Travel to Auli: A First-Timer’s Guide to India’s Himalayan Ski Resort
A practical, no-fluff guide to Auli for first-time visitors — skiing the snow slopes, the long Auli–Joshimath cable car, the Gorson Bugyal meadow walk and Chenab Lake, jaw-dropping views of Nanda Devi, where to stay, when to go, and an easy 2-day plan.
Auli sits high on a ridge above Joshimath, a long sweep of open meadow and conifer that turns, when the winter snow arrives, into one of India’s few genuine ski slopes. At close to 2,900 metres it looks straight out at some of the Garhwal Himalaya’s giants — Nanda Devi, Kamet, Mana Parvat — and links to the valley below by one of Asia’s longest cable cars. It is the country’s headline mountain-snow destination, equal parts ski resort and grandstand for the high peaks.
Auli is India’s headline Himalayan ski resort — a high meadow above Joshimath in Garhwal with groomed winter slopes, a long Auli–Joshimath cable car and grandstand views of Nanda Devi. Come January to March to ski, or April to June and September to November for clear skies, green meadows and the Gorson Bugyal walk. It is a long haul from the plains, so give it two days, base at Auli or Joshimath, and route it up via Rishikesh on your Uttarakhand trip.
Why visit Auli
Three reasons Auli is the high-Himalayan highlight of an Uttarakhand trip — and a bucket-list stop for first-timers.
India’s ski slopes
One of the country’s few proper ski destinations — groomed, gentle-to-intermediate runs, ski schools and gear hire that make Auli genuinely beginner-friendly when the snow is down from January to March.
Cable car & big peaks
One of Asia’s longest and highest ropeways climbs from Joshimath to Auli, and from the top the Garhwal giants line up — Nanda Devi, Kamet and Mana Parvat on a clear day.
Meadows & alpine walks
Out of ski season the snow gives way to emerald bugyals — the easy Gorson Bugyal walk, the serene Chenab Lake and the high artificial lake all open up for gentle trekking with huge views.
Auli’s snow slopes in winter, with the high Garhwal peaks rising beyond the tree line.
When to go
January to March (snow & skiing): the slopes are white and the ski season is on — the only reliable window for skiing and snow play. Cold and popular, so book well ahead.
April to June (meadows & views): the snow melts back to green bugyals under clear skies; pleasant days, ideal for the cable car, Gorson Bugyal and lake walks.
September to November (post-monsoon clarity): crisp, clean air and the sharpest Himalayan views of the year, with thinner crowds before the cold sets in.
July to August (monsoon): best avoided — the mountain roads up the valley are landslide-prone and the high peaks are usually lost in cloud.
Auli is high (around 2,900 m) — take the first few hours slowly for the altitude, and pack serious warm layers in winter. Always check road and cable-car status before you travel, as the Joshimath approach can be affected by weather and ground conditions.
Top things to do in Auli
From carving the slopes to walking the meadows, here is what fills two days at altitude.
Skiing & snow play
The reason most people come — groomed beginner-to-intermediate runs, instructors and gear hire on the GMVN slopes. Even non-skiers can sledge, build a snowman or just play in the powder (January to March).
The Auli–Joshimath cable car
Ride one of Asia’s longest gondolas between Joshimath and Auli, climbing past forest and slope with the valley falling away below and the snow peaks opening up ahead. A highlight in any season.
Gorson Bugyal walk
An easy alpine-meadow walk above Auli through oak and conifer to the open Gorson Bugyal, with a sweeping panorama of Nanda Devi and the surrounding peaks. The signature non-ski outing.
Chenab Lake & Chattrakund
A short trek or ride out to a still, high-altitude lake ringed by forest — a serene spot for a picnic and reflections of the peaks, and a quieter alternative to the busy slope area.
The artificial lake & chairlift
Auli’s high man-made lake — among the world’s highest — feeds the slopes’ snowmaking. Ride the chairlift up to it for more views, or pair it with a slow loop of the upper slopes.
Joshimath & the high road
Down the cable car, Joshimath is a historic pilgrim town — the Narsingh temple, the seat of a revered math, and the seasonal gateway to Badrinath and the Valley of Flowers. A cultural counterpoint to the slopes.
What to eat in Auli
Dining up here is simple and limited — think resort kitchens, hearty Garhwali plates and the universal mountain staple of Maggi and chai.
Garhwali thali
Warming mountain food — mandua (finger-millet) roti, phaanu, bhatt and seasonal greens. Exactly the kind of fuel you want after a cold morning on the slopes.
Resort & GMVN dining
With few standalone eateries on the slopes, most meals are at your resort or the GMVN canteen — simple multi-cuisine spreads, hot and reliable. Worth checking before you book.
Maggi & chai points
The classic Himalayan refuel — a steaming bowl of Maggi and a glass of ginger chai at a slope-side kiosk, the best thing going when the wind picks up.
