Places to Visit in Auli: Things to Do Beyond the Ski Slopes

Quick Answer: The best places to visit in and around Auli are Gorson Bugyal (a meadow about 3 km away by forest trail), Tali Lake (a small high lake beyond Gorson), Kwani Bugyal (a longer trek for fit walkers), the Auli artificial lake, the Nanda Devi sunrise viewpoint on the slopes, and the chair lift ride. In Joshimath, 13–16 km below, visit the Narsingh Temple, Jyotirmath and the Kalpavriksha tree, and Vishnuprayag. Further away, Tapovan's hot springs, Badrinath and Mana village (open roughly May to November), and the Valley of Flowers (roughly June to October) make excellent day trips or add-ons. Two full days covers Auli and Joshimath comfortably; add one or two more for Badrinath or a longer trek.

Most people know Auli as a ski destination. But the snow lasts only a few months a year, and even in winter, there's a lot more to Auli than the main slope. Step a few kilometres away and you're walking through oak and conifer forest to a high meadow with the whole Garhwal Himalaya in front of you. Drive down to Joshimath and you're in one of the oldest pilgrimage towns in India. Go further up the valley and you reach Badrinath.

This guide covers the places actually worth your time, with honest notes on distance, effort, season and how long each one takes. SnazzyTrips is a Haldwani-based Uttarakhand DMC since 2003, trusted by 20,000+ families, covering 50+ destinations with 150+ verified local partners and a 4.6/5 average rating across verified traveller reviews. As a local Uttarakhand DMC that has been sending travellers up the Badrinath highway for years, we've walked these trails ourselves in every season.

Places to Visit in Auli at a Glance

Distances and times are approximate and depend on road and weather conditions.

Places to Visit in Auli Itself

1. The Nanda Devi Sunrise from the Slopes

If you do only one thing in Auli, get up for sunrise. From the open slopes, you look straight at Nanda Devi, the highest mountain entirely within India, along with Dronagiri, Kamet, Mana Parvat and a long line of other peaks. In the first light, they turn from grey to gold to white in the space of a few minutes.

Practical notes:

• October to March usually brings the clearest skies. Monsoon months are often cloudy.
• In winter, it's well below freezing at dawn. Dress in every layer you have.
• You don't need to go far; most hotels on the slopes have a clear view, or you can walk a few minutes uphill.

2. Auli Chair Lift

The chair lift runs about 800 metres from the area near the GMVN resort to the upper slopes, in around 5 minutes. It's mainly for skiers, but non-skiers ride it for the view, which opens up dramatically as you climb.

It usually operates in the winter season and can pause for maintenance or strong winds, so check on arrival. Don't confuse it with the old Joshimath–Auli cable car, which is a different system and isn't running. Here's the latest on the closed Joshimath–Auli ropeway.

3. Auli Artificial Lake

Built to support snow-making on the ski slopes, this is one of the highest man-made lakes in the region. It's not a natural beauty spot in the way Tali Lake is, but the setting is lovely, with snow peaks behind it and forest on one side. It's an easy walk from the main resort area, and a pleasant 30-minute stop.

4. Gorson Bugyal

This is the place most visitors underrate. Gorson Bugyal is a high-altitude meadow (a bugyal in Garhwali) about 3 km from Auli, reached by a well-used trail through oak, rhododendron and conifer forest.

What it's like:

• Spring and early summer (April–June): Green grass, wildflowers, rhododendrons in bloom early in the season, and huge views of the Himalaya.
• Post-monsoon (September–November): Golden grass, crisp air and very clear views.
• Winter: Snow-covered and beautiful, but the trail can be icy or buried. Go only with a local guide and proper boots.

Effort: Moderate. It's a steady climb, but most reasonably fit people manage it in 1.5–2 hours each way at an easy pace. Children used to walking and active seniors can do it with breaks.

Tips: Start early, carry water and snacks (there's nothing to buy on the trail), and turn back if clouds or snow move in.

5. Tali Lake (Talli Taal)

Beyond Gorson Bugyal, a further walk brings you to Tali Lake, a small natural lake surrounded by forest and meadow. It's far quieter than anything near the slopes, and on a still morning, the reflections are beautiful.

Effort: Moderate to hard as a day trip from Auli, because you're doing Gorson and then continuing. Plan for a full day, go with a guide, and start early.

6. Kwani Bugyal

For fit walkers who want a real trek rather than a stroll, Kwani Bugyal is a larger, more remote meadow further along the high trails beyond Gorson, on the route towards the famous Kuari Pass. The views of the Nanda Devi range are outstanding.

Effort: Hard. It's a long day or better as an overnight camping trek. Treks deeper into this area may need forest permissions, and the trails aren't always obvious, so always go with a registered local guide.

Worth knowing before you go: The trails above Auli don't have mobile signal for long stretches, and weather changes fast above the tree line. For anything beyond Gorson, tell your hotel where you're going, take a guide, and set a firm turnaround time, even if the weather looks perfect when you leave.

7. Skiing and Snow Play

In winter, the slopes themselves are the main attraction, whether you ski or just want to sledge and build a snowman. If you're thinking of learning, our guide to learning to ski in Auli covers courses, costs and the best weeks. For the timing of snow itself, see Auli's snow season month by month.

