The Auli region sits at the gateway to some of the finest trekking in the Indian Himalayas. Whether you have half a day or a full week, there is a trail here that will change the way you think about mountains.
We have walked all of these routes from Vaadi and can help arrange guides, permits, and provisions for any of them.
1. Gorson Bugyal — The Easy One
Duration: Half day (3-4 hours round trip)
Difficulty: Easy
Best season: March to June, September to November
Gorson Bugyal is a vast alpine meadow at about 3,056 metres, a gentle uphill walk from Auli. In spring the meadow is carpeted with wildflowers. In autumn the views of Nanda Devi, Hathi Parbat and Dunagiri are extraordinary.
This is the trek for people who do not normally trek. The path is well-marked, the gradient is forgiving, and you can turn back at any point.
2. Kuari Pass — The Classic
Duration: 4-5 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Best season: April to June, September to November
Lord Curzon walked this route in 1905 and it has been drawing trekkers ever since. The trail winds through dense rhododendron forests before opening onto wide ridges with a 180-degree panorama of the Greater Himalayan range.
The pass itself sits at 3,876 metres. On a clear morning you can see Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Kamet, and Chaukhamba all at once.
3. Niti Valley — The Remote One
Duration: 4-5 days
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Best season: April to June, September to October
An ancient trade route once used by merchants travelling to Tibet. You pass through high-altitude meadows, remote Bhotiya villages, and river valleys that few outsiders have walked. Inner Line Permits are required and we handle the paperwork.
4. Chitrakantha Peak — The Challenge
Duration: 6 days
Difficulty: Difficult
Best season: May to June, September to October
A demanding high-altitude ascent to 4,900 metres. The approach passes dense rhododendron forests and glacial moraines before the final ridge. The summit panorama takes in the entire Nanda Devi range.
This is for experienced trekkers with good fitness. Prior high-altitude experience is recommended.
5. Valley of Flowers — The Detour
Duration: 2-3 days (from Govindghat)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best season: July to September (monsoon only)
Technically a drive from Auli rather than a walk from the door, but too good to leave off the list. A UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 600 species of flowering plants, the valley is at its peak during the monsoon months when the rest of India is avoiding the mountains.
Planning Your Trek
All of these treks can be arranged from Vaadi. We work with experienced local guides who have walked these routes for decades. Permits, provisions, and equipment can all be organised.
The best months for trekking are April to June and September to November. July and August are monsoon months — the Valley of Flowers is the exception.
