Planning a trip from Delhi to Auli? Believe me, it’s gonna be an exciting adventure; you just need to plan well. Known for skiing and other snow activities, Auli is a picture-perfect winter destination in Uttarakhand. A road trip from Delhi to Auli offers scenic views and exciting terrain, passing through some of Uttarakhand’s most picturesque landscapes.
Whether you prefer bus, train, car, or flight, Here is the complete information about the possible roads, time taken, some hours you will have to spend at a halt, places of interest, and some tips to ease your trip. So, let’s get started!
Distance Between Delhi to Auli
The distance from Delhi to Auli is perfect for a long road trip, best enjoyed with a comfortable chauffeur-driven car. You can stop anytime for a quick break, enjoy snacks, or just take in the beautiful surroundings. Hiring a cab ensures that the 508 km distance from Delhi to Auli will be covered in about 14 hours 30 minutes. You don’t need to worry about fuel, rough roads, or traffic. Just relax, enjoy the view, and let your driver handle everything while you head to Auli.
How To Get There
By Air:
No doubt, traveling by air is the most convenient way to reach Auli, but it does add to your itinerary’s cost. Jolly Grant Airport, or Dehradun Airport, is the nearest airport to Auli, located 220 km away. After landing at Dehradun Airport, you can hire a taxi or cab to reach Auli. Due to the mountain terrain, the distance from Dehradun Airport to Auli is about 220 km, which may take around 8-9 hours to cover. However, the total travel time may be longer if you take breaks for lunch. You can plan a stay before Joshi math instead of traveling at night and resume the journey early in the morning.
By Road:
The drive to Auli from Delhi is surreal, with scenic views. The road takes you through a winding path lined with lush pine trees, offering breathtaking views of the forested hills and deep valleys. The distance from Delhi to Auli Uttrakhand is roughly 508 km and can be covered in about 12-14 hours if you drive non-stop.
If you prefer to avoid driving your car, there are frequent buses from Delhi to nearby towns like Rishikesh, Dehradun, or Joshimath, with fares starting at around Rs. 500 per person. Although the cost may vary, you can hire a private taxi or tempo traveler to reach Auli via NH94.
By Train:
So, how to reach Auli from Delhi by train? And the best itinerary is here. Rishikesh Railway Station is the nearest option if you plan to travel by train. Various trains run from Delhi to Rishikesh daily. After reaching Rishikesh Railway Station, you need to cover a distance of 230 km to reach Auli. You can hire a cab or taxi or opt for budget bus services. The drive from Rishikesh to Auli via the well-maintained NH58 typically takes around seven to eight hours, offering a smooth and scenic journey through the hills.
Best Routes From Delhi to Auli
You must choose the right route to reach Auli and make your journey smooth. Here are the two main routes you can take:
Route 1: Delhi -Mussoorie – Rishikesh – Devprayag – Srinagar – Rudraprayag -Joshimath – Auli
This route is the most popular option taken by the students. It gives one fabulous view of the Ganges and the Mountains while driving through the hills of Rishikesh and the various pilgrimage centers along the Alaknanda River. The distance between Delhi to Auli is around 500km, and the time taken on the road is between 12 and 14 hours.
Route 2: Delhi -Haridwar –Rishikesh –Chamba –Tehri –Srinagar –Rudraprayag –Joshimath–Auli
The route offers views of the Himalayas and some winter activities. Auli is situated in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, famous for skiing slopes and beautiful scenic beauty. This route is also around 500km, and travel time remains 13 hours.
Stopovers & Places to Visit
Haridwar (Approx. 220 km from Delhi)
Haridwar is one of the most sacred cities in India and is known for the Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri. This stop lets you witness the city’s spiritual vibe and dip in the holy Ganges. Haridwar the famous places are – Har Ki Pauri, Chandi Devi Temple, and Mansa Devi Temple. Rishikesh is situated approximately 25 kilometers away from Haridwar.
Rishikesh (Approx. 25 km from Haridwar)
Also called the “Yoga capital of the world,” Rishikesh offers adventure tourism like river rafting, bungee jumping, and camping. It’s also a great place for spiritual seekers, and the enjoyable places are Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula, Beatles Ashram, and Triveni Ghat. Delhi to Rishikesh by road is comfortably covered in a single day. If time allows, spend a night here to enjoy adventure activities and the serene atmosphere.
Devprayag (Approx. 70 km from Rishikesh)
Devprayag is the confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers, forming the Ganges. It’s a picturesque town with historical significance. If you rest in Devprayag, you must visit Raghunathji Temple, and Sangam Viewpoint.
