Photo spot in Auli
Auli Ropeway
Auli, Uttarakhand
The Joshimath–Auli cable car, out of service since January 2023 after the Joshimath land subsidence — Auli is reached by road from Joshimath, and a chairlift runs on the slopes.
Best time
Morning, when the peaks behind the idle towers are clear; soon after fresh snow for a quiet, stark scene.
Best angle
Stand on the upper ski slope and take a long photo down the line of towers and parked cabins, with the valley and Joshimath far below.
Entry fee
Not operating
Opening hours
Closed since January 2023
Crowd level
Low
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Auli Ropeway
Morning, when the peaks behind the idle towers are clear; soon after fresh snow for a quiet, stark scene. Crowds here are typically low. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Auli Ropeway
Stand on the upper ski slope and take a long photo down the line of towers and parked cabins, with the valley and Joshimath far below. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
On the chairlift with the slopes below
With the Nanda Devi range behind you
Outfit guide
What to wear at Auli Ropeway
For photos at Auli Ropeway, red, cobalt and white work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Popular modern looks travellers are wearing across Auli.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural outfits worn across Auli.
Eat nearby
Food near Auli Ropeway
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for bal mithai nearby, or settle in at one of the 1 restaurants close by.
Special dishes to try
Restaurants & food places nearby
Search food by craving
Good to know
Local tips
Do not plan your trip around the ropeway; it has not run since January 2023.
Take a taxi or shared jeep from Joshimath's main market for the road up to Auli.
Ask drivers about snow on the upper road before you set off in winter.
Use the chairlift on the slopes instead, but check at the counter whether it is running that day.
Ignore online listings that still show ropeway timings or ticket booking.
Photograph the idle towers from the slopes rather than from the fenced stations.
Watch GMVN and Uttarakhand tourism announcements for real news on a new ropeway.
Not running
The Joshimath–Auli ropeway is closed. It stopped on 5 January 2023, when land subsidence opened cracks in houses and roads across Joshimath, including near one of the ropeway's towers. In June 2026 it was still not running, and there is no reopening date. There are no rides, no tickets and no timings. If a website or agent offers you a ropeway ride, it is out of date.
What it was
Run by GMVN for about three decades, the ropeway climbed about 4 km from Joshimath to Auli in large cabins. It was one of the longest cable cars in Asia and, for most visitors, the classic way to arrive. Its towers and cabins still stand on the hillside.
What may replace it
A new ropeway has been planned by the state's ropeway and infrastructure agency, BRIDCUL. The proposal, reported in the local press, is for a smaller gondola system: one stretch from Joshimath to Auli and a second from Auli up towards Gurson. Surveys and inspections have taken place, but as of mid-2026 local reports said there had been no concrete progress. Treat any reopening date you see as uncertain until GMVN announces it.
How to reach Auli now
Take the road. From Joshimath it is roughly 15 km uphill, about 40 minutes by taxi or shared jeep. Taxis gather near Joshimath's main market. After heavy snow the upper road can close or need chains, so ask locally before setting out.
Lifts that do run
On the slopes, the chairlift of about 800 m links the lower area near the car park to the upper slope. It ran for the February 2026 winter carnival. It stops for wind, snow and maintenance, so check at the counter. From its top, a path leads to Gurson Bugyal.
Seeing it
You can see the old towers and parked cabins from the ski slopes. Keep off the structures and out of any fenced areas.
Questions
Auli Ropeway — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Auli Ropeway?
Morning, when the peaks behind the idle towers are clear; soon after fresh snow for a quiet, stark scene. Stand on the upper ski slope and take a long photo down the line of towers and parked cabins, with the valley and Joshimath far below.
Is there an entry fee at Auli Ropeway?
Entry to Auli Ropeway is by not operating.
What are the opening hours of Auli Ropeway?
Auli Ropeway is open closed since January 2023.
What should I wear at Auli Ropeway?
Red, cobalt and white photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Auli Ropeway get?
Crowd levels are typically low. To miss the busiest window: morning, when the peaks behind the idle towers are clear; soon after fresh snow for a quiet, stark scene.
What food should I try near Auli Ropeway?
Try bal mithai, available at nearby restaurants.
Is the Auli ropeway open in 2026?
No. It has been shut since 5 January 2023 because of the Joshimath land subsidence, and there was no reopening date as of mid-2026.
Is the Auli chairlift the same as the ropeway?
No. The chairlift is a separate lift of about 800 m on the Auli slopes. It can run even though the Joshimath–Auli ropeway is shut.
Will a new ropeway be built?
A replacement has been planned, with a Joshimath–Auli section and an Auli–Gurson section. As of mid-2026 local reports said no concrete progress had been made.
How long does the road from Joshimath take?
About 40 minutes by car for roughly 15 km of winding road, longer in snow or heavy traffic.