Uttarakhand · Strategic Zone
AULIIndia's Premier Ski Meadow
The Brief
Auli is a high-altitude meadow and ski resort in the Garhwal Himalaya of Uttarakhand, India, at roughly 2,800 m. It is the country's foremost developed skiing destination, with views of Nanda Devi (India's second-highest peak), Mana Parvat, and the Hathi Ghodi Parvat massif. Reached via a chairlift / ropeway from Joshimath, it offers winter skiing and summer alpine-meadow walks. MyTripMyTravel operates Auli as a winter-snow or summer-meadow leg of the Garhwal circuit with paced acclimatisation.
Auli is India's most credible ski destination — a high oak-and-deodar meadow above Joshimath in the Garhwal Himalaya, with groomed slopes in winter and open alpine pasture in summer.
The view is the headline as much as the skiing: Nanda Devi rises directly opposite, with Mana Parvat and the surrounding 7,000-m peaks visible in a single sweep on a clear morning.
Auli is reached from Joshimath either by a longer mountain road or by the Asia-longest cable car / chairlift system — both part of the experience and both subject to weather.
MyTripMyTravel runs Auli as a paced winter-ski or summer-meadow extension of a Garhwal mission, with acclimatisation built in (the altitude is real) and weather-flexible itineraries.
Quick Facts
Auli at a glance
When to Deploy
January – March (ski) · April – June, September – November (meadow & views)
January to March is the skiing window — snow conditions and groomed slopes when the season delivers. April to June and September to November are the open-meadow and clearest-Nanda-Devi window. The monsoon (July–August) brings serious Garhwal landslide risk and is avoided. Winter outside the ski season can seal access. Plan to the purpose: snow or peak views.
The Itinerary Atoms
WHAT WE OPERATE HEREAuli ski slopes
Groomed slopes for beginners through intermediate — equipment and instruction arranged.
Nanda Devi view
Direct view of India's second-highest peak from the meadow — clearest on dry-window mornings.
Auli–Gorson trek
An alpine-meadow walk in summer through oak and rhododendron.
Joshimath cable car
The chairlift / ropeway ride up — weather-dependent, an experience in itself.
Artificial lake & sunset point
The high reservoir and adjoining viewpoint for the evening light on the peaks.
Pacing rest day
A deliberate acclimatisation day — the altitude is real.
How to Reach
ACCESS PROTOCOLChauffeured leg from Rishikesh (~9 hrs) or Haridwar via Joshimath — a serious mountain day, paced.
Dehradun (DED) is the practical airport with a long chauffeured climb; Delhi (DEL) is the major hub.
Hill-capable, GPS-tracked vehicles for the Garhwal circuit and the Joshimath approach.
Haridwar / Rishikesh railheads, then the long onward chauffeured leg to Joshimath.
Where to Stay
Resorts and rooms on the Auli meadow with direct Nanda Devi views.
Quieter Joshimath properties, with chairlift access up to Auli.
Garhwal heritage stays on the route for an unhurried climb.
Where to Eat
Meadow-side dining with peak views, suited to short-day winter pacing.
Traditional Garhwali highland dishes at a curated mountain table.
An escorted stop in the base town's long-running mountain kitchens.
Go Deeper
AULI DEEP BRIEFSIntelligence
AULI FAQWhere is the best skiing in India?
Auli, in the Garhwal Himalaya of Uttarakhand, is the country's foremost developed ski destination — groomed slopes, equipment, and instruction, with Nanda Devi as the backdrop.
Is Auli worth visiting outside ski season?
Yes — April to June and September to November give the clearest Nanda Devi views and the open alpine meadow, ideal for walks and photography.
How do I reach Auli?
Via Joshimath, which is reached by a long chauffeured leg from Rishikesh / Haridwar (~9 hours). From Joshimath, the chairlift / ropeway or road climbs up to Auli.
Is acclimatisation needed at Auli?
Yes — at ~2,800 m the altitude is real; we build in a paced approach and an acclimatisation rest day.
