Auli, tucked in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, is one of India’s most loved winter destinations. Situated at an elevation ranging from 2,500m (8,200 ft) to 3,050 m (10,010 ft), Auli is surrounded by peaks of the Himalayas like Nanda Devi, Kamet, Dunagiri, and Hathi Parvat, while the wide snow-covered slopes are bordered by the dense oak, deodar and cedar forests.
This perfect blend of alpine views, winter snowfall, and ski-friendly terrain has earned it the title “Skiing Capital of India.”
Because Auli is situated high above the valley, reaching it requires smart planning. This guide breaks down every possible way to reach Auli — by flight, train, road, ropeway, and helicopter. So that you can combine different modes of transport as per your requirement and comfort to reach for your Auli Tour.
Table of Contents
Quick Overview: How to Reach Auli
Before diving into detailed routes, let’s see a quick overview that will help us understand the overall structure of the journey. Auli is not directly connected by an airport or a railway station, so most travellers combine two or three modes of transport.
The typical and fastest route for most travellers is:
Flight to Dehradun (Jolly Grant Airport) > Road to Joshimath > Ropeway or short drive to Auli
This route is the most time-efficient and smooth for first-time visitors.
Other common ways to reach Auli:
Train to Delhi / Dehradun / Haridwar / Rishikesh
– Followed by a road journey to Joshimath, then again a road journey or ropeway to Auli.
Direct road trip from Delhi
– Scenic but long (10–14 hours).
Helicopter transfers (seasonal)
– Fastest but premium option.
Reaching Auli by Flight (Fastest and Most Convenient Way)
If you’re looking for the quickest way to reach Auli, then flying to Dehradun is the most efficient choice. Jolly Grant Airport of Dehradun is the closest airport to Auli, which is around 300 km away. From here, you can continue your journey by road toward Joshimath and onwards to Auli.
This option works especially well for travellers short on time, families, and those wanting a smoother, less tiring journey.
Jolly Grant Airport is well-connected with daily flights from major Indian cities.
Here are the most common flight durations:
Common Flight Durations to Dehradun (for planning connections)
| Origin City | Approx Flight Duration | Notes |
| Delhi | 45–60 min | Most frequent and reliable |
| Mumbai | 2 hr 10 min | Direct flights are available seasonally |
| Bengaluru | 2 hr 40 min | Often 1-stop flights |
| Hyderabad | 2 hr 10 min | Mix of direct + connecting |
| Kolkata | 2 hr 05 min | Mostly connecting |
| Chandigarh | 50–60 min | Limited frequency (New Route) |
Traveller Tip:
If your flight lands after 3 PM, avoid starting for Joshimath the same day. Mountain roads get foggy and dark, which slows you down and sometimes restricts you after dark.
Dehradun to Auli by Road
Once you land, the road journey begins — one of the most scenic drives in Uttarakhand.
The typical route is:
Dehradun → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Gauchar → Karnaprayag → Nandprayag→ Chamoli → Joshimath → Auli
Distance & Time
| Stretch | Distance | Time | Notes |
| Dehradun → Joshimath | 285 km | 7–10 hours | Travel time depends on season & traffic. |
| Joshimath → Auli (road) | 12–16 km | 30–60 min | Steep, adventurous, yet beautiful drive. |
| Joshimath → Auli (ropeway) | 4.1 km | 20–25 min | One of the longest and highest ropeways in the world. Highly recommended in the winter season. |
This road journey takes you through the confluence towns of Devprayag (Alakhnanda + Bhagirathi), Rudraprayag (Alakhnanda + Mandakini), Nandprayag (Alakhnanda + Nandakini) and Karnaprayag (Alakhnanda + Pindar River), making the drive culturally and spiritually divine and visually beautiful. All these are one of the Panch Prayags.
Traveller Tips:
- Start early from Dehradun (between 6–8 AM) to avoid early evening fog or dark late evenings.
- It is also recommended to stay day or night in Joshmiath to acclimatise your body for the higher altitude and cold.
Reaching Auli by Train (Comfortable + Economical Option)
Auli does not have its own railway station, but three major stations nearby make rail travel convenient, namely Haridwar, Rishikesh and Dehradun. From any of these, you can hire a taxi, shared jeep, or bus to reach Joshimath and then proceed to Auli.
This route is ideal for budget travellers, people who prefer slow travel, and those who want to visit these spiritual cities as well.
Nearest Railway Stations to Auli
| Railway Station | Distance from Auli | Travel Time | Why Choose It |
| Haridwar (HW) | 278 km | 8-10 hrs | Best connectivity from India |
| Rishikesh (RKSH) | 254 km | 7-8 hrs | Closer to the hills |
| Dehradun (DDN) | 293 km | 9-10 hrs | Good for Shatabdi travellers |
Note: The distance mentioned is from the city railway station to Auli.
