Bike on Rent for Auli

The route: same as Badrinath as far as Joshimath (255 km). From there Auli is 12 km by road — steep, narrow switchbacks — or you take the Joshimath–Auli ropeway, one of the longest cable cars in Asia.

Riding up vs the ropeway: the road is rideable in summer and autumn. In winter it frequently isn't — snow and ice make it genuinely dangerous on two wheels, and the sensible move is to leave the bike at Joshimath and take the cable car. Nobody will think less of you.

Realistic timing: three days. Day 1 to Joshimath. Day 2 Auli. Day 3 back. Combine with Badrinath — they share a route and it costs you only a day.

Which bike: Himalayan 411 or 450, particularly if you plan to ride up to Auli itself.

Permits: none.

Fuel: last reliable pump at Joshimath.

Season: December–March for snow and skiing — this is Auli's main draw and India's best-known ski slope. April–June and September–November for meadows, Nanda Devi views and the ropeway without queues.

The honest warning: riding to Auli in deep winter is a different proposition from riding there in October. Black ice on switchbacks at altitude has no forgiveness in it. Check conditions with us before you go, and be willing to change the plan at Joshimath.