Auli from Delhi is about 500 Km away, a long but totally worth-it mountain drive that shows you how Uttarakhand changes turn by turn – from city roads to Himalayan curves. You can reach Auli in three main ways – a direct road trip by car, a train till Haridwar or Rishikesh followed by a cab, or a flight to Dehradun and then drive to Joshimath. This guide covers everything you actually need before you plan – distance, best route, season, weather, and what to see once you reach.
Table of Contents
Auli Distance from Delhi – Total Kilometers, Time & Route Options
Auli distance from Delhi is roughly 500–520 km, and you simply can’t do it in one stretch – the mountain drive is long and tiring after Rishikesh. Most travelers break the journey with a night halt at Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Rudraprayag before heading to Joshimath which is the base for Auli. The roads are good till Rishikesh, then turn narrow and hilly with several sharp turns but stunning river views throughout.
Quick Facts & Tips:
- Distance: ~520 km via NH7
- Travel time: 10–12 hours by car
- Main route: Delhi → Meerut → Rishikesh → Rudraprayag → Joshimath → Auli
- Alternate option: Train to Haridwar or Rishikesh + cab to Auli
- Flight option: Delhi to Dehradun → 9-hour drive to Auli
- Recommended stopovers: Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Rudraprayag for night halt
Delhi to Auli Route Map & Stopovers
Road Route from Delhi to Auli takes nearly 10–12 hours of driving via NH7, best split over two days for comfort. The plains are smooth till Rishikesh, after which mountain roads begin, tracing the Alaknanda River through towns like Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, and Karnaprayag before reaching Joshimath, the base for Auli. From Joshimath, the last 10 km to Auli can be covered either by road or cable car, depending on the weather and snow conditions in winter.
Route & Travel Tips:
- Total Distance: ~520 km (Delhi to Auli via Joshimath)
- Travel Time: 10–12 hours, best split with a night halt at Rishikesh or Rudraprayag
- Best Route: Delhi → Meerut → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Joshimath → Auli
- Joshimath to Auli: 10 km uphill drive or 25-minute ropeway ride
- Scenic Points: Devprayag confluence, Rudraprayag bridge, Karnaprayag valley views
- Fuel Stops: Rishikesh, Srinagar, Rudraprayag (no pumps after Joshimath)
- Ideal Start: Leave Delhi early (before 5 AM) to reach Rishikesh by noon
How to Reach Auli from Delhi – By Road, Train or Flight
There are three main ways to reach Auli from Delhi — by road, train + cab, or flight + drive. The total distance is about 520 km, and since Auli doesn’t have its own airport or railway station, most routes connect through Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun before heading into the hills. Below is a detailed breakdown of every travel option, so you can decide which one suits your schedule and comfort best.
Delhi to Auli by Road (Direct Drive)
If you enjoy long mountain drives, this is the best way to experience Uttarakhand’s beauty. The distance from Delhi to Auli is roughly 520 km via NH7, which takes around 10–12 hours of travel time. However, the mountain stretch beyond Rishikesh can be slow and curvy, so it’s best to break your journey with an overnight stay.
Recommended Route:
Delhi → Meerut → Muzaffarnagar → Roorkee → Haridwar → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Karnaprayag → Joshimath → Auli
Travel Tips:
- Start early (around 4–5 AM) from Delhi to cross Haridwar before traffic builds up.
- Stay overnight at Rishikesh, Srinagar, or Rudraprayag for a comfortable break.
- The final 13 km uphill from Joshimath to Auli can be done either by car or ropeway, depending on weather and snow.
- Fuel up at Rishikesh or Srinagar; there are no petrol pumps beyond Joshimath.
- Total fuel cost (round trip): around ₹6,000–₹7,000 for an SUV.
Best For: Families, friend groups, or couples who love road trips and want flexibility in halts and sightseeing.
Delhi to Auli by Train + Cab
Auli doesn’t have its own railway station, the nearest ones are Haridwar (273 km away) and Rishikesh (250 km away). You can take a comfortable overnight train from Delhi to either station, then continue your journey by cab to Auli.
Step-by-Step Route:
- Delhi to Haridwar/Rishikesh by Train: Multiple daily and overnight trains are available such as Nanda Devi Express and Dehradun Express. Travel time is around 5–6 hours.
- Haridwar/Rishikesh to Auli by Road: Hire a private cab or shared taxi. The drive is about 8–9 hours (270 km) through scenic river valleys.