Popular Trains from Delhi to Dehradun / Rishikesh / Haridwar
Here are the most reliable trains that travellers commonly choose:
| Train Name | From → To | Departure | Arrival | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12017 Dehradun Shatabdi Express | New Delhi to Dehradun | 6:45 AM | 12:55 PM | Runs Daily.Reaches Haridwar at 11:35 AM. Spend a day in Dehradun and leave early morning the next day.Another option is to reach Joshimath by evening for better acclimatisation. |
| 12205 Nanda Devi AC Superfast Express | Hazrat Nizammudin → Dehradun | 11:50 PM | 5:40 AM | Runs Daily.Reaches Haridwar at 03:57 AM. Ideal for an early road start. |
| 12055 DDN Jan Shatabdi | Delhi → Haridwar | 3:20 PM | 9:10 PM | Runs Daily.Reaches Haridwar at 07:33 PM. Budget-friendly. |
| 18477 Kalinga Utkal Express | Hazrat Nizammudin – Yog Nagri Rishikesh | 01:20 PM | 09:50 PM | Runs daily.Budget-friendly slow travel. |
Reaching Auli by Road (Direct Drive from Delhi)
For travellers who enjoy long drives or want flexibility, road travel to Auli is a rewarding experience. Auli is well-connected with motorable roads from major cities across Uttarakhand and is just 16 km from Joshimath. There are several government buses that run on a daily basis from these cities to Joshimath.
There is no direct bus from Delhi to Auli, so you have to get a bus to Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Srinagar or Joshimath. Delhi has several bus stops across the city, the most common being ISBT Kashmiri Gate.
Note:
- Direct buses to Joshimath are less common, so check the current schedule accordingly.
- It is advised to reach Dehradun or the other above-mentioned cities first for better acclimatisation and proper rest, instead of heading directly to Auli.
Delhi to Auli Distance & Travel Time
| Route | Distance | Approx Time |
| Delhi → Rishikesh → Joshimath → Auli | 502-510 km | 12–14 hrs |
| Delhi → Haridwar → Joshimath → Auli | 506-510 km | 11–13 hrs |
| Delhi → Dehradun → Joshimath → Auli | 532 km | 13–15 hrs |
Most travellers break the journey at:
- Rishikesh
- Rudraprayag
- Karnaprayag
Traveller Tip:
Refuel at Rishikesh or Srinagar. Petrol pumps are sparse beyond this point.
Auli Ropeway: Joshimath to Auli
Once you reach Joshimath, the last stretch is the most exciting part of the journey. There are two options to cover this patch, one by road and the other by ropeway. The Auli Ropeway is one of the highest and longest in India. During the winter season, it panoramic view of Auli Bugyal is a sight to behold; it is a highly recommended option.
Ropeway Details:
| Feature | Details |
| Length | Approx 4.1 km |
| Duration | 20–25 minutes |
| Altitude Gain | Approx 1,1000 meters |
| Best Season | Winter, December-February (road may be closed due to high snowfall) |
| Operates | Mostly 9 AM–4 PM (seasonal changes) |
Traveller Tip:
Arrive early on weekends or peak season (Dec–Feb). Queues can be long.
Reaching Auli by Helicopter (Fastest Premium Option)
For travellers with limited time or those who are seeking luxury, helicopter services are the best option. The services operate from Dehradun seasonally. These usually land at Gauchar or Pandukeshwar helipads, from where a short road journey takes you to Joshimath and Auli.
Helicopter Overview
| Route | Duration |
| Dehradun → Gauchar (seasonal) | 35–45 min |
| Dehradun → Joshimath (seasonal) | 45–55 min |
| Gauchar → Joshimath (road) | 1.5–2 hrs |
Traveller Tip:
Helicopter services are weather-dependent. Always keep a backup road plan.
Final Words
The journey to Auli is long, but it is worth every minute when the snowy slopes welcome you. Choose the mode that suits your time, fitness and budget. Don’t just tick out the Auli from your list, but give yourself enough time to immerse yourself in its beauty.
FAQs
1. Which is the nearest airport to Auli?
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (about 271 km away).
2. What is the nearest railway station to Auli?
Rishikesh railway station is the closest to Auli (254 km).
3. Can I drive to Auli in winter?
Yes, but the road to the last stretch may be closed due to snowfall — the ropeway is safer.
4. Is Auli good for first-time snow travellers?
Absolutely. It’s beginner-friendly with instructors, rentals, and well-managed slopes.
5. How many days are enough for Auli?
2–3 days for sightseeing, 4–5 days if you want skiing lessons.
6. What is the best time for Auli?
Winters can be considered the best time if you want to go skiing and experience snow. Spring is best for families with their kids.
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