Srinagar, Uttarakhand (Approx. 34 km from Devprayag)
It’s a small town on the banks of the Alaknanda River, offering a peaceful atmosphere. It’s also a good spot for a quick meal or rest. If you wish to explore more in the town, visit Places like Kamleshwar Mahadev Temple and Dhari Devi Temple (on the way).
Rudraprayag (Approx. 35 km from Srinagar)
Rudraprayag is famous for being another confluence point of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers. Rudraprayag is a nature’s wonder, perfect for camping and trekking activities. Night camping at Flower Valley is a must-do. You can take a break and enjoy the views. Not only this, spiritual devotees can seek blessings at Koteshwar Temple and Rudranath Temple here.
Karnaprayag & Nandaprayag (Approx. 33 km from Rudraprayag)
In the list of tourist attractions near Auli, you can add Karnaprayag and Nandprayag. These towns offer panoramic views of the meeting of two rivers, the Alaknanda and the Nandakini. This beautiful confluence creates a stunning view that you shouldn’t miss. You can also find some of the most scenic stay options here, offering mountain and river views.
Joshimath (Approx. 45 km from Karnaprayag)
Joshimath is a major stopover on the way to Auli. It’s known for its religious significance and as the base point for Auli. If you reach Joshimath by evening, consider staying overnight, taking the cable car, or driving up to Auli the following day for the best experience. Some most popular attractions not to be missed are Narsingh Temple, Kalpavriksha, and Shankaracand Harya Math.
Auli (Approx. 13 km from Joshimath)
After all these stops, you finally reach Auli. It’s the perfect place to sit down and admire the beauty around you. The snow-capped mountains feel like something out of a dream. Auli is famous for its skiing slopes, green meadows, and breathtaking views of peaks like Nanda Devi and Mana Parbat. In winter, Auli becomes a paradise for those who love snow.
Places to Visit in Auli
Auli Artificial Lake
Auli is one of the world’s highest artificial lakes and serves as a water reservoir for artificial snow on the ski slopes.
Gurso Bugyal
A short trek from Auli, this meadow offers panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Chattrakund
A beautiful lake about 4 km from Auli, known for its crystal-clear waters.
Kwani Bugyal
Located about 13 km from Auli, it’s a perfect spot for trekkers.
Skiing and Ropeway
Auli offers the longest ropeway in Asia, covering a distance of 4 km, which provides a breathtaking aerial view of the surroundings.
Essential Travel Tips
- The roads are comparatively narrower and more twists and turns begin from Rishikesh. As it is commuted during the winter, some roads may be slippery due to snow, especially around Auli and Joshimath.
- Auli has limited stay options, so it’s a good idea to book your hotel in advance to avoid any last-minute hassle.
- Also, pack warm clothes, even if you’re visiting in summer, as the weather can get chilly.
- Check the road conditions before starting your trip, especially in the rainy season, as landslides can occur.
- Carry cash with you since ATMs are not easily available in remote areas.
Best Time to Visit Auli
Skiing is best from December to February, while July to September and mid-October to February are ideal for tourist activities such as sightseeing and trekking.
Stay Options During Delhi to Auli Roatrip
Rishikesh has many cheap hotels and ashrams, even though there are also class hotels to accommodate those who prefer them. There are several mid-level hotels and guest houses that tourists can put up in while in Joshimath. There are two types of accommodations in Auli: GMVN (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam) resorts and private resorts, and, as with most tourist spots, the best bet is to book in advance during peak season.
Fuel and Food Stops
Petrol bunks are available up to Joshimath and one must try to fill up at Rishikesh, Srinagar, or Joshimath because, after this, they are scarce. Local restaurants, or dhabas, can be found along the route and serve plain North Indian cuisine.
Safety Precautions
It is wise to travel with an emergency medical kit, blankets, and, more importantly, warm clothing, especially in winter. Be careful while driving, particularly in the hills. Tourists are advised not to travel at night after Rishikesh because the roads are narrow, and there is good wildlife around that area. As the roads to Auli can be blocked due to heavy snowfall, please check the climate when choosing a time for a trip.
Network and Connectivity
There might be little network signals after Joshimath regarding mobile networks. It is rather wise to share your schedule with someone.
Conclusion
This journey has an ideal combination of fun & adventure, devoutness, and diverse & spectacular nature beauty. The trip will be memorable whether your visits are brief, an express tour, or an extended visit to the quiet towns. Expect a long journey, appreciate the beauty of the surrounding landscapes, and have the best of the Himalayan vistas this road offers.