Travel Tips:
- Haridwar Railway Station has better train connectivity from Delhi.
- If you prefer a shorter hill drive, get down at Rishikesh instead of Haridwar.
- Private taxis charge around ₹6,000–₹8,000 one way for a small car; shared jeeps are also available but less comfortable.
- Recommended night halt: Rudraprayag or Pipalkoti.
Best For: Travelers who want to avoid a long highway drive and prefer a smoother train journey for the first leg.
Delhi to Auli by Flight + Road
The fastest way to reach Auli from Delhi is by flight to Dehradun, followed by a scenic drive. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport (DED), located about 280 km from Auli.
Step-by-Step Route:
- Flight: Delhi → Dehradun (1 hour). Airlines like IndiGo, Vistara, and Alliance Air operate multiple daily flights.
- Drive from Dehradun to Auli: Hire a taxi or book a private cab. The journey takes around 9–10 hours via Rishikesh, Devprayag, and Joshimath.
Travel Tips:
- Flights are frequent and affordable, especially if booked early.
- You can stay overnight in Rishikesh or Srinagar before heading to Auli.
- Ideal for those short on time or traveling with senior citizens.
- Cab fare from Dehradun to Auli: approximately ₹8,000–₹10,000 one way.
- Ropeway from Joshimath is operational most of the year (₹1,000–₹1,200 per person).
Best For: Time-sensitive travelers, families with elderly members, or those preferring a mix of air and scenic road travel.
Last Stretch: Joshimath to Auli
No matter which route you choose, the final 13 km stretch from Joshimath to Auli is what truly sets the tone. You can either drive up via the steep hill road or take the Joshimath–Auli ropeway, one of Asia’s longest (4.15 km).
Details:
- By Road: 25–30 mins drive; can get slippery during snowfall.
- By Ropeway: 25 mins scenic ride, ₹1,000–₹1,200 per person (one way).
- Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM (subject to weather).
If you’re visiting in December–March, the ropeway is usually the safest and most enjoyable way to reach Auli as roads often get covered in snow.
Best Time to Visit Auli from Delhi
The best time to visit Auli from Delhi is from December to February if you want snow and skiing, and from April to June for clear skies and easy road travel. Winters bring heavy snow and ropeway rides, while summers are cool and perfect for families. Avoid July to September as roads get risky during monsoon. For peaceful weather and great views, October and November are also good months to visit.
Season-Wise Breakdown:
- Winter (December – February): Snowfall, skiing season, ropeway rides, and freezing nights.
- Spring (March – April): Melting snow, crisp weather, green slopes start to appear.
- Summer (May – June): Ideal for families; 15–20°C temperature and clear skies.
- Monsoon (July – September): Avoid due to landslide risks and slippery roads.
- Autumn (October – November): Peaceful weather, post-monsoon freshness, good for photography.
Road Conditions in Different Seasons
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Snow-covered after Joshimath. Road to Auli may be closed temporarily. Cable car is preferred.
- Spring (March–April): Good visibility and mild climate. Roads are open and scenic.
- Summer (May–June): Peak season. Roads are busy but motorable.
- Monsoon (July–Sept): Risk of landslides. Not recommended.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov): Clear skies, fewer tourists, ideal for road trips.
Major Stopovers & Fuel Points
- Key Towns: Haridwar, Rishikesh, Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Chamoli
- Fuel Stations: Haridwar, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Pipalkoti, Joshimath
- Medical Help: Joshimath and Karnaprayag have clinics
- ATM Availability: Rishikesh, Rudraprayag, Joshimath
Pro Tips for Travelers
- Leave Delhi early morning to avoid traffic
- Prefer SUVs or tempo travelers for group tours
- Auli gets snow in winter, pack accordingly
- Ropeway queues can be long during peak season
- Always check weather and road updates before travel
Auli from Delhi – 5 Day Travel Plan & Itinerary
If you’re planning a trip to Auli from Delhi by road, it’s best to keep at least 5 to 6 days in hand. The journey itself is long, and the route offers many beautiful places worth halting at. Here’s a practical itinerary that balances travel time, comfort, and sightseeing.
Day 1 – Delhi to Haridwar (220 km / 5–6 hrs)
Start early from Delhi to avoid traffic near Meerut. Reach Haridwar by afternoon and spend the evening at Har Ki Pauri Ganga Aarti.
