Auli itinerary

Plan 01

1 day in Auli

1. 01

   Day 1: Plateau walks and valley views

   Ascend by ropeway early in the morning to acclimatise. Spend the day on gentle walks across the plateau meadows, taking time to adjust to the altitude and soak in the Nanda Devi views. Visit the small Auli Temple if energy permits. Return to Joshimath in the late afternoon.

Guides for the stops on this route

Plan 02

2 days in Auli

1. 01

   Day 1: Arrival and plateau acclimation

   Travel to Joshimath, check in to a hotel there, and take an afternoon ropeway ascent to Auli to acclimatise. Spend time on the plateau at a relaxed pace, perhaps visiting the temple or a nearby meadow. Return to Joshimath for the night.

2. 02

   Day 2: Ridge walks and sunrise views

   Start early from Joshimath, ascend by ropeway, and spend the day trekking along the upper ridges and meadows if weather permits. Take a packed lunch and water. Aim to be back in Joshimath by late afternoon. Explore Joshimath town in the evening—the Narsingh temple and the old bazaar.

Guides for the stops on this route

Plan 03

3 days in Auli

1. 01

   Day 1: Joshimath settlement and altitude check

   Travel to Joshimath. Check in and spend the day walking gently around the town: visit the Narsingh temple, the Auli Bugyal (meadow) viewpoint from town, and explore the bazaar. Eat a light dinner and rest early to allow altitude acclimatisation.

2. 02

   Day 2: Ropeway ascent and plateau trekking

   Ascend early by ropeway to Auli plateau. Spend the day on ridge walks: head towards Chopta or explore the upper meadows and viewpoints. Visit Auli Temple. Return to the ropeway station by late afternoon. Descend to Joshimath for the night.

3. 03

   Day 3: Extended meadow trek and descent

   If acclimatised, ascend again and trek further along the ridges towards Gwaldarn or the Chopta direction, weather permitting. Pack a full lunch. Alternatively, explore Joshimath further: visit the hot springs area, drive towards the nearby Auli Bugyal viewpoints from below, or rest and prepare for the descent. Depart for lower elevations in the late afternoon.

Guides for the stops on this route

Pacing

Make the plan work for everyone

• Consult a doctor before travelling to altitude above 2,500 metres. Discuss altitude sickness, heart conditions, and blood pressure concerns.
• Ascend slowly: consider a night in Joshimath before ascending to Auli. Allow a full day at altitude before strenuous activity.
• The ropeway ascent itself is comfortable and safe, but the plateau air is thin. Walk slowly, rest often, and carry water.
• The road to Joshimath is steep and winding; if you have inner ear problems or motion sickness, take medication before departure.
• Stay hydrated and avoid heavy meals at altitude. Eat light, frequent meals and drink water throughout the day.
• Bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses: high-altitude sun is intense, and snow (in winter) reflects it powerfully.