8. Stargazing and Quiet Evenings

Auli's altitude, clean air and lack of town lights make the night sky remarkable on clear nights, especially in October, November and the cold, clear spells of winter. You don't need to go anywhere; step out of your hotel an hour after dark, let your eyes adjust, and look up. Just dress as warmly as you would for the sunrise.

Places to Visit in Joshimath (13–16 km Below Auli)

Many travellers drive straight through Joshimath on the way up. That's a mistake. It's one of the most important pilgrimage towns in the Himalaya, and a couple of hours here adds real depth to an Auli trip.

9. Narsingh Temple

Dedicated to Lord Narsingh, this temple is especially important because it serves as the winter seat of Lord Badrinath. When the Badrinath shrine closes for winter, worship continues here. Pilgrims who can't reach Badrinath in the cold months often visit Narsingh Temple instead.

Time needed: About an hour. Dress modestly and remove footwear before entering.

10. Jyotirmath and the Kalpavriksha

Joshimath's ancient name is Jyotirmath, one of the four cardinal monastic seats (mathas) established by Adi Shankaracharya. The math complex is a peaceful place to visit, and nearby stands the Kalpavriksha, a very old mulberry tree traditionally believed to be where Adi Shankaracharya meditated.

Time needed: 1–2 hours for the math, the tree and a slow walk around.

11. Vishnuprayag

About 12 km beyond Joshimath, towards Badrinath, the Alaknanda and Dhauliganga rivers meet at Vishnuprayag, one of the five sacred confluences (Panch Prayag) of the Alaknanda. The rivers are powerful and the setting is dramatic, with steep valley walls on both sides.

Time needed: About an hour, including the drive. It fits easily into a Badrinath day trip, or into a half-day out from Joshimath.

12. Tapovan Hot Springs and Bhavishya Badri

Around 15 km from Joshimath along the Dhauliganga valley, Tapovan is known for its natural hot springs. A short distance away is Bhavishya Badri, one of the Sapt Badri temples, which pilgrims sometimes combine with Tapovan.

Good for: A relaxed half-day out, especially on a cold winter day.

What first-timers usually miss: Most travellers rush through Joshimath to reach Auli by evening. If you plan your drive to arrive in Joshimath by early afternoon, you can visit Narsingh Temple and the Kalpavriksha, then drive up to Auli before dark. It costs you nothing extra and gives the trip a sense of place.

Day Trips and Add-Ons from Auli

13. Badrinath and Mana Village (Seasonal)

About 45 km beyond Joshimath, Badrinath is one of the Char Dham and one of the most sacred shrines in India. Just beyond it, Mana is known as the last Indian village before the Tibet border, with small stone houses, local tea stalls, Bhim Pul over the roaring Saraswati river, and Vyas Gufa.

When: Only when the Badrinath shrine is open, roughly from late April or May to October or November. It's closed in winter, and the road beyond Joshimath can be affected by snow.

Time needed: A full day from Auli, starting early.

If you'd like to build Auli around a pilgrimage, look at a Badrinath yatra add-on, or a full Char Dham circuit that passes through Joshimath.

14. Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib (Seasonal)

Reached via Govindghat, near Joshimath, the Valley of Flowers National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its monsoon-season wildflowers. Hemkund Sahib, the high-altitude Sikh shrine beside a glacial lake, is reached from the same base at Ghangaria.

When: Roughly June to October, with peak bloom usually in July and August.

Time needed: 2–3 days, because it involves trekking and an overnight stay at Ghangaria.

Many travellers pair this with Auli. A Valley of Flowers with Auli trip from Delhi puts both into one itinerary, or you can explore our Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib treks separately.

15. Chopta on the Way In or Out

Chopta, often called the "mini Switzerland" of Uttarakhand, isn't next door, but it can be combined with Auli on a longer Garhwal circuit via Chamoli and Gopeshwar. It's the base for the Tungnath temple and Chandrashila summit trek. If you have a few extra days, adding Chopta gives you another high-meadow experience with a very different feel.

Things to Do in Auli by Season

If you're travelling in winter, read what to wear in Auli in winter before you pack. For the festive season specifically, our guide to Auli in December covers crowds, bookings and what to expect.

How Many Days Do You Need in Auli?

• 1 day: Sunrise, the chair lift (in season), artificial lake, and a short forest walk. Rushed, but possible.
• 2 days: Everything in Auli plus Gorson Bugyal, and a few hours in Joshimath. This is the sweet spot for most travellers.
• 3 days: Add Tali Lake or a Badrinath and Mana day trip (in season), or Tapovan in winter.
• 4–5 days: Add the Valley of Flowers (in season), a longer trek like Kwani Bugyal, or skiing lessons.

Remember to add travel days. From Rishikesh, it's a long drive to Joshimath, usually with an overnight halt on the way.

