Most people arrive in Joshimath with a trek in mind. Kuari Pass, Pangarchulla, Valley of Flowers, Nanda Devi Base Camp — the trekking routes from here are some of the finest in India and they dominate every conversation about what to do in this part of Uttarakhand. But the Chamoli district has a rather broader idea of adventure than a pair of trekking boots, and the people who discover what else is available here tend to leave with a considerably longer list of reasons to come back.
Think of it like a box of exquisite handmade chocolates, except this one has been mislabelled. Everyone thinks it just has one variety inside — trekking — and reaches for the same one every time. But underneath the top layer there is skiing and river rafting and paragliding and rock climbing and camping and mountain biking and a cable car that is one of Asia’s finest. The box is deeper than it looks. This guide opens it properly.
This guide covers every major adventure activity available in and around Joshimath and Auli — what each involves, what season it runs, who it suits, what it costs roughly, and what to watch out for. Whether you are a seasoned adventurer looking for the next thing or a first-timer who has never done anything more adventurous than a long walk, there is something here with your name on it.
1. Skiing at Auli — India’s Finest Slopes…
If trekking is Joshimath’s most famous export, skiing at Auli is its most dramatic one. At 8,200 to 9,843 feet with a vertical drop of around 500 metres and 10 kilometres of ski runs, Auli is genuinely India’s best ski resort — not by the faint praise of being the best in a limited field, but by the standard of the skiing itself, the quality of the snowpack, and the backdrop of Nanda Devi at 7,816 metres that no other ski area in the country can match.
What it involves. Downhill skiing on groomed runs from beginner to intermediate level, with a chairlift, drag lifts and the famous 4 kilometre gondola from Joshimath to the slopes. GMVN operates the main ski infrastructure and a basic ski school. Private operators offer better equipment and more experienced instruction. The main 3 kilometre run with its 500 metre vertical drop is the centrepiece — wide, well-maintained in season, and with that unobstructed Nanda Devi view at the bottom that makes stopping mid-run entirely unavoidable for first-timers.
| Season | January to mid-March — best snow January and February |
| Difficulty | Beginner to intermediate — runs for all levels |
| Best for | Skiers of all levels · families · first snow experience · winter adventure |
| Approximate cost | GMVN ski package from ₹1,500 per day including lift pass and basic equipment rental · private instruction extra |
| Book through | GMVN directly · private operators in Joshimath · your accommodation can arrange |
2. The Auli Cable Car — An Adventure in Its Own Right…
The Joshimath to Auli gondola gets listed as transport rather than activity in most guides, which is a significant misclassification. At 4 kilometres it is one of Asia’s longest ropeways, rising 2,000 feet from Joshimath to Auli in 25 minutes through pine forest with the Garhwal Himalayan panorama expanding through the windows as you climb. In winter it passes through snow-covered trees. In spring through rhododendron bloom. In October through a gold and rust forest against a deep blue post-monsoon sky. This is not a chairlift at a ski resort. It is an experience that deserves its own entry on any adventure list.
What it involves. Simply riding the cable car — up and back, or up and then walking down through the forest to Joshimath for those who want the longer version. The gondola cabins hold up to 10 people and depart regularly throughout operating hours. No fitness requirement, no prior experience, suitable for all ages including small children and older travellers. The views through the windows on a clear morning — Nanda Devi, Kamet, Mana Parbat appearing one by one as you gain altitude — are as good as anything visible from the trekking trails and accessible to everyone.
| Season | Year-round — check locally for maintenance closures |
| Operating hours | Approximately 8 am to 5 pm daily |
| Difficulty | None — suitable for all ages and fitness levels |
| Best for | Families · non-trekkers · acclimatization day · first-time Himalayan visitors |
| Approximate cost | Return ticket available at the lower station — check current rates on arrival |
| From Blackberry | Blackberry Cottages is at Auli Laga — a short walk from the lower cable car station |
3. White Water Rafting on the Alaknanda — The River Adventure…
The Alaknanda river runs through the Chamoli district and is one of the principal tributaries of the Ganga, carrying glacier and snowmelt from the high Himalayan ranges down through the valley that the road to Joshimath follows. It is also, in the right sections and the right season, one of the finest white water rafting rivers in Uttarakhand — with rapids ranging from Grade II to Grade IV depending on the section, the season, and the water level.
