Your Ultimate Guide to Reaching Auli: Flights, Trains, Roads, and a Scenic Cable Car Adventure

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Auli, Uttarakhand – A Snow Lover’s Paradise

Auli, nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, is a pristine hill station that has earned a reputation as one of the best skiing destinations in India. Surrounded by majestic snow-capped peaks, rolling meadows, and dense oak and deodar forests, Auli offers a perfect blend of adventure, serenity, and natural beauty. Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast seeking thrilling skiing slopes, a nature lover yearning for breathtaking views, or someone simply in need of a peaceful retreat, Auli has something for everyone.

But reaching this winter wonderland requires some planning. Due to its location in a remote and elevated area, Auli is not directly connected to major cities. However, it’s accessible via a combination of transport options, including flights, trains, road trips, and a unique cable car ride.

This comprehensive guide will provide you with practical information on how to reach Auli by flight, train, road, and cable car—helping you plan your journey seamlessly. We’ll also highlight the best way to reach Auli, depending on your preferences and travel style.

How to Reach Auli by Flight

While Auli doesn’t have its own airport, the nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is approximately 273 km (8-9 hours by road) away. This airport is well-connected to major cities in India, such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad, with frequent flights from airlines like Indigo, Air India, and SpiceJet.

Steps to Reach Auli by Flight:

  1. Fly to Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun): Book a flight to Jolly Grant Airport. Dehradun’s airport is the most convenient option, offering daily flights from multiple cities.
  2. From Dehradun to Auli:
    • Hire a private taxi from the airport to Auli. This is the most comfortable option and will take approximately 8-9 hours.
    • Alternatively, take a bus or shared cab to Joshimath, the nearest town to Auli, and then proceed to Auli via a shorter road journey or cable car.

Alternative Airports:

  • Pantnagar Airport: Located about 296 km from Auli, Pantnagar is another option, but it has fewer flight connections compared to Dehradun. If you’re flying into Pantnagar, you’ll need to cover the remaining distance by road.

Best For:

Flying to Auli is ideal for travelers coming from far-off cities, as it significantly reduces travel time. However, do note that the road journey from Dehradun or Pantnagar is quite long, so plan accordingly.

Uttarakhand Travel Packages:

How to Reach Auli by Train

The nearest railway station to Auli is Rishikesh Railway Station, located about 250 km (7-8 hours by road) away. Rishikesh is well-connected to major Indian cities like Delhi, Haridwar, and Dehradun via regular trains.

Steps to Reach Auli by Train:

  1. Board a Train to Rishikesh:
    Popular trains like the Dehradun Shatabdi Express, Mussoorie Express, and Yoga Express run frequently from Delhi to Rishikesh. Ensure you book tickets in advance, as these trains are in high demand, especially during peak travel seasons.
  2. From Rishikesh to Auli:
    • Hire a private taxi from Rishikesh to Auli for a more comfortable journey. This will take about 7-8 hours.
    • Alternatively, take a bus to Joshimath and then proceed to Auli. Buses are available from Rishikesh’s main bus terminal to Joshimath, but these can be time-consuming due to multiple stops.

Alternative Railway Stations:

  • Haridwar Junction: Located 275 km from Auli, Haridwar is another well-connected railway station, offering even more train options compared to Rishikesh. The onward journey to Auli from Haridwar can be completed via taxi or bus.
  • Dehradun Railway Station: Dehradun, located 290 km from Auli, offers similar connectivity as Rishikesh.

Best For:

Traveling by train is a budget-friendly option for domestic travelers, particularly those coming from Delhi or nearby regions. The scenic train ride to Rishikesh or Haridwar adds charm to the journey.

How to Reach Auli by Road

Road travel is the most popular way to reach Auli, offering flexibility and breathtaking views of the Himalayan landscape. Auli is connected to major cities like Delhi, Dehradun, and Haridwar via well-maintained highways, although the journey involves winding mountain roads as you approach Joshimath and Auli.

