Auli, located at an elevation of 2900 m. above sea level, is known as the ‘Skiing capital of India’ and a resort hill station. It was originally a paramilitary base. It is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand and in the Garhwal Himalayan range. The panoramic view of Nanda Devi, India’s second-highest peak holds your heart. The cable car ride over snowy slopes surrounded by oak and coniferous trees gives a lifetime memory to hold in the eyes. Auli offers you Garhwali cuisine on your plate and is a delicious treat to your stomach. The temperature here varies from 20 to -5 degrees Celsius.

Best time to visit Auli for Snow-lovers

Winter is the best season as Auli gets heavy snowfall making it perfect for skiing and snowboarding. December to March is the best time for skiing enthusiasts to visit Auli as it offers a chance to ski your heart out. The equipment to use for skiing is easily rented from nearby shops. It is the best tourist spot for winter vacations.

Best time to visit Auli for nature-lovers

Nature-lovers should visit the place in the autumn season. The whole landscape is covered with oak, deodar, and coniferous trees. The leaves and flowers on the trees bloom at their highest glory during this time. The exotic wildlife walks around on the pastures. The flora and the fauna of Auli speak much about the calmness and the beauty of the place.

You can visit Auli throughout the year. It’s just that whether you want to experience snowfall and do skiing or you want to witness nature at its peak bloom.

How to reach Auli

1. By flight: The nearest airport to Auli is Dehradun-Jolly Grant Airport. The distance between Dehradun and Auli is 280 km.
2. By train: The nearest railway station is Haridwar. The distance between Haridwar and Auli is 290 km.

Before arriving at Auli, you land up at Joshimath which is a commercial hub. At Joshimath, you have to buy tickets for a cable car or ropeway. It is a 30 minutes ride and the distance to be covered by cable car is 20 km. The ticket is valid for 3 days so you can enjoy the cable car ride the next day also. You can also trek from Joshimath to Auli.

There are a total of 10 points you cross while riding on a cable car. Point 8 is designated for skiing and snowboarding. At point 10, there is a turquoise-colored Auli Artificial Lake. The food varieties and staying options are more at point 8 than point 10. Park your car at Joshimath itself as the roads get blocked due to heavy snowfall and you might get stuck a few kilometers before the destination.

Bookings for Accommodation

Pre-Book your hotels and resorts at Joshimath to avoid hassle at the last moment. The bookings of hotels and resorts in Joshimath start from 800 INR. Joshimath has better-staying options than Auli. There is a hotel mountain rover or you can rent a cottage or huts at GMVN in Auli.

Adventure activities to do in Auli

1. Skiing: The major attraction for tourists is Skiing, Snowboarding, and Snow tube ride. The heavy snowfall in Auli makes it the exact required place for skiing. It attracts many athletes and sports individuals to learn skiing from experts and coaches and is the best place to learn skiing in India. The National Skiing Championship is held here every year. Novice skiers and snow enthusiasts can also go skiing under expert guidance. Auli Ski and Snowboard School offers certified and non-certified skiing courses. Don’t forget to buy or rent snowproof clothes and shoes on reaching Joshimath.
2. Trekking: The stunning views while trekking in Auli during the Summer season makes a perfect memory to hold. The green pastures, meadows around the lake, and the coniferous trees covering the whole landscape capture tourists’ sight. Auli has defined routes for trekking and there are many camps along the way for trekkers and tourists to rest.

10 Places to visit near Auli in Uttarakhand

1. Joshimath: Joshimath is a commercial area and is 20 km away from Auli. The major attraction of the city is Kalpvriksha, a 1200 years old tree and Narsimha Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is the Gateway to Badrinath Temple.

2. Auli Artificial Lake: Auli has a turquoise-colored artificial lake surrounded by lush green trees and bushes. This lake is the highest man-made lake. It is at the top point 10 of the peak. The lake is made to generate artificial snow for ski slopes during summer season. The lake extends the time for skiing in the rainy and summer season.

3. Chenab Lake: Chenab Lake water is used by the villagers for daily purposes. It can be reached via trekking only. It is 28 km from Joshimath. It is a man-made water storage lake created to fulfill the water needs of the villagers.

4. Chhatar Kund: It is amidst the dense forest and is famous for its sweet and crystal clear water. It is 4 km away from Auli and 3 km away from Gorson Bugyal. It is surrounded by thick green bushes and trees like oak and deodar.

5. Gorson Bugyal: It is a trekking destination. On the way, trekkers witness the land full of coniferous and oak trees. It is a 3 km trek from Auli. Another trekking destination is called Kuani Bugyal which is 12 km away from Gorson Bugyal.

6. Lord Badrinath Temple: It is 45 km away from Auli and is one of the Char Dham Hindu pilgrimage sites of India and also one of the sites of Chota Char Dham. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

7. Peaks: There are many peaks surrounding Auli: Kamat Peak, Mana Peak, Trishul Peak, and Hathi-Ghoda Palki. The most viewed among them is Trishul Peak as it comprises three mountain peaks making a trident shape.

8. RudraPrayag: It is the point of confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini river and is one of the Panch Prayag of the river Alaknanda. The flowing water gives spiritual vibes to the visitors. It is 63 km from Auli.

9. Hemkund Sahib: It is a Sikh pilgrimage site and is dedicated to the 10th Sikh guru Guru Gobind Singh. The gurudwara stands amidst the lake of snow. It is believed that the Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Sahib Ji, spent 10 years here for meditation.

10. Valley of Flowers: The Valley of Flowers National Park is 22 km away from Auli. It has made its place in the Unesco World Heritage Site list as well. This park is a popular Himalayan trek on foot with eye-catching views of flowers and wildlife.  From July to September, the valley turns into a glorious botanical plot.

Take your camera along to capture landscapes and snowfalls to keep them with you as a lifetime memory. Don’t forget to carry a power bank or torch to Auli as there are electricity fluctuations. The glittering rays of the rising sun and the setting Sun when fall on you fills you with warmth after a chilly cold. You regain your energy after a day full of adventurous activities.

Imagine you are on one of the highest peaks, at the highest man-made turquoise-colored lake, experiencing the warmth and the crescent view of Sunrise and Sunset, having hot and delicious food with your friends and family, after skiing the whole day you get a chance to sleep under a clear sky while gazing at the stars with your beloved ones or you get a chance of romantic stay in eco huts and cottages with a bonfire near. What could be a more perfect winter vacation than this?

Are you getting butterflies in your stomach reading and imagining it? Are you excited to experience it once in life? Plan your trip to Auli this winter with www.apnayatra.com