What it involves. Rafting trips on the Alaknanda are run by operators based in the valley, typically on stretches between Chamoli, Nandprayag, Rudraprayag and the confluence towns. Trips range from half-day introductory runs on gentler sections suitable for beginners and families, to full-day expeditions on the more technical upper sections for experienced rafters. All trips include safety equipment, a trained river guide, and a briefing before the water. The river is at its most exhilarating from April to June, when snowmelt brings the water levels up and the rapids are at their most dramatic.
| Season | April to June (peak flow) · September to October (post-monsoon, clear water) |
| Difficulty | Grade II to IV depending on section — options for beginners and experienced rafters |
| Best for | Groups · families (on gentler sections) · adventure seekers · anyone who wants water over mountains |
| Approximate cost | ₹800 to ₹2,500 per person depending on trip length and section |
| Important note | Avoid July and August — monsoon-swollen rivers are dangerous and most reputable operators do not run during this period |
| Book through | Your accommodation can arrange through trusted local operators — avoid unverified operators on the roadside |
4. Paragliding from Auli — The Sky Over Nanda Devi…
Paragliding from Auli is one of those experiences that sounds implausible until you are actually doing it — running down a slope at 8,200 feet with a canopy above you, the Garhwal Himalayan range spread across the horizon, and the Alaknanda valley 2,000 feet below. The launch site at Auli gives you a view that most people only see from trekking routes several days into the mountains. In a paraglider, you see it in the first thirty seconds of flight.
What it involves. Tandem paragliding — you fly with a certified pilot who handles all the technical aspects while you experience the flight. No prior experience required. The standard Auli tandem flight launches from the slopes above the cable car top station and flies over the Auli valley with views of Nanda Devi, Kamet and the surrounding peaks before landing in the meadow below. Flights last approximately 15 to 30 minutes depending on conditions. Longer cross-country flights are available for experienced pilots or as extended tandem experiences when conditions allow.
| Season | April to June · September to November — best conditions in October |
| Difficulty | None for tandem — suitable for anyone without a serious fear of heights |
| Best for | Anyone wanting the aerial Himalayan view · adventure seekers · couples · solo travellers |
| Approximate cost | ₹2,500 to ₹4,000 for a standard tandem flight — varies by operator and flight duration |
| Age and weight | Typically minimum age 10 years · maximum weight around 100 kg — confirm with operator |
| Book through | Certified paragliding operators in Auli and Joshimath — your accommodation can recommend trusted operators with certified pilots |
5. Rock Climbing and Rappelling — The Vertical Version…
The rocky terrain around Joshimath and the lower Auli valley offers excellent natural rock faces for climbing and rappelling, and local operators have developed a set of established routes that cater to everyone from complete beginners trying their first wall to experienced climbers looking for a technical challenge at altitude. The combination of altitude — you are already at 6,150 feet at the base — and the quality of the rock faces makes this a genuinely rewarding climbing destination, and one that most visitors to Joshimath have no idea exists.
What it involves. Guided rock climbing and rappelling sessions on natural rock faces in the Joshimath area, with certified instructors providing all equipment and safety management. Beginner sessions focus on basic techniques on lower-angle faces with full instructor support. Intermediate and advanced routes offer more demanding terrain including overhangs and crack climbing. Rappelling — descending a fixed rope down a rock face — is often combined with climbing as a half-day activity and is particularly popular with groups and families as an introduction to vertical adventure.
