Auli: The Himalayan Gem | Top 17 Places To Visit In Auli | How To Visit

Auli is a charming small town renowned for its captivating blend of natural beauty and thrilling adventures. Nestled in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India, The town is a favored spot for skiing enthusiasts, boasting pristine slopes that offer breathtaking views of the majestic Himalayan peaks and lush meadows. One of Auli’s standout attractions is its cable car ride, the second highest and longest in Asia, which provides a thrilling journey through the picturesque landscapes. Besides skiing and cable car rides, Auli offers a plethora of trekking opportunities, with trails leading to scenic spots like Gorson Bugyal and Kuari Pass. Auli’s appeal lies in its ability to offer both the tranquility of nature and the excitement of adventure, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.

Best Places To Visit In Auli:

Auli is a popular destination for skiing enthusiasts, offering excellent slopes and breathtaking views. The best time to visit Auli for skiing is from late November to early March when the region receives heavy snowfall. Apart from skiing, Auli also offers opportunities for trekking, camping, and enjoying the serene mountain landscapes.

Here are some places to visit in Auli:

1. Auli Artificial Lake

Auli Artificial Lake, situated near Clifftop Auli, a renowned ski resort in Uttarakhand, stands as one of the world’s highest man-made lakes, perched at an altitude of approximately 3000 meters. The lake’s inception by the government was to ensure the availability of artificial snow for ski slopes during periods of low natural snowfall. Its waters are utilized to operate snow guns, which sprinkle snow on the slopes, enhancing the skiing experience. Besides its practical purpose, the lake adds to the scenic beauty of Auli, enticing numerous tourists. To reach Auli Artificial Lake, you can embark on a brief trek from the GMVN tourist rest house in Auli. For instance, here’s a poem inspired by its charm: The lake, a mirror to the sky so blue, Reflects the mountains, standing tall and true. Its waters, a source of joy and fun, Under the warmth of Auli’s sun.

2. Auli Ropeway

The Auli Ropeway is an impressive cable car system that links the town of Joshimath with the renowned ski resort of Auli in Uttarakhand. Ranking among the longest and highest ropeways in Asia, it spans a distance of 4.15 kilometers and ascends to an elevation of 1110 meters. Offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks and the lush oak forests below, the ropeway boasts 10 sturdy steel towers and can accommodate 25 passengers in each cabin. Completing the journey in approximately 25 minutes, this remarkable feat of engineering was constructed by the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Ltd. (GMVN), a government agency, to foster tourism and skiing in Auli.

3. Gurso Bugyal

Gurso Bugyal, also known as Gorson Bugyal, is a stunning meadow located near Auli, a renowned ski destination in Uttarakhand. Perched at an altitude of approximately 3056 meters, this picturesque spot offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi, Dron, and Trishul. The meadow is enveloped by dense coniferous and oak forests, adding to its natural allure, and making it a favored spot for trekking and camping enthusiasts. To reach Gurso Bugyal, you have two options: you can take a cable car from Joshimath to the last tower of the ropeway and then trek for 1.5 kilometers, or you can opt for a 3-kilometer trek from Auli. Additionally, you can explore Chattarkund, a charming lake with sweet water, located just 1 kilometer from Gurso Bugyal. urso Bugyal offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and adventurous experiences, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike.

4. Kwani Bugyal

Kwani Bugyal, a picturesque meadow near the renowned ski resort of Auli in Uttarakhand, offers a breathtaking vista at an altitude of approximately 3056 meters. This serene expanse affords stunning views of the Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi, Dron, and Trishul, set amidst a backdrop of coniferous and oak trees. A favored spot for trekking and camping enthusiasts, Kwani Bugyal offers a tranquil retreat into nature’s lap. To reach Kwani Bugyal, you have two options: take a cable car from Joshimath to the last tower of the ropeway and then trek 1.5 kilometers, or embark on a 3-kilometer trek from Auli. Additionally, you can visit Chattarkund, a charming lake with sweet water located just 1 kilometer from Kwani Bugyal.

5. Chattrakundi

Chattrakund, a small lake near Auli and Joshimath, is a hidden gem offering crystal-clear waters and a tranquil ambiance. Situated at an altitude of 3300 meters, it is embraced by lush green forests of pine, oak, and deodar trees, adding to its enchanting beauty. Popular among trekkers and nature enthusiasts, Chattrakund provides a serene and scenic view of the Himalayas. To reach Chattrakund, you can trek approximately 4 kilometers from Auli or 3 kilometers from Gurso Bugyal. The lake is also an excellent spot to witness the captivating sunrise and sunset, adding to its allure. Chattrakund stands as one of the top attractions in Auli, Uttarakhand, offering a peaceful retreat amidst nature’s splendor.

