Auli meadows with chairlift and Himalayan peaks

Auli–Badrinath Itinerary: Best Time, Routes, Stays

Hill Stations & Temples • 26 Oct 2025 • 8 min read

Coordinates: Auli ~30.53°N, 79.57°E; Badrinath ~30.74°N, 79.49°E.

Temperature: Auli—Dec–Feb often sub-zero with snow; Mar–Apr 2–10°C; May–Jun 7–18°C; Oct–Nov 3–12°C. Badrinath is colder and closes in winter.

The region sits on high Himalayan crystalline rocks with broad U-shaped glacial valleys—big views and quick weather shifts. This itinerary links Auli’s chairlift/ski meadows with Badrinath darshan in season, covering routes, stays, and essential tips for smooth travel.

Historical Significance

Badrinath is a major Char Dham shrine with a long tradition of seasonal pilgrimage. The temple town sits near ancient trade and foot routes over high passes, while nearby Auli’s meadows have long served as grazing grounds before becoming a winter sports hub. The corridor reflects ritual movement, transhumance, and modern mountain tourism.

Source / Pickup Cities

Dehradun
Rishikesh
Haridwar
Haldwani
Delhi–NCR
Meerut
Saharanpur
Chandigarh
Lucknow

How to Reach

By road: Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Joshimath → Auli/Badrinath (seasonal opening to Badrinath).
By air: Dehradun (Jolly Grant). Continue by road; winter driving demands daylight and buffers.
Local: Auli cable chairlift (operationality varies by season/weather; check a day prior).

Where to Stay

In Auli/Joshimath, pick insulated rooms with reliable heating, hot water, and on-site dining; proximity to the chairlift is handy in winter. In season, Badrinath offers simple to mid-range lodges close to the temple; book early during peak pilgrimage.

Families often split nights between Joshimath (access, shops) and Auli (views). For snow days, keep a flexible schedule and check road advisories.

Essential Tips

Layering is key; carry gloves, beanie, and sunglasses for snow glare.
Roads can close temporarily after fresh snow—buffer 1 extra day.
Confirm chairlift timings, and temple opening months for Badrinath.
Hydrate at altitude; walk slowly on inclines.

Packages We Cover

Auli – Badrinath (seasonal temple access).
Optional Deoria Tal or Valley of Flowers extensions in suitable months.

Quick from ₹7,000

Day	Halt City	Description	Stay?	Notes
1	Auli	Dehradun → Auli; check-in; sunset cable car/short hike (seasonal)	Yes	Weather-dependent cable
2	Auli	Auli adventure day: chairlift/cable car (seasonal), meadow walks, local café	Yes	Chairlift ops may vary
3	Dehradun	Checkout; drive Auli → Dehradun drop	No	Transit day

Normal from ₹10,000

Day	Halt City	Description	Stay?	Notes
1	Auli	Dehradun → Auli; check-in; leisure	Yes
2	Badrinath	Day trip: Badrinath Temple & Mana (last village); return Auli by evening	Yes	Returns to Auli after darshan
3	Auli	Auli free day: snow-play/short trek (seasonal)	Yes	Chairlift if open
4	Dehradun	Checkout; Auli → Dehradun drop	No	Transit day

Relax from ₹13,000

Day	Halt City	Description	Stay?	Notes
1	Auli	Dehradun → Auli; check-in; leisure	Yes
2	Badrinath	Excursion to Badrinath & Mana; return to Auli	Yes	Returns to Auli
3	Auli	Auli at ease: meadow walks / café time / optional activities	Yes	Flexible day
4	Rishikesh	Auli → Rishikesh; evening Ganga Aarti / café-hopping	Yes	Arrive by evening
5	Dehradun	Morning yoga (optional); checkout; Rishikesh → Dehradun drop	No	Transit day

Ask us for an Auli–Badrinath plan tailored to your dates.