Rishikesh to Auli by bike
Auli shares its opening stretch with the ride to Badrinath — same road as far as Joshimath — which is exactly why most riders do both in one trip rather than choosing between them.
At a glance
- Distance
- 253 km to Joshimath, then up to Auli
- Ride time
- 2 days, overnight at Joshimath
- Altitude
- ~2,800m at Auli
- Road condition
- Good to Joshimath; the final stretch up to Auli varies with weather
- Best season
- Winter for snow and ski season, spring for clear peak views
- Recommended bike
- Himalayan
- Fuel stops
- Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Joshimath
The route, turn by turn
Devprayag through Karnaprayag — identical to the first leg of the Badrinath route, good tarmac with regular towns for fuel.
Joshimath, overnight. Your base for both Auli and, if you're extending, Badrinath the next day.
Up to Auli. Either the ropeway from Joshimath — reliable, scenic, and the easier option — or the roughly 12km road, rideable in good conditions but worth checking locally before you commit, since weather affects it more than the main highway.
The viewpoint. On a clear day, the Nanda Devi range panorama from Auli is one of the best mountain views reachable on this side of Uttarakhand.
Road condition, honestly
Good the whole way to Joshimath. The final stretch up to Auli itself is the variable part — fine in settled weather, best checked in person before you ride it rather than assumed.
Which of our bikes
First choice: Himalayan — ground clearance matters if you're taking the road up rather than the ropeway.
Avoid: a scooty for this route — same reasoning as Badrinath, distance and altitude both rule it out.
When to leave, when to turn back
Same early-start logic as the Badrinath ride — get to Joshimath with time to spare on day one, and check the Auli road conditions before committing to riding it versus taking the ropeway.
What to carry
Proper cold-weather gear in winter — Auli sits near 2,800m and holds snow through ski season — and a camera for the Nanda Devi view on a clear day.
Where to stay
Joshimath again, same base as for Badrinath. Auli itself has some higher-end resort accommodation if you'd rather stay right at altitude.
What it costs
Rental (2 days), fuel for the round trip plus the Joshimath-Auli leg, one or two nights at Joshimath, ropeway tickets if you take that option over the road.
Frequently asked
Is the road from Joshimath to Auli rideable?
There's a road, roughly 12km, that's rideable in good conditions — check current road state locally when you arrive, since it varies with recent weather. The ropeway from Joshimath is the more reliable option year-round.
Do I need snow gear?
In winter, yes, if you're planning to be outside at Auli itself for any length of time — it's genuinely cold at altitude with snow on the ground during ski season.
Can I combine Auli with Badrinath in one trip?
Yes, and it's the trip most riders do — Joshimath is the gateway to both, so basing yourself there for a couple of nights covers both destinations efficiently.
What's the best time for the Nanda Devi view?
Clear winter and early spring mornings typically give the best visibility for the peak views Auli is known for.
Keep riding
Same road as Badrinath as far as Joshimath — do both in one trip.