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AULI- THE SKIING PARADISE OF GARHWAL
WHAT TO KNOW
The small yet picture-perfect town of Auli is India’s premier ski resort destination. Originally developed as a paramilitary base, Auli’s skiing slopes are popular among tourists and professionals alike. In winter, Auli hosts several snow adventure events. You can also take skiing lessons here.
Standing at around 2,800 m, and surrounded by acres of oak and coniferous forests, Auli offers panoramic views of some of India’s highest peaks, including the second-highest in the country, Nanda Devi (7,816m). It is also the gateway to the Nanda Devi and the Valley of Flowers National Park, including the Hemkund Sahib gurdwara, and popular trekking destinations such as Gorson Bugyal, Pangerchulla Summit, and Tapovan can be accessed through Auli. Besides Auli, Uttarakhand has several other skiing destinations, like Dayara Bugyal, Munsiyari and Mundali.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
For skiing enthusiasts, January to March is the best time to visit. For nature lovers, October to March is the most appropriate time.
HOW TO REACH
DEHRADUN TO JOSHIMATH
Take an early morning flight from Delhi to reach Dehradun. Once in Dehradun, have breakfast and start your journey towards Auli. Have lunch in between at any restaurant. Once you reach Joshimath, check in your accommodation, have dinner and take rest.
Dehradun is connected to other parts of India with a wide network of roads. From Delhi, the distance is around 256 km and takes about 6 hours by road. The road from Dehradun to Joshimath of around 275 km takes about 9 to 10 hours to cover by car and is quite adventurous. You’ll cross rolling meadows, mountain peaks and splash through river beds.
Dehradun railway station is connected with a lot of cities across India.
Jolly Grant Airport is 24 km from Dehradun city. It connects with all major cities in India.
JOSHIMATH TO AULI
Start early from Joshimath. On the way to Auli see the base camp of Ibex Brigade of ITBP (Indo Tibetan Border Police). Once in Auli, check into your accommodation, the you can first go trekking to Gurson Bugyal, a stunning green meadow. It takes about an hour to trek the 3 km route to the green bugyal (meadow) surrounded by coniferous forest and oak trees. Enjoy fresh mountain air and views of snow-covered peaks like Dongiri, Nanda Devi, Kuari Pass etc. You can also visit the nearby Hanuman Temple, which offers stunning views. Go back to your accommodation in Auli and rest for the day with good food, an evening bonfire and music.
Joshimath to Auli is around 16 km and it takes 1-2 hours by road or 30 minute on the ropeway (cable car). You can either hire a cab or take the cable car to reach Auli. The cable car ride is a visual delight, offering grand views of majestic Himalayan peaks and a lush green valley.
AULI SKIING
After breakfast, you can enjoy skiing( November to March is the best time) skiing requires practice and perfection. It’s recommended that you hire a professional guide, who will make sure that you enjoy this sport under guidance with all safety precautions. spend the day enjoying and learning the art of skiing. There are several skiing courses on offer here. Have Lunch at your accomodatio and leave for Joshimath by evening.
JOSHIMATH TO DEHRADUN
Start early so that you reach Dehradun by evening. Stay overnight in a hotel or homestay. Take a cab or a flight to reach Delhi the next day. Your trip ends here.
The distance from Joshimath to Dehradun is 275 km and it takes about 10 hours by road. Stay overnight in Dehradun, if you plan to take the road to Delhi.
SERVICES
Air-
Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport is the closest airbase to Auli (about 286 km away). One can hail a cab from the airport to Auli.
Train-
The nearest railway station to Auli is Rishikesh (approximately 255 km away). Visitors can take buses (both state and private) and cabs from Rishikesh to Joshimath and Auli. It is, however, advisable to reach Auli by sunset as after that roads are closed and it has to be reached via cable car from Joshimath.
Bus-
Auli is well-connected by road and can be reached from all major destinations of the state. Bus services to the hill station can be availed from Rishikesh, Rudraprayag, Ukhimath, and other noted stops. State tourism buses ply between Rishikesh and Joshimath. From the latter, one can take any public transport (bus, taxis, and jeeps) to Auli (about 13 km). Buses and private cars can also be booked from New Delhi.
OTHER ATTRACTION
Auli lake-
The highest artificial lake in the world, it provides a serene and calm atmosphere. The flawless turquoise lake bordered by lush green slopes, looks picture-perfect and can be accessed through the cable car. In winter, when snow carpets the grass, the lake shines like a jewel embedded in the white
Chatrakund-
Chattrakund is located at a distance of 4 km from Auli – just one km beyond Gurson bugyal. Situated as an altitude of 3,300 m, this small lake is surrounded by verdant greenery and this place offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Visitors are enthralled by the picturesque settings and tranquility of this place
Gorson Bugyal-
Located around 3 km from Auli, Gurso Bugyal or Gorson Bugyal is a spectacular meadow surrounded by dense forest of oaks and conifers. Situated at an elevation of 3,056 m, the high-altitude grassland is a brilliant green carpet in summer and a snow-covered 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.
WHAT TO DO IN AULI
Ski-
Auli’s Prestine slops are a dream for skiing aficionados. Its 5-Km- long ice snow covered slopes are perfect for professionals and beginners. A 500 m ski- lift system connects Joshimath with Gorson, a little above Auli, making it the longest cable car in India. From here, skiers can ski down the slope. There are ski training schools and equipment can be rented.
Trekking-
From Auli, one can trek up to Himalayan peaks such as Nandadevi, Kamet, mana parvat and Dunagiri. Joshimath to auli is about 14 Km. Walking on snow- laden paths in winters or lush alpine meadows during Summers, the offbeat trails of Auli are an unparalleled attraction for trekkers and nature lovers, The green expanse of Gurson( Gorson) bugyal meadow is just 3 Km from Auli and ir connects with the trekking trail to Kuari Pass.
Cable car ride-
Enjoy the Cable car ride between Joshimath and Gurson ( near Auli), that passes over rolling slope and meandering trails
Enjoy the Cable car ride between Joshimath and Gurson ( near Auli), that passes over rolling slope and meandering trails