Auli Travel Guide (Char Dham Yatra)

Auli offers panoramic views of some of India’s highest peaks, including the second-highest in the country, Nanda Devi (7,816m). Auli itself stands at around 2,800 m and is surrounded by acres of oak and coniferous forests. 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, Pangarchulla Summit, and Tapovan can be accessed through Auli.

Auli is also home to several religious sites. Many believe that it was once visited by Shankracharya in the 8th century AD. It is said that he visited Joshimath and built a temple there that exists to this day. The land of Auli was frequented by semi-nomadic tribes of the Bhotiyas, of the Mongolian progeny, for hundreds of years. They travelled with yaks, which carried goods and helped them in trading with Tibet. Before it was a full-fledged ski resort, Auli was the training ground of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force, which tested its strength and valour against the tough and unforgiving landscape and climate.

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.

Auli – The Ski Paradise of India

About 270 km from Rishikesh, Auli is a snow-covered destination, most popular for skiing. Lying in the Garhwal region, the hill resort of Auli is among the best skiing grounds in the world. It is famed for its 3 km high-rise slopes, having a drop of 500 m, which are ideal for the sport.

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.

Weather at Auli – Best Time to Visit

Visit Auli in Winter

Receives massive crowds of people. The splendid views of the surrounding peaks like Kamet, Nanda Devi, and Dunagiri can be witnessed during winters. For skiing enthusiasts, January to March is the best time to visit. For nature lovers, October to March is the most appropriate time. Auli’s pristine slopes are a dream for skiing enthusiasts. 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.

The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam organises 15-day and 7-day courses for beginners and experts, from December to March.

Visit Auli in Monsoon

Which fall approximately between June and September, it is an ideal place to visit even during this time as it receives only moderate rainfall. Fluctuating between 10 degree Celsius and 20 degree Celsius, the temperature of Auli is also ideal for leisurely walks across the hill station. However, be careful since the roads tend to get slippery. An enjoyable ride from Auli to Joshimath on the ropeway is an excellent idea at this time since the surroundings are washed with pouring rain and takes on a fresh, green appearance.

Visit Auli in Summers

The average maximum temperature recorded in Auli is 20 degrees. Hence, the weather is pleasant and ideal for trekking and sightseeing. Make the most out of Auli in the summer months, ideally between April and June, by heading out to Kwani Bugyal, Nandprayag, Valley of Flowers, Vansh Narayan Kalpeshwar, and Nanda Devi National Park. The vibrant-coloured flora, the cool breeze, and the overall beauty of this place make it an ideal destination to escape the scorching heat during the summer.

How to Reach Auli

By Road : Dehradun is well 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.

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.

By Cable Car : The cable car ride plys between Joshimath and Gurson (near Auli). One of the highest and the longest ropeways in India, it covers an approximate distance of 4 km amidst the snow-capped mountains with patches of green, offering breathtaking views of the Garhwal. 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.

By Rail : Dehradun railway station is connected with a lot of cities across India.

ByAir : Jolly Grant Airport is 24 km from Dehradun city. It connects with all major cities in India.

On the way to Auli you can see the base camp of Ibex Brigade of ITBP (Indo Tibetan Border Police). Once in Auli, check into your accommodation, then 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).

Char Dham Distance Chart from Auli

Many pilgrims prefer to visit Auli (best skiing destination in India) for its immaculate beauty with their Char Dham Yatra. The views of Himalayas is amazing from Auli, with lush green meadows all over.

You can visit Auli from Joshimath, you can either take taxi or visit there by Ropeway.

Other Nearby Attractions

Chattrakund : It is small lake which has crystal clear water located at a distance of 4 km from Auli – just one km beyond Gurson bugyal. Situated at an altitude of 3,300 metres. Visitors are enthralled by the picturesque settings and tranquillity of this place. Chattrakund lake is surrounded by lush green beautiful forest.

Auli Artificial Lake : The highest artificial or Man made lake in the world. The flawless turquoise lake bordered by lush green slopes, looks picture-perfect and can be accessed through the cable car. This beautiful lake has helped in extending the Skii season in Auli.

