Auli 2-Day Itinerary: Slopes, Gorson Bugyal & Snow-Day Plan

2 Days in Auli: Day-by-Day Itinerary

Planning a 2-day trip to Auli? This itinerary covers some of the city's most popular attractions without trying to squeeze everything into one trip. You'll explore Joshimath (Jyotirmath), Auli Ski Slopes, Auli Artificial Lake, Gorson Bugyal and Chattrakund. The plan works well for first-time visitors and can be adjusted based on your interests and travel pace.

Base yourself in Auli or Joshimath (14–16 km by road, 40–60 minutes). The Joshimath–Auli ropeway has been closed since January 2023, so every stop here is reached by road or on foot. In winter, keep one spare day in case snow closes the road.

◷2 days / 1 nights

📍Auli, Uttarakhand

☀Best time guide included

✓Verified attractions

Day

Joshimath and the Auli slopes

Joshimath (Jyotirmath)

Joshimath (Jyotirmath) is the gateway town below Auli and on the Badrinath route – the base for hotels, markets, taxis and the historic Jyotirmath and Narsingh Temple.

The town is open throughout the day; individual temples, ropeway counters, markets and attractions follow their own schedules. No entry fee to visit the town; individual attractions, parking or ropeway services may have separate charges. View on map

Auli Ski Slopes

Auli's celebrated ski slopes are the signature winter experience of Uttarakhand's Garhwal Himalaya, combining long snow runs, ski training and panoramic views toward Nanda Devi, Kamet and Dunagiri.

Outdoor area; ski, lift and training operations follow seasonal operating hours and weather conditions. Check locally on the day of visit. Free to walk on. Skiing is paid: ski hire about ₹600–800 a day, GMVN lesson about ₹300 a day, private lesson with equipment about ₹1,500–3,000. View on map

Auli Artificial Lake

Auli Artificial Lake is a scenic high-altitude man-made lake within the ski landscape, surrounded by Himalayan slopes and linked with Auli's snow-management infrastructure.

Open-area sightseeing follows local access conditions; visit during daylight. Access can change with snow, maintenance or local restrictions. No verified separate fixed lake-entry fee is published on the official tourism destination page; ropeway, lift or local transport charges may apply depending on how you reach it. View on map

Joshimath to Auli is 14–16 km by road (40–60 minutes by taxi or shared jeep); the ropeway has been closed since January 2023. From January to early March, spend the afternoon on the slopes – a beginner ski lesson or snow play. Head back down before dark if you are staying in Joshimath.

Day

Gorson Bugyal walk

Gorson Bugyal

Gorson Bugyal is Auli's signature alpine meadow trek, reached through oak and conifer forest with sweeping views of Nanda Devi, Trishul, Dronagiri and the Garhwal Himalaya.

Open natural area; visit during daylight and begin the trek early enough to return before weather or visibility deteriorates. No fixed attraction entry fee is published on the official Auli destination page. Guide, lift, ropeway or local activity charges may apply depending on your route.

ChattrakundOptional

Chattrakund is a small, tranquil high-altitude lake around 4 km from Auli and about 1 km beyond Gorson Bugyal, surrounded by mountain greenery and quiet Himalayan scenery.

Daylight visit only; start in the morning and return before weather or light deteriorates. No verified fixed attraction entry fee is published on the official Auli tourism page; guide or local activity costs may apply. View on map

Start early: Auli to Gorson Bugyal and back takes about 3–5 hours on foot, and Chattrakund is about 1 km further. Go only in clear weather and with a local guide after snow. Winter alternative (deep snow or bad weather): skip the trail and spend the day on the ski slopes, or take a taxi to Saildhar Tapovan's hot spring (about 15 km) and be back before dark. Kwani Bugyal is a longer trek – plan it on a 3-day trip or more.

More places near Auli (for a longer stay)

Kwani Bugyal – Kwani Bugyal is a remote alpine meadow beyond Gorson Bugyal, prized for open Himalayan scenery, high-altitude trekking and a quieter, more adventurous side of the Auli region.
Saildhar Tapovan – Saildhar Tapovan is a small village excursion around 15 km from Auli, known for its natural hot-water spring, temple, traditional Garhwali setting and local handicrafts.
Auli Hanuman Temple – Auli Hanuman Temple is a small spiritual stop near Auli, highlighted in Uttarakhand Tourism's Auli itinerary for its peaceful setting and impressive mountain views.