Things to Do in Auli: Beyond Skiing and Ropeway
Published on November 14, 2026 | Updated on November 14, 2026
Most people plan Auli around two things: skiing and the ropeway ride. Both are worth doing, but if that’s all you do, you’ll leave with maybe 20% of what this place offers. Auli sits at roughly 2,500 to 3,000 metres in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, with oak and conifer forests, wide meadows, old temples and some of the best views of the Nanda Devi range you’ll get without a long trek.
I’ve put this guide together for travellers who want to understand what else the area holds, and how to fit it into a realistic plan.
Auli Sightseeing at a Glance
| Place / Activity | Distance from Auli/Joshimath | Best for | Time needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gorson Bugyal | Short trek from Auli | Meadows, views, snow walks | 3 to 4 hours |
| Auli Artificial Lake | Within Auli | Photography, snow scenery | 1 hour |
| Narsingh Temple, Joshimath | In Joshimath | Culture, winter worship | 1 hour |
| Tapovan hot spring | About 14 km from Joshimath | Nature, local experience | Half day |
| Vishnuprayag | About 12 km from Joshimath | Sacred confluence | 1 hour |
| Bhavishya Badri | About 17 km from Joshimath | Temple, forest walk | Half day |
| Kuari Pass trek | Starts near Auli | Trekking | 4 to 5 days |
Distances are approximate. Confirm with your driver or hotel before planning.
1. Walk to Gorson Bugyal
If I had to pick one thing beyond skiing, this is it. Gorson Bugyal is a wide high-altitude meadow, reached by a gentle walk of about 3 to 4 km from Auli through oak forest. In summer it’s green and dotted with wildflowers, and in winter it turns into a white expanse with Nanda Devi and Dronagiri standing in the distance.
The walk is easy enough for most families, but start early. Clouds often roll in by midday, and the morning light is the best for photos. Carry water, wear proper shoes and keep a light layer even in sunny weather. Walk slowly, because the altitude can make you breathless faster than you expect. Pack a simple lunch, since there are very few shops on the way.
2. Visit the Auli Artificial Lake
Built to support snow-making for the ski slopes, this lake is often described as one of the highest artificial lakes in India, and it has become a popular stop. In winter it’s surrounded by snow, and in other seasons it reflects the mountains and the sky. It isn’t a place to spend hours, but it makes a good short stop between a walk and lunch.
Go in the morning or late afternoon when the light is soft, since midday sun flattens the view. If you’re visiting in summer, the lake may look quite different from the winter photos you’ve seen online, so keep your expectations realistic.
3. Catch Sunrise and Sunset Points
Wake up early at least once. Sunrise from the open slopes lights up the peaks in gold and pink, and sunset brings a calm, quiet feeling over the valley. You don’t need to hike far for this. A short walk from your stay is often enough, and guesthouse staff usually know the best spots.
In winter, dress warmly even for a short sunrise walk, because the cold before dawn is sharper than most people expect. Carry a flask of tea if you can. These quiet hours, with almost no one around, are what most guests tell us they remember longest.
4. Explore Joshimath’s Spiritual Side
Joshimath, the gateway town to Auli, is also an important pilgrimage stop. Since the Badrinath temple closes for winter, Lord Badrinath’s winter worship takes place at the Narsingh Temple here. The town is also linked to Adi Shankaracharya and the Jyotirmath tradition.
Spending an hour here adds a cultural layer that many visitors miss. Dress modestly, remove footwear at the entrance and try to visit during the morning or evening aarti, when the atmosphere is calmest. A short chat with the temple priest or a local shopkeeper often gives you stories you won’t find in any guidebook.
5. Take a Day Out to Tapovan
Tapovan is known for its natural hot water spring and quiet surroundings, about 14 km from Joshimath. It’s a good option on a cold winter day, and the drive itself is scenic, passing small villages and terraced fields.
Roads can be affected by snow or landslides, so check conditions with local drivers first. Hire a local cab instead of driving your own vehicle if you aren’t used to narrow mountain roads. Carry a change of clothes and a towel if you plan to spend time near the spring, and keep the visit short on very cold days.
6. See Vishnuprayag, the Sacred Confluence
At Vishnuprayag, about 12 km from Joshimath, the Alaknanda meets the Dhauliganga, one of the five Prayags of Uttarakhand. It’s a short stop of an hour or so, and it works well if you’re driving toward Govindghat or Badrinath. The setting is dramatic, with the river cutting through a narrow valley.
Stay behind the safety railings near the water, as the current is strong and the rocks are slippery. The stop is also a good chance to understand how the region’s rivers and pilgrimage routes connect, which makes the rest of your trip more meaningful.
