Auli Tourism Tourist Places & Things to Do

Auli is a Himalayan ski area and alpine meadow in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district, about 14–16 km above Joshimath. Its slopes, between roughly 2,500 m and 3,050 m (about 8,200–10,000 ft), look out on Nanda Devi, Dronagiri and other Garhwal peaks.

In winter (January to early March) Auli is India's best-known skiing destination; in spring and autumn it is a quiet base for meadow walks to Gorson Bugyal, Auli Artificial Lake and Chattrakund. Joshimath, below, is the gateway town and the winter seat of Badrinath.

Note: the Joshimath–Auli ropeway has been closed since January 2023; Auli is reached by road from Joshimath.

Auli lies on the mountainside above Joshimath, at the meeting of the Alaknanda and Dhauliganga valleys in the Garhwal Himalaya. The ski slopes run from about 2,500 m to about 3,050 m (roughly 8,200–10,000 ft), with oak, deodar and conifer forest below the open meadows.

It is not a town: hotels, GMVN huts and resorts are spread along the upper road. Joshimath (about 1,875 m), 14–16 km below by road, is the nearest town for markets, fuel, banks and medical care. Gorson Bugyal and Kwani Bugyal are higher meadows reached on foot from Auli.

• Snow and skiing: beginner lessons and GMVN ski courses from January to early March.
• Himalayan views: Nanda Devi (7,816 m), Dronagiri and Kamet from the slopes and meadows.
• Meadow walks: Gorson Bugyal, Kwani Bugyal and Chattrakund through oak and conifer forest.
• Pilgrimage links: Jyotirmath and Narsingh Temple in Joshimath, and Badrinath about 45 km beyond.
• Quiet mountain stay: few crowds outside the snow season and peak holidays.