What To Do In Auli – A Heaven for Ski Lovers

Located in the Northern state of Uttarakhand, Auli is a must visit snow capped hill station. Bitter cold winds, the snow-capped Himalayas make Auli, an ideal destination for ski lovers. The town is also surrounded by the lush coniferous forests of the Nanda Devi National Park.

Also Read: Patnitop – An Awe-Inspiring Holiday Destination In The Himalayas

• Best time to visit: November to March
• How to reach: Nearest Airport- Dehradun, 298 km away; Nearest Railway Station- Rishikesh, 235 km away; By Road- there are regular bus services to the town of Joshimath, which is 13km away from Auli. One can hire a jeep from here, or trek.

Skiing

Going at a snowy hill station set at about 2000m and not skiing is almost next to impossible. Covered with conifer and oak forests, the beautiful hills provide the perfect slopes for skiing. Mt. Nanda Devi Kamet, Dunagiri, Haathi Parbat, Nar Parbat, Ghori Parbat, Mana Parbat, Nilkanth are among the ideal locations.

Auli Ropeway

A major attraction in Auli, this ropeway runs for a total of 4 km. It connects Auli to Joshimath. While on the way, one can enjoy the scenic view of the majestic Himalayas. This is the second highest and longest ropeway in Asia after Gulmarg. The fare for the cable car is INR 750 per person, and for the chair lift, it is INR 300 per person. Both come with sensor fitted remote braking and a storm warning system. The journey around 25 minutes.

Auli Artificial Lake

One of the world’s highest man-made lakes, Auli Lake was created by snow added to the ski slopes during the offseason. In turn, the water from the lake is used to feed the artificial snow system stationed along the ski slopes and extending the ski season. Located at an elevation of 3000 m, it is also known for its stunning views. An hour in the evening at the lake will surely make you forgive all the stress.

Gorson Bugyal

Gorson Bugyal is a beautiful meadow, just 3 km from Auli Uttarakhand. Lined with trees, it is a popular trekking destination from the town. One can trek uphill but ensure that you come back by evening as there are no options available to stay at Gurson. During the spring season, camping can be done on the lush green grass blankets. But for those planning to go in winter, the path gets tough to scale and a guide is essential. You can also visit the nearby Chattarkund Lake, famous for its sweet waters.

Chattrakund Lake

This lake of sweet water is located at an elevation of 3300m from sea level. It is only 4 km from Auli, near Gorson Bugyal. A short trek will get you there, where you can escape from the crowded Auli slopes. The lake is famous for its crystal water and is a huge attraction for both trekkers as well as honeymooners.

Joshimath

The town of Joshimath is linked to Auli via a long cable car. Located in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, it is near the town of Badrinath, where you can visit the colourful Badrinath Temple, a Hindu pilgrimage site. This temple was one of four established in the 8th century by Adi Guru Shankaracharya. It is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Vishnu.

Chenab Lake

This lake is almost unexplored and untouched. It lies past Thaing Village, which is near Joshimath. From here, you drive 10km up to Vishnu Prayag, and continue uphill to Dhar Kharak. From here, the stunning Chenab Lake is only 4km away, and is a treat to the visitor’s eye, especially for photographers in love with nature.

Have you been to Auli? What was your experience there?