Auli is in Chamoli district in the Himalayan mountains of Uttarakhand, India. Auli, also known as Auli Bugyal, in Garhwali, which means "meadow", is located at an elevation of 2,800 meters (9,200 ft) above sea level. Between June and October, the valley has one of highest numbers of flower species found anywhere in the world, with 520 species of high-altitude plants, 498 of which are flowering plants with significant populations of endangered species.
Auli and Joshimath are situated in the high Himalayas bordering China. In the Sino-Indian War of 1962, there were several initiatives by Chinese troops to cross the borders and enter Indian territory. During the conflict, the residents of the border village supported the Indian Army. Auli ropeway was constructed in September 1993 to enhance tourism in Auli. At an altitude of about 10,000 feet, this ropeway serves as a transport between Joshimath and Auli.
Auli is a popular hill station and ski resort in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is known for its natural beauty and lush meadows and as a destination for winter sports and skiing. Here's more information about Auli:
1. Location: Auli is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, in the Garhwal region of the Himalayas. It is situated at an elevation of around 2,800 to 3,050 meters (9,200 to 10,000 feet) above sea level.
2. Scenic Beauty: Auli is famous for its picturesque landscapes, with vast meadows surrounded by dense forests and panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks. The Nanda Devi, Mana Parvat, and Kamat Kamet mountains are visible from Auli.
3. Skiing and Winter Sports: Auli is one of the top skiing destinations in India and offers excellent opportunities for skiing and snowboarding. The ski season typically runs from late December to March when the region receives heavy snowfall.
4. Auli Artificial Lake: To provide a consistent supply of snow for skiing, Auli features a unique artificial lake that is used for generating artificial snow during the winter season.
5. Skiing Infrastructure: Auli has a well-developed skiing infrastructure, including ski lifts, ski schools, and equipment rental services. It has hosted various national and international skiing events.
6. Trekking and Hiking: Auli serves as a starting point for several treks and hikes, including the famous Kuari Pass Trek and the Valley of Flowers Trek. These treks offer a chance to explore the natural beauty and wildlife of the region.
7. Accommodation: Auli offers a range of accommodation options, including hotels, resorts, and guesthouses. Many accommodations provide stunning views of the Himalayan range.
8. Accessibility: Auli is accessible by road and is well-connected to cities like Rishikesh and Dehradun. The nearest major railway station is Haridwar, and the nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun.
9. All-Season Destination: While Auli is renowned for winter sports, it is also a year-round destination. During the summer, the meadows transform into lush green pastures, and visitors can enjoy trekking and hiking.
10. Auli Ropeway: The Auli Ropeway is one of the longest and highest ropeways in Asia, providing panoramic views of the Himalayas. It connects Auli with the town of Joshimath.
Auli, a picturesque hill station in Uttarakhand, offers a variety of activities to keep visitors engaged and entertained. Here are some of the popular activities you can enjoy in Auli:
1. Skiing:
Auli is renowned for its skiing facilities, and it's one of the best places in India for winter sports. The ski season typically runs
from late December to March. You can take ski lessons or explore the slopes if you're an experienced skier.
2. Snowboarding:
If skiing isn't your preference, try snowboarding. Auli's snowy landscape and slopes offer the perfect setting for this thrilling
winter sport.
3. Trekking:
Auli is the starting point for several scenic treks. The Kuari Pass Trek, Valley of Flowers Trek, and Gorson Bugyal Trek are
popular options. These treks offer the chance to explore the Himalayan landscapes and lush meadows.
4. Cable Car Ride:
Take the Auli Ropeway, one of the longest and highest cable car rides in Asia. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding
mountains and valleys.
5. Photography:
Auli's stunning landscapes and snow-covered peaks make it a paradise for photographers. Capture the beauty of the
Himalayas and the pristine surroundings.
6. Camping:
Enjoy a camping experience in the beautiful meadows of Auli. It's an excellent way to immerse yourself in nature and spend
a night under the stars.
7. Nature Walks:
Explore the picturesque surroundings with leisurely nature walks. Auli's landscapes are serene and offer ample opportunities
to connect with nature.
8. Visit the Valley of Flowers:
Auli serves as a gateway to the Valley of Flowers National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's a must-visit destination
during the monsoon season when the valley is carpeted in a riot of colorful flowers.
9. Visit the Auli Artificial Lake:
The artificial lake in Auli is used to generate artificial snow during the winter. It's a unique and interesting spot to visit.
10. Bird Watching:
Auli is home to a variety of bird species. Birdwatching is a delightful activity, and you can spot various avian residents in the
region.
11. Visit Local Temples:
Explore the nearby religious sites, including the Badrinath Temple, the Narsingh Temple in Joshimath, and the Mata Murti Temple.
12. Wildlife Spotting:
The region around Auli is home to various wildlife species. Keep an eye out for snow leopards, musk deer, blue sheep, and more.
13. Attend the Auli Winter Carnival:
If you visit during the right time, don't miss the Auli Winter Carnival, which showcases the local culture, music, dance, and winter sports.
By Air:
By Train:
By Road:
From Delhi: Auli is approximately 500 kilometers (310 miles) from Delhi. You can drive or hire a taxi from Delhi. The journey takes around 12-14 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic.
From Rishikesh: Rishikesh is a common starting point for those traveling to Auli. From Rishikesh, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Auli. The road journey takes about 8-9 hours.
From Joshimath: Joshimath is the closest major town to Auli and serves as a base for the Auli Ropeway. You can reach Joshimath by road and then take the Auli Ropeway or drive to Auli, which is approximately 16 kilometers (10 miles) away.
It's important to note that the road to Auli can be subject to weather conditions, especially during heavy snowfall in the winter. It's advisable to check road conditions and weather forecasts before your journey. Additionally, due to the elevation, the roads can be steep and winding, so it's essential to drive cautiously.
During the winter, when Auli is a popular skiing destination, you can also take advantage of transportation services provided by ski resorts and tour operators to reach Auli from nearby towns like Joshimath.
