Auli from Joshimath: Snow Slopes, Meadows and Nanda Devi Views

Auli is a set of open slopes and meadows above Joshimath, at roughly 2,500 to 3,000 m. In winter they hold some of the best snow in India for skiing. The rest of the year they are green grassland with a view across to Nanda Devi, the highest mountain entirely inside India. Because Joshimath is the last big town on the road to Badrinath, Auli is one of the easiest additions to a Badrinath trip, and one of the most rewarding.

Getting from Joshimath to Auli

By road. A narrow, steep road climbs from Joshimath to Auli, about 15 km and roughly 45 minutes by taxi. Local jeeps run it through the day. After heavy snow the upper part can be shut until it is cleared, so in winter ask your hotel in the morning before setting out.

By ropeway. The cable car from Joshimath to Auli, about 4 km long, was built as one of the longest in Asia. It has been out of service for long stretches since the land subsidence in Joshimath, so do not plan around it: ask locally whether it is running on the day. Inside Auli a separate chairlift links the lower and upper slopes and is used mainly in the ski season.

Winter: snow and skiing

Snow usually settles from late December, and the ski season runs roughly January to March, depending on the year's snowfall. Auli has hosted national and South Asian winter games. Beginners can hire equipment and instructors on the slopes, and the state tourism body runs multi-day ski courses; if you want one, book it well before the season, as places are limited.

Winter here is properly cold. Nights fall well below freezing, and a warm room matters more than a view. Many visitors stay in Joshimath, which is lower and warmer, and go up for the day.

Summer and autumn: meadows and views

From April to June the snow gives way to grass, and from September to November the air after the monsoon is at its clearest. This is the time for walks rather than skiing. On a clear morning you can pick out Nanda Devi, Kamet, Mana Parvat and Dronagiri from the slopes.

Gorson Bugyal

The best short walk from Auli is to Gorson Bugyal, a high meadow ringed by oak and conifer forest. It is about 3 km from the top of the Auli slopes, a steady climb of around two hours up for most people. Take water and a jacket; the weather turns fast in the afternoon. Fitter walkers continue beyond Gorson towards Tali lake, but that is a longer day and best done with a local guide.

Adding Auli to a Badrinath trip

The simplest way is one extra night in Joshimath:

1. Arrive in Joshimath in the afternoon, as you would anyway before Badrinath.
2. Spend the next morning in Auli — the slopes, the view, and Gorson Bugyal if your legs are willing — and be back in Joshimath by mid-afternoon.
3. Drive to Badrinath the following morning.

Doing Auli after Badrinath also works, and is a gentle way to spend a day before the long drive down. If you are coming from Kedarnath, our Do Dham guide shows where that extra day fits. Joshimath is also the base for the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib, so one well-placed room can cover several side trips.

Altitude

Auli is higher than many people expect, and the air is noticeably thinner at the top of the slopes. Walk slowly on the first day and drink plenty of water. If you get a headache that does not ease, come down to Joshimath. Our altitude guide covers the warning signs.

Where to stay

Auli has a small number of resorts right on the slopes, which are good for a ski trip. For most pilgrims and families, Joshimath is the better base: more rooms, shops, a hospital, and the road to Badrinath on the doorstep. See what is listed on our stays near Auli page.