Joshimath Auli in Uttarakhand: 3 Days Travel Itinerary

Joshimath Auli is one of India’s top ski destinations. It offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas, great powder snow, and forests filled with oak, pine, and conifers. There’s even a UNESCO World Heritage Site biosphere reserve nearby. While winter draws crowds from across the country to this small town in the Garhwal Himalayas, spring and summer bring the area to life.

As the snow melts, the meadows turn green and bloom with flowers and wildlife. During these seasons, trekking and camping become popular activities.

Joshimath Auli Ropeway

The Joshimath Auli ropeway was started in in October 1993 . It is one of the major attractions in Auli. This popular cable car ride offers stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan mountains and oak forests, making it a must-visit for anyone traveling to the area.

Auli Snowfall
Auli Snowfall

How to Reach Auli From Joshimath

By Road:

  • Joshimath to Auli Uttarakhand distance  just 13 kms . Regular sharing Jeeps are always available.  Joshimath to Auli by road travel takes almost 30 minutes  through high lofty mountains.

By Ropeway: 

  • Distance between Joshimath and Auli by Ropeway is 4.15 km and it takes around 30 mniutes.
  • Auli Cable car is located near GMVN Auli,  operates continuously throughout its operational timings without a fixed schedule. Joshimath Auli ropeway ticket price is INR 1000 ( Round Trips )
  • Joshimath to Auli cable car timings: The Chair Lift, located near GMVN Auli, operates continuously from 9 am to 5 pm without a fixed schedule, ensuring visitors can access it every minute during these hours. This is unlike the Auli Ropeway, which follows a set timetable.

Auli Ropeway

The Auli Ropeway offers stunning views of the Himalayas in front and oak forests below and around. The  Auli Ropeway, also known as the cable car or gondola ride, is supported by 10 steel towers. This bi-cable ropeway covers a distance of 4.15 kilometers in 25 minutes, with a total ascent of 1110 meters.

The Auli Ropeway ticket price is Rs 1000 per person, and the chair lift costs Rs 300 per person. The chair lift is equipped with a remote braking system and a storm warning system. Auli ropeway booking can be done online and Auli cable car timings from 9 am to 5 pm.

Suggested Read:  Jyotirmath or Joshimath : One of the Divya Desams out of 108 in India

Joshimath Auli Uttarakhand
Joshimath Auli Uttarakhand

Day 1

Morning

Start your first full day in Auli with a six km hike to Gorson Bugyal. This alpine meadow, situated at 3,049 meters above sea level, offers a journey through lush forests of oak and deodar trees. The verdant landscape, combined with views of the Himalayan ranges of Nanda Devi, Dunagiri, and Trisul, sparkles in the morning light. Don’t miss the crystal-clear waters of Chattrakund Lake, just three km from Gorson Bugyal.

Afternoon

Enjoy a long, relaxing lunch while chatting with locals and soaking in the beauty of the landscape. Afterwards, visit Auli Lake, an artificial lake that provides water for snow guns and offers a peaceful atmosphere. You can also go ice skating here.

Evening

Set up camp for the night to witness a breathtaking starry sky. Auli’s location is perfect for stargazing, but be prepared for fluctuating temperatures.

Day 2

Morning

Begin your second day by traveling to Joshimath. Your first stop should be Vishnuprayag, where the Alaknanda and Dhauliganga rivers meet. Visit the Vishnu Temple at the site. Next, head to the Narsingh Temple, dedicated to Lord Narsingh, an avatar of Vishnu. Finally, visit the Adi Shankaracharya Math, one of four monasteries established by Adi Shankara, which houses the Laxmi Narayan Temple.

Afternoon

Embark on the 12km Kwani Bugyal trek from Joshimath. This three-hour trek, ascending to 3,380 meters above sea level, takes you through forested meadows, tall oak trees, and bird-filled landscapes. It’s an easy climb, perfect for beginners. Enjoy a picnic on the green grass.

Evening

End your day with a ride on the Auli Ropeway, one of the longest in Asia, covering four km. The journey offers stunning views of the ice-capped Himalayas and sprawling oak forests. Peaks you can spot include Nanda Devi, Dunagiri, Nilkantha, Hathi Parbat, and Kamet.

Day 3

Morning

Start early with a visit to Nanda Devi National Park, known for its alpine meadows and natural beauty. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to rare and endangered animals like the Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, brown bear, and blue sheep. Don’t miss the Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara nearby. Enjoy a birdwatching tour to spot native Himalayan birds such as spotted nutcrackers, doves, Himalayan vultures, jays, eagles, woodpeckers, sunbirds, and thrushes.

Afternoon

After returning to Auli, relax and have lunch. Then, go shopping in local markets for handicrafts, scarves, shawls, Himalayan tea, herbs, spices, traditional jewelry, and wooden sculptures. If you need more variety, head to Joshimath for additional shopping options.

Evening

Spend your final evening visiting the Hanuman Temple viewpoint to see the Himalayas bathed in the twilight glow. Don’t miss the sunset view from Auli Lake. Reflect on your three days here and plan a return trip in winter to experience some of the best skiing in India.

Joshimath Auli
Joshimath Auli

Where to Stay

  • Luxury: The Cliff Top Club, Mountain Rover Resort
  • Budget: Snow City Auli, The Royal Village
  • Backpackers: The Himalayan Country House, Auli Life Homestay

Getting There

  • By Air: Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport is 267 km.,
  • By Train: Rishikesh is nearest railway station to Auli is   251 km..
  • By Road: Buses and cabs are available from Rishikesh and Dehradun. The hill station is well-connected by road from all major destinations in Uttarakhand.

FAQ

Q. Joshimath to Auli Ropeway price?

A. Joshimath to Auli ropeway charges INR 600 per person and you can do booking online.

Q. is Auli worth visiting?

A. Joshimath to Auli cable car expericne is one of the best in Uttarakhand and You can get this experience  Joshimath to Auli cable car booking by online.  There are many accommodation and  Joshimath hotels near Auli ropeway

Q. Joshimath to Auli Uttarakhand Distance?

A. By Road: distance between Joshimath and Auli is  and Joshimath to Auli distance by ropeway is 4.15 km.

Q. Dehradun to Auli Joshimath?

A. Dehradun to Auli distance is around 300 km by road which requires 10 hr. to reach

Q. Joshimath Auli Temperature?

A. Check Current Weather Report Online 

Q. Joshimath to Auli Bus Fare?

A. Joshimath to Auli Bus Fare is INR 75 per person but not available frequently, you can hire sharing jeeps at INR 150 per person.

Q.  Joshimath Auli Ropeway contact number

A. Phone. +91-9899733157 +91-8171899028 +91-8077858096

Author

Namaste! I am Om. I am a licensed Tourist Guide ( Approved by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India), I’m originally from Varanasi. Now, I am living in Rishikesh. I set up this blog to share my tips and experiences for traveling to inspire and help you to travel more. Hari Om

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