Auli Travel Guide: Skiing, Meadows and Himalayan Views

Auli is a small hill resort that Uttarakhand Tourism describes as India's premier ski resort destination, a place that began as a paramilitary base. It stands at around 2,800 metres among oak and coniferous forests, and Uttarakhand Tourism says it offers panoramic views of some of India's highest peaks, among them Nanda Devi, 7,816 metres, the second highest in the country. It is also described as the gateway to the Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers national parks, and to trekking destinations such as Gorson Bugyal, Pangerchulla and Tapovan. Our Uttarakhand travel guide places it in the wider state.

The ski slopes

Uttarakhand Tourism says Auli's slopes are about 5 km long, snow-covered, and suit both professionals and beginners. It adds that there are ski training schools and that equipment can be rented, and it points to Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) for skiing lessons. Uttarakhand Tourism gives January to March as the best time for skiing, and says that Auli hosts several snow adventure events in winter. For the courses, their dates and the equipment on offer, ask GMVN directly.

Gorson Bugyal

Gorson Bugyal, also written Gurso Bugyal, is a meadow about 3 km from Auli, ringed by dense oak and conifer forest. Uttarakhand Tourism puts it at 3,056 metres and describes it as a green carpet in summer and a snow-covered expanse in winter. It calls the walk a good trek for beginners, with views of Nanda Devi, Trishul and Dron Parvat. The meadow is about 1.5 km from the last ropeway tower in Auli.

Chattrakund

Chattrakund is a small lake about 4 km from Auli, just one kilometre beyond Gorson Bugyal. Uttarakhand Tourism places it at 3,300 metres and describes green surroundings with panoramic mountain views. It lies just beyond Gorson Bugyal, so it makes a natural extension to a Gorson walk.

Auli artificial lake

Uttarakhand Tourism calls this the highest artificial lake in the world and describes a turquoise lake bordered by green slopes, which in winter shines against a carpet of snow. It says the lake can be reached through the cable car. Because the status of that ropeway is uncertain, check the access arrangements before you plan around it.

Kwani Bugyal

Kwani Bugyal is an alpine meadow at 3,380 metres, around 13 km from Gurso Bugyal, which can be reached only by trekking. Uttarakhand Tourism describes it as a haven for trekkers, with views of snow-clad peaks and fresh air. It is a much longer excursion than Gorson, so plan a full day and acclimatise first.

Saildhar Tapovan

Tapovan, which Uttarakhand Tourism lists as Saildhar Tapovan, is a small village roughly 15 km from Auli, known for a natural hot-water spring and a temple. The state's page also mentions traditional handicrafts and warm local residents.

Joshimath

Joshimath is the town below Auli; Uttarakhand Tourism puts the distance between them at about 14 km. News reports link the closure of the ropeway to land subsidence at Joshimath in 2023, so check conditions with the local authorities before you travel.

• By air: Uttarakhand Tourism says Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, is the closest airport, about 286 km away, and that you can hire a cab from the airport to Auli. See our domestic flights guide for booking.
• By road: Joshimath is the town below Auli, about 14 km away. Our guides to Rishikesh and Haridwar cover the nearest towns on the plains, and our Char Dham guide covers Badrinath, which Uttarakhand Tourism lists as a nearby destination.
• By ropeway: Uttarakhand Tourism describes a cable car between Joshimath and Gurson, near Auli, of approximately 4 km. News reports say it has been suspended since the 2023 subsidence, so do not plan to use it without confirming with GMVN or Uttarakhand Tourism.