| Season | April to June · September to November |
| Difficulty | Beginner to advanced — routes for all levels with certified instruction |
| Best for | Groups · families with older children · adventure seekers · climbers at altitude |
| Approximate cost | ₹800 to ₹1,500 per person for a half-day session including equipment and instruction |
| Age | Minimum approximately 10 years — younger children on easier routes at instructor discretion |
| Book through | Local adventure operators in Joshimath — your accommodation can arrange through trusted providers |
6. High Altitude Camping — Sleeping Under Himalayan Stars…
There is a particular quality to sleeping at altitude in the Garhwal Himalayas that no hotel room, however comfortable, can replicate. The stars at 10,000 feet on a clear October night, with the peaks visible as dark shapes against a sky that has more stars in it than most people have seen in their lives, is one of those experiences that becomes a fixed point in the memory. High altitude camping in the Joshimath area — at Gorson Bugyal, in the meadows above the Kuari Pass route, or at dedicated camping sites in the surrounding forest — is available through local operators who provide all equipment and logistics.
What it involves. Overnight camping in the high-altitude meadows and forests above Joshimath, with all tents, sleeping bags, cooking equipment and meals provided by the operator. Trips range from a single overnight at Gorson Bugyal — accessible by cable car and a short walk — to multi-night camps in more remote locations. A certified guide and camp staff accompany all groups. The experience combines the accessibility of an organised trip with the genuine sensation of being in the mountains at altitude, away from roads and electricity and the noise of the ordinary world.
| Season | April to June · September to October — avoid monsoon and winter for camping |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate — depends on the campsite location and approach distance |
| Best for | Families · couples · first-time campers · anyone wanting a night in the mountains without a full trek |
| Approximate cost | ₹2,500 to ₹5,000 per person per night including all equipment, meals and guide |
| Best campsites | Gorson Bugyal meadow (above Auli) · forest camps below Kuari Pass approach · meadows near Dhak village |
| Book through | Blackberry Cottages can arrange camping packages — ask us when booking your stay |
7. Mountain Biking — The Descents Are Extraordinary…
Mountain biking in the Chamoli district is an activity that serious riders have known about for some years and that the broader adventure travel market has been slow to discover. The terrain is extraordinary — long descents from Auli down to Joshimath and beyond, forest trails through the oak and rhododendron above the valley, and the kind of gradient variety that makes this one of the finest mountain biking landscapes in North India. The Auli to Joshimath descent alone — 2,000 feet of vertical drop over 14 kilometres of mountain road and trail — is a ride that experienced bikers describe in the same terms they usually reserve for much more famous destinations.
What it involves. Guided mountain biking on established routes in the Joshimath and Auli area, with bikes provided or rental available. Trips range from the half-day Auli descent — suitable for riders with basic off-road experience — to full-day cross-country rides through forest and meadow terrain for experienced mountain bikers. All guided rides include safety equipment and a route briefing. The best riding is on the spring and autumn trails when the ground is firm, the views are clear and the forest is doing something interesting with colour.
| Season | April to June · September to October — best trail conditions |
| Difficulty | Beginner to advanced — different routes for different levels |
| Best for | Mountain bikers · adventure seekers · anyone who wants the descent rather than the ascent |
| Approximate cost | ₹1,500 to ₹3,000 per person for a half to full day including bike rental and guide |
| Highlight route | Auli to Joshimath descent — 14 km, 2,000 ft vertical drop, forest and road trail |
| Book through | Local adventure operators · your accommodation can arrange — bring your own bike if you have one |
8. Skiing for Beginners — Your First Time on Snow…
This deserves a separate entry from the main skiing section because first-time skiing at Auli is a genuinely different experience from coming as an intermediate or experienced skier — and it is one that is available to almost anyone who has never been on snow before. Auli’s beginner slopes, GMVN’s ski school, and the relatively forgiving terrain on the lower sections of the main run make this one of the most accessible places in India to try skiing for the first time. And trying skiing for the first time at 8,200 feet in the Garhwal Himalayas, with Nanda Devi watching, is a considerably more memorable version of a first ski lesson than anything available at a ski centre in Delhi or Mumbai.
