Auli: India's Skiing Paradise
Auli: India's top ski destination with breathtaking Himalayan views and thrilling winter sports.
Auli, meaning 'meadow' in the local language, is a picturesque hill station and ski resort located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. Perched at an altitude of 2,500 to 3,050 meters (8,200 - 10,000 feet), Auli offers panoramic views of the Himalayas, including the majestic Nanda Devi, Mana Parvat, and Kamat peaks. Historically, Auli was traversed by the semi-nomadic Bhotiya tribes who engaged in trade with Tibet. The area also served as a training ground for the Indian Army before being developed into a ski resort. In the 8th century AD, Adi Shankaracharya visited Auli, and a temple he established still stands in nearby Joshimath. Today, Auli is renowned for its pristine, snow-covered slopes, making it a haven for skiers and snowboarders. The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) and Uttarakhand Tourism Department organize winter sports events to promote skiing in the region. Auli boasts Asia's longest and one of the world's highest cable car connections, the Auli Ropeway, linking it to Joshimath. Beyond skiing, Auli offers lush green meadows during summers and monsoons, making it a year-round destination. Visitors can explore attractions like the Auli Artificial Lake, Gorson Bugyal, and Trishul Peak. Trekking and camping opportunities abound, with routes leading through verdant valleys and alongside clear streams.
Local tips
- Book accommodations in advance, especially during peak winter season (October to March), to secure your preferred choice.
- Carry heavy woolens when visiting Auli between October and March due to heavy snowfall.
- If on a budget, consider staying in Joshimath for more competitive accommodation pricing.
- Avoid traveling during the monsoon season due to heavy rainfall and potential landslides.
- Carry sufficient cash as there are no ATMs in Auli.
A brief summary to auli
- Joshimath, Uttarakhand, 246443, IN
- +911800111363
Getting There
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Ropeway
The most popular way to reach Auli from Joshimath is via the Auli Ropeway (Gondola). The base station is located in Joshimath. A round trip ticket costs ₹1000 per person, and ₹500 for children below 12 years. The ride is approximately 4.15 km long and takes about 25 minutes, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas. Tickets can only be purchased directly at the counter in Joshimath. The ropeway operates from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but timings may vary depending on weather conditions. Expect long queues during peak season.
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Shared Jeep
Shared jeeps are readily available from Joshimath to Auli. The journey is approximately 12-13 km and takes about 30 minutes. Expect to pay around ₹150-₹300 per person. These jeeps can be found near the Joshimath taxi stand. Be prepared for a bumpy ride on the winding mountain roads.
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Chair Lift
Once in Auli, a chair lift provides access to the upper ski slopes near Auli Lake. A two-way ticket on the chair lift costs ₹500 per person. The chair lift operates continuously during operational hours, without a fixed schedule.
Attractions Nearby to auli
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Auli top
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Ropeway To Auli
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Namastey Himalaya
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Sunil
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Jogidhara waterfall
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Topovan
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Shri Narsingh Temple, Joshimath
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Joshimath
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XRA Chowk
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Foot step to Auli
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The Vishnuprayag Hill Town - Chamoli District, Uttarakhand, India
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Auli Skiing School
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Auli Hill Station
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Snow sking ️ and snowboarding
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Vishnuprayag, Uttarakhand, India
Landmarks nearby to auli
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Auli Inn
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Ski & Snow Cliff Top Club Holiday Resort at Auli, Uttarakhand
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Hotel Manik Resort Auli
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The Royal Village
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Ski resort GMVN Auli
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Casa Himalaya, Auli
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Hotel Auli D - Hotel In Joshimath
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Ski Resort Auli
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Faraway Cottages, Auli
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Auli Tourism
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कुमाऊँ हिमालय
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Lesser Himalaya
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Flowers Valley
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Experience The Himalayas
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Kausani Tea Estate