Weekend Gateways from Delhi | Auli, Uttarakhand

Overview: “The skiing destination of India”

Auli Tourism

Dotted with the apple orchards, old oaks, and pine trees there is no dearth of natural beauty in Auli. Apart from skiing you can also go for numerous treks in the hills of Garhwal Himalayas and enjoy the spellbinding views of the snow-draped mountains. Auli is a popular hill resort in the Himalayan range dating back to the 8th Century AD.

Auli is a popular skiing destination in India because of its glittering slopes and clean environment.

Dotted with apple orchards, oaks, and deodars, Auli is a popular hill town with numerous ski resorts situated amidst the Himalayan range. Located at 2800 meters above sea levels, it is home to mountain ranges of Nanda Devi, Mana Parvat, and Kamat Kamet.

Many religious destinations are also scattered around Auli. It is believed that Shankracharya had blessed Auli with his visit.

Places to Visit:

1. Skiing in Auli:

Auli is a snow-covered hill station located at an altitude of 2-3 thousand meters above sea level, providing a very beautiful view of Mt Nanda DeviKamet, Mana Parwat, Dunagiri, Beethartoli, Nilkanth, Hathi Parbat, Ghori Parbat, and Nar Parbat, is an ideal place for Skiing, covered with evergreen conifers and oak forest.

The snow-dressed slopes of Auli which once offered the training grounds for the Paramilitary forces was adjudged by the French and Austrian experts who compared it with the best skiing grounds of the world and rated it as one of the best.

In the summer season, hikers may find numerous marked walks and there also are mountain bike trails. Gorson Reserve forest which is part of the Nanda Devi National Park is habituated by some of the widely rare Himalayan wildlife in ample. These include snow Leopard, Musk Deer, Wild Boar, Wild Cat, Wild Rabbit, Jackal, Fox, Hyena, and Bear. Various lovely scenarios are also available around for one to enjoy along with family and friends.

Auli is just 13 km drive away from Joshimath. Local state transports and Union buses are regularly available between Joshimath and Rishikesh (253 km). Local Transport Union buses and State Transport buses operate between Joshimath and Rishikesh (253 km), Haridwar (277 km), Dehradun (298 km), and Delhi (500 km) from Joshimath onwards, both bus and taxi services are available for Auli. Deluxe coaches can also be arranged for great numbers.

2. Gurso Bugyal:

Perched at an elevation of 3,056m above sea level Gurson Bugyal is a picturesque location from where you can view imposing Himalayas like Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Dron. 3 km trek from Auli will lead you to this scenic location.

You can also trek towards Chattarkund which is just one km away.

3. Chenab Lake:

The least discovered and not so visited Chenab Lake is worth a visit for the calm and serene atmosphere that it offers.

The virginity of this place holds the sights of tourists and makes it an enchanting spot.

4. Joshimath:

Joshimath is a quaint hill town nestled amid the lap of the snow-capped Himalayas in the state of Uttarakhand. This valley is mesmerizingly beautiful surrounded on all sides by picturesque views. If a good trekking trail is your calling, the Valley of Flowers Trek is close to Joshimath.

Perched at an altitude of 6000 ft, this enchanting town also exhibits the spiritual vibes that can be felt at several ancient temples.

In fact, Joshimath serves as a significant religious center for Hindu pilgrims and lies in close proximity to one of the four ‘maths’ founded by Adi Guru Shri Shankaracharya in the 8th century namely Badrinath.

This ‘math’ dedicated to the holy text of Hindus called Atharva Veda. Joshimath also boasts of salubrious weather throughout the year oozing tranquility away from the hustle-bustle of cities.

The clouds flirting with the hilltop, a verdant cover of lush green, winding rivers and streams, and the mystique of several ancient temples dotted in the area will make sure of luring you back again and again.

5. Rudraprayag:

Lying at the confluence of River Alaknanda and River Mandakini, Rudraprayag is a sacred place regarded as one of the Panch Prayag and a place of great religious significance. Settled in Uttarakhand, this beautiful town is full of mysterious charm and the spiritual vibes that will calm your senses.

Offering spectacular views and mesmerizing panoramic vistas, the town boasts of being blessed by Mother Nature in its full glory.

The town derives its name from the Hindu deity Lord Shiva who is said to have appeared at the place in the form of Lord Rudra.

Rudraprayag is sprinkled with several ancient temples and serves as a gateway to two major pilgrimages of Kedarnath and Badrinath, offering its visitors a surrounding of serenity and tranquility. Tourists also get enchanted by its natural dazzling beauty and spellbinding landscapes. Tourists and devotees flock to this place in large numbers seeking spirituality as well as nature’s splendors.

6. Nandaprayag:

One of the Panchprayags, Nandaprayag is the place of confluence of River Alaknanda and Mandakini. It is a place of spirituality and devotion as well as beautiful landscapes. A

special place of religious, natural, and spiritual significance, Nandaprayag is one of the five meeting points of the Alaknanda River with other rivers flowing into it

In the mighty Himalayas of Uttarakhand where hundreds of river and rivulets flow, Nandaprayag is a hub of spirituality and religion.

The place situated at an altitude of 900 meters surrounded by wonderful mountains and beautiful sceneries. The town also used to be the capital of the erstwhile Yadu Kingdom whose king built the famous Nanda Temple.

For all its religious importance, Nandaprayag is much beyond it, a place of seamless natural beauty.

7. Others:

• View Points
• Kewani Bugyal
• Trishul Peak 

Events in Auli:

Winter Sports: Skiing December – March

Located in the Garhwal Himalayas, Auli offers a perfect environment for skiing with it’s clean, glittering slopes. At a height of about 2500-300 meters above sea level, one gets a panoramic view of several mountain peaks such as Mt. Nanda Devi, Ghori Parbat, etc. This place is a must-visit for the peeps passionate about skiing. 

Mata Murti Ka Mela, September 

Best time to Visit Auli:

• April to June is a good time to Visit Auli in Summer
• October to February is a good time to Visit Auli in Winter
• July to September is a good time to Visit Auli in Monsoon. 

How to Reach:

How to Reach Auli by Flight

The nearest airport to Auli is Jolly Grant airport of Dehradun. From Dehradun, it is most convenient to travel by taxi or catch a bus to Auli. The bus takes you to Joshimath only, from Joshimath you are required to reach Auli by ropeway or by road.

Traveling by ropeway is time-saving and more exciting.

Nearest Airport: Dehradun – 149 km from Auli

How to Reach Auli by Road

You are required to catch a bus or taxi to Joshimath in order to reach Auli. Joshimath is well-connected from the major cities of Uttarakhand such as Dehradun, Rishikesh, and Haridwar. Buses are also available from Delhi to Joshimath.

How to Reach Auli by Train

The nearest railway station to Auli is the Haridwar railway station which is situated 273 km away from Auli. Dehradun and Rishikesh railway stations are also considered as the nearest railway heads to Auli.

From Haridwar, you can catch a bus plying to Auli or you can hire a cab to Joshimath, from where you need to take the cable car or a bus to Auli.