The Best Auli Budget Travel Guide with 3-Day Itinerary

One interesting thing about Auli is that here you will get the best of both worlds – snow-peaked high mountains as well as apple orchards and pine trees. During winters, you can enjoy snow all around the place, and during summers, you can get lost amidst the picturesque mountains. This makes Auli one of the most versatile places to visit throughout the year, offering different experiences based on when you choose to explore this magnificent hill station. If you want to go for Auli budget travel, this guide will answer all your questions about this place, from Auli’s weather and how to reach Auli, to the best time to visit Auli, and accommodation options.

Whether you’re planning an Auli trip from Delhi or looking for the perfect Auli package from Delhi, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about this stunning destination.

Auli is famous as a skiing destination in India, which is connected by two cable cars – one from Joshimath and another one within Auli itself. Here, you will be able to see the snow-capped beauty of the Garhwal Himalayas, along with Nanda Devi, Mana Parvat, and Kamat Kamet. The best season to visit Auli depends on what activities you want to enjoy, making it a year-round destination for different types of travellers.

5 Interesting Things to Know About Auli Budget Travel

There are several places to see in Auli and experiences to cherish in this beautiful hill station. It is a really small place, and reaching from one location to another is easy. It also offers breathtaking views of several mountains, so it is easy to sit, have tea, and relax. Below you will find all the details of the attractions in Auli that you can visit. When planning your Auli itinerary, make sure to include these fascinating spots that showcase the natural beauty and unique features of this Himalayan destination.

Highest Man-Made Lake

Auli has the world’s highest man-made lake, which stands as one of the prime Auli tourist attractions. It is so picturesque and beautiful, lying right in the middle of the slopes and high mountains. The reason behind the construction of this lake was to produce snow even during the summer time, which makes it the perfect place for skiing as well as for the winter games. This artificial lake is definitely among the top places to visit in Auli and offers stunning photography opportunities. The lake becomes even more spectacular during the best time to visit Auli hill station, when the surrounding landscape is covered in pristine snow.

360-degree view of the Himalayas, Nanda Devi

Auli provides beautiful panoramic views of the mountains from wherever you look, making it one of the most sought-after Auli tourist spots. From here, you can see the second-tallest mountain in India – Nanda Devi (the sleeping beauty), along with Mana Parbat and Dronagiri. The best part would be experiencing this hill station during the winters when the mountains are painted beautifully with snow, making them glisten amidst the sun rays. This viewpoint is essential to include in any Auli itinerary and represents one of the most breathtaking attractions in Auli. The panoramic mountain views are particularly spectacular during the best season to visit Auli, when clear skies offer unobstructed vistas of the Himalayan peaks.

Auli View Point

The Auli View Point serves as another magnificent Auli tourist spot that offers commanding views of the surrounding Himalayan landscape. This vantage point is particularly popular among visitors planning their Auli trip from Delhi as it provides the perfect introduction to the region’s natural beauty. The viewpoint is accessible throughout the year, though the best time to visit Auli for optimal visibility is during the clear winter months when the mountain peaks are distinctly visible against the blue sky.

Asia’s Longest Gondola Ride, Chair Car Ride

So, two ropeways are running in Auli, both representing major Auli tourist attractions that shouldn’t be missed. One is known as Gondola – Asia’s longest ropeway that stretches from Joshimath to the skiing spot, covering a track distance of 4.15 KMs in 22 minutes and costs around INR 1000. The other one is the chair car ride of INR 300, which stretches from GMNV to Auli. Another difference between the two is that the Gondola is a small cubicle covered with glass windows; tourists stand inside it, and it covers a stretch of 5 KMs. However, the chair car is an open stack of chairs (literally).

How thrilling it is to float midair and see patches of snow and greenery down below you in the open. These cable car rides are among the most exciting places to see in Auli and offer a unique perspective of the terrain below. Many visitors specifically time their Auli package from Delhi to include these ropeway experiences, especially during the best time to visit Auli hill station when the views are most spectacular.

