. October has golden light and clearest Himalayan views.
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  Valley of Flowers (Jun–Oct): 35 km from Joshimath. UNESCO World Heritage Site. 87 km² of Himalayan meadows with 500+ flower species. Must-visit June–September. Permit and info.
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  Hemkund Sahib (Jun–Oct): Sacred Sikh shrine at 4,632m — 19 km trek from Govindghat. One of the world's highest gurudwaras. Shares trailhead with Valley of Flowers.

When to Visit Auli

Delhi to Auli Cab Fare (2026)

* One-way from Delhi. Toll, parking & state tax charged at actuals. Call for return / multi-day package rates.

How to Plan Your Auli Trip

Essential Auli Tips

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  Ski Booking: Ski packages book up fast in January–February. Book GMVN packages at least 2–3 weeks ahead at gmvnl.in.
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  Altitude: Auli is at 2,519m and Gorson Bugyal at 3,056m. If coming from plains, spend a night in Joshimath (1,890m) to acclimatise before trekking higher.
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  Winter Driving: NH-58 Rishikesh–Joshimath remains open in winter but can have ice patches. EZPZ Taxi drivers are experienced on mountain roads — don't attempt in an unfamiliar vehicle.