How to Go Skiing in Auli from Dehradun

Posted by Dinesh Sharma
17
Oct 10, 2025
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The snow-covered slopes of Auli have long been the pride of Uttarakhand. Every winter, its glittering peaks attract skiing enthusiasts and travelers looking for that quiet Himalayan charm. For anyone, reaching Auli is an experience to reach the snow world and enjoy skiing sports or adventure. A drive from Dehradun to Auli is awesome as it slowly unfolds from the plains to pine forests, then to open meadows buried under snow.

Dehradun to Auli- Distance, Route, and Travel Time

Both amazing cities of Uttarakhand are 300 Km apart and the drive takes 10 to 11 hours, depending on month you are travelling, weather and road conditions.

The most comfortable route passes through Rishikesh – Devprayag – Srinagar – Rudraprayag – Karnaprayag – Joshimath, before the final climb to Auli.

Each bend of the mountain road brings views that seem lifted from a postcard, the Ganga merging with Alaknanda, quiet mountain towns, and apple orchards clinging to steep slopes.

What are the Best Ways to Reach Auli?

Auli has no railway station, neither airport. It is only accessible by road. A road trip to Auli passes through steep mountain hills, and routes with patches. For group travelers or families, the best way to reach is by hiring Tempo Traveller on Rent in Dehradun. With enough space for luggage, skiing gear, it is very spacious and make room for everyone to travel together. Take necessary tea breaks along the way and do not miss to capture scenic views enroute. Unlike buses or small cars, a tempo traveller gives you the freedom to stop at river viewpoints, roadside dhabas, or local handicraft shops on the route. It also ensures you reach Auli comfortably without the fatigue of a cramped drive through hilly terrain.

An Ideal Itinerary for Auli Trip from Dehradun

Recommended time for Auli trip is 2 days where you can enjoy sightseeing in surrounding places, a pleasant stay, skiing, cable ride and watch any skiing competition going on. If you prefer to keep the trip flexible, it’s wise to start early from Dehradun, ideally by 5:00 AM. The roads through the lower Himalayas are best covered during daylight, especially during winter when fog or snowfall may slow the climb. You can choose a halt for lunch at Srinagar or Rudraprayag, where you’ll find small restaurants serving hot parathas, tea, and local delicacies.

Once you reach Joshimath, Auli is about 12 kilometers uphill. During heavy snowfall, it’s recommended to park your vehicle in Joshimath and take the cable car to Auli- one of Asia’s longest ropeways. The ride gives a spectacular view of Nanda Devi and the surrounding peaks.

Day 1: Dehradun to Auli

Day 2: Auli Sightseeing Tour and Skiing

Day 3: Explore Joshimath and Temples

Day 4: Departure

Total Trip Cost for 3 Nights 4 Days Auli Tempo Traveller Package

For 4 Days Trip, Tempo Traveller cost for Auli trip will come around Rs 25,000 including fuel cost, sightseeing, driver fee of 4 days, state tax and Toll taxes. For additional comfort or royal journey, Tempo Traveller Maharaja is also a good option starting at Rs 26/km or Rs 30,000 for a 4 day trip.

 Things to Do in Auli

Skiing on Snow Slopes – The main attraction of Auli! Glide over powdery snow on Asia’s best skiing slopes, suitable for both beginners and experts.

Ride the Auli Cable Car (Ropeway) – Take the scenic ropeway between Joshimath and Auli for breathtaking Himalayan views — one of India’s longest and highest.

Stay at the Auli Artificial Lake Viewpoint – Visit the man-made lake that helps maintain skiing conditions and reflects snow peaks in crystal clarity.

Trek to Gurso Bugyal – A short, easy trek from Auli offering vast meadows, oak forests, and panoramic views of Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Dron Parvat.

Viewpoint at Auli Chair Lift – Take the smaller chair lift ride for a thrilling bird’s-eye view of the slopes and surrounding valley.

Visit Joshimath – Explore the ancient town nearby, home to Adi Guru Shankaracharya’s Math and the gateway to Badrinath and Valley of Flowers. GO to Narsingh Temple.

Enjoy Snow Camping and Bonfires – Stay overnight in tents surrounded by snowfields and enjoy starry skies, local food, and warmth by the fire.

Try Local Cuisine and Mountain Tea – Taste Garhwali food like aloo ke gutke, mandua roti, and piping hot chai at local cafés.

Capture the Panoramic Himalayas – Auli is a paradise for photographers — every sunrise paints Nanda Devi and surrounding peaks in golden hues.

 Best Time to Visit Auli

Auli’s skiing season begins around mid-December and continues till early March, depending on snowfall. There are multiple slopes for beginners and trained skiers, with professional instructors available on-site. The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) offers equipment rentals and training courses for those who want to learn. Early booking is advised during peak winter, as accommodation fills quickly once snow starts falling.

For travelers using a Tempo Traveller from Dehradun, the return journey is just as pleasant. The vehicle offers plenty of room to carry back memories, souvenirs, or even a few snowballs packed in boxes. It’s the kind of road trip where the travel itself feels as special as the destination. If you are a group of students going to take skiing training or join a camp, 12 Seater tempo traveller will be reasonable to travel there and enjoy the trip in comfort.

To Sum Up

Skiing in Auli isn’t only about speed and slopes, it is about the silence of the mountains, the crunch of snow underfoot, and the sight of first light touching Himalayan ridges. Starting your trip from Dehradun gives you the comfort of good roads, trusted drivers, and the convenience of group travel.

So, for a best winter tour, let the road from Dehradun to Auli be your path to snow, stillness, and simple mountain joy.

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