Experience Skiing Amidst Stunning Views

Auli is regarded as the best destination for skiing in India, and one can ski here all around the season, as the artificial lake here helps in making snow during summer as well. One can ski here as a professional or as a tandem. The tandem ski costs around INR 400 per hour per person. A person can also take a ski training program, which is a 15-day program. Skiing remains one of the top attractions in Auli that draws adventure enthusiasts from across the country.

The best part is that if you are skiing for the first time, don’t worry – you can come here and try skiing as the trainers are always with you, guiding you on how to ski. The skiing slopes are definitely among the must-visit places in Auli, especially during the best season to visit Auli, when natural snow conditions are at their peak. This activity forms an essential part of any comprehensive Auli itinerary for adventure lovers.

If you wish to ski, the best place to do so would be in Gulmarg, Kashmir. Also read – Is It Safe to Travel Solo to Kashmir?

Go Trekking on well-known routes

If you are a trek lover, you can also trek through the hidden pathways to explore the real beauty of the Garhwal hills. These trekking routes represent some of the most adventurous places to see in Auli and surrounding areas. The trekking trails are accessible year-round, though the best time to visit Auli for trekking varies depending on the specific route and weather conditions. Below is a list of trekking spots one can go to –

• Auli – Gorson (3 KMs) 
• Gorson – Tali (6 KMs) 
• Tali – Chitrakantha (4 KMs) 
• Chitrakantha – Gailgarh (3 KMs) 
• Gailgarh – Kuari Pass (5 KMs) 
• Kuari Pass – Khulara (12 KMs) 
• Khulara – Tapovan (9 KMs)

Best Time to Visit Auli

Understanding the best time to visit Auli is crucial for planning your perfect mountain getaway. Auli’s weather varies significantly throughout the year, offering different experiences for various types of travellers.

Winters: November to February

Summers: March to June 

Monsoons: July to October

Auli can be visited all around the year; however, if you want to experience snow and cold, January and February are the best times to visit Auli for this purpose. During these months, Auli’s weather is colder compared to the rest of the year. The temperature can also go below freezing during the nighttime, making it the perfect season to visit Auli for snow enthusiasts and skiing lovers.

Although if you want to escape the heat of your city, you can visit in May and June; however, the snow will be scarce at this time. The other months will give you pleasant weather and picturesque sites. The temperature is moderate as well. Basically, you can visit this Auli hill station any time – it will totally depend on the purpose and kind of weather you are looking for.

But I would highly recommend that you avoid going here during the rainy season. Not only because Himachal is prone to landslides, but also because you might be stuck in your hotel rooms due to rain showers. This is definitely not the best time to visit Auli if you want to explore the outdoor attractions in Auli and enjoy the scenic beauty.

How to Reach Auli?

Planning how to reach Auli is an essential part of organising your Auli trip from Delhi. The most economical and easiest way to reach Auli is from Delhi if you are coming from far-off places. A flight to Delhi from other states would be cheaper compared to the nearest airport, which is Jolly Grant Airport. I am discussing all the possible routes for how to reach Auli, though, from Delhi or otherwise.

By Flight, If You Are Coming from Outside Delhi

The nearest airport to Auli is Dehradun – Jolly Grant Airport, and from here, one can either take a cab to Auli or follow the bus route that I have mentioned below. A side note, though: the distance between Dehradun and Auli is around 300 KMs. So I would strongly recommend taking a flight to Delhi itself, as the commute is easily available from Delhi to Uttarakhand. You can travel through the night and cover a major distance to Auli. This route is particularly popular for those booking an Auli package from Delhi.

Delhi to Auli by Road

There is no direct transportation to Auli from Delhi unless you have hired your own private vehicle. The best option is to reach either Rishikesh or Dehradun and take another mode of transportation from there. This is the most common approach for an Auli trip from Delhi.

