How to reach Auli is something every traveler wonders before planning their trip. Whether you take a flight to Dehradun, a train to Haridwar or Rishikesh, or simply enjoy the long road journey, each route offers its own charm on the way to this ski destination.
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What’s The Best Way To Reach Auli ?
The best way to reach Auli is by road. The town is about 270 km from Rishikesh and around 500 km from Delhi, with well-connected highways that pass through scenic towns like Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Joshimath. From Joshimath, you can either continue the 13 km uphill drive or take the Auli Ropeway, one of Asia’s longest cable cars, for a more exciting approach.
If you prefer air travel, the nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (about 280 km away), while the closest railway stations are Rishikesh (250 km) and Haridwar (273 km). From there, taxis and buses are easily available to reach Joshimath and then onward to Auli.
Why Visiting Auli Is Special ?
Auli is special because it combines adventure, nature, and peace in one place. From skiing on snowy slopes in winter to riding the ropeway over oak forests in summer, every season offers a new charm. Add to that the backdrop of mighty Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi, and Auli becomes more than a destination—it feels like an experience.
How to Reach Auli by Road
Traveling to Auli by road is the most common and convenient choice for most tourists.
- From Delhi: Around 500 km / 12–14 hours drive via Rishikesh → Devprayag → Rudraprayag → Karnaprayag → Joshimath → Auli.
- From Dehradun: Around 300 km / 9–10 hours drive via Rishikesh and Srinagar.
- From Rishikesh: Around 270 km / 8–9 hours drive.
The last major stop before Auli is Joshimath. From here, you can either:
- Drive 13 km uphill to Auli, or
- Take the Auli Ropeway, a 4 km cable car ride (one of Asia’s longest), which takes about 25 minutes and offers panoramic Himalayan views.
Pro Tips for Road Travel:
- Avoid night travel, especially in monsoon (July–September), due to landslide-prone areas.
- AC vehicles are generally switched off after Rishikesh because of steep inclines.
- Carry motion sickness tablets if you’re not used to hilly roads.
How to Reach Auli by Flight
The nearest airport to Auli is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (280 km away). After landing, you’ll need a taxi or bus to Joshimath, which takes 8–9 hours via Rishikesh, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, and Karnaprayag. Private cabs are more reliable than shared options, especially for families and senior citizens.
Flight Connectivity to Dehradun
- From Delhi – 1 hr flight (daily services by IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Alliance Air)
- From Mumbai – 2 hrs 20 min (direct flights available)
- From Bangalore & Lucknow – 2.5–3 hrs (non-stop flights)
- From Hyderabad, Chennai, Jaipur, Kolkata, Pune, Ahmedabad – direct/connecting flights by IndiGo & Air India
- New routes – Ahmedabad & Chandigarh (Air India Express)
Though flights save time, keep in mind the long 8–9 hr road journey from Dehradun to Auli.
How to Reach Auli by Train
Auli has no direct railway station, so the nearest options are Haridwar (273 km), Rishikesh (270 km), and Dehradun (300 km). Among these, Haridwar Junction offers the best connectivity with frequent trains from Delhi and other metros. Popular choices include:
- Vande Bharat Express (22457) – departs Delhi 17:50, ~3h 20m
- Jan Shatabdi Express (12055) – departs Delhi 15:20, ~4h 15m
- Kota–Dehradun AC Express (12401) – departs Delhi 23:50, ~4h 10m
On arrival at Haridwar or Rishikesh, you’ll find taxis and buses to Joshimath (10–12 hrs), followed by the final 13 km uphill drive or ropeway ride to Auli.
Delhi To Auli Uttarakhand Distance
For most travelers, Delhi is the common starting point to reach Auli. The journey can be done in different ways:
- By Road: Delhi → Haridwar → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Rudraprayag → Joshimath → Auli. Total distance is about 500 km, taking 12–14 hours depending on road conditions.
- By Train: Overnight trains run from Delhi to Haridwar or Rishikesh, from where you continue the journey by road.
- By Flight: Direct flights from Delhi to Dehradun (Jolly Grant Airport), followed by an 8–9 hour drive to Joshimath and onward to Auli.
Travelers often break the journey with a night halt at Rishikesh or Rudraprayag before heading further up, especially if traveling with kids or elderly family members. For a detailed breakdown of routes, distances, and travel tips, check out our guide on Delhi to Auli Uttarakhand Distance and Route Map.
Best Time & Road Conditions
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Roads are open but expect snow near Auli. Chain-tyres may be required.
- Summer (April–June): Smooth and safe; pleasant weather.
- Monsoon (July–Sept): Heavy rain, risk of landslides; best to avoid.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov): Clear skies, good road conditions.
Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Keep at least 2 buffer days in case of road delays.
- Carry light woolens even in summer; nights get chilly.
- The ropeway between Joshimath and Auli sometimes halts due to high winds or technical issues—so always keep the road option as a backup.
- Book hotels in advance, especially in winter, as Auli gets fully booked by skiers and families.
Final Thoughts
Reaching Auli isn’t difficult once you know the routes and connections. If you enjoy road trips, driving through the Garhwal Himalayas is the most rewarding way. For faster options, flights to Dehradun or trains to Haridwar/Rishikesh work well, followed by a scenic road journey. No matter which route you pick, the journey itself feels like part of the Auli experience—filled with river valleys, mountain turns, and glimpses of snow peaks that prepare you for what’s ahead.