6. Joshimath

Joshimath and Auli stand out as two renowned tourist destinations in Uttarakhand, India. Joshimath, a town, serves as a significant stopover for pilgrims heading to Badrinath, Hemkund Sahib, and the Valley of Flowers. On the other hand, Auli is famed for its ski resort and hill station, offering captivating vistas of the Himalayas. A notable attraction linking Joshimath and Auli is the ropeway or cable car, which is the longest and highest in Asia, spanning 4.15 kilometers at an elevation of 1110 meters. Providing a breathtaking panorama of snow-clad mountains and oak forests below, the ropeway journey takes approximately 25 minutes from Joshimath to Auli. the distance is around 14 kilometers and can be covered by shared jeeps or taxis.

7. Narsingh Temple

The Narsingh Temple in Joshimath, Uttarakhand, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s fourth incarnation, Narasimha, depicted in a half-man, half-lion form. It is part of the Sapt Badri, a group of seven sacred Vishnu shrines in the region. During the winter, it houses the Badrinath idol. The temple’s unique feature is the Narasimha idol’s shrinking right arm, foretold to signal a landslide blocking the route to Badrinath and the end of the Kali Yuga, leading to the emergence of a new shrine, Bhavishya Badri, 20 km away. The temple is a popular pilgrimage site, especially during Holi and Narsingh Jayanti, The best time to visit is from March to June, when the weather is pleasant and flowers bloom.

Timings: Open from 6:00 am to 7:30 pm.

Entry fees: free.

8. Chenab Lake

Chenab Lake, a small artificial reservoir near Auli, Uttarakhand, is not only a vital source of snow for the ski slopes but also a scenic marvel. ituated near Dang village, approximately 28 km from Joshimath, the lake is accessible via a trek through dense oak forests and the scenic Chenap meadow. This trek, suitable for beginners, offers panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks. Encircled by a floral meadow and dense oak forest, it provides a stunning backdrop of the Himalayan peaks. Accessible by trekking from Vishnu Prayag, passing through Thaing and Dhar Kharak villages, the lake also holds religious significance as Lord Shiva’s abode. Chenab Lake is a hidden gem that beckons nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike.

9. Valley of Flowers National Park

Valley of Flowers National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Auli, Uttarakhand, spans 87.50 sq km and is renowned for its endemic alpine flowers and diverse flora and fauna. the park is accessible via a moderate to challenging trek from Govindghat, approximately 20 km from Joshimath. Offering stunning views of the Himalayan peaks, waterfalls, and streams, the park holds religious significance as the abode of Lord Vishnu’s fourth incarnation, Narasimha. The park boasts over 600 species of flowers, including orchids, poppies, primulas, marigolds, daisies, and anemones. Among its rare and endangered animals are the Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, musk deer, brown bear, red fox, and blue sheep. Discovered in 1931 by three British mountaineers who named it the “Valley of Flowers,” the park has a tragic history, with a botanist from the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Timings: 7:00 am and 2:00 pm, and leave before 5:00 pm Open from June to September.

Entry fees:

• For Indians: INR 150 for a 3-day pass, and INR 50 for each extra day.
• For Foreign Nationals: INR 600 for a 3-day pass, and INR 250 for each extra day.

10. Nanda Devi Peak

Nanda Devi Peak, the second-highest mountain in India and the 23rd-highest globally, stands tall at 7,816 meters. Located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, near Auli, it is a revered part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, named after the patron goddess of Uttarakhand. Due to environmental and cultural concerns, the peak is off-limits to climbers. First conquered in 1936 by a British-American expedition, the last successful ascent was in 1981 by an Indo-Tibetan Border Police team. While climbers can’t reach the summit, the peak’s majestic presence can be admired from various vantage points in Auli, such as the Auli Artificial Lake, the cable car ride, and the ski slopes. Particularly captivating during sunrise and sunset, Nanda Devi Peak provides a breathtaking backdrop to Auli’s snow-covered landscape.

11. Auli Ski Resort

Auli Ski Resort, situated in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal region, ranks among India’s top ski destinations. It offers an array of snow activities like skiing, snowboarding, cable car rides, and snow trekking. The resort boasts a 4 km-long cable car, the longest in Asia, linking Joshimath with Auli, providing stunning views of the Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi, Kamet, and Dunagiri. The prime time to visit Auli Ski Resort is from January to March when the snow is thick, ideal for skiing. The resort features ski training schools, equipment rentals, and snow beaters to groom the slopes. It also hosts national and international skiing events and festivals. To reach Auli Ski Resort, travelers can fly, take a train, or ride a bus to Dehradun, followed by a taxi or bus to Joshimath. From Joshimath, one can access Auli via the cable car or road, with the distance from Dehradun totaling about 300 km.

12. Trishul Peak

Trishul Peak in western Kumaun near Auli, Uttarakhand, comprises three peaks: Trisul I, II, and III, with heights of 7,120 m, 6,690 m, and 6,007 m respectively. Resembling Lord Shiva’s trident, the peaks are sacred and part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. Trishul Peak is a popular destination for trekkers and mountaineers, offering challenging routes and stunning views. It can be reached by a trek from Vishnu Prayag and viewed from Auli. Trishul I was first climbed in 1907 and is associated with the legend of Roopkund Lake. The peak is also a place of religious significance, believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva, and is revered during the Nanda Devi Raj Jat festival.

