Discover Uttarakhand Magazine

Auli is a hill station located in the Chamoli district of the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is situated at an altitude of 2,500 to 3,050 meters above sea level, and is known for its beautiful landscapes and skiing opportunities.

The area has a long history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the 8th century. Auli was originally a part of the kingdom of Garhwal, and later became a part of the British Raj. In the 20th century, it became a popular tourist destination, and ski resorts and other amenities were developed to accommodate visitors.

Auli is located in the western Himalayas and is surrounded by coniferous forests and alpine meadows. It is known for its panoramic views of the Himalayas, including the Nanda Devi and Mana Parbat peaks. The region has a cool and temperate climate, with heavy snowfall in the winter months.

In recent years, Auli has become a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists, who come to enjoy the skiing and other outdoor activities available in the area. The ski season in Auli typically runs from December to April, and the area is equipped with modern ski lifts and resorts to accommodate visitors. In addition to skiing, tourists can also enjoy trekking, camping, and sightseeing in Auli.

The history and geography of Auli

The area has a long history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the 8th century. Auli was originally a part of the kingdom of Garhwal, and later became a part of the British Raj. In the 20th century, it became a popular tourist destination, and ski resorts and other amenities were developed to accommodate visitors.

Auli is located in the western Himalayas and is surrounded by coniferous forests and alpine meadows. It is known for its panoramic views of the Himalayas, including the Nanda Devi and Mana Parbat peaks. The region has a cool and temperate climate, with heavy snowfall in the winter months.

The skiing experience in Auli

Auli is known for its ski resorts and slopes, and many tourists visit the area specifically for the skiing experience. The ski season in Auli typically runs from December to April, and the area is equipped with modern ski lifts and resorts to accommodate visitors.

There are several ski resorts in Auli that offer a range of amenities and services for skiers. These resorts often have ski runs of varying difficulty levels, as well as equipment rentals and ski lessons for beginners. Some popular ski resorts in Auli include the Auli Leela Ski Resort, the Snowy Heights Hotel, and the Auli Tourist Complex.

Ski equipment rentals are available at many of the resorts in Auli, and typically include skis, boots, and poles. Ski lessons are also available for those who are new to the sport, and are typically offered by experienced instructors who can teach the basics of skiing and provide tips for improving your technique.

In addition to skiing, many of the resorts in Auli also offer other winter sports and activities, such as snowboarding and ice skating. Some resorts also offer après-ski activities and entertainment, such as live music and cultural performances.

Overall, Auli is a great destination for skiers and winter sports enthusiasts, and offers a range of amenities and activities to suit a variety of interests and skill levels.

Places to visit in Auli

• Gurso Bugyal: This high-altitude meadow is a beautiful spot to visit, and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. It is located a short distance from Auli and can be reached by a short trek.
• Auli Artificial Lake: This man-made lake is a popular spot for tourists to visit, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It is located near the ski slopes and is a great place to relax and take in the beauty of the area.The lake was created to provide a source of water for the ski slopes, and is surrounded by coniferous forests and alpine meadows. It is a popular spot for tourists to visit, and offers boating and picnicking facilities. There are also several cafes and restaurants located near the lake, which offer a range of refreshments and snacks.The Auli Artificial Lake is located a short distance from the ski slopes and is a great place to relax and take in the beauty of the area. It is a popular spot for tourists to visit, and offers a chance to enjoy the fresh air and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
• Chenab Lake – This picturesque lake is located at an altitude of 3,658 meters above sea level and is surrounded by dense forests.
• Trishul Peak – This peak, named after the trident of Lord Shiva, stands at an altitude of 7,120 meters above sea level and offers challenging trekking opportunities.
• Tapovan – This holy place is located on the banks of the Alaknanda River and is known for its hot springs and natural beauty.
• Narsingh Temple – This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Narsingh, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and is a popular place of pilgrimage.
• Joshimath: This town is located near Auli and is known for its ancient temples and natural beauty. Tourists can visit the temples and explore the local markets, or take a walk in the surrounding forests and meadows.

In addition to these activities, tourists can also enjoy other outdoor activities such as camping, paragliding, and sightseeing in Auli. The area is known for its beautiful landscapes and there are many opportunities to explore the local flora and fauna.

Accommodation/ Hotel options in Auli

here are several hotels and resorts in Auli that offer accommodations for tourists. Some of the popular options include:

1. Auli Leela Ski Resort: This resort is located near the ski slopes and offers a range of amenities such as a spa, fitness center, and restaurant. It also has a range of room types to suit different budgets, including deluxe rooms, suites, and cottages.
2. Auli Tourist Complex: This complex is run by the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Corporation and offers basic accommodations in the form of rooms and dormitories. It is located near the ski slopes and has a restaurant and a ski equipment rental shop on site.
3. Snowy Heights Hotel: This hotel is located near the ski slopes and offers a range of amenities such as a restaurant, a bar, and a spa. It has a range of room types to suit different budgets, including standard rooms, deluxe rooms, and suites.
4. The Cliff Top Club: This luxury resort is located on a hilltop and offers panoramic views of the Himalayas. It has a range of amenities such as a spa, a fitness center, and a restaurant, and offers a range of room types including cottages and villas.

In general, accommodation options in Auli range from budget options such as guest houses and dormitories, to luxury resorts offering a range of amenities. Prices vary depending on the location, facilities, and room type, and it is recommended to book in advance during peak season.

