Gorson Bugyal Travel Guide
A 3,056 m meadow 3 km from Auli with uninterrupted views of Nanda Devi, Trishul, Hathi and Ghoda peaks — best in May when wildflowers peak.
- Altitude
- 3,056 m
- Best season
- Apr–Nov
- From Dehradun
- ~295 km to Auli
- Category
- Trek
Why visit Gorson Bugyal
- Closest easily accessible alpine meadow to Nanda Devi — the 7,816 m peak fills the northern horizon without obstruction
- Only 3 km from Auli's upper ropeway station — ideal for non-trekkers and families wanting high-altitude meadow scenery
- May wildflowers cover the meadow in primulas, anemones and marsh marigolds — among the finest spring displays in Garhwal
- Gateway to the longer Kuari Pass and Pangarchulla Peak treks for those wanting to push further into the Nanda Devi region
Gorson Bugyal is an alpine meadow at 3,056 m, 3 km beyond Auli in the Chamoli district. The short trail from Auli's upper ropeway station climbs through a dense canopy of oak, rhododendron and birch before opening onto a wide grassy plateau with an unobstructed view of Nanda Devi (7,816 m), Trishul (7,120 m), Hathi Parbat and Ghoda Parbat. The meadow is covered in wildflowers from late April through June — primulas, anemones and marsh marigolds are most prominent. In winter, Gorson is blanketed in snow and skiers at Auli often extend their day up to the meadow edge.
The trail from Auli is moderate and takes about 1.5–2 hours one way, making it a popular half-day excursion. Gorson is also the gateway to the longer Kuari Pass and Pangarchulla Peak treks, which continue north and east through higher alpine terrain. GMVN operates a tourist rest house at Auli; a few tent camps also set up in season at the Gorson meadow. The combination of easy access from Auli ropeway and a spectacular Himalayan panorama makes Gorson one of the most rewarding short treks in Uttarakhand.
Explore around
Places near Gorson Bugyal
India's premier ski destination; ropeway access from Joshimath
Gateway town for Badrinath, Auli and Valley of Flowers routes
Classic high-altitude pass at 3,640 m with Himalayan panorama
What to do
Activities at Gorson Bugyal
Meadow walk
3 km trail from Auli upper ropeway station through oak and rhododendron canopy to open meadow — 1.5–2 hrs one way
Wildflower photography
May–June is peak wildflower season; the meadow is carpeted in colour with Nanda Devi as backdrop
Kuari Pass extension
From Gorson the trail continues 10 km to Kuari Pass (3,640 m) — a 3–4 day trek with guides from Joshimath
Winter ski extension
Auli ski slopes begin below Gorson; the meadow is occasionally used by advanced skiers leaving the piste
Book with us
Tours covering Gorson Bugyal
Before you go
Gorson Bugyal travel tips
- Take the Auli ropeway (Joshimath to upper station, 4 km ride) to save 900 m of road ascent and start the meadow trail immediately
- The trail from Auli upper station to Gorson is signed; do not take the ski slope paths which veer off to the left
- Gorson is exposed and windy — carry a warm layer even in summer as temperatures at 3,056 m can drop quickly when cloud comes in
- Joshimath is the acclimatisation night before proceeding to Auli and Gorson; do not skip this if coming from low altitude
Getting there
How to reach Gorson Bugyal
Rishikesh → Devprayag → Joshimath (295 km, 9–10 hrs). From Joshimath take the ropeway to Auli upper station (20 min). Trek 3 km to Gorson. State buses and taxis operate Rishikesh–Joshimath.
Nearest airport: Jolly Grant, Dehradun (315 km). Taxi or bus to Rishikesh then onward by road to Joshimath.
Nearest railhead: Haridwar (305 km). Buses from Haridwar ISBT to Joshimath (10 hrs). Rishikesh is a more frequent bus junction.
Where to stay in Gorson Bugyal
- GMVN Tourist Rest House at Auli and Cliff Top Club Resort offer ski-season and summer accommodation with Himalayan views.
- Joshimath (16 km) has a wider range of budget guesthouses and mid-range hotels and is the practical base for most visitors.
- A few tent camps operate at Gorson Bugyal in season (May–September) for those wanting an overnight meadow experience.
Food & dining
- Auli ski resort area has a GMVN canteen and a small hotel restaurant open in season — basic vegetarian meals and snacks.
- Joshimath has a good range of dhabas and small restaurants; most serve north Indian vegetarian food and Chinese dishes.
Background
History of Gorson Bugyal
Gorson Bugyal (bugyal means high-altitude meadow in Garhwali) has been used as seasonal grazing ground by Bhotiya herder communities of the Nanda Devi region for centuries. The area around Auli was a forest clearing used by local villages long before the ski infrastructure arrived.
The Auli ski slopes were developed by GMVN in the 1970s and Gorson became accessible to recreational trekkers as a natural extension of the ski area. The international ski competition held here in 2011 brought Auli to global attention; Gorson's position as the meadow above the slopes made it a standard add-on for summer visitors seeking mountain views without a demanding trek.
Plan your trip
Suggested Gorson Bugyal itinerary
- Day 1Drive Rishikesh to Joshimath (9–10 hrs). Arrive evening. Acclimatisation walk in Joshimath. Overnight Joshimath.
- Day 2Morning ropeway Joshimath → Auli upper station. Trek to Gorson Bugyal (3 km, 1.5–2 hrs). Spend time in the meadow — photography, lunch. Return to Auli and ropeway back to Joshimath. Evening free or drive towards Badrinath.
Common questions
Gorson Bugyal FAQ
- Is the Gorson Bugyal trek accessible without the ropeway?
- Yes — there is a road and a trail from Joshimath to Auli (14 km by road or 7 km trek on the forest trail). Most visitors prefer the ropeway for convenience and views.
- Can I visit Gorson Bugyal in winter?
- Yes — the Auli ski season runs January–March and Gorson is accessible in snow conditions. However, the meadow trail may require snowshoes above the ski area boundary and snow makes navigation harder.
- How far is Gorson from Joshimath?
- Joshimath to Auli upper station is 4 km by ropeway (20 min). Gorson is 3 km further by trail — total effective distance about 7 km one way, or 40 min by ropeway + 2 hrs walk.
- Is Gorson Bugyal the same as the Kuari Pass trek?
- No — Gorson Bugyal is a waypoint before Kuari Pass. The Kuari Pass trek continues from Gorson for another 10 km to the pass at 3,640 m, usually as a 3–4 day guided trek from Joshimath.
Ready to visit Gorson Bugyal?
Tell us your dates and we’ll put together a plan that fits.