What it involves. A morning or full-day beginner ski package with instruction, equipment rental and lift pass. The GMVN ski school handles beginners on the gentle upper slopes of the Auli ski area, with a curriculum that takes you from standing on skis to basic turns in one or two days. Private instructors available for more intensive or personalised tuition. Most beginners find their feet — or at least their edges — by the end of day one and are attempting the lower sections of the main run by day two.
| Season | January to mid-March |
| Difficulty | Complete beginner — no prior experience required |
| Best for | Anyone who has never skied · families · children from about 8 years upward · first snow experiences |
| Approximate cost | ₹1,500 to ₹2,500 per day including instruction, equipment and lift pass |
| Realistic expectation | Two days minimum to get beyond the falling-over stage and start actually skiing |
| Book through | GMVN ski school · private operators in Auli · your accommodation can arrange the full package |
9. Jungle Walks and Wildlife Spotting — The Quieter Adventure…
The forests between Joshimath and the higher trekking routes are home to a wildlife population that most visitors walk through without seeing because they are moving too fast and too loudly. Himalayan black bear, leopard, musk deer, barking deer, serow, Himalayan tahr and a bird list that runs to several hundred species — including the Himalayan monal, Uttarakhand’s state bird and one of the most spectacular pheasants in Asia — are all present in the forests above Joshimath. A guided early morning wildlife walk in the forest above Auli or on the approach trails to Gorson Bugyal is a genuinely different experience from the trekking routes and one that rewards patience and quiet movement.
What it involves. A 2 to 4 hour guided walk through the forest with a local naturalist or guide who knows the wildlife signs, the bird calls and the best locations for early morning sightings. No technical demand — this is slow, quiet, attentive walking rather than trekking pace. Bring binoculars if you have them. The Himalayan monal — a large, iridescent pheasant that the males of which are an extraordinary combination of red, green, blue and gold — is one of the target species and is more reliably spotted here than in many national parks. Early morning, April to June and September to October, is the best window.
| Season | April to June · September to October — early morning best for wildlife |
| Difficulty | Easy — slow walking, no altitude gain required |
| Best for | Nature lovers · birdwatchers · families · anyone wanting a quiet alternative to trekking |
| Approximate cost | ₹500 to ₹1,500 per person for a guided walk including naturalist guide |
| What to bring | Binoculars · camera with zoom · warm layer for early morning · quiet clothing — avoid bright colours |
| Book through | Blackberry Cottages can arrange guided nature walks — ask when booking your stay |
10. Winter Snow Activities — Beyond the Ski Slopes…
Auli in winter offers considerably more than skiing for those who want to be in the snow without being on skis. The snow-covered meadows, the frozen artificial lake, the forest paths under a canopy of ice-laden oak branches — all of this is accessible to anyone who turns up with the right warm layers and a willingness to be cold in the most spectacular possible setting.
Snow trekking and snowshoeing on the meadow trails above Auli is available through local operators who provide snowshoes and guidance for the gentle terrain. The Gorson Bugyal meadow under snow, reached on snowshoes from the Auli top station, is one of the finest winter landscape experiences accessible without technical equipment. Guided snowshoe walks are typically two to three hours and suitable for anyone reasonably fit and warmly dressed.
Snow camping at Auli in winter — sleeping in a properly equipped tent in a snow landscape at 8,200 feet — is an experience that a small number of adventure operators offer for groups who want a genuine winter wilderness experience without the demands of a mountaineering expedition. All equipment, meals and guide provided. Not for the faint-hearted. Absolutely unforgettable.
Sledging and snow play on the Auli slopes is the informal version of winter activity — no booking required, no equipment needed beyond warm clothes and waterproofs, just the snow and a slope and the willingness to slide down things. Children and adults both. The meadow areas near the ski slopes are perfectly suited for this and it is one of the most genuinely joyful things you can do on a clear January afternoon at 8,200 feet.
| Season | December to March |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate — snowshoeing gentle, snow camping more demanding |
| Best for | Families · winter adventure seekers · anyone for whom the snow itself is the destination |
| Approximate cost | Snowshoeing from ₹800 per person · snow camping from ₹4,000 per person per night |
| Book through | Local winter sports operators in Auli · your accommodation can arrange packages |
Things to do before any adventure activity in Joshimath and Auli…
Book through your accommodation or a recommended operator — the adventure activity market in any popular destination has its share of unverified operators who undercut on price by cutting on safety. In Joshimath and Auli, the reputable operators are known and the ones to avoid are also known. Your accommodation will point you to the right people. This is not about paying more — it is about making sure the safety equipment is properly maintained and the guide is actually certified.
