Pune, a bustling city in Maharashtra, is well connected to many parts of India. Auli, located in Uttarakhand, is a popular hill station known for its skiing slopes and panoramic Himalayan views. This route attracts adventure seekers, nature lovers, and weekend travelers looking for a refreshing mountain escape.

This guide covers all practical ways to travel from Pune to Auli, including train, bus, car, and flight options. You'll find detailed tips on routes, timings, costs, and local travel to plan your journey confidently.

Getting from Pune to Auli – Main Options

Train

Train travel from Pune to Auli involves reaching the nearest railway station to Auli, which is Haridwar or Rishikesh. Trains are a comfortable and economical choice for long-distance travel, though they require further road travel to reach Auli.

• Key stations:

  Board trains from Pune Junction (PUNE) to Haridwar (HW) or Rishikesh (RKSH). Haridwar is about 280 km from Auli, while Rishikesh is closer at around 270 km.

• Duration and cost:

  Trains take approximately 30–36 hours depending on the service. Ticket prices range from ₹600 for sleeper class to ₹2500 for AC classes. Booking via IRCTC is recommended well in advance.

• Frequency and comfort:

  Several trains like the Pune Haridwar Express run weekly. AC coaches offer comfort for overnight journeys, but sleeper class is popular among budget travelers.

• Seasonal tips:

  Avoid traveling during monsoon due to potential delays and landslides on connecting roads. Winters can be cold, so book warm bedding if available.

• Last-mile connectivity:

  From Haridwar or Rishikesh, hire taxis or take buses to Joshimath, the gateway to Auli. The road journey takes around 8–10 hours with scenic but winding mountain roads.

Bus

Direct buses from Pune to Auli are not available, but you can take buses to Haridwar or Rishikesh and then connect by local transport. Buses are economical but involve multiple changes and longer travel times.

• Bus routes:

  Take MSRTC or private buses from Pune to Delhi or Haridwar. From Haridwar, Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) buses run to Joshimath via Rishikesh.

• Travel time and cost:

  Pune to Haridwar by bus can take over 36 hours with fares starting around ₹1500. Haridwar to Joshimath buses take 8–10 hours costing ₹300–₹500.

• Comfort and frequency:

  Long-distance buses are usually sleeper or semi-sleeper. Frequency to Haridwar is limited, so plan ahead. Mountain buses to Joshimath run daily but can get crowded in peak seasons.

• Road conditions:

  National Highways 48 and 7 connect Pune to Delhi/Haridwar. The mountain roads from Rishikesh to Joshimath are narrow and winding; avoid night travel here.

• Tips:

  Book bus tickets online via MSRTC or private portals. Carry snacks and water for long stretches without stops.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Pune to Auli is an adventurous option for those who enjoy road trips and want flexibility. The journey covers around 1800 km and takes approximately 30 hours of driving time.

• Route:

  The most common route is Pune – Mumbai – Surat – Vadodara – Udaipur – Delhi – Haridwar – Rishikesh – Joshimath – Auli. Use NH48 and NH7 for smooth highway driving.

• Road conditions:

  Highways till Delhi and Haridwar are well maintained with tolls. Mountain roads from Rishikesh to Auli are narrow and require cautious driving, especially in winters and monsoon.

• Stops and rest:

  Plan overnight stops in cities like Udaipur or Delhi. Fuel stations and eateries are plentiful on highways but sparse in mountains.

• Vehicle choice:

  Prefer a sturdy SUV or 4WD for mountain roads. Check brakes and tires before the trip.

• Travel tips:

  Avoid driving after dark in the hills. Carry a physical map or GPS device due to patchy network coverage in mountains.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to reach the region near Auli. The nearest airports are Dehradun (Jolly Grant Airport) and Delhi. From the airport, road travel is required to reach Auli.

• Flight routes:

  Fly from Pune Airport (PNQ) to Delhi (DEL) or Dehradun (DED) with connecting flights via Delhi or Mumbai. Direct flights to Dehradun are limited.