7. Visit Bhavishya Badri
This lesser-known temple, about 17 km from Joshimath, is believed by devotees to be where Lord Badri will be worshipped in the future. It sits in a forested area near Subhain village and involves a short walk. It’s peaceful, uncrowded and suits travellers who like quieter places.
Allow half a day including the drive, and carry water and snacks. The forest trail is lovely in spring and autumn, and in winter it may be partly snow-covered, so wear shoes with a good grip.
8. Try the Kuari Pass Trek
If you have a few extra days, the Auli region is the starting zone of one of Uttarakhand’s best beginner treks. The Kuari Pass trek (also called the Lord Curzon Trail) passes through Gorson Bugyal and Tali and ends with a wide Himalayan panorama. It usually takes 4 to 5 days including travel.
Even if you can’t do the full trek, a day walk toward Gorson Top gives you a small taste of it. Going with a local guide is worth it, especially in winter, when snow can hide the trail.
9. Go for Photography and Stargazing
Auli has low light pollution, and on clear winter nights the sky is full of stars. If you carry a camera or even a decent phone, try a night shot of the slopes under a clear sky. A small tripod makes a big difference here.
For daytime, the forest trails, snow patterns and mountain skylines give plenty of material. Golden hour, just after sunrise and before sunset, gives the best light. Keep spare batteries warm inside your jacket, since cold drains them quickly.
10. Plan Day Trips Based on the Season
Auli works as a base for several nearby places, but what’s open depends on the month.
| Season | What’s open and worth visiting |
|---|---|
| Dec to Mar | Snow walks, skiing, Joshimath temples, Tapovan (road permitting) |
| Apr to May | Gorson Bugyal, Kuari Pass trek, Bhavishya Badri, Badrinath reopens (usually around May) |
| Jun to Sep | Green meadows, Valley of Flowers (via Govindghat), Hemkund Sahib |
| Oct to Nov | Clear skies, trekking, quiet trails before winter |
Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib are seasonal and closed in winter, so don’t plan them for a December visit. Always confirm dates with the official sources or your trip planner.
Sample 3 Days, 2 Nights Plan
Day 1: Arrive in Joshimath, visit Narsingh Temple, rest and acclimatise.
Day 2: Ropeway or drive to Auli. Walk to Gorson Bugyal, stop at the artificial lake and watch sunset.
Day 3: Sunrise walk, a short visit to Vishnuprayag or Tapovan if conditions allow, then drive back.
If you have a fourth day, add Bhavishya Badri or a longer Gorson walk. For five days or more, consider a full Kuari Pass trek.
How Many Days Do You Need?
The mountain roads are slow, so a short plan often means more time in the car than in Auli. How long you stay depends on how much you want to see.
- 2 days: Enough for Auli, Gorson Bugyal and a quick stop in Joshimath. It works if you’re short on time, but it feels rushed.
- 3 days: The comfortable minimum. You get a full day on the slopes and meadows, plus time for a day trip to Vishnuprayag or Tapovan.
- 4 to 5 days: Best for a relaxed trip. You can add Bhavishya Badri, take longer walks or try the Kuari Pass trek without hurrying.
Want all this planned for you? Check our Auli tour package with stay, transfers and local support.
The mountain roads are slow, so a short plan often means more time in the car than in Auli.
Practical Tips From Our Experience
- Start early every day. Weather in the mountains is clearest in the morning.
- Check road and ropeway status. Both can change with snow or maintenance.
- Don’t overpack the itinerary. Auli’s best moments come from slow walks.
- Carry cash. ATMs and network may be unreliable.
- Layer your clothes. Temperatures can swing between sunny and cold within hours.
- Respect the meadows. Carry your trash back and stay on the trails.
- Hire local drivers or guides. They know current road conditions better than any app.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is there to do in Auli other than skiing?
You can walk to Gorson Bugyal, visit the artificial lake, explore Joshimath’s temples, see Vishnuprayag, take a Tapovan day trip, try the Kuari Pass trek and enjoy sunrise and stargazing.
2. Is Auli worth visiting if I don’t ski?
Yes. The views, meadows, short walks and nearby spiritual stops make it a full destination even without skiing.
3. How many days are enough for Auli sightseeing?
Three days and two nights works well for most travellers. Add a day for treks or extra stops.
4. Is Gorson Bugyal easy for beginners?
The walk is gentle and suits most fitness levels, though winter snow can slow you down.
5. Can I visit Auli with family and kids?
Yes, with planning. Choose a warm stay, keep the schedule relaxed and avoid long drives after dark.
6. What is the best time to visit Auli for sightseeing?
March to June and September to November give clear weather and easy roads. December to February is best for snow.
Plan Your Auli Trip With Us
If you’d like help building a plan that covers more than the usual spots, our team at TourMyHoliday can arrange stays, transport and local guides so you can enjoy Auli at your own pace.
