Chopta to Auli Distance: The Ultimate No-Nonsense Travel Guide

Last updated on March 17th, 2026 at 09:00 am

The chopta to auli distance is around 135 km to 148 km by road. It takes 5 to 6 hours by car. There is no direct bus. A private cab is the easiest way to do this trip.

This route connects two of the best places in Uttarakhand. Chopta is known for Tungnath Temple and quiet forests. Auli is known for skiing and big mountain views. Together, they make a great back-to-back trip.

The Route from Chopta to Auli

The road goes through some really pretty towns in the Garhwal hills. Here is the full route:

• Chopta
• Mandal
• Gopeshwar
• Chamoli
• Pipalkoti
• Joshimath
• Auli

Gopeshwar is the first big town you will cross. It is a good place to stop for food or fuel. After that, the road follows the Alaknanda river for a long stretch all the way to Joshimath. The last bit from Joshimath to Auli is only 16 km, but it is the most exciting part of the drive.

How to Travel from Chopta to Auli

There are a few ways to get from Chopta to Auli. Let’s go through each one so you can pick what works best for you.

Private Cab (Best Option)

This is the most comfortable and fastest way to do this trip. A private cab takes you door to door with no changes in between. The full ride takes around 5 to 6 hours depending on road conditions and stops.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Pre-book your cab from Chopta before your trip. Chopta is a small place and cabs are not always available on the spot.
• Pre-booking also protects you from last-minute overcharging, which is common in peak season.
• Local cab drivers in Chopta and Ukhimath area are familiar with this route.

Expect to pay somewhere between ₹3,000 to ₹4,500 for a full cab depending on the vehicle type and season.

Shared Taxi and Bus (Budget Option)

This is the cheaper option but it takes more effort. There is no direct bus from Chopta to Auli. You will have to change vehicles at least once or twice.

Here is how it works:

1. Take a shared taxi or local bus from Chopta to Gopeshwar or Chamoli.
2. From Gopeshwar or Chamoli, take another shared taxi heading towards Joshimath.
3. From Joshimath, take a local cab or the ropeway up to Auli.

This option can take 7 to 9 hours total because of waiting time between connections. It is fine if you are on a tight budget, but not ideal if you have luggage or are travelling with family.

Quick Comparison

Joshimath to Auli: The Final Stretch

Joshimath is your base camp before Auli. Almost every traveller coming from Chopta, Rishikesh, or Haridwar stops here first. From Joshimath, you have two ways to get up to Auli.

Option 1: By Road

The road distance from Joshimath to Auli is 16 km. It takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour by cab. The road is steep and winding but manageable. Local cabs are easily available at Joshimath.

Option 2: By Ropeway

This is the more popular choice and honestly the better one. The Auli Ropeway covers 4.5 km in about 25 minutes. It is one of Asia’s longest ropeways and the views of Nanda Devi and the surrounding peaks during the ride are hard to beat.

The ropeway costs around ₹1,000 per person for a return ticket.

A few things to note:

• The ropeway runs from Joshimath to Auli directly.
• It can get crowded in peak winter and ski season. Go early in the morning.
• You can check timings and availability on the GMVN official website or the Uttarakhand Tourism portal.

Road vs Ropeway

If this is your first time in Auli, take the ropeway up. Take the road back. You get the best of both.

Stopovers and Where to Stay

Before You Leave Chopta

If you are starting this trip from Chopta, don’t rush out early without seeing what’s there. Two things you should not miss:

• Tungnath Temple – The highest Shiva temple in the world. It is a 3.5 km trek from Chopta. Start early if you plan to do this before driving to Auli.
• Chandrashila Peak – Just above Tungnath. Offers a 360 degree view of the Himalayas. Takes about 1 to 1.5 hours more from Tungnath.

If you need a comfortable base in Chopta, Meraki Mayadeep is a well-known stay option there. Good rooms, decent food, and well located for early morning treks.

Gopeshwar: Quick Stop on the Way

Gopeshwar is around 40 km from Chopta and is the first proper town on this route. Stop here for lunch or a quick rest. There are small dhabas and restaurants on the main road. It is also a good place to refuel your cab.

Where to Stay in Auli

Auli has some great stay options depending on your budget:

• Cliff Top Club – One of the most well-known hotels in Auli. Great views and good amenities.
• Royal Village Resort – Popular with families and groups. Comfortable stay with mountain views.

Things to Do in Auli

• Visit the Auli Artificial Lake, especially beautiful in winter when it freezes over
• Try skiing on the slopes (best from January to March)
• Take the Auli Ropeway if you haven’t already
• Walk around for Nanda Devi and Trishul peak views

Travel Tips and FAQs

3 Tips Before You Drive from Chopta to Auli

• Start early. Leave Chopta by 7 AM at the latest. Mountain roads slow down in the afternoon and you want to reach Joshimath before dark. The last stretch to Auli can get tricky at night.
• Check road conditions before leaving. The route passes through high altitude areas. Roads can get blocked due to landslides or snow, especially between November and February. Check with your hotel or local cab drivers the night before.
• Pre-book your cab. Chopta is a small town. Walk-in cabs are hard to find, especially in peak season. Book at least a day in advance to avoid overcharging and last minute stress.

FAQS

Is There Any Direct Bus from Chopta to Auli?

No. There is no direct bus from Chopta to Auli. You will have to take a shared taxi to Gopeshwar or Chamoli first, then change to another vehicle heading to Joshimath, and then make your way up to Auli. It works but takes longer. A private cab is much easier.

Can We Travel from Chopta to Auli in One Day?

Yes, easily. The distance is 135 km to 148 km and takes 5 to 6 hours by car. If you leave Chopta by 7 or 8 AM, you can reach Auli by early afternoon. That gives you time to check in, take the ropeway, and still catch the sunset from the slopes.

Is the Road Safe for Driving?

Yes, for most of the year. The Chopta to Auli route is a well-travelled Uttarakhand highway. The tricky parts are near Chopta and again on the Joshimath to Auli road stretch. Avoid driving after heavy rain or snowfall. Always hire a local driver who knows the route well.

Final Thoughts

Chopta to Auli is one of those road trips in Uttarakhand that does not get talked about enough. You start from one of the quietest forest spots in Garhwal and end up at one of the most stunning ski destinations in India. The drive itself is beautiful.

Keep it simple. Book a private cab, start early, stop at Gopeshwar for food, and take the ropeway up to Auli. That is really all the planning you need.

Whether you are doing this as a weekend trip or as part of a longer Uttarakhand circuit, this route will not disappoint.