Joshimath dhabas & shops
The valley town has the most choice — dhabas, bakeries and shops to grab snacks, water and supplies before you head up to the slopes.
Food choices up at Auli are limited — most meals are at your resort or the GMVN canteen, with Maggi-and-chai points on the slopes. Stock snacks and water in Joshimath before heading up.
Where to stay
Choose between staying right on the slopes at Auli, basing cheaper in Joshimath, or a scenic cottage in between.
Auli resorts & GMVN
Staying up top means ski-in convenience, sunrise on the peaks from your window and no daily commute up the cable car — the most atmospheric, if pricier, base.
Joshimath hotels
More choice and lower prices in the valley town, with the cable car or road taking you up to the slopes each day. The practical, budget-friendly option.
Cottages & camps near Auli
Boutique cottages and seasonal camps on the ridge trade facilities for character and big-view balconies — a cosy splurge for the setting.
How to get to Auli & around
Auli is the most remote stop on an Uttarakhand trip — a long, scenic mountain journey from the plains via Joshimath.
It is a long mountain drive, so break the journey — a night at Rishikesh on the way up or down works well. Start early and avoid driving the hill roads after dark, and keep a buffer day for weather.
A simple 2-day plan
Two days at altitude, built around arrival, the slopes and the views.
Arrive, acclimatise & ride up
Reach Joshimath and take it easy for the altitude, then ride the cable car up to Auli. Spend the afternoon on a gentle slope session or a short walk, and catch sunset on the peaks before dinner.
Slopes or meadows, then onward
Spend the morning skiing (in winter) or walking up to Gorson Bugyal and Chenab Lake (other seasons). In the afternoon begin the long drive back down toward Rishikesh or on through the rest of Uttarakhand.
Practical tips that actually help
Acclimatise first
At ~2,900 m, go easy the first few hours, hydrate, and don’t rush straight onto the slopes.
Pack proper gear
In ski season bring warm layers, gloves, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen — the snow glare is fierce.
Check status first
Confirm road and cable-car conditions before you travel — mountain weather can change plans quickly.
Book winter ahead
Ski lessons, gear and stays sell out in peak January-to-March snow — reserve in advance.
Drive in daylight
Start early and avoid the winding hill roads after dark; keep a buffer day for weather delays.
Carry cash
ATMs are down in Joshimath, not on the slopes — carry enough cash for tickets, hire and food.
Mistakes first-time visitors make
- Underestimating the journey. Auli is a long mountain haul from the plains — build in proper road time and don’t try to rush it in a day.
- Expecting snow year-round. Reliable snow is roughly January to March; come outside that and it’s green meadows and views, not skiing.
- Ignoring the altitude. Rushing onto the slopes straight off a long drive at 2,900 m is a recipe for a headache — acclimatise first.
- Not checking conditions. Skipping a road, weather and cable-car check before setting off can leave you stranded or turned back.
Planning Uttarakhand beyond Auli?
Auli is the high point of a route that can take in Rishikesh’s rafting, Haridwar’s ghats and the hill stations of Mussoorie and Nainital. Tell me your dates and pace, and I’ll map an Uttarakhand trip that links the snow to the rivers.
Plan my Uttarakhand trip →Auli FAQs
How many days do you need in Auli?
Two days on the ground works well — one to arrive, acclimatise and ride the cable car, and a second for skiing or the meadow walks. Add travel days on top, as it is a long journey from the plains.
What is the best time to visit Auli?
January to March is the snow-and-skiing season. April to June and September to November bring clear skies, green meadows and the best peak views. The July to August monsoon is best avoided due to landslide-prone roads.
Is Auli good for beginner skiing?
Yes — the groomed, gentle-to-intermediate slopes, ski schools and gear hire make Auli one of India’s most beginner-friendly places to learn to ski during the winter season.
How do you reach Auli?
The nearest railheads are Rishikesh and Haridwar, around nine to ten hours by road to Joshimath, and the nearest airport is Dehradun. From Joshimath you reach Auli by cable car or road.
Does it always snow in Auli?
No — reliable snow is roughly January to March. Outside those months you’ll find green alpine meadows, clear views and walking rather than skiing, so time your trip to what you want to do.
Related guides
Keep planning your Uttarakhand trip with these:
Uttarakhand Travel Guide
Rivers, hill stations, wildlife and the Char Dham — how to string Uttarakhand together.
Travel to Rishikesh
Yoga, white-water rafting and the Ganga — the natural place to break the long journey up to Auli.
Ashvinee Nagle
I’m Ashvinee — I help first-time travellers plan India trips that actually work. I’ve spent years exploring the country’s regions, from Rajasthan’s forts to Kerala’s backwaters, and I write the guides I wish I’d had on my own first trips.
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