13. Saildhar Tapowan

Saildhar Tapowan, a quaint village near Auli, Uttarakhand, is renowned for its natural hot water springs and local temple. Situated approximately 15 km from Auli, the village is accessible by road. The hot water spring believed to possess healing properties, is a major attraction drawing numerous visitors. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is a significant pilgrimage site. Saildhar Tapowan offers a serene environment showcasing Garhwali culture and handicrafts.

14. Bhavishya Badri

Bhavishya Badri, one of the Panch Badri temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is situated near Subhain village, approximately 17 km from Joshimath. It is believed that this temple will serve as the future abode of Badrinath, should the current Badrinath temple become inaccessible due to a landslide. The temple features a natural rock formation of Vishnu’s quadrangular idol, purportedly growing year by year. To reach Bhavishya Badri, a trek from Tapovan, located about 3 km from the temple, is required. This trek is easy and offers picturesque views of the Dhauliganga River and the Nanda Devi peak. with August being the ideal time to visit when the flowers are in full bloom. Additionally, nearby attractions such as Kwani Bugyal, Kalpeshwar, and Roopkund Lake are renowned for their natural beauty and trekking trails.

Timings: Open from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm. The temple is open from May to October.

15. Vridh Badri Temple

Vridh Badri Temple, one of the seven temples on the Sapt Badri pilgrimage circuit, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Situated in Animath village, approximately 7 km from Joshimath, Uttarakhand, the temple houses an idol of Lord Vishnu in the form of an old man, believed to be the original Badrinath idol. Dating back to the Gupta dynasty, the temple remains open throughout the year. For those interested in visiting Vridh Badri Temple, nearby attractions such as Auli, Gorson Bugyal, and Kalpeshwar offer natural beauty and trekking trails. Additionally, the Sapt Badri pilgrimage circuit includes six other temples, each with its significance. The legend of Vridh Badri Temple involves Lord Vishnu appearing as an old man to Narada and Adi Shankaracharya reinstalling the idol in Badrinath.

Timings: Open  from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm.

16. Vanshinarayan Kalpeshwar Temple

Vanshinarayan Kalpeshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, stands in the Urgam Valley near Auli, Uttarakhand. It’s one of the five Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit temples where Shiva’s hair (jata) is revered. Accessible year-round, the temple is reached by a brief trek from Devgram village. Legend links the temple to the Mahabharata’s Pandavas, who sought Shiva’s forgiveness for their Kurukshetra war actions. Shiva, disguised as a bull, vanished into the earth, reappearing in fragments at various sites. His hair emerged here, inspiring the name Kalpeshwar, or “lord of the hair.” A favored spot for devotees and tourists, the temple provides a blend of scenic splendor and spiritual solace. During Maha Shivaratri, a fair draws thousands who come to pray, partake in rituals, and bask in the spiritual aura.

Timings From 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day.

17. Auli Ski & Snowboard School

Auli Ski & Snowboard School, located in Auli, Uttarakhand, serves as a premier training center for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. Catering to all ages and skill levels, from novices to experts, the school offers a range of courses and lessons. It also extends its services to local children and skiers in need, providing equipment and instruction. during the winter season (typically December to March), the school is conveniently located in lower Auli, near the artificial lake and cable car station. Managed by seasoned ski instructors with a deep passion for winter sports and environmental conservation, the school’s ethos blends skill development with a commitment to preserving nature. on courses, fees, facilities, and contacts, the school maintains an informative website. Auli’s popularity among skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts is further enhanced by its breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks and snow-clad slopes.

Timings: Open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

These were some places to visit in Auli. Hope you liked it. Have a safe journey!

How To Reach Auli:

1. By Air:
   • The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 279 km from Auli. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Auli.
2. By Road:
   • Auli is well-connected by roads. You can drive to Auli from major cities like Delhi, Dehradun, and Haridwar. Buses and taxis are also available from these cities to reach Auli.
   • Book A Cab: you can book a cab from our website along with a customized itinerary or can hire just a cab for your next trip. So just do hurry. Call Us On:- +911223577273
3. By Train:
   • The nearest railway station is Haridwar, about 273 km from Auli. From Haridwar, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Auli.

Here is a table of some trains that run from Delhi to Haridwar railway station, along with their name, number, timings, and charges.

You can also check the availability, schedule, and other details of these trains on IRCTC. I hope this helps you plan your trip. 😊

Auli Weather & Temperature

Auli experiences a range of weather conditions throughout the year. Summers (March to June) are pleasant, ideal for outdoor activities. Monsoons (July to September) bring moderate to heavy rainfall, with possible travel disruptions. Autumn (October to November) offers cool, pleasant weather. Winters (December to February) are snowy and cold, perfect for skiing and snowboarding.

Nearby Places To Visit In Auli

Sure, I can help you with that. Here is a table of some major tourist attractions cities near Auli, Uttarakhand, along with their distance from Auli. The distance is approximate and may vary depending on the route and traffic.

Frequently Asked Questions: