Auli is a Himalayan ski resort and hill station in the north Indian state of Uttarakhand. It’s surrounded by coniferous and oak forests, plus the Nanda Devi and Nar Parvat mountains. A long cable car links Auli to the town of Joshimath. North of Auli is the colorful Badrinath Temple, a Hindu pilgrimage site, and the Valley of Flowers National Park, with its alpine flora and wildlife like snow leopards and red foxes.
This place came to light when in the 8th century, Adiguru Shrishankar Acharya established a Matha (Jyoti Math or Shri Shankaracharya Math) at Joshimath, about 6.6 km from Auli, which still exists today. After the establishment of the monastery, this place also came to be known as the “Gateway of the Himalayas“. After the establishment of this math, Adi Shankaracharya Ji moved forward like Badrinath. Semi-nomadic tribes of Tibetans, Mangolians and Bhotias conducted trade and communication between Tibet (China) and India from here. They took the help of their long-haired yaks and horses to cross the snowy mountains of the Himalayas. The popular Trishul peak (23,490 feet) is the scene of an unusual expedition that took place here in 1958. It took the mountaineers almost four days to climb and about 90 minutes to ski down to the base.
1. Auli Artificial Lake
The Auli Artificial Lake is Auli’s only man-made lake. It provides a serene and calm atmosphere along with a skiing track. The glistening images of the Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi Hill appear mesmerizing. There is a ski track located beside the lake for both first-timers and professionals. The lake can be accessed through cable cars from Joshimath, which provides a seamless view of the town of Auli.
2. Joshimath
Uttarakhand is abounding with beautiful places and one among them is Joshimath, the sacred town of Uttarakhand. Nuzzled with lots of warmth in the Chamoli district the town has its heavenly aura. Also known as Jyotirmath, Joshimath is the places where one of the Mutts was established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. It is also the winter seat of Lord Badri Whose idol is traversed from Badrinath temple to Vasudev temple here. If you want to explore religion, spirituality and thrill all in one place, then visiting here is a good decision.
The government has also introduced the winter Char Dham Yatra to turn Joshimath into a major winter travel destination. Apart from being a religious hub, it is also a popular hill station elevated at a height of 1890 meters above sea level. Vishnuprayag where the two powerful rivers of Alaknanda and Dhauliganga meet overlooks the beauty of the town of Joshimath.
3. Gurso Bugyal
The 360-degree view of the Himalayan peaks and almost invisible, dainty towns amidst them are what make the trek to Gurso Bugyal a memorable experience. Elevated over 3,000 meters above sea level, you can make stops on the 3 km long trek of this range, and take a panoramic view of the rapidly flowing river, perhaps frozen during winters and the clear skies of Auli. Chattrakhand is a place 1 km from Gurso Bugyal which often attracts many tourists.
4. Nanda Devi Peak
The name derives from the etymological equivalent that means ‘Bliss-giving God’. It is a popular trekking destination and provides a 360-degree view of its beautiful surroundings. The view at night is mesmerizing.
5. Auli Ropeway
Connecting the hill stations of Joshimath and Auli, Auli Ropeway is one of the top draws when it comes to the top-notch places to visit in Auli. The highest and the longest ropeway in India after the one at Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir, it covers an approximate distance of 4km and presents the traveler with gaping views of the snowy valleys and verdant meadows below. it presents exciting views of the skiing competitions that are organized by the government’s tourism department.
6. Chattrakund
Chattrakund is one of the best places to visit in Auli. In Joshimath, it is a small lake about 4 km from Auli. It is located 3,300 meters above sea level. It has a resounding collection of trees, including oak, pine and deodar. It is a perfect spot to be enjoyed either alone, with family or with your spouse. Tourists usually trek to this spot in the morning and recede before the sunsets.
7. Chenab Lake
Chenab Lake is located at a distance of approximately 2 km from the GMVN guest house, one of the popular residential places in Auli. It has a skiing area around it with pine trees and small stalls. It also acts as a water-storing reservoir that helps the town in case of low water circulation.
8. Auli Ski Resort
Being such a coveted destination in terms of Skiing in India, Auli must have resorts that can provide accommodation to ski enthusiasts visiting this place during the peak months of tourism here. Surrounded by the unmatched scenic beauty of the Garhwal district, the hotel provides all the basic amenities that one expects here, alongside all the scenic views of the areas around the place. With proximity to the bus stand.
9. Trishul Peak
Trishul Peak is one of the best tourist places in Auli due to its 270-degree view of snow-clad hills surrounding it. Another picturesque destination,
The Chenab Lake, or the artificial lake, is also visible from here. The Chenab Lake, or the artificial lake, is also visible from here. It is majorly a popular tourist attraction in Auli due to the series of Hathi, Ghoda and Palki hills.
10. Kwani Bugyal
Kwani Bugyal is a popular destination among tourists during the summer months when hundreds of them visit the region for trekking. Kwani Bugyal offers unadulterated glimpses of the Nanda Devi and Dunagiri mountains. The 13-kilometers trek from Auli to here is filled with panoramic scenery, fresh air, and lots of adventure.
11. Saildhar Tapowan
Shaildhar village offers great cultural exposure to tourists and poses as a dainty tourist attraction in Auli. The traditional handicrafts are also sold around the area making it a hotspot for shopping.
12. Nanda Devi National Park
Nanda Devi National Park is one of the most popular places to visit in Auli, the national park is home to a wide variety of rare and endangered species of flora and fauna, including but not limited to the Himalayan black bear, a snow leopard, and Himalayan musk deer.
13. Rudraprayag
Rudraprayag is among the major places to visit in Auli. Located at a short distance from other popular places in the state of Uttarakhand, including Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun, Rudraprayag is a famous spot for trekkers traveling up to Kedarnath. There are a lot of temples and lakes around the region for exploration.
14. Nandaprayag
A beautiful town in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, Nandaprayag is among the most wonderful tourist places in Auli and around. Situated at the sacred confluence of the Mandakini and Alaknanda rivers, the destination is equally important to religious and spiritual travelers.
