Auli- Skiing in the meadows
Uttarakhand is a state known for the many pleasant and scenic destinations, suited to match the seasons and to provide entertainment cum relaxation to everyone. Auli is probably the crown of the many tourist spots in Uttarakhand with its breathtaking views, scenic landscapes, pristine clear lakes, beautiful villages, snowy slopes, celestial aura, and much more.
Popular for the snowy slopes and the scenic vistas, Auli is a famous destination for skiing, located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The name of this hill station is also referred to often by the name “Auli Bugyal” translating to “meadow”, which is so apt for this place has lush meadows amidst snowy mountains of the Himalayan range.
Auli is located nearly 3000meters above sea level and is an ideal destination to spend your holidays. Auli is not just a place to relax but it is also a dream destination for those who crave a little adventure. There are activities like skiing and cable car rides to indulge the adventure seekers and beautiful romantic landscapes for those who crave time to relax and rewind.
Why Auli?
The journey to Auli is a pleasure by itself. Whether you take your vehicle or you travel by bus, the scenic route is bound to leave you breathless. The breeze is so fresh and will make you feel alive and refreshed from the very first breath.
Among the many reasons to visit Auli, the primary reason would be the chance to experience snow. Not many of us are lucky enough to have snowfall in our cities or locales and this is a wonderful chance to get hands-on with snow. Your desire for snow will get satiated when you visit this white winter wonderland in Uttarakhand. Also, the offbeat trails with snow-capped mountains are an experience of a lifetime.
The trekking is a must-do in Auli and it is not very challenging for anyone who wants to explore these offbeat trails. They provide you with the right amount of adventure without discomforting you. Gurson Bugyal is one of the known trails from Auli extending to about 3km.
At Auli, it is not simply hills but mountains that will be welcoming you into their laps. From the adventurous and spiritually acclaimed Nanda Devi, there is a whole gamut of ranges and trails to explore here. Auli gives you a great view of this peak and up close too.
Of course, finally, there is skiing that you can enjoy on the snowy slopes of Auli. This is a major attraction that you wouldn’t want to miss out on when you are visiting Uttarakhand.
Places to visit
As a destination resort for skiing, this gem of Garhwal Himalayas is a place where you can sit back and bask in the tranquility. But if you want to indulge more, then here are a few places to visit while you are at Auli.
Known as the winter wonderland, there are many places of interest to visit in Auli.
- Auli Ropeway
The travel to Auli on the Gondola or the cable car is a delight that you may not want to miss. Traveling across the snowy mountains with little patches of green is an experience that you should never leave out. This is among the major attractions of this place and it provides you the most spectacular view of the majestic Himalayan ranges. The cable car on this ropeway is the second longest and highest of its kind, second only to Gulmarg, and it covers nearly 4kms. The cable car is locally referred to as Gondola connecting Joshimath to Auli. This is a must-do destination in Auli.
- Auli Artificial lake
This pristine lake will astound you that you may not believe that it is not a natural lake. It is amongst the highest artificial lakes in the world. The lake was created by the government to provide snow for skiing during the seasons with scanty rainfall. This is an amazing place and it is surrounded by amazing views for the eyes to feast upon.
- Chattrakund
This is another lake with pristine and clear water near Auli. The lake is surrounded by lush green forests and is located nearly 3300 meters above sea level. It is at a distance of 4km from Auli and is amongst the most scenic places in Auli. The lake is known for its sweet water.
- Gurso Bugyal
Also known as Gorson Bugyal, this is at an elevation of about 3056m above sea level and is around 3km from Auli, which you can reach by a trek. It is nature’s wonderland filled with coniferous and oak trees and lush green pastures. Chattrakund is just 1km from here. You can check with the local guide to plan the trek to Gurso Bugyal and then to Chattrakund from there.
- Joshimath
If you are looking for some spiritual guidance on the trip, then you can head over to the sacred place of Joshimath. Located in the Garhwal region, the place is also called Jyotirmath and it is the seat of Lord Badri in winter. The idol of Lord Badrinath is brought down every winter from Badrinath temple to this temple at Joshimath. This is a very important place and pilgrimage spot for Hindus and is known for the divine aura around the region.
- Chenab Lake
This is yet another lake near Auli that is worth visiting and indulging in the scenic landscapes. This lake is closer to Joshimath and is known for its untouched beauty. This unwavering and beautiful artificial lake and its surroundings have managed to capture the hearts of many tourists. This is a reservoir built to fill water for serving the needs of the people living in Auli. It has pine, conifer, oak, and rhododendron all around making it an awesome view on any day.
- Narsingh Temple
Another famous temple, especially a pilgrimage spot for the Hindus, the Narsingh Badri Temple is located in Joshimath. It is one of the Sapt Badri or the Seven Badris and it casts its celestial aura all around its vicinity. It features one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu, the fourth of the ten avatars. It is in the lower Bazar area of the town.
- Auli Chair lift
One of the best things to do in Auli is skiing. The snowy slopes of Auli make it the best place to try skiing and this chair lift takes you from Auli to these slopes so that you can enjoy skiing. This is amongst the best ways to reach the slopes and it offers you splendid views on the way up as well.
If you are looking for a magical wonderland, with white snow all around you, then Auli is just the place for you. It is a place with serene meadows, lush green forests, snow-capped mountains, fresh winter breeze, and the most picturesque sites there ever is. You will have the most magical experience, with friends and family, with friendly snow fights, adventurous treks, breezing through the slopes on skis, and more. If you want to experience the best view of your lifetime, then you must visit this beautiful landscape amongst the Garhwal Mountains during your holidays.