Auli in Uttarakhand offers some of Asia's finest skiing — 16 km of slopes between 2,519m and 3,049m, with a dramatic backdrop of Nanda Devi and other Himalayan peaks. Here is your complete guide.
Auli is India's premier ski destination, sitting in the Garhwal Himalayas at 2,519–3,049 metres. The ski season runs from January to March when the slopes are blanketed in natural snow. Asia's longest gondola (4 km) connects Joshimath to Auli.
Getting There by Cab
Delhi to Joshimath (Auli base): 495 km, 10–11 hours. Bareilly to Joshimath: 420 km, 9 hours. From Joshimath, take the gondola (cable car) to Auli — a spectacular 20-minute ride with views of Nanda Devi.
Skiing at Auli
There are 13 ski slopes managed by GMVN (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam). Equipment rental, ski instructors, and courses are available on-site. A beginner's 5-day course costs approximately ₹8,000–12,000 including equipment. Pre-booking is essential in January–February.
Non-Skiing Attractions
Auli Bugyal (meadows): In summer (April–June), Auli transforms into lush green meadows — one of the most beautiful in Uttarakhand.
Gorson Bugyal: 3 km trek from Auli through a stunning oak and rhododendron forest to an open meadow with 360-degree Himalayan views.
Joshimath: The base town. Gateway to Badrinath, Valley of Flowers, and Hemkund Sahib.