Joshimath To Auli Ropeway 2026: Ticket Price, Booking, Timings
Category: Travel | Updated On: August 14, 2026 | Published: February 27, 2026
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 has been closed since January 2023 after land subsidence damaged towers near Joshimath, and is managed by the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN). See the current status below before planning your trip.
If you are planning a trip to Auli, the road route is currently the only way to get there — see our complete guide on how to reach Auli for the practical option. Many pilgrims often include Auli to their Badrinath private tour package for a spiritual and adventurous journey.
Hello! It's Hema Kumari, 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 Auli Hill Station.
Current Status: Is the Auli Ropeway Open in 2026?
No, the Joshimath-Auli ropeway has been closed since January 2023 and remains closed as of this update. It was shut down after land subsidence and structural cracks appeared near the ropeway towers during the Joshimath sinking crisis, and the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) has not resumed operations since.
A replacement ropeway, estimated at ₹480 crore, is currently only at the Detailed Project Report (DPR) planning stage, submitted by Bridkul. There is no confirmed construction start date or reopening timeline.
Right now, the only way to reach Auli from Joshimath is by road — a roughly 16 km drive taking 30-45 minutes. See our How to Reach Auli guide for the full route.
Status last verified: 14 August 2026.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Current Status: Is the Auli Ropeway Open in 2026?
- Joshimath To Auli Ropeway
- Joshimath To Auli Ropeway Distance
- Joshimath To Auli Ropeway Booking
- Auli Ropeway Fare: Last Known Prices
- Auli Ropeway Timings: Last Known Schedule
- Auli Ropeway Length
- Auli Ropeway In December: Before The Closure
- Badrinath To Auli: Route Reference
- What To Expect During The Ropeway Ride?
- What Is A Chair Car In Auli?
- How To Reach Auli Right Now (Road Route)
- Tips For Auli Ropeway Visitors
- Was The Auli Ropeway Worth It?
- FAQs
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.
Joshimath Auli Ropeway
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
Auli Ropeway is a 4.15 km cable car connecting Joshimath to Auli in Uttarakhand. It has been closed since January 2023 (see Current Status above). When it was operational, the ticket price was ₹1000 (round trip), it ran daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, and booking was available offline at the Joshimath base station. It served as a vital transit when roads were closed due to heavy snowfall.
It offered a 25-minute scenic cable ride over dense oak forest and the Himalayan peaks — details below are kept for reference until it reopens.
Key Details of Joshimath 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 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
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: Last Known Prices Before The 2023 Closure
Since the ropeway has been closed since January 2023, these are not current prices — they're kept here as historical reference for when service resumes. When running, the Joshimath to Auli ropeway cost generally was ₹1,000 per person for a scenic round trip. Price generally depended on the type of service (one-way or round trip) and age group (adults or children).
Last known Auli Ropeway ticket pricing (pre-2023 closure):
| 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: Last Known Schedule
The ropeway has been closed since January 2023, so these timings are not currently in effect. When it was operational, it ran generally from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Here is a brief of the last known Auli Ropeway timings, kept for reference until service resumes.
Last known operational timing (pre-closure):
- 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.
Auli Ropeway Length
Auli ropeway length from Joshimath base camp is 4.15 kilometers, taking 20 to 25 minutes when it was running. It is one of Asia's longest ropeways. The Joshimath to Auli distance by road is 16 km. With the ropeway closed since 2023, the road is currently the only way to reach Auli.
Auli Ropeway In December: Before The Closure
Before its January 2023 closure, the Auli ropeway in December was the primary mode of travel to reach Auli, especially during the peak winter season, when roads were blocked due to heavy snow. This section is kept as a memory of what the experience was like, and will be updated with current information once the ropeway reopens.
Early December used to see fewer crowds with occasional light snow, while late December brought consistent snowfall, making it a stunning time to see the snow-clad peaks from the cabin.
December marked 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, which continue today via road access.
During a December visit before the closure, the waiting time was nearly 1.5 hours by 10:30 AM at the ropeway counter — a sense of just how popular it was in peak season.
Badrinath To Auli: Route Reference
There is no direct ropeway from Badrinath to Auli, and with the Joshimath-Auli ropeway itself closed since 2023, the full journey today is by road. You must reach Joshimath first, which is around 45 km from Badrinath, then continue to Auli by road (16 km).
The road from Badrinath to Joshimath is a common route accessible generally from May to November.
- No direct ropeway from Badrinath to Auli
- Reach Joshimath from Badrinath (45 km by road)
- Continue from Joshimath to Auli by road (16 km, ropeway currently closed)
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.
How To Reach Auli Right Now (Road Route)
With the ropeway closed since January 2023, the 16 km road trip from Joshimath is currently the only way to reach Auli. The table below compares the two options for reference — the ropeway column reflects its pre-closure operation, not a currently available choice.
The road is well-maintained and used year-round by taxis and buses; it may see brief delays during heavy snowfall like any Himalayan mountain road, but it is the standard route today. For step-by-step directions from Delhi, Dehradun, Haridwar, and other major cities, see our complete How to Reach Auli guide.
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.
- Book road transport in advance during peak winter season: With the ropeway closed, taxis from Joshimath to Auli see high demand during peak winter (Dec-Feb); book ahead where possible.
- Road is the current method year-round: The 16 km drive from Joshimath to Auli takes 30-45 minutes by car or taxi, and is currently the only way to reach Auli regardless of season.
Was The Auli Ropeway Worth It?
When it was running, the Auli Ropeway was widely considered worth the trip: a 4.15 km cable car ride offering a memorable experience of the majestic Himalayas, lush valleys, and vistas.
It connected Joshimath to Auli and let travellers bypass the oak forests and ski slopes on the road, providing 360-degree views of peaks like Mt. Dronagiri and Nanda Devi.
Since its January 2023 closure, the road is the only way to travel to Auli. We'll update this section with a fresh take once the ropeway reopens.
FAQs
1. Is there any ropeway from Joshimath to Auli?
Yes, the Joshimath-Auli ropeway exists and covers the Auli distance of around 4.15 km in 20-25 minutes when running — but it has been closed since January 2023 due to land subsidence. See the Current Status section above for details; currently, the road (16 km) is the only way to reach Auli from Joshimath.
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?
The ropeway is currently closed, so there's no active pricing. Before its January 2023 closure, an Auli ropeway ride cost around ₹1,000 per person for a round trip. This is kept as historical reference for when service resumes.
4. How to book an Auli Ropeway ticket in 2026?
You currently can't — the ropeway has been closed since January 2023 and no booking is available, online or offline. To reach Auli today, use the road route from Joshimath (16 km); see our How to Reach Auli guide for details.
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 when operational.
6. Is the Joshimath to Auli ropeway open in 2026?
No. The Joshimath-Auli ropeway has been closed since January 2023 due to land subsidence and structural safety concerns, and remains closed as of this update. A ₹480 crore replacement ropeway is only at the planning (DPR) stage, with no confirmed construction start or reopening date. The road route from Joshimath to Auli (16 km, 30-45 minutes) is currently the only way to travel between the two.
