Introduction
Auli Ropeway is one of the longest and highest cable car rides in India, connecting the town of Joshimath to Auli Hill Station in the Chamoli district.
The ropeway covers a distance of around 4.15 km in roughly 20-25 minutes, offering majestic views of snow-capped peaks and Himalayan vistas.
It operates daily during its opening season and is managed by the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN). If you are planning a trip to Auli and seeking a thrilling adventure experience, then the Auli ropeway is a perfect destination for it.
Hello! It's Dev, a travel enthusiast. In this Auli Ropeway detailed guide, know everything from ticket price to distance, timing, and more based on my personal experience of an Auli trip.
Where is the Auli Ropeway located?
The Auli ropeway, also called the Joshimath to Auli ropeway, is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand and serves as a vital aerial link that connects Joshimath town to the high-altitude Auli ski resort.
Auli Ropeway Map
Auli aerial ropeway, locally known as Gondola, is the second-highest cable car system in Asia. Here is a breakdown of the ropeway map, representing where it starts and ends.
- Location: Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, within the Garhwal Himalayas
- Distance: 4.15 km
- Ride duration: 25 minutes one way
- Exploration time: 1-2 hrs
- Starting point: Joshimath town
- Ending point: Auli ski resort
- Operators: Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN)
- Entry type: Paid
- Best Time: December to February
- Highlights: Panoramic views of Himalayan vistas and snow-clad peaks
Joshimath To Auli Ropeway Details
Auli Ropeway is a 4.15 km cable car connecting Joshimath to Auli in Uttarakhand. The ticket price is ₹1000 (round trip), and it operates daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Booking is available offline at the Joshimath base station. It serves as a vital transit when roads are closed due to heavy snowfall.
It operates year-round and offers a 25-minute scenic cable ride over dense oak forest and the Himalayan peaks.
Key Details of Gondola (Ropeway):
- Base station: Located in Joshimath, serving as the base for booking tickets
- Upper terminal: Auli ski resort, located near tower no. 10 on Auli road.
- Altitude Gain: The ropeway is roughly 1,900 to over 3,000 meters, offering a bird's-eye view of the Garhwal Himalayas.
- Capacity of ride: Each cabin contains 25 passengers.
Joshimath To Auli Ropeway Booking
The Auli Ropeway Ticket Booking can be done offline at the base station in Joshimath, as online booking is not available, making on-site purchase the most reliable method. The Auli ropeway booking offers a 4.15 km round trip.
Due to the high demand during the peak winter season, the tickets sell out quickly. So it is recommended to arrive early at the Joshimath counter to secure a slot.
Auli Ropeway Fare 2026
The Joshimath to Auli ropeway costs generally are ₹1,000 per person, taking passengers from Joshimath to Auli through a scenic ride. Price generally depends on the type of service (one-way or round trip) and age group (adults or children).
Here is the latest information about the Auli Ropeway ticket price 2026:
| Ticket Type | Price (Approx) |
| Round Trip | ₹1000 |
| One Way | ₹500–800 |
| Child | ₹500 |
Note: Price can vary slightly with the season (may be higher during the peak winter season) and depending on the decision of management at the counter. So always verify it at the ticket booking.
Key consideration on the Auli ropeway Tickets:
- A round-trip ticket is the most common option for visitors.
- One-way tickets are rarely available
- Tickets are standard for all, decided by the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN).
- During the peak winter season, tickets sell out quickly due to high demand, so booking ahead is highly recommended.
Auli Ropeway Timings
Auli Ropeway operates all year round, generally, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Here is a brief of the Auli Ropeway timings so that you can plan your trip perfectly.
Standard operational timing:
- Daily operational hours: Generally, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- First Cable Ride: First ride departs around 9:00 a.m.
- Last cable ride: Last cabin departs from Auli around 4:30 p.m.
Note 1: Ropeway operations are significantly weather-dependent. Strong winds, fog, or heavy rain can temporarily halt services for safety reasons.
Note 2: For the peak winter season (Dec-Feb), it is best to arrive early in the morning to get tickets.
Joshimath To Auli Ropeway Distance
The Joshimath to Auli ropeway distance is approximately 4.15 km, considered one of the highest and longest ropeways in Asia, gaining its altitude from 1,900 meters at Joshimath to 2,800 meters at the Auli terminal.
Ride Duration: Takes around 20-25 minutes
Auli Ropeway In December
The Auli ropeway in December is the primary mode of travel to reach Auli, especially during the peak winter season, when roads are blocked due to heavy snow.
Early December sees fewer crowds with occasional light snow, while late December brings consistent snowfall, making it the best time to visit the Auli ropeway that offers the stunning views of snow-clad peaks.
December is the mark of Auli’s winter wonderland phase, with a temperature range from 5°C to 10°C. During this period, Auli hosts skiing carnivals and formal training sessions.
During my December visit, the waiting time was nearly 1.5 hours by 10:30 AM. As we know, it’s a peak time, so it's highly recommended to reach Joshimath early to secure your slot and to avoid long queues.