Check the season carefully — every activity on this list has a best season and a season when it should not be attempted. White water rafting in July and August on a monsoon-swollen Alaknanda is dangerous. Paragliding in poor visibility gives you none of the view and some of the risk. Snow camping in a poorly equipped tent is miserable rather than adventurous. The seasons listed for each activity are not suggestions — they are the window when the activity is both safe and worthwhile.
Tell someone where you are going and when you will be back — this applies to everything from a half-day rafting trip to a multi-day trek. Your accommodation, a family member, someone who knows your plan. Mountain activities in remote areas require this basic safety habit regardless of how well-organised the operator is.
Things not to do with adventure activities in Joshimath and Auli…
Book unverified operators on the roadside or through random WhatsApp contacts. Every popular activity destination has touts who approach travellers at bus stands and on the main road offering discounted activities. In the mountains, discounted safety is not a bargain. Stick to operators recommended by your accommodation or with verifiable reviews and certifications.
Attempt activities beyond your fitness or experience level. The altitude at Joshimath and Auli means that physical effort feels harder than it does at sea level. An activity that would be moderate at low altitude becomes more demanding at 6,000 to 8,000 feet. Be honest about your fitness and experience when booking. A good operator will match you to the right level of activity — an overconfident booking is not helpful to anyone.
Underestimate the weather. Mountain weather in the Garhwal Himalayas can change within an hour — clear mornings can become stormy afternoons, and activities that begin in sunshine can encounter rain, hail or high wind before they finish. Always carry a warm layer and a waterproof regardless of how the morning looks. And listen to your guide if they say conditions have changed. They are not being cautious. They are being correct.
OVERRATED
Trying to pack multiple activities into a single day. The temptation, with this many activities available, is to schedule a morning of rafting, an afternoon of paragliding and an evening rock climbing session. At altitude, with the physical demands of mountain terrain, this is a recipe for exhaustion rather than adventure. One activity per day, done properly and with time to appreciate it, is significantly more satisfying than three activities done at speed and without recovery time between them.
The idea that adventure here means extreme. Some of the finest adventure experiences in Joshimath and Auli are not extreme in any technical sense — the cable car, the wildlife walk, the Gorson Bugyal snowshoe, the beginner ski lesson. The adventure is in the context — the altitude, the landscape, the specific quality of doing ordinary things at 8,000 feet in the Garhwal Himalayas. Do not dismiss an activity because it does not come with a safety briefing and a waiver form. Sometimes the most memorable experiences are the ones that ask the least of you technically and the most of your attention.
Booking Adventure Activities Through Blackberry Cottages & Resort…
Blackberry Cottages & Resort is at Auli Laga, Joshimath — which puts us at the centre of every activity in this guide. We work with certified local operators for rafting, paragliding, rock climbing, camping and mountain biking, and we can arrange any activity on this list for our in-house guests at fair rates through operators we know and trust.
We also offer our own camping packages in the meadows above Joshimath, wildlife walk arrangements with local naturalists, and full adventure itinerary planning for groups who want to combine trekking with other activities across a multi-day stay. Tell us what you are interested in and your experience level — we will build the right programme for your trip.
For winter guests, we arrange skiing packages through GMVN and private operators, snowshoe walks, and snow camping for those who want it. The cable car is a short walk from our property. The slopes are 25 minutes above us. Everything else in this guide is reachable from our front door.
To plan your adventure itinerary or book activities through us, visit blackberrycottagesauli.com or reach us on WhatsApp.
