Spectacular 4.15 km Aerial Tramway Soaring from Joshimath to Auli Peak (3,016m)
The Auli Ropeway, famously known as the Joshimath-Auli Cable Car, is one of the highest and longest bi-cable passenger ropeways in all of Asia. Covering a staggering straight-line aerial distance of 4.15 kilometres, the ropeway ascends from the historic base town of Joshimath at 1,890 metres to Tower 10 on Auli’s upper skiing ridges at an altitude of 3,016 metres. Constructed in 1993 by Austrian ropeway specialists Doppelmayr, this engineering masterpiece glides silently above deep pine gorges, ancient terraced villages, and towering birch groves.
The 25-minute aerial journey provides passengers with an awe-inspiring, front-row panorama of India’s most revered mountain massifs. As the enclosed glass cabins float smoothly over the second mountain ridge, the colossal pyramid of Nanda Devi (7,816m)—India’s highest entirely domestic peak—dominates the eastern skyline, flanked by Mount Kamet (7,756m), Dunagiri, Mana Parbat, and the distinctive jagged spires of Hathi-Ghodi Parbat. In the depths of winter, passengers look down upon 4 to 6 feet of immaculate, untouched powder snow blanketing the slopes.
The ropeway is operated by the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) and features two enclosed cabins that run in synchrony. Beyond serving as a premier sightseeing attraction, the cable car acts as a vital lifeline during winter months when heavy snowfall frequently blocks the narrow 14 km motorable hill road between Joshimath and Auli. At the upper terminal (Tower 10), visitors step out directly onto the ski slopes and the start of the trail leading toward Gorson Bugyal.
Covering 4.15 km across 10 massive steel pylons, safely carrying up to 25 passengers per cabin with Austrian safety mechanisms.
Breathtaking 360-degree views of Nanda Devi, Kamet, Trishul, and Dunagiri massifs without needing any arduous trekking.
Glide over pristine snowdrifts and frozen pine tree canopies during December to March with crisp, sub-zero Himalayan air.
Provides seamless, reliable connectivity to Auli ski slopes even when roads are rendered impassable by black ice and blizzards.
Capture wide-angle shots of the deep Alaknanda gorge, Joshimath town nestled below, and snow summits glistening under sunlight.
Disembark at Tower 10 and head straight into the ski fields, snow-scooter tracks, and the GMVN equipment rental center.
Transition from the ropeway upper station to the open-air chairlift for an even closer glide across the powdery ski trails.
Begin the scenic 3.5 km trek through ancient oak groves into Gorson Bugyal right from the upper ropeway station clearing.
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun is ~275 km away. Taxis take roughly 8 to 9 hours via Rishikesh and Rudraprayag along NH-7 to Joshimath ropeway base.
Rishikesh (250 km) and Haridwar (275 km) are the closest major railway junctions. Frequent shared cabs, private taxis, and state buses ply up to Joshimath daily.
The lower ropeway boarding terminal is located centrally in Joshimath town along the main bazaar road, easily accessible by vehicle with ample public parking.
During December to February, tickets sell out quickly. Arrive at the Joshimath boarding counter by 8:00 AM to secure morning slots.
The ropeway halts operations temporarily during high-velocity mountain winds or intense blizzards for passenger safety.
Temperatures drop significantly between Joshimath (1,890m) and Tower 10 (3,016m); carry gloves, thermal jackets, and UV sunglasses.
Keep your return journey token safe in a zipped pocket; losing it requires purchasing a new one-way downhill ticket.
The ropeway ride takes approximately 22 to 25 minutes one-way to traverse the 4.15 km aerial span, climbing over 1,110 vertical metres.
The round-trip ticket generally costs approximately ₹1,000 per person. Tickets can be purchased directly at the GMVN ropeway counter in Joshimath.
Yes! The cabins are completely enclosed, smooth, and spacious, making it very comfortable and accessible for senior citizens and young children.
Yes, the ropeway operates throughout the year, offering panoramic views of blooming alpine forests in summer and golden sunsets in autumn.
Plan your journey to the snowy heights and golden alpine meadows of Auli with our verified travel guides, weather forecasts, and route tips.