Auli Ropeway

The Auli ropeway lifts from Joshimath in the Garhwal Himalaya to the meadow slopes of Auli, climbing roughly a thousand metres in around twenty five minutes over forest and cleared ski runs. It was built to serve the ski area and is one of the longer cable cars in the country. At the top the ground opens into grassy bowls above the treeline, and on a clear morning the view takes in Nanda Devi and a line of peaks along the head of the valley. In winter the slopes carry snow and a short ski season runs with a chairlift and a hire shop; the rest of the year the meadows are used for walking.

What you actually see

• The cable car ascent - a long climb over forest and cleared slopes from Joshimath.
• Views towards Nanda Devi - the peak line at the head of the valley on clear mornings.
• The Auli meadows - open grass bowls above the treeline at the top station.
• The winter ski slopes - short runs with a chairlift and equipment hire during the snow season.

When to go

December to March brings snow and the ski season, though cover varies from year to year and warm winters have been common. April to June is mild, the meadows are green and the mountain views are usually clearest early in the morning. The monsoon from July to September brings cloud, rain and landslide closures on the approach roads. Go up early before cloud builds.

Honest expectations

Operations are unreliable: wind, snow and technical stoppages close the line at short notice, and it has been suspended for long periods because of ground subsidence in Joshimath, so confirm it is running before planning a trip around it. Queues on winter weekends are long. Snow cover is inconsistent and the ski runs are short. Joshimath itself is a functional road town with little appeal.

Nearby

Joshimath is the road head for the Valley of Flowers trek and the upper Alaknanda valley.