Kwani Bugyal : It is popular trekking destination near Auli, Joshimath situated at 3,380 metre above sea level. This Kwani Bugyal or lush meadow is a haven for nature lovers and trekkers. Around 13 km from Gurso Bugyal, this meadow can be reached by trekking. Summer season is the best time to visit this place.

Shaildhar Tapovan : Located approximately 15 km from Auli, it is a small village known for its natural hot-water spring and temple. Tourists can explore the traditional handicrafts of the region here and feel at home among the warm local residents

Gorson Bugyal : Located around 3 km from Auli, Gurso Bugyal or Gorson Bugyal is situated at an elevation of 3,056 m. 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. It is covered by the snow in winter season

Joshimath : It is one of the four maths which is discovered by Adi Shankracharya in 8th century. Nestled with love in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, the sacred town of Joshimath spreads its celestial aura in the entire Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. The town of Joshimath is also nicknamed as Jyotirmath and is the winter seat of Lord Badri, whose idol is brought down from Badrinath temple to Vasudeva temple at Joshimath. This holy town is revered by the Hindus for being an important pilgrimage centre of the country.

Chenab Lake : Chenab Lake is a small crystalline water lake near Joshimath. Untouched and unexplored beauty of Chenab lake attracts many tourists

Narsingh Temple : 10 kms from Auli, Narsingh Temple is a popular temple in Joshimath. Famous as a part of Sapt Badri, Narsingh Temple is also called Narsingh Badri Temple and a sacred place to visit in Joshimath. The deity of the temple is the fourth incarnation of Lord Vishnu (Narasimha Avatar), in the form of half Lion and half man. Narsingh Temple is located in Lower Bazaar area of Joshimath.

Auli Chair Lift/ Auli Ropeway : Auli Chair Lift connects Auli to the Skiing slopes of Auli. It is one of the best ways to reach the skiing slopes if you are visiting Auli by your own car.

Trishul Peak : The three Himalayan mountain peaks of western Kumaun as a whole form the Trishul peak, at a height of 7120m. It is the place where most tourists gather for skiing in Auli as it is the only place in India where skiing is carried on at a professional level. The peak can be best viewed from Kausani or during the Roopkund Trek.

Sleeping Beauty Mountain : It is a mountain which looks like a lady with open hair lying on the top of the peak.

Tapovan : This place is situated at a distance of 14 kms from Joshimath. It is a popular tourist spot near Joshimath. It is known for its natural spring where hot water comes from the earth.

Bhavishya Kedar : It is small temple which is dedicated to Hindu Lord Shiva and his wife Goddess Parvati.

Top 5 Places To Stay in Auli

1) Auli Village Resort
This environment friendly holiday resort offers luxurious cottage with many services like:- Cable Car, Chair lift, Bar and Cafeteria. The resorts surrounded by the beautiful views throughout the year.
Address:- Govt. Tourist Complex, Auli, Next to GMVN Auli.

2) Clifftop Club Resort
It is a second highest resort in the world and also it is the only skii resort in Asiawhich is situated on the skii Slope. It also offers pickup and frop facility from various points to the resort.
Address:- Club Group of Hotels, Auli, Chamoli District, Uttarakhand.

3) GMVN Auli Tourist Bungalow
GMVN Auli Tourist Bungalow is situated near ITBP, Auli, Uttarakhand. It is one of the budget hotels located in Auli. It also offers sightseeing of Auli packages to their guests.
Address:- Auli GMVN Tourist Complex, Auli, Joshimath, Uttarakhand, India.

4) Himalayan Eco Lodge
This beautiful lodge offers you to stay at the Himalayan hill town with the view of the popular peaks Nanda Devi, Mana Parvat, Dunagiri etc.
Address:- Joshimath- Auli Road, Near ITBP Camp, Auli , Uttarakhand.

5) Blue Poppy Auli
It is one of the very exotic resorts situated in Auli, Uttarakhand. It offers all the necessary facilities for its guests. The rooms are neat and clean with running hot and cold water.
Address:- Near Hanuman Mandir, Auli, Chamoli, Uttarakhand