Auli and Joshimath: what to expect
Joshimath, also written Jyotirmath, lies on the road from Rishikesh to Badrinath. Auli is the ski and mountain-view area above the town. Most visitors pass through Joshimath on the yatra and add Auli as a side trip, or visit it in winter for skiing.
Do not plan around the gondola. The Joshimath to Auli ropeway has been closed since January 2023, and no reopening date is announced. The substitute is the road, about 14 to 16 km and 45 to 60 minutes. If you want your whole Uttarakhand trip arranged, compare the Badrinath tours and packages, which usually include road transport.
Joshimath on the road to Badrinath
A working mountain town and a common overnight stop.
Where it fits on the route
The road runs from Rishikesh or Haridwar through Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag and Nandaprayag to Joshimath, then on to Badrinath. For distances and timing, see Rishikesh to Badrinath.
Ground movement in 2023
In January 2023 the government confirmed the evacuation of badly damaged houses in Joshimath, with rescue teams deployed and ropeway operation halted. That describes the crisis of that month, not the town today. Ask where you stay about current conditions on the roads you will use.
Health and registration along the way
Registration is verified along the route, with a check post at Pandukeshwar for Badrinath. Read the registration guide before you set out, and allow time at the posts.
Tours around Auli, Joshimath and Badrinath
Day trips and multi-day yatra tours in the region, with live prices and availability.
The Auli ropeway and the chairlift
Two different systems share the name. The long gondola from Joshimath to Auli has been closed since 5 January 2023, and no reopening is announced. The short chairlift on the ski slopes is a separate lift. Check with the operator on the day whether it runs, and what it costs, before you plan your visit around it.
Because of this, the road is the way up. A drive of 45 to 60 minutes is the realistic plan for day visitors, and you should add time for rain, fog or road work.
Skiing in Auli
Course fees for the 2025–2026 season, in INR including GST.
| Course | Indian adults, without / with lodging and meals | Foreign participants, without / with lodging and meals |
|---|---|---|
| 3 days | INR 4,800 / 8,900 | INR 7,500 / 15,000 |
| 7 days | INR 10,000 / 19,900 | INR 15,000 / 30,000 |
| 14 days | INR 19,000 / 39,000 | INR 30,000 / 60,000 |
Lodging in these courses means shared dormitories and Indian meals. Local residents of Chamoli with an Aadhaar card pay INR 3,800, 8,000 and 15,000 for the three courses without lodging. There is no general child discount on the course fee.
For day use, skis cost INR 600 per pair for students up to 18 years and INR 800 per pair for adults. A ski lesson costs INR 400 per day and person. These are the rates of the 2025–2026 programme. The programme for the winter 2026–2027 is not announced yet, and snow depends on the winter. For most first-time skiers, the 3-day course is the practical start, and you should book it only after the new dates are out.
Views and walks at Auli
Outside the ski weeks, Auli suits a short visit. Plan a half day and bring warm layers.
A visit pairs well with a night in Joshimath. If you also want the flower valley, see the Valley of Flowers guide, and for seasons and rain risk read the weather page.
Plan the rest of your trip
Pages that fit around Joshimath and Auli.
Auli and Joshimath: frequently asked questions
Is the Joshimath to Auli ropeway open?
No. The gondola has been closed since 5 January 2023, and no reopening date is announced. Use the road, which is about 14 to 16 km and 45 to 60 minutes.
When is the ski season in Auli?
The state operator GMVN runs ski courses from January to March. Snow is never guaranteed, and the programme for the winter 2026–2027 is not announced yet.
How much does a ski course cost?
In the 2025–2026 programme, a 3-day course for foreign participants cost INR 7,500 without lodging and INR 15,000 with lodging and meals. A 7-day course cost INR 15,000 or INR 30,000, and a 14-day course INR 30,000 or INR 60,000.
Is Joshimath safe to visit?
The town had ground movement in January 2023 and evacuations of badly damaged houses. Ask your lodging about current conditions on local roads, and keep your schedule flexible in the rainy season.
Is Joshimath the same as Jyotirmath?
Yes. Both names are used for the same town on the road to Badrinath.
Does the chairlift at Auli run?
The chairlift on the ski slopes is a separate lift from the gondola. Check with the operator on the day whether it runs and what it costs.