Route to Auli at a glance
Whichever way you travel, plan an overnight stop in Rishikesh or Haridwar. Buses and shared taxis to Jyotirmath leave early in the morning, and mountain roads are best driven in daylight.
Auli by bus
There is no direct bus from Delhi to Auli. Take an overnight bus from Delhi (ISBT Kashmiri Gate) to Rishikesh or Haridwar, then an early-morning bus to Jyotirmath. Uttarakhand Roadways (UTC) and private operators run this route; most buses leave before 7 am and there are few later departures.
From Jyotirmath, hire a local taxi or shared jeep for the last 13-16 km to Auli.
- Reach Rishikesh the night before so you don't miss the morning bus.
- Sit on the right side heading north for views of the Ganga and Alaknanda.
- Buses on this route are basic. Carry water and snacks.
Auli by train
The railway doesn't reach the mountains yet. Take a train from Delhi to Haridwar (the best-connected, including Shatabdi and Jan Shatabdi services) or Rishikesh, then continue by bus or taxi to Jyotirmath.
A new Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail line is under construction. As of August 2026 it was about 78% complete, with completion targeted for December 2029. Once open, it will cut a large part of the road journey.
- Morning trains from Delhi get you to Haridwar by noon, leaving time to rest before the next day's early start.
- Haridwar has more trains than Rishikesh; the two are about 25 km apart.
Auli by air
Jolly Grant Airport near Dehradun is the closest airport, about 20 km from Rishikesh. From there, hire a taxi straight to Jyotirmath or go to Rishikesh and take the next morning's bus.
Seasonal helicopter services operate in the region during the yatra season, but schedules change every year. Check current operators before planning around them.
- Morning flights let you reach Rishikesh by afternoon and start for Jyotirmath the next day.
- Prepaid taxis are available at the airport.
Auli by car or taxi
Driving gives you the most freedom. The route follows the Ganga and then the Alaknanda through the five prayags (river confluences): Delhi → Haridwar → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Karnaprayag → Chamoli → Jyotirmath → Auli.
Taxis from Rishikesh or Haridwar take 7-9 hours to Jyotirmath and are more comfortable than buses.
- Split the drive with a night in Rishikesh, Srinagar or Rudraprayag.
- Avoid driving after dark; there are steep drops and few lights.
- In winter, carry snow chains for the Jyotirmath-Auli stretch.
- Fill fuel at Rudraprayag or Karnaprayag; pumps thin out beyond.
Jyotirmath to Auli
A narrow, winding road climbs from Jyotirmath to the Auli slopes. Local taxis wait in Jyotirmath market. After a heavy snowfall the road can close for a day while it is cleared.
Distance to Auli from major cities
| From | Distance | Approx. drive |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | ≈ 500 km | 12-14 hrs |
| Dehradun | ≈ 290 km | 9-10 hrs |
| Haridwar | ≈ 290 km | 9-10 hrs |
| Rishikesh | ≈ 270 km | 8-10 hrs |
| Rudraprayag | ≈ 150 km | 4-5 hrs |
| Badrinath | ≈ 58 km | 2 hrs |
Distances are to Auli via Jyotirmath and are approximate. Hill road times depend heavily on traffic, weather and road work.
How to Reach Auli: FAQs
Is there a direct bus from Delhi to Auli?
No. Take a bus from Delhi to Rishikesh or Haridwar, then an early-morning bus or shared taxi to Jyotirmath, and a local taxi up to Auli.
Can I reach Auli in one day from Delhi?
Only by driving 12-14 hours non-stop, which isn't advisable on mountain roads. Most people stop overnight in Rishikesh or Haridwar.