Steps to Reach Auli by Road:

  1. From Delhi to Auli by Road:
    • The distance from Delhi to Auli is approximately 500 km, and the journey takes around 10-12 hours by car or bus.
    • If driving yourself, take the route via NH 7 (Delhi → Haridwar → Rishikesh → Joshimath → Auli).
  2. From Nearby Cities:
    • From Dehradun: The road distance is about 273 km, taking around 8-9 hours.
    • From Rishikesh: The road distance is 250 km, taking about 7-8 hours.
  3. Bus Options:
    • Regular buses operate from Delhi, Haridwar, and Rishikesh to Joshimath, run by Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC). These buses range from ordinary to semi-deluxe. Once you reach Joshimath, you can hire a taxi or take the cable car to Auli.
  4. Taxi Services:
    • Private taxis can be hired from major cities like Rishikesh, Dehradun, or Delhi for a hassle-free journey. While this is costlier than buses, it is more comfortable, especially for families or groups.

Driving Tips:

  • Mountain driving requires caution, so ensure you or your driver is experienced in navigating hilly terrain. Avoid driving at night due to narrow roads and lack of streetlights.
  • During winters (December to February), some parts of the road may be slippery due to snow. Check weather updates before traveling.

Best For:

Road travel is ideal for those who enjoy scenic drives or want to explore nearby destinations like Rishikesh, Haridwar, or Joshimath along the way.

How to Reach Auli by Cable Car

One of the most exciting ways to reach Auli is via the Joshimath-Auli Ropeway, Asia’s second-longest cable car ride. Spanning 4 km, this 25-minute ride offers spectacular views of the snow-covered Himalayas and the lush valleys below, making it a must-experience journey.

Steps to Reach Auli by Cable Car:

  1. Reach Joshimath:
    • Joshimath is the base point for the ropeway and is well-connected by road to cities like Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun. You can drive or take a bus/taxi to Joshimath.
  2. Take the Cable Car:
    • The ropeway operates between 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM (timings may vary depending on the season). Tickets can be purchased at the Joshimath Ropeway Station. It’s advisable to arrive early during peak seasons to avoid long queues.
  3. Experience the Ride:
    • The cable car takes you directly to Auli, bypassing the winding roads. The ride offers panoramic views of the Nanda Devi Peak and the surrounding landscapes.

Ticket Prices:

The ropeway fare is approximately INR 1,000 per person (round trip), but rates may vary slightly depending on the season.

Best For:

The cable car is perfect for those seeking a unique and scenic travel experience. It’s also the most convenient option during heavy snowfall when roads from Joshimath to Auli may be inaccessible.

Best Way to Reach Auli: A Recommended Travel Plan

For most travelers, the best way to reach Auli depends on your starting point and travel preferences. Here’s a suggested travel plan:

  1. From Delhi or Major Cities:
    • Take a flight to Dehradun or a train to Rishikesh.
    • From there, hire a taxi or take a bus to Joshimath (7-9 hours).
    • Complete the last leg of your journey by the Joshimath-Auli Ropeway for an unforgettable experience.
  2. For Budget Travelers:
    • Opt for a train or bus to Rishikesh or Haridwar. From there, take a bus or shared taxi to Joshimath. Complete your journey by road or ropeway.
  3. For Adventurers:
    • Drive or bike directly from Delhi or nearby cities, enjoying the scenic journey through the hills. Plan a stop at Rishikesh, Haridwar, or Rudraprayag along the way to break up the long drive.

Final Thoughts

Reaching Auli may require a bit of effort, but the journey is as rewarding as the destination itself. Whether you choose to fly, take the train, drive, or enjoy the thrill of a cable car ride, every route to Auli is filled with scenic beauty and memorable experiences.

Auli’s natural charm, coupled with its adventure offerings, makes it worth every mile. So, pack your bags, plan your trip using this guide, and embark on a journey to one of India’s most stunning mountain destinations!

Further Reading:

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