How to Reach Auli and Chopta: Route, Transport & Travel Tips
Published on October 18, 2025 | Updated on August 28, 2026
Auli and Chopta are two popular Himalayan destinations in Uttarakhand, but reaching them requires proper road-trip planning because neither destination has a direct railway station or airport.
This guide explains how to reach Auli and Chopta from Delhi, Rishikesh and other major travel hubs, along with the most practical route between Chopta and Auli.
If you want both destinations covered in one organised journey, explore our Auli Chopta Tour Package.
How to Reach Auli from Delhi
The most practical way to reach Auli from Delhi is by travelling towards Joshimath and continuing to Auli by road.
A commonly used route is:
Delhi → Haridwar/Rishikesh → Devprayag → Rudraprayag → Karnaprayag → Chamoli → Joshimath → Auli
Joshimath acts as the main base for reaching Auli.
According to Uttarakhand Tourism, Auli is approximately 14 km from Joshimath and is also connected through ropeway infrastructure.
By Road
Travellers can reach Joshimath by bus, shared taxi or private vehicle from major Uttarakhand towns.
From Joshimath, local taxis or available transport can be used to reach Auli. During heavy snowfall, road conditions may affect vehicle movement.
By Train
Auli does not have a railway station.
Travellers coming by train generally reach Haridwar or Rishikesh and continue towards Joshimath by road.
By Air
Jolly Grant Airport near Dehradun is the nearest major airport commonly used for an Auli trip. Uttarakhand Tourism lists it at approximately 286 km from Auli.
From the airport, travellers need to continue by road towards Joshimath and Auli.
How to Reach Chopta from Delhi
A common route for Chopta is:
Delhi → Haridwar/Rishikesh → Devprayag → Rudraprayag → Ukhimath → Chopta
Depending on the itinerary, travellers staying around Sari village may first head towards Sari for the Deoria Tal trek before moving to Chopta.
Chopta is situated at an altitude of approximately 2,608 metres and serves as the base area for the Tungnath and Chandrashila trek. Uttarakhand Tourism’s Chopta guide identifies trekking, camping and birdwatching among its major experiences.
By Road
Road travel is the main way to reach Chopta.
Buses and shared vehicles can take travellers towards Rudraprayag or Ukhimath, but the final stretch may require a local taxi or private vehicle depending on available services.
By Train
There is no railway station at Chopta.
Travellers can reach Haridwar or Rishikesh by train and continue towards Rudraprayag, Ukhimath and Chopta by road.
By Air
Jolly Grant Airport near Dehradun is the most practical airport for travellers heading towards Chopta.
From the airport, the remaining journey is completed by road through Rishikesh and Rudraprayag.
How to Travel from Chopta to Auli
If you are covering both destinations in one trip, you do not normally need to return to Rishikesh.
A practical mountain route is:
Chopta → Mandal/Gopeshwar → Chamoli → Joshimath → Auli
The exact route can change depending on road conditions, weather and local traffic instructions.
Because this is a mountain journey, avoid planning sightseeing immediately after an expected arrival time. Keep sufficient buffer for road delays.
For a structured day-wise circuit covering both destinations, see our Auli Chopta Trip Itinerary.
Delhi to Auli and Chopta: Which Should You Visit First?
For a combined trip, Chopta first and Auli afterwards is a practical itinerary in many cases.
A typical sequence can be:
Delhi → Sari/Chopta → Tungnath & Chandrashila → Joshimath → Auli → Delhi
This route allows travellers to complete the trekking section first and then move towards Auli for sightseeing and seasonal snow activities.
However, the order can be reversed depending on weather, road accessibility and accommodation availability.
Reaching Tungnath and Chandrashila from Chopta
Chopta is the starting point for the popular trek towards Tungnath.
Tungnath lies on the route towards Chandrashila Peak. Uttarakhand Tourism lists Chandrashila at around 4,000 metres and describes the Chopta–Chandrashila route as one of the region’s popular trekking experiences.
During winter, heavy snow can significantly change trail conditions.
Travellers should check local accessibility before starting and follow guidance from trek leaders or local authorities.
Reaching Deoria Tal
Travellers commonly access Deoria Tal from the Sari village side.
Sari is often included as an overnight or starting point in Chopta itineraries, especially when the trip combines:
Deoria Tal → Chopta → Tungnath → Chandrashila
The trek is relatively short compared with many Himalayan trails, but weather and snow can still affect difficulty.
Best Transport Option for Auli and Chopta
The right transport option depends on your group size and travel style.
Private Cab
Best for families, couples and travellers who want flexibility.
A private cab makes it easier to stop between destinations and manage route changes.
Tempo Traveller
Suitable for larger groups travelling from Delhi.
It is commonly used for organised Auli–Chopta group trips.
Public Transport
Public buses and shared vehicles can reduce costs, but direct connectivity between every stop may not always be available.
Travellers using public transport should keep extra time for transfers.
Winter Road Conditions
Winter travel requires extra planning because Auli and Chopta can both experience snow.
Heavy snowfall may result in:
- Slower driving
- Temporary road restrictions
- Slippery roads
- Local vehicle changes
- Trek-route closures
- Itinerary adjustments
Do not attempt to drive through a closed or unsafe route simply to maintain the original schedule.
Monsoon Travel Conditions
During monsoon, heavy rainfall can cause landslides and road delays across Uttarakhand’s mountain routes.
Travellers visiting during this period should:
- Check weather forecasts before departure
- Avoid unnecessary night driving
- Keep buffer days where possible
- Follow local road advisories
Important Travel Tips
Start early when travelling between Himalayan destinations because mountain drives usually take longer than expected.
Carry some cash because card or digital-payment connectivity may be inconsistent at smaller stops.
Keep warm clothing accessible during road travel rather than packing everything deep inside your luggage.
During winter, carry waterproof footwear, gloves and proper layers.
Avoid fixing ropeway, trekking or sightseeing plans too tightly around arrival times.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reaching Auli and Chopta
1. Can Auli and Chopta be covered in one trip?
Yes. Both destinations can be combined through the Chopta–Gopeshwar–Chamoli–Joshimath route, subject to road conditions.
2. Which railway station is best for Auli and Chopta?
Haridwar and Rishikesh are commonly used railway access points before continuing into the mountains by road.
3. Which airport is nearest to Auli and Chopta?
Jolly Grant Airport near Dehradun is the main airport used for both destinations.
4. Is there a direct bus from Delhi to Auli?
Direct services can vary. Most public-transport journeys involve reaching Rishikesh, Haridwar or Joshimath and using connecting transport.
5. Can I drive my own car to Auli and Chopta?
Yes, subject to road and weather conditions. Winter driving requires greater caution because snow and ice can affect the final mountain stretches.
6. How do I travel from Chopta to Auli?
A commonly used route runs through Gopeshwar, Chamoli and Joshimath before reaching Auli.
7. Is the road to Chopta open during winter?
Access depends on snowfall and current road conditions. Heavy snow can restrict vehicle movement and may require itinerary changes.
Plan Your Auli Chopta Journey
The easiest way to plan an Auli and Chopta trip is to treat Joshimath and Chopta/Sari as separate mountain bases and allow enough time for the road journey between them.
Avoid building an itinerary around exact mountain driving times. Weather, road conditions and seasonal traffic should always be considered while planning the route.
