Auli, often hailed as India’s premier skiing destination, is a stunning Himalayan paradise known for its pristine snow-covered slopes in winter and lush green meadows in summer. Located in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, it offers panoramic views of peaks like Nanda Devi, Mana Parvat, and Kamet. Reaching Auli from Haridwar is an adventurous journey that primarily involves road travel to Joshimath, followed by a cable car ride or a short drive.
Distance Between Haridwar and Auli
The journey to Auli is long and challenging, making it a full-day affair:
- By Road (to Joshimath): Approximately 290-310 kilometers.
- From Joshimath to Auli: Another 11-15 kilometers by road (if accessible by car/jeep) or a scenic 4.15-kilometer ropeway ride.
How to Reach Auli from Haridwar
Due to its high altitude and mountainous terrain, direct rail or air connectivity to Auli is not available. The most common way to reach Auli is by traveling to Joshimath first, and then continuing to Auli.
1. By Road to Joshimath (The Primary Leg)
The road journey from Haridwar to Joshimath is a long but incredibly scenic drive through the Garhwal Himalayas. You’ll pass through several important towns and river confluences (prayags) along the way.
- Journey Time: The drive from Haridwar to Joshimath typically takes between 10 to 12 hours, depending on road conditions, traffic, and the number of stops. It’s often recommended to start very early in the morning from Haridwar.
- Route: The most common route is via NH7 (previously NH58): Haridwar – Rishikesh – Devprayag – Srinagar – Rudraprayag – Karnaprayag – Chamoli – Joshimath.
a. By Bus (Economical Option)
State-run and some private buses ply the route from Haridwar to Joshimath. This is the most budget-friendly option.
- Where to Find Them: Buses usually depart from the main Haridwar ISBT (Inter State Bus Terminal).
- Operators: Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) and Garhwal Motor Owners Union (GMOU) buses are common.
- Types of Buses: Mostly non-AC seater buses. Limited AC or luxury options might be available on some segments or from Rishikesh.
- Journey Time: Expect the bus journey to take 10 to 12 hours or even more, due to multiple stops and mountain road conditions.
- Ticket Price Estimates: Fares for a non-AC bus from Haridwar to Joshimath can range from ₹800 to ₹1,200 per person.
- Pros: Very economical.
- Cons: Long, tiring journey, especially in non-AC buses. Can be crowded. Mountain roads can cause motion sickness. Buses might sometimes stop operations early during harsh weather (heavy rains, snowfall).
- Tips: Try to board an early morning bus from Haridwar (around 4-6 AM) to reach Joshimath before dark. Carry light snacks, water, and motion sickness medication if needed.
b. By Private Taxi/Cab (Most Comfortable and Direct)
Hiring a private taxi offers the most comfort, flexibility, and direct travel to Joshimath.
- Where to Find Them: You can find pre-paid taxi counters at Haridwar Railway Station or numerous private taxi operators and stands across Haridwar town.
- Pros: Door-to-door service to Joshimath, comfortable, and flexible (you can stop for breaks and photos). Ideal for families or groups.
- Cons: Most expensive option.
- Price Estimates: A one-way private taxi from Haridwar to Joshimath can cost anywhere from ₹5,500 to ₹9,000, depending on the car type (sedan, SUV), the service provider, and inclusion of tolls/driver allowances.
- Tips: Book from reputable taxi services or ask your hotel for recommendations. Negotiate the fare clearly beforehand. An experienced driver familiar with mountain roads is crucial for this long journey.
c. Self-Drive (For Experienced Mountain Drivers)
Self-driving to Joshimath is an option for those who love road trips and have significant experience driving in the Himalayas.
- Pros: Complete freedom and flexibility.
- Cons: Extremely long and tiring drive. Mountain roads can be challenging, narrow, and prone to landslides during monsoon or snow in winter. Parking in Joshimath can be difficult.
- Tips: Ensure your vehicle is perfectly maintained. Carry all necessary documents, a spare tire, and a basic toolkit. Start very early to avoid night driving in the hills. Check weather and road conditions before you begin.
2. From Joshimath to Auli (The Final Leg)
Once you reach Joshimath, there are two primary ways to get to Auli:
a. Auli Ropeway (Cable Car) – Most Popular and Scenic
This is the most iconic and preferred way to reach Auli from Joshimath, offering stunning panoramic views.
- Location: The ropeway station is located in Joshimath town.
- Distance/Duration: The ropeway covers about 4.15 kilometers in 20-25 minutes. It’s the second-highest cable car in Asia.
- Operational Hours: Generally from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but timings can vary based on weather conditions, season, and crowd.
- Ticket Price Estimates: Approximately ₹1,000 for a round trip per person (prices may vary slightly).
- Pros: Breathtaking views, fast, and avoids road issues (especially during snowfall).
- Cons: Tickets cannot be booked online and must be purchased at the counter in Joshimath. Long queues can form, especially during peak season (winter skiing season, holidays). The ropeway may close due to high winds or heavy snowfall.
- Tips: Reach the ropeway station early in the morning to avoid long queues. Check the operational status of the ropeway beforehand, especially if visiting in winter.
b. By Road from Joshimath to Auli
A motorable road also connects Joshimath to Auli. This is an alternative if the ropeway is not operational or if you prefer driving.
- Distance: Approximately 11-15 kilometers.
- Journey Time: About 30-45 minutes by taxi/jeep.
- Pros: Direct access to some resorts/points in Auli, useful if ropeway is closed.
- Cons: The road can be steep, narrow, and challenging, especially during snowfall (when it might even close). Taxis might charge extra if chains are needed on tires in snow.
- Price Estimates: A local taxi from Joshimath to Auli might cost ₹500-₹1,500 for a one-way trip, depending on the season and road conditions.
3. By Train or Air (Not Practical)
- By Train: Auli does not have a railway station. The nearest major railway stations are Haridwar (HW) and Dehradun (DDN). As you would already be starting from Haridwar, train travel is not a means to reach Auli itself.
- By Air: Auli does not have an airport. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport (DED) in Dehradun, which is approximately 279 km from Auli. While you could technically fly to Dehradun, there are no direct flights from Haridwar to Dehradun, and you would still need to rely on the long road journey from Dehradun to Joshimath. Given the time and cost, it’s not a practical option.
The journey to Auli is an experience in itself. The most common and reliable approach is to take an overnight bus or a private taxi from Haridwar to Joshimath, and then enjoy the spectacular ropeway ride from Joshimath to Auli. Always check weather and road conditions before embarking on this Himalayan adventure, especially during winter months.