Ways to Reach Rishikesh from Delhi

By Train and Bus 

If you want to reach Dehradun via train, take the Dehradun Shatabdi Express, which reaches Rishikesh early in the morning. From here you can take a bus or a tourist car. I would suggest booking the train well in advance on the IRCTC website since the seats on trains book fast.

By Bus 

Buses are the best option if you are on a budget. There are no direct buses from Delhi to Auli; however, you can travel to Rishikesh overnight and then take a bus from Rishikesh to Auli, which starts early in the morning.

Ways to Reach Auli from Rishikesh/Dehradun

By Shared Taxi 

The starting point to take a shared taxi is Rishikesh. You can take any mode of transport to reach Rishikesh – either a train or a bus – and from here you can opt for a shared taxi. We opted for a shared cab as well from Rishikesh to Auli, which cost us INR 700 per person. However, the price can vary between INR 300 to INR 1,000 depending on how good you are at bargaining.

By Bus 

The bus leaves sometime between 5-7 AM and costs somewhere around INR 300.

Another option could be to take a bus to Joshimath, which runs more frequently from Rishikesh. There onwards, from Joshimath, you will find numerous routes that you can opt for – bus, cab, or cable car. The distance between Joshimath and Auli is around 16 KMs.

Joshimath to Auli by Cable Car 

If you want the best of both worlds, one option is to reach Joshimath from Rishikesh by following any of the routes – car, shared taxi, or bus (as mentioned above). From Joshimath, you can take a cable car that costs INR 700. The gondola ride is the longest in the whole of Asia and definitely worth the experience. This cable car journey is one of the most exciting things to do in Auli and adds a thrilling element to your Auli itinerary.

Where to Stay when going for Auli Budget Travel?

You can stay in Joshimath and travel from this place to Auli. But to really soak in the surroundings of Auli, it’s best to stay in Auli itself. Staying in Auli allows you to wake up to stunning mountain views and easily access all the Auli tourist attractions without daily commuting.

We booked ‘Manik Hotel’ on the spot and got a room for INR 1500. You will also find resorts and other luxury hotels here. However, since Auli has limited accommodation options, it is best to book beforehand during peak seasons as well as during extended holidays. This is especially important if you’re planning an Auli package from Delhi during the best time to visit Auli hill station, when demand for accommodation is highest.

Auli Budget Travel 4 Days Itinerary

While the number of days can be extended as per your preference and the things you want to do, this comprehensive Auli itinerary provides the perfect framework for exploring this magnificent destination. If you want to commence on treks, you will need more days, of course. Below, I am providing the itinerary for those who want to explore only the areas in Auli and experience the main attractions in Auli. This Auli itinerary is particularly suitable for travellers planning an Auli trip from Delhi and want to make the most of their visit to this stunning Auli hill station.

Day 0: Begin Your Journey From Delhi

Board an overnight bus from any of the two points – ISBT Kashmiri Gate or Anand Vihar ISBT. The bus usually takes about 6 to 7 hours to reach Rishikesh. This is the most economical way to start your Auli trip from Delhi and is included in most Auli packages from Delhi.

Day 1: Rishikesh to Joshimath to Auli

As I mentioned above, you can follow several routes to reach Auli. You would be able to find a shared taxi easily. Buses leave early in the morning. Once we reached the Rishikesh bus stand, we had a cup of tea and snacks at the dhaba, which was right outside the bus stand. Although buses were available for Joshimath, we took a shared cab since it would have been faster to reach.

Note that you will only be able to reach Auli in the afternoon. So today, it would be best to relax in your hotel and soak in the surrounding viewpoints, which are absolutely gorgeous. These viewpoints are among the most peaceful places to see in Auli and offer a perfect introduction to the mountain scenery.

Day 2: Cable Chair and Skiing

Today, after breakfast, go to the cable chair for a ride, which will take you to a little height. From here, you will be able to see the man-made lake. Walk a little towards the left and you will reach the skiing point of Auli. Even if you are not a pro at skiing, there will be guides to help you with your first experience. These activities represent the core Auli tourist attractions that make this destination so special.

