Acting as a premier alpine base, Auli offers direct access to renowned wilderness trails. For leisure travellers, the destination offers panoramic Himalayan views with clear visibility of Nanda Devi, Kamet, Mana Parvat, and Dunagiri peaks on most days. The Auli Artificial Lake, one of the world's highest man-made lakes at about 2,500 m, was built for artificial snow-making and reflects the surrounding peaks beautifully. The Hanuman Temple adds spiritual significance to the visit.
Whether you seek adrenaline-pumping skiing, thrilling ropeway rides, peaceful mountain vistas, or spiritual experiences, Auli delivers all these elements in one mountain destination, making it attractive for both adventure seekers and leisure travellers across seasons.
Mumbai to Dehradun: The Flight Route
A Mumbai-to-Auli flight is the fastest option via Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport.
Flight Details: Daily flights connect Mumbai to Dehradun, typically via Delhi. Direct flights operate during the peak winter seasons. Non-stop flight duration is approximately 2 hours 20 minutes.
Cost: Tickets range from INR 7,000 to INR 11,000, depending on the season and booking timing. Book early through for better prices.
Convenience: Flying saves 25+ hours compared to train or bus options. Note that a further 8 to 9 hours of mountain road travel is required from Dehradun airport to reach Auli.
Seasonal Considerations: Winter flights can face fog delays. Check weather updates before departure and arrive at Mumbai airport 1 hour early.
Transportation Options from Dehradun
Private Cab:
Taxi: Hire a taxi from Dehradun airport to Joshimath (~298 km, ~9 hours)
Cost: Approximately INR 4,000 - INR 6,000 for the full journey
Advantage: Direct, flexible timing, door-to-door service. Pre-book through the hotel or trusted operators.
Bus:
Travel: From Dehradun, take a private bus to Joshimath.
Duration: ~10 hours to Joshimath
Cost: Around INR 850 per person
Note: Bring snacks and water, as there are limited stops on this route.
Train:
Take trains from Mumbai to Haridwar (nearest major station, ~282 km from Auli). Bandra-Haridwar Express runs daily.
Duration of 32 hours. Sleeper class starts at INR 700 and AC up to INR 4,000.
From Haridwar, take a taxi or UTC bus to Joshimath (Around 9 - 11 hours, INR 850 - INR 1,200).
Bus:
Stage 1: Mumbai to Delhi via private Volvo buses (About 27 - 38 hours)
Stage 2: Delhi to Joshimath (~16 hours)
Stage 3: Joshimath to Auli via shared taxi or ropeway
Self-drive Option for Road Trip Enthusiasts
Driving from Mumbai to Auli covers roughly 1,800 km over 35 to 40 hours, spread across 3 to 4 days.
Route: NE 4 to Delhi, then NH 334 and NH 7 through Haridwar and Rishikesh, ascending to Joshimath via NH 7, finally 12 km to Auli
Stops: Plan overnight breaks in Vadodara, Jaipur, Delhi, Haridwar, or Rishikesh. These cities have ample hotels and eateries.
Road Conditions: National highways are well maintained. The Joshimath-Auli stretch has narrow, winding mountain roads with hairpin bends. Avoid night driving in the hills.
If you want to skip long, exhausting train rides, booking a flight through Dehradun is the most convenient connection from Mumbai to Auli for a weekend getaway.
Ropeway:
4 km journey with 25 minutes duration
INR 1,000 adults, INR 500 children under 12 (round-trip price)
Operates from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last cabin at 4:30 PM
Buy tickets at the Joshimath counter. No online booking is available.
During peak season (December to January), queues can be long. Reach early.
Road:
Around a 12 km drive via mountain roads
Shared jeeps or private taxis are available from Joshimath.
Roads can be slippery and foggy. Drive cautiously or hire experienced local drivers. Avoid at night.
Skiing: Auli's Main Attraction
Skiing draws most visitors to Auli. The slopes suit all levels:
Beginners: 1-hour sessions with an instructor are offered. Gear is provided by the operators.
Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Courses: 3-day, 7-day, and 14-day skiing courses with accommodation available. Great for serious learners.
Peak Season: January to February. Book instructors early.
Safety Note: Wear all provided safety gear. Snow boots with a good grip are essential. Regular shoes will not work on icy slopes.
Trekking Adventures
Gorson Bugyal Trek: 3 to 6 km one way from Auli. Half-day trek through apple orchards, oak, and deodar forests. Ends at Gorson Meadow with views of Nanda Devi, Kamet, Dronagiri, and Neelkanth. Perfect for families and beginners.
Kuari Pass Trek: 4 to 6 days, moderate to challenging. Crosses meadows, alpine streams, and dense forests. Views include Chaukhamba Range, Mana Peak, Kamet, and Abil Gamin. Open in winter and summer.
Visit the Artificial Lake
The man-made lake at 2,500 m is used for artificial snow-making. Even in lean snow seasons, snow-making ensures skiing continues. The lake reflects the peaks beautifully and is visible from the ropeway ride.
Hanuman Temple and Viewpoints
Visit the Hanuman Temple for a spiritual experience. Nearby, you can clearly see Mount Neelkanth. Sunset views from Auli are spectacular. Head out a bit early to lock down the perfect spot before the evening golden hour hits.
Chair Lift Ride
Auli has a chair lift connecting the lower slopes to the upper skiing areas:
Cost: Around INR 500 per person
Duration: 5 minutes
Useful for reaching skiing spots directly without hiking up
Winter: December - February (Snow and Skiing Season)
Temperature: Drops to -4°C. Heavy snowfall covers slopes.
Best for: Skiing, snowfall experiences, winter photography
Peak Month: January has the maximum snowfall.
Considerations: The road from Joshimath to Auli is often blocked. Ropeway becomes essential. Check weather forecasts from the India Meteorological Department before travelling. Snowstorms can happen.
Crowds: High during December 20 to January 31. Book accommodation early.
Spring and Summer: March - May (Pleasant for Trekking)
Temperature: -1 to 16°C, comfortable for outdoor activities
Best for: Trekking, sightseeing, mountain views without snow
Landscape: Brownish-green mountains with snow on the highest peaks
Monsoon: June - September (Generally Avoid)
Temperature: 8 to 18°C
Risk: Region prone to landslides and heavy rainfall. Roads can be blocked.
Recommendation: Avoid visiting from September to October when the rains reduce, and the landscape turns green.
Exception: The Valley of Flowers trek operates from July through August, with expeditions commencing from the Joshimath side. Many combine Auli with this trek.
Settle into a cosy cottage framed by mountain views, where comfort comes naturally, and every detail is designed to help you unwind after a day in the hills. At Rumi's Escape, your day can begin with a hearty breakfast and end with a leisurely dinner overlooking the mountains. Served from 8:00 AM to 10:30 PM, the menu brings together warming soups, regional Garhwali specialities, Indian favourites, international classics, and indulgent desserts, offering something to suit every mood and appetite.
Beyond your room, our inviting spaces encourage you to linger a little longer. Spend quiet moments in our communal lounge, gather around a glowing bonfire as the mountain air cools, or make an evening memorable with a candlelight dinner beneath the stars. Indoor and outdoor games add a playful touch to your stay, while complimentary parking ensures a seamless experience from arrival to departure.
