Auli is one of Uttarakhand's leading trekking destinations and serves as the starting point for several scenic Himalayan trails. Surrounded by alpine meadows, dense forests and snow-covered peaks, Auli offers trekking opportunities for beginners as well as experienced trekkers throughout much of the year.
From short hikes to Gorson Bugyal to multi-day expeditions towards Kuari Pass and Nanda Devi region, the trekking routes around Auli provide spectacular mountain views, peaceful landscapes and an opportunity to explore the Garhwal Himalayas on foot.
Duration: 7–9 Days
Difficulty: Difficult
Highest Altitude: Approx. 4,300 m
The Nanda Devi Base Camp Trek is one of the finest high-altitude trekking routes in the Garhwal Himalayas. Although the trek is accessed via the Joshimath region near Auli, it takes trekkers through remote Himalayan villages, alpine meadows and forests before offering magnificent views of the Nanda Devi massif. The trek is recommended for experienced trekkers because of its duration and altitude.
Distance: Approx. 1 km from Gorson Bugyal
Difficulty: Easy
Chattrakund is a small freshwater lake located amidst dense forests near Gorson Bugyal. The short trail from Gorson Bugyal passes through oak and conifer forests before reaching the peaceful lake. It is an excellent extension for trekkers visiting Gorson Bugyal.
Distance: Approx. 5–6 km (depending on the route)
Difficulty: Easy
The Auli to Joshimath trail is a scenic downhill trek connecting the hill station with Joshimath. The route passes through oak forests and open slopes while offering beautiful views of Nanda Devi, Hathi-Ghoda peaks and the surrounding Garhwal Himalayas. It is ideal for travellers looking for a short day trek.
Distance: 3 km (One Way)
Difficulty: Easy
Highest Altitude: 3,056 m
Gorson Bugyal is the most popular short trek from Auli. The trail passes through beautiful meadows, conifer forests and open grasslands before reaching one of the finest alpine bugyals in Uttarakhand. During clear weather, trekkers enjoy panoramic views of Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Kamet and Mana Parvat.
Distance: Approx. 6 km from Gorson Bugyal
Difficulty: Moderate
Tali Lake Trek extends beyond Gorson Bugyal through forests and alpine meadows before reaching the peaceful high-altitude lake. The route is ideal for trekkers looking to spend a full day exploring the Auli region away from the main tourist crowds.
Duration: 4–6 Days
Difficulty: Moderate
Highest Altitude: 3,650 m
Kuari Pass is one of Uttarakhand's classic Himalayan treks and is easily accessible from Auli. The trail passes through Gorson Bugyal, Tali, Khullara and forests before reaching Kuari Pass. Trekkers enjoy magnificent views of Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Chaukhamba, Kamet and Hathi-Ghoda peaks throughout the journey.
Distance: Approx. 6–7 km from Auli
Highest Altitude: Approx. 3,350 m
Khullara serves as an important campsite on the Kuari Pass Trek. The trail crosses dense forests and alpine meadows while offering uninterrupted views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. Many trekkers stay overnight here before continuing towards Kuari Pass.
Highest Altitude: Approx. 1,900 m
Difficulty: Moderate
The Tapovan trail from the Joshimath region leads through forests and mountain slopes to the famous hot water springs of Tapovan. Besides its scenic surroundings, the destination is known for its religious importance and panoramic Himalayan views.
Whether you are looking for an easy day hike or a multi-day Himalayan expedition, Auli offers trekking routes for every experience level. Its scenic meadows, panoramic mountain views and well-connected location make it one of the best trekking destinations in Uttarakhand.
