Auli is 280 km from Dehradun, 8-9 hours by taxi via NH-7. Peak snowfall runs December-February. Taxis: Dzire from Rs 7,500 one way, Innova from Rs 10,500. The Joshimath-Auli ropeway costs around Rs 1,000 round trip.
Auli in full snow is a sight you will not forget — ski slopes dusted white, Himalayan peaks on the horizon, and Asia's second-longest ropeway lifting you over the valley. But the journey matters as much as the destination. This guide covers everything: how to reach Auli from Dehradun by taxi, the ropeway, the best time for snowfall, what it costs, and what to carry.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 16 km above Joshimath, Chamoli district |
| Altitude | 2,800-3,050 m |
| Distance from Dehradun | About 280 km |
| Drive time from Dehradun | 8-9 hours via NH-7 |
| Nearest airport | Jolly Grant, Dehradun (280 km) |
| Known for | Skiing, ropeway, 360-degree Himalayan views |
The route follows NH-7 (Badrinath highway) through Rishikesh, Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag and Chamoli. It is a long day — most travellers break it overnight.
| Segment | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Dehradun to Rishikesh | 45 km | 1-1.25 hours |
| Rishikesh to Devprayag | 75 km | 2-2.5 hours |
| Devprayag to Rudraprayag | 70 km | 2 hours |
| Rudraprayag to Chamoli | 75 km | 2-2.5 hours |
| Chamoli to Joshimath | 25 km | 1-1.25 hours |
| Joshimath to Auli | 16 km | 40-50 min (or ropeway) |
| Car | One-Way Fare | Round Trip (3-4 days) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maruti Dzire | Rs 7,500-8,500 | Rs 16,000-18,000 | Couples, small groups |
| Maruti Ertiga | Rs 9,000-10,000 | Rs 19,000-21,000 | Family of 5 |
| Toyota Innova | Rs 10,500-11,500 | Rs 22,000-24,000 | Comfort groups |
| Innova Crysta | Rs 12,000-13,000 | Rs 25,000-27,000 | Premium, elders |
| Tempo Traveller | Rs 16,000-18,000 | Rs 35,000-38,000 | Big groups |
Fares include fuel, driver allowance and state taxes. In peak snow weeks (late December to February) prices can run 10-15% higher and vehicles book out early.
The ropeway is the highlight of the approach — about 4 km and 20-25 minutes, lifting you over oak forests and meadows to the Auli ski slopes. Ticket prices run around Rs 1,000 round trip per person in season. In heavy snow the road from Joshimath to Auli can close, making the ropeway the only option — check conditions and book ropeway tickets early in peak season.
| Season | Snow Conditions | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Late Dec-Feb | Peak snow, up to 3 m on slopes | Best for snowfall and skiing |
| March | Powder lingering, quieter | Good budget window |
| May-June | No snow, green meadows | Trekking season, Gorson Bugyal |
| July-Sept | Monsoon, risky roads | Avoid |
Temperatures in peak winter: daytime around 4-6 degrees, nights dropping to minus 8 or lower. Roads to Auli generally stay open but carry chains — our drivers carry them as standard in winter.
Since 2016, we have driven the Auli route with police-verified pahadi drivers who know exactly when the roads freeze and when the ropeway runs. Fixed fares, snow chains included in winter, and honest advice on weather windows. Call +91 99979 49063 or WhatsApp us to plan your snowfall trip.
Peak snowfall runs late December to February, with up to 3 m of snow on the slopes. March is quieter with lingering powder. Summer (May-June) has no snow.
About 280 km via NH-7 through Rishikesh, Devprayag, Rudraprayag and Chamoli — 8-9 hours by taxi, usually broken overnight at Joshimath.
Dzire one way Rs 7,500-8,500, Ertiga Rs 9,000-10,000, Innova Rs 10,500-11,500. Round trip 3-4 days from Rs 16,000. Peak snow weeks run 10-15% higher.
Ropeway (about 4 km, 20-25 minutes, around Rs 1,000 round trip) ya 16 km road drive. Heavy snow mein road band ho sakti hai — ropeway hi option banti hai.
Yes, tourism has fully resumed and the ropeway runs regularly. Carry chains (our drivers carry them), check road conditions daily, and book ropeway tickets early.
Galaxy Hills Taxi Service - Dehradun based since 2016, police-verified pahadi drivers