• Duration and cost:

  Flights take around 3–5 hours including layovers. Ticket prices vary from ₹3000 to ₹8000 depending on the season and airline.

• From airport to Auli:

  From Dehradun, hire taxis or take buses to Joshimath (approx 8–10 hours). From Delhi, road travel to Auli takes about 12–14 hours.

• Convenience:

  Flights save time but add cost and require additional road travel. Book tickets early, especially in winter ski season.

• Tips:

  Use Ola or Uber from Dehradun airport to Rishikesh or Haridwar for onward travel. Prepaid taxis are safer and more reliable.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This simple itinerary helps first-time travelers from Pune to Auli plan their journey efficiently, combining train or flight with road travel.

• Book your train or flight tickets early:

  Use IRCTC for trains or airline websites for flights. Booking 30 days in advance ensures availability and better prices.

• Reach Pune station or airport early:

  Arrive at least 1 hour before departure to avoid last-minute rush. Pune station has good food stalls and waiting areas.

• Travel to Haridwar or Dehradun:

  If by train, disembark at Haridwar or Rishikesh. If by flight, land at Dehradun. Both have prepaid taxi counters for onward travel.

• Arrange road transport to Joshimath:

  Book taxis or use Uttarakhand Transport buses. Private taxis offer flexibility but cost more.

• From Joshimath to Auli:

  Take the cable car or local taxis. The cable car is scenic and saves time, operating from 7 AM to 5 PM.

• Pack appropriately:

  Carry warm clothes, snacks, and water for mountain road travel. Mobile network may be weak en route.

Practical Travel Tips

• Safety on mountain roads:

  Avoid night travel from Rishikesh to Auli due to narrow, winding roads and occasional landslides. Always wear seat belts and follow driver instructions.

• Food and water:

  Carry bottled water and light snacks when traveling by road. Local dhabas offer simple meals but hygiene varies.

• Booking strategy:

  Use IRCTC for train tickets and official airline websites for flights. For buses, book via MSRTC or UTC portals. Avoid last-minute bookings in peak season.

• Local commute in Auli:

  Use shared taxis or cable cars to move around. Walking is common but challenging due to altitude and slopes.

• Luggage advice:

  Pack light and use sturdy bags. Mountain roads can be bumpy, so secure your luggage well.

• Seasonal warnings:

  Winters bring heavy snowfall; check weather updates and road conditions before traveling. Monsoon can cause landslides and delays.

Best Time & Conditions

The best time to travel from Pune to Auli depends on your interests. Winter (December to February) is ideal for skiing and snow activities, while summer (April to June) offers pleasant weather and clear views.

Monsoon season (July to September) is generally avoided due to heavy rains and landslide risks on mountain roads.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali or Holi when trains and flights are crowded.

• Early morning departures from Pune help avoid city traffic and ensure timely connections.

• Winter mornings in the mountains can be foggy; plan road travel during daylight hours.

• Summer months provide stable weather and better road conditions for driving.

Arrival at Auli & What to Expect

On arrival in Auli, travelers are greeted by stunning Himalayan vistas and crisp mountain air. The town is compact, with limited vehicle access, making walking and cable cars the primary modes of local transport.

Nearby attractions include the Auli ski slopes, Gurso Bugyal meadows, and the scenic Nanda Devi National Park. Accommodation ranges from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts, mostly clustered near the cable car base.

Local commute options include shared taxis to nearby villages and the cable car connecting Joshimath to Auli. For late arrivals, pre-booked taxis from Joshimath are advisable as public transport options reduce after sunset.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Auli from Pune combines a train or flight to Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun with a road journey to Joshimath and a cable car ride up to Auli. This approach balances comfort, cost, and travel time effectively.

With proper planning, early bookings, and awareness of mountain travel conditions, you can enjoy a smooth and scenic journey from Pune to Auli. Embrace the adventure and breathtaking landscapes awaiting you in this Himalayan paradise.