Auli

Auli is a popular Himalayan ski resort and hill station in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, sitting at an altitude of around 2,800 m. Known for its snow-covered slopes in winter and lush alpine meadows in summer, Auli offers panoramic views of Nanda Devi, Trishul, Mana Parbat, and Kamet — making it one of the most picturesque side-trips on the Char Dham route.

Auli's gondola ropeway from Joshimath is among the longest in Asia and a major attraction for visitors. The ride offers stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks and saves the trek time for pilgrims with limited days. During winter (December to March), Auli becomes a hub for skiing, with FIS-certified slopes and ski training programmes for beginners.

Beyond skiing, Auli is a base for treks to Gorson Bugyal, Kuari Pass, and the Valley of Flowers. The artificial lake at Auli — one of the highest man-made lakes in the world — supplies water for the ski slopes and serves as a beautiful viewpoint at sunset.

For Char Dham pilgrims, Auli pairs naturally with Badrinath (around 65 km away) and Joshimath. Many of our customised itineraries include a day in Auli as a restful, scenic break between the long temple drives.