Auli & Chopta
Two of Garhwal's great alpine escapes on one long journey north — Auli's meadow ski-slopes under Nanda Devi, and Chopta's forest trail to Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple on earth, and the Chandrashila summit beyond. Winter sport, high-country trekking and camping among the deodars.
From ski meadows to a summit shrine
Auli is India's best-known ski destination — a broad, gentle meadow of slopes above Joshimath, ringed by Nanda Devi, Kamet and the Garhwal giants. A cable car climbs from Joshimath, and the artificial lake keeps the runs covered through the winter season. Out of the snow months it turns to green alpine meadow and easy ridge walks.
Chopta, the 'mini Switzerland' of Uttarakhand, is the trailhead for Tungnath — the highest of the five Kedar temples and, at around 3,680 m, the highest Shiva temple in the world. From Tungnath a steep final push reaches Chandrashila, a summit with a full sweep of Nanda Devi, Trishul and Chaukhamba. Deodar forest, meadow camping and birdlife fill the slopes between.
What to see and do at Auli & Chopta
Skiing at Auli
Gentle, well-groomed meadow slopes and a chair-lift make Auli India's most popular winter ski resort.
Joshimath–Auli ropeway
One of Asia's longest cable-car rides, climbing from Joshimath to the top of the slopes.
Tungnath temple
A 3.5-km walk up from Chopta to the world's highest Shiva temple, one of the Panch Kedar.
Chandrashila summit
The steep final climb above Tungnath to a 360° panorama of Nanda Devi, Trishul and Chaukhamba.
Chopta meadow camping
Deodar-fringed meadows and star-filled nights — the 'mini Switzerland' of Uttarakhand.
Deoria Tal
A serene high lake reflecting the Chaukhamba peaks, an easy trek off the Chopta road.
Getting there
About 230 km north via Karnaprayag and Joshimath — a full day's drive of nine hours or more. Auli and Chopta each deserve two or more nights; we'll help map the trip.
Best time to visit
December–March for skiing at Auli; April–June and September–November for the Tungnath–Chandrashila trek and clear peaks. Tungnath's shrine closes in deep winter.
Good to know
These are high-altitude Garhwal destinations — acclimatise, carry warm layers year-round, and check road and weather conditions before setting out.
Make Blessed Aura your base
Auli and Chopta are a Garhwal expedition of their own — begin gently with a first night at Blessed Aura, and we'll help plan the long road north.