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Auli Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check whether there is snow in Auli before I travel?
Ask your stay in Auli for a photo the day before, check the India Meteorological Department forecast for Chamoli district, and read the snow section of our Best Time to Visit Auli page, which we update through the winter. Snow usually settles on the slopes from late December or January; some Decembers stay almost dry.
If I go in January, will I definitely see snow in Auli?
Not definitely. January usually brings the first heavy snowfall, but some winters are poor – the national skiing championship planned for Auli was postponed in March 2025 for lack of snow. February is the safest month. Book stays you can change if the forecast looks dry.
What happens to the Joshimath–Auli road after heavy snow?
The 14–16 km road can close for a day or two until it is cleared, and the upper stretch stays icy for longer. Local taxis with snow chains or 4x4s are usually the first vehicles back on it. Keep a spare day and don't drive up after dark.
Is there any way up to Auli other than the ropeway?
Yes – by road. Taxis and shared jeeps run from Joshimath to Auli in about 40–60 minutes. On the slopes themselves, the short GMVN chair lift runs when weather and maintenance allow.
When will the Joshimath–Auli ropeway reopen?
No reopening date has been announced. The ropeway stopped in January 2023 after land subsidence in Joshimath, and in June 2026 it was still closed while surveys continued. Plan your trip by road.
Is the drive from Rishikesh to Joshimath safe?
It is a busy mountain highway (NH-7) that is generally fine in daylight from October to June. In July and August landslides can block it for hours or days. Start early, avoid driving at night, and check Chamoli district road updates before you set off.
Do I need a 4x4 or snow chains to reach Auli?
Usually not from October to mid-December or from April to June. In January and February, use a local taxi with chains or a 4x4 for the Joshimath–Auli stretch – plains cars often struggle on ice.
Where should I fill fuel before going up to Auli?
In Joshimath. Fill up there before the climb, as there is no fuel station up in Auli.
Roughly what does a 3-day stay in Auli cost per person?
Using our daily ranges – about ₹2,500–5,000 per person on a budget and ₹6,000–11,000 mid-range – three days in Auli come to roughly ₹7,500–15,000 or ₹18,000–33,000, plus your travel to Joshimath and any skiing.
Is Auli more expensive at Christmas and New Year?
Yes. Room rates and taxi fares are at their highest from about 24 December to 1 January and on snowy weekends. Booking early, or staying in Joshimath and going up for the day, keeps the cost down.
Is Auli's altitude a problem for children or older parents?
Auli (about 2,500–3,050 m) is lower than places where altitude sickness is common, but the cold and thinner air tire people quickly. If anyone has heart or breathing problems, spend the first night in Joshimath (about 1,875 m), keep the first day easy and check with a doctor before the trip.
Can I visit Auli as a day trip from Rishikesh or Haridwar?
No. Rishikesh to Auli is about 270 km and 10–12 hours each way. Plan at least two nights in Auli or Joshimath, and three if you want a ski lesson or the walk to Gorson Bugyal.
Is a weekend enough for Auli from Delhi?
Only a very rushed one: Delhi to Auli is about 15–17 hours of driving each way, which leaves almost no time there. Allow at least 4–5 days door to door – two days on the road and two or three in Auli.
Do I need a permit to visit Auli?
No permit is needed to visit Auli or Joshimath. Longer treks beyond the meadows, such as Kuari Pass, are run by registered trek operators who arrange the forest permissions.
Is Auli good for a honeymoon?
Yes – January to February for snow, or October to November for clear mountain views and fewer people. Stay up in Auli rather than Joshimath for the views, and book early for the Christmas–New Year week.