Until a few decades back, Auli was known as a picturesque hill station with panoramic views of snowcapped mountain peaks and vibrant pine trees. Auli’s potential as a tourist destination was recognized because of its perfect blend of pristine slopes and reliable snowfall. Tourism in Auli took this opportunity and transformed Auli into a premier winter sports hub with world-class infrastructure. The installation of a ski lift, the longest cable car system and the many beautiful places to visit in Auli has solidified its unrivaled position. It is no surprise that today Auli is India’s skiing capital and one of the top winter destinations, not just for adventure enthusiasts in India, but for the world too. For those who have a heart for the hills and adventure, Auli is a great destination.
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Where Is Auli And How To Get There
Auli, a small town in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand is located at an elevation of 2500 to 3000 meters above sea level. This hidden gem in Uttarakhand is one of the best places to visit for a perfect winter getaway.
To reach Auli, one needs to reach Joshimath first. There are no flights to Joshimath, hence take a flight to the nearest airport, Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. From here a taxi or a bus ride through scenic routes will get you to Joshimath. Once here, take the famous cable car ride to reach the top of Auli.
8 Reasons Why One Should Visit Auli In Uttarakhand
– Auli, being the “Ski Capital of India” has some of the best skiing slopes that attracts skiers from all over the world.
– It is India’s second-highest mountain from where one can enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayas and also the surrounding peaks.
– The cable car between Joshimath and Auli is Asia’s second longest gondola ride. It is the best way to access this picturesque hill station.
– Be it summer, winter or the monsoons, each season offers unique experiences throughout the year. It is a summer and winter adventure hub.
– There is an adventure and spiritual connection, from Auli other religious sites like Joshimath and Badrinath are very near.
– The dramatic mountain backdrops provide great opportunities for that instagrammable pic.
– Man-made lake to provide artificial snow to ensure good skiing conditions during low snowfall time.
– Sustainable tourism practices to protect the environment and its natural biodiversity.
Places To Visit In Auli
If you’ve planning a visit to Auli, here are 5 best places to visit in Auli that showcases its natural beauty and stunning attractions.
Artificial Lake
The Auli Artificial Lake, also called as the Chenab Lake is a pristine man-made lake to create artificial snow, so that people could enjoy skiing in monsoons too. Its unique photographic backdrop with surrounding coniferous forests makes for enchanting views. An interesting fact about this lake is that it is one of the world’s highest manmade lakes. For a crude and authentic experience, one can also trek to the top.
Gurso Bugyal
Start off your tour to Auli with a visit to Gurso Bugyal, a picturesque wide meadow, located at an altitude of 3,056 meters. A 3 kilometer moderate trek will bring you to this breathtaking place full of lush green pasture land and oak trees. In winter the green pasture turns into a blanket of snow. It offers unparalleled views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges like Nanda Devi, Trishul and Dron. This mesmerizing alpine meadow is one of the best places to visit in Auli.
Joshimath
The holy town of Joshimath, also known as Jyotirmath is a significant religious and historical hill town in Chamoli district. It is home to the famous Narsingh Temple which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Joshimath is also the winter seat of Lord Badri, whose idol is shifted from Badrinath to Joshimath during winters. Being one of the most important pilgrimage centers of the country, this place attracts a lot of tourists all year round.
Auli Ropeway
Auli Ropeway also known as gondolas is a major attraction and one of the top things to do in Auli. A ride at a height of 3010 m above sea level is one of the best ways to enjoy the beautiful landscape beneath. It also takes the credit for being the second highest and longest cable car ride in Asia. Views of the majestic Himalayan ranges, snowcapped peaks and lush green valley below is a sensual delight.
Valley Of Flower
Valley of Flowers is a National Park and a UNESCO world heritage site that should be visited during the blooming season, i.e. between July to September. This place in Auli will leave you stunned with its exotic variety of flowers. To get to the valley of flowers one needs to trek through forests, rivers, bridges, glaciers and waterfalls. The journey to the valley of flowers is as beautiful as the destination itself.
Book Now: Valley of Flowers – UNESCO World Heritage Site, Uttarakhand
Winter Sports Activities And Events In Auli
As we all know, skiing is one of the top activities during the Auli snow season. However activities like snowboarding, snow trekking, snowshoeing, snowshoeing expeditions, guided treks, sledding and tobogganing are other top sporting activities that make Auli a top winter destination. The popular Auli Ski Championship that happens every year during the winter months is a great opportunity for all to showcase their skiing talent.
Skiing Slopes In Auli
When it comes to skiing, Auli is one of the best places that offers all the essentials for beginners and pros alike. There are some great slopes that offer a seamless experience. Listed below are four slopes in Auli for the best skiing experience.
White – Slope No. 10 which is 900mts long
Blue – Slope No. 8 which is 800mts long
Red – Slope for beginners which is 400mtrs long
Composite – Which is 3.1kms long
Top Ski Resort In Auli
There are some amazing ski resorts in Auli that not just provide comfortable stay but also provide skiing courses for beginners. The added benefit of staying in such resorts means easy access to the skiing slopes. The Cliff Top Club, Mountain Rover, The Royal Village and Satopanth Ski Resort are some of the wonderful resorts to look out for accommodation during your visit.
Also Read: 10 Best Places For Skiing In India
Conclusion
The many places to visit in Auli are a mix of natural beauty, adventure, culture, and tranquility. This makes Auli a must-visit destination for anyone looking for an authentic Himalayan getaway. So, if Auli is your next snowy escape, do check out our recommendations and let us know what you think about them in the comment section below.
FAQs
India’s second-highest peak, the Nanda Devi Mountain along with other Himalayan peaks like Kamet, Dunagiri, Mana Parvat, Chaukhamba peak, Trishul peak, Hathi and Palki can be seen from Auli.
Besides being a destination with stunning natural beauty, Audi is also famous for skiing and its ropeway rides. The slopes of Auli are great for both amateur and professional skiers, making it one of the best in Asia.
3 to 4 days is a good time to experience the natural beauty as well as to enjoy all winter activities. For a more relaxed experience, consider adding another two days to your itinerary.
Since Auli is a destination famous for skiing and other winter sport activities, the winter months from late November to February is the best time to visit. Summer (April to June) and autumn (October) are also great times as the landscape is vibrant and the weather is pleasant during these seasons.
Yes, it is totally safe to travel to Auli by car, however make sure that the person driving the car is an experienced driver who can navigate challenging mountain roads.
