Auli is a Himalayan ski resort and hill station in the state of Uttarakhand. It’s surrounded by coniferous and oak forests, plus the Nanda Devi and Nar Parvat Mountains in the district of Chamoli.
It has a perfectly derived name Auli – meaning meadows, from the characteristics of its topography. The hill station is on slopes and has far-stretching meadows that look magnificent to the eyes. Auli is fondly referred to as a place where nature comes alive in all its glory.
Standing at around 2,800 m still, there are many places to visit in Auli, the small yet picture-perfect town of Auli is India’s ski resort destination. Originally developed as a paramilitary base, Auli’s skiing slopes are popular among tourists and professional skiing lovers. In winter, Auli hosts several snow adventure activities.
The winter months offer thrilling activities and invite enthusiasts from across the globe. Other events in Auli include trekking to nearby hills like Guarso and Kwani Bugyal. There is also a great scope for camping & trekking in and around Auli. The hill station is located on a slope that is high in altitude but is also surrounded by dense vegetation of deodars and oak trees.
What to Expect in Auli
- Currency: As Auli is an Indian Ski resort so you should carry INR with you, no one would accept other currencies in the town. 1$ = 75 INR.
- Cards & Cash: Cash is widely accepted in the town but there are only a few ATMs that will work for you so it is recommended to take a minimum of 10000 INR.
- Climate: The temperature in Auli ranges from -8°C to 20°C. Therefore, the region experiences cold weather and it is advisable to carry woolens. In winter temperature remains in the minus ranges from -2°c -8°c which is very ideal for Skiing.
- Transport: -Auli is very much accessible in transport there are ropeways, private taxis, and public transport. You can also rent a bike and car from many providers.
Best Time to Visit Auli
The best season to visit Auli is Winters ranges from December to February, the season is very pleasant and scenic, and also it opens the door for many snow activities in the region
- Summers in Auli: Summer ranges from April to June, In this season Auli has a refreshing climatic condition. The average maximum temperature recorded in Auli is 20 degrees. Hence, the weather is pleasant and ideal for trekking and sightseeing.
- Monsoon in Auli: This town in Uttarakhand receives moderate rainfall in the monsoon months, which falls approximately between June and September, thereby making it an ideal place to visit even during this time.
- Winters in Auli: Ranges from October to February. Even though Auli is an ideal place to visit throughout the year, if you wish to experience skiing, then make sure to plan a trip between December to February. Considering the perfect conditions for skiing at Auli, be certain that you are in for a memorable experience!
Places to visit in Auli
Auli Artificial Lake
Auli artificial lake is the highest man-made lake in the world, it provides a serene and calm atmosphere. The flawless turquoise lake bordered by lush green slopes looks magnificent and can be accessed through the cable car. In winter, when snow carpets the grass, the lake glitter like a jewel embedded in the white.
Gorson Bugyal
Located around 3 km from Auli center, Gurso or Gorson Bugyal is a spectacular meadow surrounded by a dense forest of oaks and conifers. Situated at an elevation of 3,000 m, the high-altitude meadow is a brilliant green carpet in summer and a snow-capped magical land in winter. It’s a good trek for beginners and offers spectacular views of Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Dron Parvat peaks. This place is only about 1.5 km away from the last ropeway tower in Auli.
Kwani Bugyal
Situated at an altitude of 3,380 m above sea level, this lush meadow is a haven for nature lovers and trekkers. At a distance of 13 km from Gurso Bugyal, this bugyal (alpine pasture or meadow) can be reached by trekking. It offers some of the most spectacular & magnificent views of the snow-capped mountain peaks, panoramic scenery, fresh air, and lots of adventure.
