Best months
Per-day budget
₹2,700–5,600/day
Getting there
Auli is a hill station in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, developed primarily as a ski resort. At 2,800 m, it offers open meadows, clear views of Nanda Devi and Trishul, and slopes that rival many international ski destinations for a fraction of the cost. The ropeway from Joshimath to Auli is one of the longest in Asia and gives you a cable-car ride over oak and conifer forests before the landscape opens into the Auli meadows. In winter, the slopes are covered with snow and the ski school runs courses for beginners. In summer, the same meadows turn green and the Gorson Bugyal meadow walk becomes the main attraction. Auli is less crowded than Manali or Shimla and works well for a short weekend trip from Delhi or Rishikesh.
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Why go
Auli is India's most developed ski destination. The slopes are wide, gentle enough for beginners and long enough for intermediates. The ski school offers equipment rental and instructor packages that work out to ₹1,500-3,000 per day depending on the season — far cheaper than comparable lessons in Europe or even Gulmarg. The ropeway itself is an experience — a 4 km cable car ride from Joshimath that takes about 15 minutes and costs around ₹1,000 return. In summer, skiing is replaced by hiking on the Gorson Bugyal and Kuari Pass trails, which offer some of the best alpine meadow walking in the Indian Himalayas.
How to reach
The nearest railhead is Rishikesh, about 260 km away. Take the overnight train from Delhi to Haridwar or Rishikesh (₹300-500 in sleeper class) and then a shared taxi or bus to Joshimath (₹400-600, 8-9 hours). From Joshimath, the Auli ropeway takes 15 minutes and costs ₹1,000 return. Walking up from Joshimath takes about 3-4 hours on a paved road if you want to save the ropeway cost. Tickets are sold only at the Joshimath counter — there is no online booking. The nearest airport is Dehradun (Jolly Grant), about 290 km from Auli, with flights from Delhi under ₹5,000. Buses from Delhi ISBT to Joshimath are also available (₹600-1,000, 12-14 hours).
What a day costs
| Dorm bed / guesthouse | ₹500–1,000 |
| Food (thali / maggi) | ₹200–400 |
| Local transport + ropeway | ₹500–1,200 |
| Skiing equipment + instructor | ₹1,500–3,000 |
When to go
December to March is the ski season. Snow is reliable from late December to February. The slopes are busiest during Christmas-New Year and the Republic Day weekend. April to June is the summer season — the meadows are green, wildflowers are in bloom, and the hiking trails are open. July to September is monsoon — fog and rain reduce visibility, though the meadows are at their greenest. October to November is a good window for clear mountain views before the snow arrives. Note that the ropeway may close for maintenance during the monsoon months.
Suggested itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Joshimath and Take the Ropeway
Arrive in Joshimath by overnight bus or from Rishikesh. Take the morning ropeway to Auli — the 15-minute ride gives you a panoramic view of the valley. Check into a guesthouse or dorm near the ski slopes. Spend the afternoon walking around the meadows and watching the sunset over Nanda Devi.
Day 2: Skiing or Gorson Bugyal Hike
In winter: sign up for a half-day ski lesson at the Auli ski school. Equipment and instructor are included in the package. Practice on the beginner slopes in the morning and try a longer run in the afternoon. In summer: hike to Gorson Bugyal, a high-altitude meadow about 3-4 hours round trip from Auli.
Day 3: Second Day on the Slopes or Depart
Take another morning ski session or a short walk to the Auli artificial lake — the highest lake in the area at 2,800 m. Take the ropeway back down to Joshimath by midday. Catch a shared taxi or bus back to Rishikesh or Delhi from Joshimath.
Student hacks
- ▸Ski gear rental and instructor packages are cheapest on weekdays — avoid weekends and holiday periods for better rates.
- ▸Stay in Joshimath instead of Auli — guesthouses are half the price and the ropeway to Auli runs from 8 AM.
- ▸The walk up from Joshimath to Auli takes 3-4 hours and saves you the ropeway fare — doable if you are fit.
- ▸Combine Auli with a trip to the Valley of Flowers (July-September) — both are in the same region with similar access routes.
- ▸Carry your own ski gloves and goggles from home — rental gear quality varies and buying new in Joshimath is expensive.
Safety & permits
Indian nationals do not need any permit for Auli or the Gorson Bugyal trek. The ski slopes are patrolled, but beginners should take a lesson before attempting the main runs independently. Snow blindness is a real risk — carry UV-protected sunglasses or ski goggles even on cloudy days. The altitude at Auli is 2,800 m — most people adjust without issues, but if you are coming directly from the plains, spend a night in Joshimath (1,800 m) to acclimatise. Ropeway breakdowns are rare but possible — carry water and warm clothes in your daypack in case of delays. Joshimath has ATMs and good mobile coverage; Auli has patchy network.
FAQs
How do I reach Auli from Delhi on a budget?
Take an overnight train from Delhi to Haridwar or Rishikesh (sleeper class ₹300-500), then a bus or shared taxi to Joshimath (₹400-600). From Joshimath, take the ropeway to Auli (₹1,000 return). The full journey takes about 16-18 hours.
Can I ski at Auli without experience?
Yes. The Auli ski school has beginner-friendly slopes and offers lessons with equipment rental. A half-day beginner package costs around ₹1,500-2,000. The slopes are wide and gentle enough for first-timers.
When does Auli get snow?
Snowfall starts in late December and is most reliable in January and February. December and March can have snow but conditions vary year to year. Check the snow report before booking.
Is Auli worth visiting in summer?
Yes. The snow melts by April, revealing green meadows with wildflowers. The Gorson Bugyal meadow walk and views of Nanda Devi are the main draws. Summer is quieter and cheaper than winter.
Do I need a permit for Auli?
No. Indian nationals do not need any permit to visit Auli or Joshimath. The area is open year-round.
What is the ropeway fare from Joshimath to Auli?
The ropeway costs about ₹1,000 for a return ticket. Tickets are counter-only at Joshimath; children under 12 pay about half. The ropeway operates from around 8 AM to 5 PM.