Packages of auli

There are several tour operators that offer packages for Auli, which include transportation, accommodation, and activities such as skiing and trekking. These packages can be a convenient option for tourists who want a hassle-free trip to Auli.

Some of the popular package options for Auli include:

1. Skiing packages: These packages typically include transportation to Auli, accommodation at a ski resort, and ski equipment rentals. Some packages also include ski lessons for beginners.
2. Trekking packages: These packages typically include transportation to Auli, accommodation, and guided trekking tours to destinations such as the Trishul Peak or the Gurso Bugyal meadow.
3. Sightseeing packages: These packages typically include transportation to Auli, accommodation, and sightseeing tours to nearby attractions such as Joshimath and the Auli Artificial Lake.
4. Customized packages: Many tour operators also offer customized packages that can be tailored to the specific needs and interests of tourists. These packages can include a combination of transportation, accommodation, and activities such as skiing, trekking, and sightseeing.

How to reach auli

Auli is located in a remote area of the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, and there are several ways to get there:

1. By air: The nearest airport to Auli is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is approximately 279 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or hire a car to reach Auli. The journey takes about 9-10 hours by road.
2. By train: The nearest railway stations to Auli are Dehradun and Haridwar, which are both approximately 280 kilometers away. From Dehradun, you can take a taxi or hire a car to reach Auli, which takes about 9-10 hours by road. From Haridwar, you can take a bus or taxi to reach Auli, which takes about 8-9 hours by road.
3. By bus: There are several bus operators that offer regular services to Auli from major cities in the region, such as Dehradun, Haridwar, and Rishikesh. The journey takes about 8-10 hours by road, depending on the starting point.

What is the best time to visit Auli?

The best time to visit Auli depends on your interests and what you want to do while you are there. If you are interested in skiing or snowboarding, the best time to visit is from December to March, when the slopes are covered in snow and the weather is cold and dry. This is also the peak tourist season, so you can expect larger crowds and higher prices.

If you are not interested in skiing or snowboarding, you may want to visit Auli during the off-season, which is from April to November. During this time, the weather is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. This is a good time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds and take advantage of lower prices.

Is Auli mini Switzerland of India?

Auli is sometimes referred to as the “mini Switzerland of India,” due to its alpine setting, ski slopes, and stunning mountain views. Auli is known for its ski slopes, which range in elevation from 2,950 to 3,050 meters and offer runs for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The ski season in Auli lasts from December to March, and the resort offers ski rentals and ski instructors.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Auli is also known for its beautiful natural surroundings. The resort is surrounded by coniferous and oak forests, and there are several trekking routes in the area that offer breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountain range.

Overall, Auli is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding, and is known for its stunning mountain views and beautiful natural surroundings.

Detailed travel itinerary of Auli

Day 1: Arrival in Auli

• Arrival at Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, followed by a transfer to Auli by taxi or car
• Check-in at the hotel and rest for a while
• In the evening, take a walk around the resort and enjoy the beautiful mountain views

Day 2: Skiing or Snowboarding in Auli

• Spend the day skiing or snowboarding on the slopes of Auli
• Take a break for lunch at one of the ski resort’s restaurants
• In the evening, return to the hotel and relax

Day 3: Trekking in Auli

• Go on a trek to one of the nearby mountain peaks, such as Gurson Top or Kwani Bugyal
• Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountain range
• Return to the hotel in the evening

Day 4: Departure from Auli

• Check-out from the hotel and transfer to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun for your flight home

Note: This is just a sample itinerary, and the activities can be customized based on your interests and preferences. It is also a good idea to allow for some flexibility in your itinerary, as the weather in Auli can be unpredictable and may affect your plans.

Auli Weather

The weather in Auli can vary significantly throughout the year, depending on the season. Here is a general overview of the weather in Auli month-by-month:

January: January is the coldest month in Auli, with average temperatures ranging from -5°C to 5°C. This is the peak ski season, and the slopes are usually covered in snow.

February: February is also a cold month in Auli, with average temperatures ranging from -5°C to 5°C. The ski season is still in full swing, and the slopes are usually well-covered in snow.

March: March is the last month of the ski season in Auli, and the weather is still cold, with average temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C. The slopes may start to lose some of their snow cover towards the end of the month.

April: April is the start of the off-season in Auli, and the weather begins to warm up, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. The ski slopes are no longer open, but the resort is still a beautiful place to visit, with pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

May: May is a warm and pleasant month in Auli, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. This is a good time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds and take advantage of lower prices.

June: June is a warm month in Auli, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. The weather is generally pleasant and sunny, making it a good time to visit.

July: July is a warm and rainy month in Auli, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. The resort may be less crowded during this time, but the weather may not be as pleasant.

August: August is a warm and rainy month in Auli, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. The weather may not be as pleasant, but the resort is likely to be less crowded.

September: September is a warm and pleasant month in Auli, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. The weather is generally sunny and dry, making it a good time to visit.

October: October is a pleasant month in Auli, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. The weather is generally sunny and dry, making it a good time to visit.

November: November is the last month of the off-season in Auli, and the weather begins to cool down, with average temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. The resort is likely to be less crowded during this time.

Overall, the best time to visit Auli depends on your interests and what you want to do while you are there. If you are interested in skiing or snowboarding, the best time to visit is from December to March. If you are not interested in skiing or snowboarding, you may want to visit during the off-season, from April to November, when the weather is mild and pleasant and the resort is less crowded.