Remember, it gets a little cold as you reach a height. Do carry warm clothes and jackets. You will also be able to find 2-3 food joints that serve snacks and tea.

Alternatively, if you are in Joshimath, you can take the gondola ride that takes 25 minutes to reach Auli. It directly stops at the skiing point itself. This gondola ride is one of the most thrilling places to visit in Auli and offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.

Day 3: Explore the Town and the Temples

Auli is famous for its spiritual presence as well, making it more than just a typical Auli tourist spot. There is a Hanuman temple here, and it is believed that in Auli, Hanuman Ji rested here when he was carrying the ‘Sanjeevani’ herb for Laxman. Mythology says that while fighting a war in Sri Lanka, Lord Rama’s younger brother Laxman was badly hurt. Only the ‘Sanjeevani’ herb would have been able to cure him, and this herb was only found in the Himalayan region.

Exploring these spiritual sites adds a cultural dimension to your Auli itinerary and represents some of the unique attractions in Auli that go beyond adventure activities. The temple visits are particularly meaningful and offer insight into the local culture and traditions.

Day 4: Auli to Delhi

The bus leaves early in the morning from Auli for Rishikesh. However, here is a pro tip: If you are comfortable in a shared taxi only, it’s best to take the number of the driver who dropped you off at Auli on the first day and make arrangements with him to drop you off at Rishikesh as well. 

This completes your Auli trip from Delhi and ensures a smooth return journey.

Clothes to Wear – Checklist

Well, if you are travelling here during the winter, the temperature goes down to as low as -8° C; thus, it is essential to keep all these items during that season. However, in summer the temperature goes up to 20° C. The best time to visit Auli greatly influences what you should pack. Below, I am providing a checklist that you should take with you to Auli, whether in winter or summer. This packing guide is essential regardless of the best season to visit Auli you choose for your visit.

Thermal Inners: This should be your base layer as it traps your body heat and keeps you warm. Although during the summer season the need for thermals is not that much, a sweater and a jacket would suffice. But during the winter season, I highly suggest you invest in this. Furthermore, they do not take up that much space in your backpack either.

Down Jacket: Have a good, warm down jacket that is water-resistant as well as withstands negative temperatures. This helps in further trapping the heat.

Gloves/Muffler/Woollen Cap: All these are essential, especially in winter. In colder areas, it is important to keep your head covered.

Socks: Merino wool is the best and warmest socks that I have tried lately.

Toiletries

• Hand Sanitizer
• Paper Soaps
• Toothpaste/Toothbrush
• Towel/Toilet Paper
• Lip Balm
• Sunscreen
• Moisturizer

Additional Items

• Day Pack Bag
• UV Sunglasses
• Water Bottle
• Snow boots/trekking shoes – You can get snow boots and equipment for skiing from the operators only

Also read – Chadar Trek Essentials

I think Auli is the best place to go to for four days, especially during the winter. It is not only picturesque but a perfect getaway for adventurous activities like skiing. The best time to visit Auli truly depends on what experiences you’re seeking, but the winter months offer the most magical atmosphere with snow-covered landscapes and excellent skiing conditions.

Whether you’re exploring the various places to visit in Auli, enjoying the thrilling attractions in Auli, or simply soaking in the mountain views, this destination offers something special for every type of traveller. The combination of natural beauty, adventure activities, and spiritual significance makes Auli a truly unique tourist spot that deserves a place on every mountain lover’s bucket list.

If you are planning to go here, just go ahead with the plan without giving a second thought. The memories you’ll create at this stunning Auli hill station, from the cable car rides to the pristine skiing slopes, will last a lifetime. Whether you choose an organised Auli package from Delhi or plan your own Auli trip from Delhi, the experience of visiting this Himalayan paradise is truly unforgettable.

Do let us know if this guide helps you in any way, and comment below with your queries – we will get back to you!