Auli Travel Guide — Everything You Need to Know
Auli is a ski slope and a set of high meadows on the hillside above Joshimath, in Chamoli district, with one of the widest views of the Garhwal Himalaya — Nanda Devi, Kamet, Mana Parvat and Dronagiri across the valley. People come in winter for the snow and the ski courses, and in summer for the green slopes and the walk to Gorson Bugyal. Finding hotels in Auli is the first decision: there are only a handful of places to stay on the slopes themselves, and most visitors sleep in Joshimath, about 16 km below by road.
Pulp Hotels does not list a hotel in Auli itself. The stays we list for Auli are in Joshimath: Hotel Dhanesh and Hotel Divine Residency.
Where to stay for Auli
| Base | Distance to the slopes | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Auli, on the slopes | On foot | A few resorts and the government tourist resort; ski-in mornings and sunrise on the peaks, but limited rooms that go early in the snow season |
| Joshimath | About 16 km, 45 minutes to an hour by road | The town below, with far more hotels, restaurants, banks and fuel; a lower, warmer night |
Staying on the slopes means you are out in the snow at first light, but rooms are few, prices rise sharply when it snows, and the road up can close for a day after heavy snowfall. Joshimath has the choice and the services, and in winter it is the safer base: if the road to Auli closes, you are still in a town. See hotels in Joshimath.
When to go to Auli
The snow season runs roughly from late December to March, with the best skiing usually in January and February; how much snow falls varies from year to year. Ski courses for beginners are run in the season, so book ahead if you want lessons. April to June brings mild days and green meadows, and October and November have the clearest views of the peaks before the snow. July to September is the monsoon, with rain, cloud and landslides on the roads.
Getting to Auli
Auli is reached through Joshimath. From Rishikesh it is a full day's drive of about 250 km up the Alaknanda valley; from Joshimath the road climbs about 16 km to the slopes. The Joshimath–Auli ropeway, when it is running, is the scenic way up. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant at Dehradun and the nearest railheads are Rishikesh and Haridwar. Many travellers split the drive with a night at Rudraprayag or Karnaprayag.
Things to do in Auli
- Skiing and snow play — on the main slope in the snow season, with equipment on hire and courses for beginners.
- Gorson Bugyal — an easy walk through oak and conifer forest to a high meadow above Auli, best from April to November.
- The view — Nanda Devi and the Garhwal peaks at sunrise from the top of the slope.
- Joshimath — the Narsingh Temple and Jyotirmath, and the road on to Badrinath in the season.
Our Auli guide from Joshimath has more on the slopes, the walks and how to fit Auli into a Badrinath trip.
What to check before booking
- Whether the room is on the slopes or in Joshimath — a listing called Auli may be either.
- Heating and hot water; nights are freezing in winter.
- How the hotel handles a road closure after heavy snow.
- Parking, and whether your car needs snow chains in January.
- Cancellation terms, since snow and roads decide the trip.
Auli hotel FAQs
Are there hotels in Auli?
A few — a handful of resorts and the government tourist resort on the slopes. Most visitors stay in Joshimath, about 16 km below, which has far more rooms.
When does it snow in Auli?
Usually from late December to March, with the best skiing in January and February. The amount of snow varies each year.
How far is Auli from Joshimath?
About 16 km by road, 45 minutes to an hour. The ropeway from Joshimath is the scenic alternative when it is running.
Can beginners ski in Auli?
Yes. Ski courses for beginners run in the snow season, and equipment can be hired on the slope. Book ahead for January and February.
Should I stay in Auli or Joshimath?
Stay on the slopes for early snow and sunrise if you can get a room; stay in Joshimath for choice, services and a safe base if snow closes the road.