What To Expect During The Ropeway Ride?
During the Joshimath to Auli ropeway ride, visitors can expect a smooth and elevated journey passing through the dense oak forest, offering panoramic views of the Himalayan landscape, snow-covered peaks, and deep valleys.
It provides a great opportunity for nature photography and offers a bird's-eye view of the surrounding areas.
The rides are stable and smooth, though some slight swaying sensations are experienced; the enclosed cabins make the journey thrilling, safe, and peaceful at the same time.
What Is A Chair Car In Auli?
Chair Car, often called the Auli Chairlift, is a separate open chairlift system, primarily used to carry visitors from lower slopes to upper slopes, offering views of the Himalayas, such as Mt. Nanda Devi and Trishul.
Unlike the Auli ropeway, which connects Joshimath to Auli, the Chair Car operates within Auli to connect the lower slopes to the upper slopes. It operates between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM with a fare that ranges from ₹300 to ₹500 per person. It's a breezy way for short-distance uphill rides.
Auli Ropeway VS Road: Which Is Better?
Many visitors often wonder whether to choose the scenic ropeway or the 16 km road trip. The Joshimath Gondola is a primary choice of visitors, especially during winter, when the roads are closed due to heavy snow.
Despite the transit option, it offers the unmatched views of the Himalayas, especially on crisp winter mornings and pleasant summer days. It operates all year round, but it may suspend during extreme weather.
Let’s see the comparison in detail:
| Factor | Auli Ropeway | Road (Taxi / Car) |
| Distance Covered | 4.15 km (aerial) | 16 km (mountain road) |
| Travel Time | 20–25 minutes | 30–45 minutes |
| Cost (Approx.) | ₹1000 round-trip per person | ₹1500–₹2500 per vehicle (one way) |
| Scenic Views | 360° Himalayan views, snow peaks, valleys | Limited roadside valley views |
| Winter Accessibility | Best option (roads may close due to snow) | Often blocked during heavy snowfall |
| Comfort Level | Smooth cabin ride (25 passengers per cabin) | Depends on driver & road condition |
| Adventure Experience | High (thrilling cable car ride) | Moderate |
| Waiting Time | High during the peak winter season | Usually available anytime |
| Weather Dependency | Suspended during strong winds | Can operate in light snow/rain |
| Photography | Excellent aerial shots | Limited roadside stops |
Tips For Auli Ropeway Visitors
- Book early during the peak season: During the winter season, the Auli ropeway experienced a huge rush of visitors, so it is highly recommended that you book your slot early by reaching the booking counters early.
- Reach Joshimath early: For the clear, fresh mountain views experience, reach Joshimath early in the morning or at least one day before.
- Check weather updates: Always check the Auli weather, as the Auli ropeway is highly weather-dependent and may be suspended due to extreme Himalayan weather.
- Carry warm clothes: Layering is key even in summer, as the weather of Auli remains cool year-round, so carry warm clothes to protect from the cold.
- Maintenance alerts: The Auli ropeway operates from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; it can vary significantly by the season.
- Alternative road method: If you visit Auli during the summer months (April to June), you can also choose road travel to reach Auli from Joshimath via a 30-minute scenic drive by car or taxi.
Is Auli Ropeway Worth It?
Yes, the Auli Ropeway is absolutely worth visiting; it’s a 4.15 km cable car ride that offers the profound experience of majestic Himalayas, lush valleys, and vistas.
It connects Joshimath to Auli and allows all the travelers to bypass the oak forests and ski slopes, providing the 360-degree views of peaks like Mt. Dronagiri and Nanda Devi.
During the peak winter season, it is the only way to travel to Auli as the roads may be blocked due to heavy snowfall.
FAQs
1. Is there any ropeway from Joshimath to Auli?
Yes, the Joshimath-Auli ropeway is a primary and popular transport option available to reach Auli, covering the Auli distance of around 4.15 km in just 20-25 minutes. It connects Joshimath town to Auli, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas.
2. What is a chair car in Auli?
The Chair car in Auli, also known as the Auli Chairlift, is a separate ski lift system that operates to carry travelers from the lower slopes to the upper slopes of Auli. It is primarily used in winter for snowy activities, such as skiing and sightseeing. It operates within the Auli, which is designed for a short uphill drive.
3. What is the cost of the ropeway in Auli?
Generally, the cost of an Auli ropeway ride is around ₹1,000 per person for a complete round trip. But price can vary by season (may be high during winter) and the decision of the management at counters.
4. How to book an Auli Ropeway ticket?
In 2026, Auli Ropeway tickets can be booked offline at the physical counters in the Joshmath base station. Online booking is not available. During the peak winter season, it experiences a huge crowd, so it is highly recommended to reach early at counters to secure slots.
5. When was the Joshimath Auli Ropeway started?
The Joshimath-Auli Ropeway was started in October 1993. It connects Joshimath to Auli at a distance of approximately 4.15 km, with 10 towers, taking 24-25 mins for a one-way ride.