- Stay: Haridwar (Hotel Ganga Bliss, La Casa, or similar)
- Tip: Try local food at Hoshiyarpuri or Mohan Ji Puri Wale.
Day 2 – Haridwar to Joshimath (275 km / 9–10 hrs)
Begin your uphill journey along the Alaknanda River. You’ll cross Rishikesh, Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, and Karnaprayag before reaching Joshimath by evening. Roads are narrow but scenic.
- Stay: Joshimath (The Tattva, Hotel Mount View, or similar)
- Tip: Keep snacks and water handy; limited food options after Rudraprayag.
Day 3 – Joshimath to Auli and Back (13 km / 30 mins or Ropeway)
Take the Joshimath–Auli ropeway or drive up if the weather is clear. Spend the day exploring Auli Ropeway, Gorson Bugyal, Artificial Lake, and Ski Slopes. Return to Joshimath by evening.
- Stay: Joshimath (same hotel)
- Tip: Ropeway operates 9 AM–4 PM; check timings before planning your day.
Day 4 – Joshimath to Rishikesh (260 km / 8–9 hrs)
Drive back along the same route with stops at Devprayag Sangam or Dhari Devi Temple. Rishikesh offers plenty of riverfront stays and good cafés for dinner.
- Stay: Rishikesh (Vasundhara Palace, Divine Ganga Cottage, or similar)
- Tip: Stop for chai and views at Srinagar or Byasi roadside cafés.
Day 5 – Rishikesh to Delhi (240 km / 6–7 hrs)
After breakfast, begin your final stretch to Delhi. Leave early to skip Haridwar and Meerut traffic.
Pro Tips:
- Start each morning by 6 AM for smooth travel.
- Book hotels and cab in advance for December–February.
- Carry warm clothes, medicines, and motion-sickness tablets.
- Avoid night driving in hilly sections between Rudraprayag and Joshimath.
Popular Auli Tour Packages You Can Book
Planning your trip to Auli? Here are some well-planned and customizable tour packages that fit every type of traveler — from quick weekend getaways to full Uttarakhand holidays. Each trip includes comfortable stays, scenic drives, and time to relax amid snow-clad mountains.
Auli Uttarakhand from Delhi – 5-Day Package
A classic road trip to Auli from Delhi covering Rishikesh, Joshimath, and Auli. Perfect for families or couples who want a comfortable drive, scenic stops, and time to enjoy the ropeway and snow activities.
Duration: 5 Days | Start Point: Delhi
Auli Hill Station Holiday Package – 6 Days
A relaxed hill holiday combining the best of Auli and nearby Joshimath. Includes local sightseeing, ropeway rides, and leisure time at ski slopes — ideal for those who want to unwind in the mountains.
Duration: 6 Days | Start Point: Delhi or Haridwar
Auli Tour Package from Dehradun – 3 Days
A short and sweet trip designed for travelers flying into Dehradun. Covers Joshimath, Auli sightseeing, and ropeway ride with quick road transfers — perfect for weekend travelers.
Duration: 3 Days | Start Point: Dehradun
Auli and Chopta Tour – 5 Days
A scenic combination of Auli and Chopta, ideal for adventure lovers. Enjoy snow activities in Auli and nature walks in Chopta, often called the mini Switzerland of India.
Duration: 5 Days | Start Point: Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Delhi
Mussoorie, Chopta & Auli Tour – 7 Days
A full Uttarakhand circuit covering three of its most beautiful hill destinations — Mussoorie, Chopta, and Auli. Great for families who want to explore nature, temples, and mountain roads at an easy pace.
Duration: 7 Days | Start Point: Delhi
About Travel Vaidya – Trusted Travel Experts of Uttarakhand
Travel Vaidya is a Dehradun-based travel company with deep roots across Uttarakhand. For over 9 years, we’ve helped families, senior citizens, and spiritual travelers explore places like Char Dham, Auli, Jim Corbett, Nainital, Kausani, Almora, and Ranikhet with confidence.
We’re not a call center or big-brand OTA—we’re a small team that builds practical, experience-based itineraries. Every plan is shaped by local knowledge, seasonal awareness, and what actually works on-ground.
From temple visits to hotel check-ins, we handle logistics, route planning, and day-wise support—especially for elders and family travelers. We share what we know from living here, not from reading about it.
This guide is part of our effort to make travel in Uttarakhand easier to understand and plan.
