Auli Uttarakhand, India: Abode of snow
The vibrant beauty of India attracts flocks of tourists from across the globe. Every bit of the country is unique in itself and brings a new vibe to a travelers heart. Auli is one such beautiful yet distinct hill-station. If you are seeking to have some great adventure time or family time, then, Auli is your dream destination.
Geography of Auli
Lying on the way to Badrinath is an amazing place like none other then Auli. The enthralling destination is perched at an altitude of 2,519 meters above the sea level. Auli, a mesmerizing part of Garhwal mountains, it is located in the northern part of Uttarakhand. Situated just 16km away from Joshimath, Auli is nature’s definition of beauty. Gifted with breath-taking panoramic vistas, it makes a perfect destination for skiing.
History of Auli Uttarakhand, India
The captivating hill station has the deep association with Hindu mythology and it is believed by locals that great guru AdiShankaracharya was the first one to walk on this land. It is also believed that he built the Joshimath temple which has great significance in Char-Dhamyatra.
Best time to visit Auli
There is no paucity of natural beauty in Auli. The place is well decorated with pine and oak forests and the apple orchards shine like pearls at this enthralling hill station. It is popular as a winter sports destination offering a perfect blend of adventure and entertainment for the tourists. From November to late March, Auli is skier’s paradise. It is the best time to rejoice the best of Auli.
How to reach Auli?
The exceptional location of Auli makes it bit inaccessible, but the government of Uttarakhand has taken significant steps to make Auli a perfect holiday destination for tourist.
- By air The nearest airport to this hamlet is in Dehradun, located about 298 km away.
- By rail Just like the airways, the railway is also far from Auli. The nearest railway station is in Rishikesh, located about 235km away.
- By road From Dehradun, Rishikesh, Delhi, Haridwar and other important cities, regular bus and taxi services are available to Joshimath. From Joshimath, travelers have two choices. The first one is to trek the scenic 5km from Joshimath to Auli and the second one is to avail the jeep services to reach Auli.
Top Activities in Auli Uttarakhand, India
| Activity | Description |
| Skiing | Auli is known as one of the best skiing destinations in India. Enjoy skiing during the winter months, from December to March. |
| Auli Artificial Lake | Visit the world’s highest man-made lake, which offers beautiful views and is an excellent spot for photography and relaxation. |
| Gorson Bugyal Trek | A scenic trek offering stunning views of the Himalayas. It’s a popular trekking route, especially during the summer and autumn months. |
| Cable Car Ride | Enjoy a scenic cable car ride that connects Auli to Joshimath, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. |
| Chattrakund Lake | A peaceful and serene high-altitude lake, perfect for a short trek and surrounded by lush greenery. |
| Nanda Devi Temple | A significant pilgrimage site located in Joshimath, dedicated to Goddess Nanda Devi. It offers a blend of spiritual and cultural experience. |
| Sunset Point | Located near Auli, it offers a mesmerizing view of the sun setting behind the majestic peaks of the Himalayas. |
| Skiing and Snowboarding Courses | Auli offers ski training sessions for beginners and advanced skiers, making it a great place to learn snow sports. |
| Paragliding | Take an exhilarating paragliding ride over Auli for an aerial view of the snow-capped peaks and valleys of the Himalayas. |
Places to visit in Auli
Trishul peak
Located at the height of 7120 m in the western Kumaun is the group of three mountains which resemble the trident (trishula). The natural marvel forms the southwest corner of the rings of peaks which enclose the Nanda Devi Sanctuary. Trishul I has the honor of being the first peak over 7000m to be conquered by mountaineers in 1907. The place has camping facilities available for tourists.
Joshimath
The place is located just 16km away from Auli and has enormous natural vistas gifted to it. It is an important pilgrimage center and stopover for tourists visiting BadrinathDham. Joshimath has several temples, but the most popular one is the Narasimha temple. The place is also the gateway to the Valley of Flowers which is an amazing trekking destination and also the resting place for Badrinath pilgrims.
Nandaprayag
Located at the sacred confluence of two pious rivers is Nandaprayag. The Alaknanda River emerging in Satopanth near BadrinathDham and the Nandakini River born from the mighty feet of Nanda Devi peak find their union at this enchanting destination. The place is rich in history as it was the capital of the Yadu Kingdom. It is believed that the Raja Nanda performed yagna on a stone which was used in laying the foundation of Nand temple.
Nanda Devi peak
Tourists visit this UNESCO heritage site, to experience the magic of mountains. The place is named after Goddess Nanda (literally meaning bliss-giving goddess). With an elevation of 7,817 meters, Nanda Devi peak is the second highest mountain peak in India. The Nanda Devi peak is the part of Garhwal Himalayan Range and offers panoramic visuals to tourists.
Chenab Lake
This is one of the most scenic yet least explored destinations in Uttarakhand. The crystalline water of the lake is the prime attraction for the tourists. Located just 28 km from Joshimath, one can be surprised how unexplored and undisturbed this gift of nature is. The majesty of the place lies in its virginity, spectacular natural beauty and floral meadows which perform an alluring dance in front of the traveler’s eyes.
The unbound beauty of Auli makes it a must visit destination in Uttarakhand. Visit this enthralling hill station with friends, family and loved ones to live the most memorable moments of life. Auli has amazing adventure activities to indulge in like trekking, skiing, Cable Car riding among others. Go grab your chance to live the legacy of mountains.