Saildhar Tapovan
Saildhar Tapovan is a small hamlet located at a distance of 15 km from Auli. This place has a natural hot water spring and a temple. Another hot water spring is located at a distance of 3 km from this place in Saildhar. Explore the traditional handicrafts of the region here and feel at home among the warm local residents
Chattrakund
Chattrakund is located at a distance of 4 km from Auli Centre– just one km after Gurson bugyal. This small lake is surrounded by verdant greenery and this place offers picturesque views of the surrounding. Tourists are enthralled by the picturesque settings and tranquility of this place
Nanda Devi National Park
Situated high in West Himalaya, India’s Valley of Flowers National Park is renowned for its meadows of endemic alpine flowers and magnificent beauty. This richly diverse area is also home to rare and endangered animal species, including the Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, brown bear, and blue sheep. The Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve and the Valley of Flowers are both a part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Things to do in Auli
Auli Skiing
Skiing is one of the interesting tourist activities in Auli. Snow-capped mountains and the snow-bedded ground attracts you to ski, all you need to do is fasten yourself to the ski board and fly off. The ski lift system is also available in Auli, which makes it easier for skiers to reach the top. The price for the ski equipment can be varied but 2000 to 3000 is enough for skiing in Auli.
Auli Trekking
From Auli, there are many treks to Himalayan peaks such as Nanda Devi, Kamat, Mana Parvat, and Dunagiri. Joshimath to Auli is about 14 km. Walking on snow-laden paths in winter or lush alpine meadows during summer, the offbeat trails of Auli are an unparalleled attraction for nature lovers and trekkers. The green expanse of Gurson bugyal meadow is just 3 km from Auli and it connects with the trekking trail to Kuari Pass and is the perfect trail for you.
Tip- You can read a separate pro-guide for trekking here.
Auli Ropeway
Enjoy the cable car between Joshimath and Gurson (near Auli), which passes over rolling slopes and meandering trails through dense oak forests and meadows. One of the highest and longest ropeways in India, it covers an approximate distance of 4 km amidst the snow-capped mountains with patches of green, offering spectacular views of the Garhwal mountains.
Auli Resorts & Hotel
Ski Resort GMVN Auli
Situated in the Auli Ski Resort district of Joshīmath, GMVN Auli features a garden and a terrace. This 2-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and room service. The hotel has family rooms.
Chamoli is 26 km from the accommodation, while Badrīnāth is 23 km from the property.
Blue Poppy Resort Auli
Blue Poppy resorts in Auli has twenty-four wooden huts with modern facilities. The Blue poppy resort is located in the most beautiful location in Auli. You can visit anytime during the year and you will be greeted with different types of landscapes according to the season of visit. You can see clouds in the monsoon season, snow slopes in the winter season, and clear peaks in the summer season. All the huts in the resort provide you with a 180-degree view of the higher peaks like Hathi, Ghoda, Palki, and Nanda Devi.
Cliff top Club Auli Resort
located in the Garhwal Himalayas of the state of Uttrakhand Cliff Top, Auli is the second-highest resort located in the World. The resort provides a 270-degree clear view of the snow-covered Nanda Devi range.
In summer, when the snow gives way to carpets of grass and flowers, hikers and trekkers will find numerous marked walks and mountain bike trails. Trekkers to Kuari Pass and the Valley of Flowers prefer to stay at Clifftop Club at the end of the trek to avail the luxury of hot baths and lavish cuisine.
The Tattva Resort Auli
At The Tattva, the cold Himalayan weather brings about jaw-droppingly gorgeous sights of snowfall!! Situated in Joshimath’s foothills, The Tattva Joshimath is an exquisite boutique hotel that offers luxury, comfort, and style!
Snow-clad in winter, and covered with buoyant greenery during summer, it is the best resort in Joshimath that is the perfect retreat for a relaxing time. Regarded as one of the finest hotels in the area, The Tattva is a musical retreat where we play ambient music throughout the day to enhance the atmosphere that surrounds you
How to Reach Auli
- By Air: Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airbase to Auli (about 286 km away). One can get a cab from the airport to Joshimath and Auli.
- By Rail: The nearest railway station to Auli is Rishikesh is approximately 255 km away. Tourists could take buses and cabs from Rishikesh to Joshimath and Auli. It is, however, advisable to reach Auli before sunset as after that roads are closed and it has to be reached via cable car from Joshimath.
- By Road: You have to catch a bus or taxi to Joshimath to reach Auli. Joshimath is well-connected with the major cities of Uttarakhand such as Dehradun, Rishikesh, and Haridwar. There is also a direct bus available from Delhi to Joshimath. From Joshimath, Auli is at a distance of 10 km and you need to cover this distance by ropeway or by road.
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