Sample Itineraries

2 Days in Auli (Any Season)

• Day 1: Arrive Joshimath by early afternoon. Visit Narsingh Temple and the Kalpavriksha. Drive up to Auli; sunset from the slopes.
• Day 2: Sunrise over Nanda Devi. Morning walk to Gorson Bugyal and back. Afternoon at the artificial lake and chair lift (in winter). Stargazing at night.

3 Days in Auli (May–October)

• Day 1: Joshimath sightseeing, then drive to Auli.
• Day 2: Full-day trek to Gorson Bugyal and Tali Lake with a guide.
• Day 3: Early start for Badrinath and Mana, stopping at Vishnuprayag on the way. Return to Joshimath or Auli.

Getting Around Auli and Joshimath

• There's no ropeway between Joshimath and Auli at the moment, so all trips up and down are by road: about 13–16 km, usually 45–60 minutes.
• Hire a local taxi or keep your own private cab for day trips to Vishnuprayag, Tapovan and Badrinath. Shared jeeps run on main routes but are less predictable, especially in winter.
• Walking is the only way to Gorson Bugyal, Tali Lake and Kwani Bugyal.

For your journey in, an Auli tour from Haridwar or an Auli package from Delhi usually includes a Rishikesh stop on the way or an overnight halt further up the valley. If you're travelling with children or grandparents, our tips on planning for children and grandparents help you pick which of these places suit everyone.

Planning Your Auli Sightseeing

Auli's sights are spread across an altitude range of more than 1,000 metres, from Joshimath's temples to meadows above 3,000 metres, and they change dramatically by season. That's what makes planning worth the effort: the same trail can be a green meadow walk in May and a snow trek in January.

If you'd rather have it organised, our Auli tour packages with sightseeing include Joshimath, Gorson Bugyal and seasonal add-ons like Badrinath. Choosing a local operator who knows these trails helps a lot when weather changes plans, and this guide on how to pick the right travel company lists what to ask before you book. You can also browse more Uttarakhand destinations to combine with Auli, or simply see our Auli trips and pick a season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to visit in Auli?
The best places in Auli are the Nanda Devi sunrise viewpoint on the slopes, Gorson Bugyal meadow, Tali Lake, the Auli artificial lake and the chair lift ride. Nearby, Joshimath's Narsingh Temple, Jyotirmath and Vishnuprayag are worth visiting, and Badrinath and Mana make an excellent day trip when the shrine is open.

What is there to do in Auli apart from skiing?
Apart from skiing, you can trek to Gorson Bugyal and Tali Lake, watch the sunrise over Nanda Devi, ride the chair lift, visit the artificial lake, go stargazing, and explore Joshimath's temples. Seasonal day trips include Badrinath, Mana village, Tapovan hot springs and the Valley of Flowers.

How far is Gorson Bugyal from Auli?
Gorson Bugyal is about 3 km from Auli by a forest trail through oak and conifer trees. Most reasonably fit walkers take around 1.5–2 hours each way at an easy pace.

Is Auli worth visiting in summer?
Yes. From April to June, Auli's slopes and meadows turn green, the weather is pleasant, and trails to Gorson Bugyal, Tali Lake and Kwani Bugyal are at their best. It's also the season to combine Auli with Badrinath and Mana.

How many days are enough for Auli?
Two days is ideal for most travellers, covering Auli's viewpoints, Gorson Bugyal and Joshimath. Add a third day for Tali Lake or a Badrinath day trip, and more if you want to include the Valley of Flowers or skiing.

Can I visit Badrinath from Auli?
Yes, Badrinath is about 45 km beyond Joshimath and can be visited as a full-day trip from Auli, along with Mana village and Vishnuprayag. This is only possible when the Badrinath shrine is open, roughly from May to November.

What are the places to visit in Joshimath?
The main places in Joshimath are the Narsingh Temple (the winter seat of Lord Badrinath), Jyotirmath established by Adi Shankaracharya, and the ancient Kalpavriksha tree. Vishnuprayag and Tapovan's hot springs are short drives away.

Is the Gorson Bugyal trek possible in winter?
Yes, but the trail can be icy or covered in deep snow. In winter, go only with a local guide, wear waterproof boots with good grip, start early and turn back if weather worsens.

Do I need a guide for treks around Auli?
A guide isn't essential for the walk to Gorson Bugyal in good weather, but it's strongly recommended for Tali Lake, Kwani Bugyal and any trek in winter. Trails above the tree line can be unclear, mobile signal is patchy, and some routes may need forest permissions.

Why plan an Auli trip with SnazzyTrips?
SnazzyTrips is a Haldwani-based Uttarakhand DMC operating since 2003, trusted by 20,000+ families across 50+ destinations. With 150+ verified local partners and a 4.6/5 average rating across verified traveller reviews, the team plans Auli itineraries with local guides for meadow treks, Joshimath sightseeing and seasonal add-ons like Badrinath and the Valley of Flowers.

Final Word

Auli's ski slopes get most of the attention, but the places around them are what make a trip memorable: a forest trail opening onto Gorson Bugyal, a still morning at Tali Lake, an evening at Narsingh Temple in Joshimath, or the rivers meeting at Vishnuprayag. Give yourself at least two days, match your plans to the season, and leave room to walk. Auli rewards the people who slow down.