Auli
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.
Why Auli tempted me?
Auli is a small town/ hill station that very few people have heard or known about. It is known for its breathtaking and mesmerizing beauty especially in winters when it looks quintessential! Auli experience heavy snowfall between the months of December to March, it is the main attraction for winter game enthusiasts and is a well-known place for skiing, snowboarding, and snow trekking.
Being less promoted and commercialized, Auli is a little less explored by many travelers.
One of my friend’s friend who is a native of Joshimath enlightened us about this amazing place and being a passionate traveler, I couldn’t wait to visit this place after I googled about it
Through this blog, I want to express the genuine feelings I owe for the place and guide you to travel to Auli if you plan to visit.
Let’s dive deep into the blog without a further do!
Journey
Me and my friend started our journey from Dehradun at night around 10 pm from where we pre-booked a cab (traveler) for the whole journey. It took us one night and one day to reach Auli from Delhi (I know it’s quite a long journey but believe me it feels worthwhile when you experience it.)
The best connectivity for Auli is from Rishikesh or Dehradun. From Dehradun, you can take a bus/cab to Joshimath (the nearest town from Auli ) which takes 9 hours. You can book a hotel in Joshimath and travel to Auli the next day by ropeway (11 km ).
One can take a cab from Dehradun to Auli in 2 stages Dehradun-Rudraprayag-Auli. We opted for the former one as it was suitable for us.
While traveling for 9- 10 hours continuously on wheels may sound tiring but the beauty of the holy river Ganga throughout the journey, the aesthetic of confluence of rivers: The DevPrayag where Bhagirathi meets Alaknanda, The Rudraprayag: where the Alaknanda meets the Mandakini river and mystic winds of Rishikesh doesn’t let your spirit down in the whole journey.
The view from the ropeway from Joshimath to Auli is astoundingly mesmerizing as you witness the lush deep forest covered in snow bed and snowfall can also be witnessed while you move on rope making you feel like you are moving closer to heaven. You can enjoy in Auli and plan a stay there which you must book in prior as stay in Auli is limited.
From Auli come back to Joshimath via ropeway after enjoying for a day or two in Auli.
Bhavishya Badri is located 17 kms by road from Joshimath to Subhai village and 3 km trek further. One can reach Bhavishya Badri easily by hire taxi from Joshimath bus stand till Subhain and further by trek. Nearest rail connectivity is at Dehradun (294 kms) or Rishikesh railway station (256 kms).
Bhavisya Badri Temple
Trekking Routes that Start from Auli
There are several treks that start from Auli itself; Auli being the base camp. Some of them are the Auli Gorson trail, Gorson – Tali, Tali – Kuari Pass, Kuari Pass – Khulara and Khulara – Tapovan.
Auli is the starting point for most of the treks such as – valley of flowers, Roopkund, Kuari Pass, etc. Apart from this, there are snow treks as well. I am covering the two major treks below –
Gurson Meadows trek
This trek is amidst the apple orchards and you will cross several quaint villages and settlements. You will also come across hot springs at Tapovan.
Trekkers usually camp on this trail beside the river streams. Several peaks are visible from here such as Mt. Kamet and Neelkantha.
Trekkers also witness several other peaks like Lampak Massif, Dronagiri, and Nanda Devi.
Kuari Pass trek
Kuari trek is located near the Tibet border and at the edge of Nanda Devi. Kuari means ‘doorway’ and is surrounded by high mountain ranges.
This trek opens during the winter season and is a challenging little one. During this trek, you will cross meadows and alpine streams. You will also get to witness the Chaukhamba Range at one side and Mana, Kamet, and Abl Gamin on the other.
My Accommodation
I stayed for some days in a village which is around 30 kilometer from Joshimath . I lived there with my friend who has his home there . The mountains are so different from the usual one , they are big and dangerous yet beautiful . life is hard there but people are so hardworking and so helpful. When i stayed there back in 2020 then there was no mobile tower but now there has JIO tower has been installed . I had so many experiences from this trip . This was my first time when i have seen snow covered mountains .
However, You can stay in auli, there are several guest houses and hotels in Auli. One of the most prominent ones is the Auli resort. You can also stay in Joshimath and travel to and fro from this place. Joshimath has a proper market place with many stay options, however, to soak in the surroundings, I would highly recommend you to stay at Auli.
The stay in Auli is comparatively costly when compared to Joshimath.
If you are traveling to Auli during the peak season, it is better to pre-book the rooms. Otherwise, the best option would be, if the rooms are not available, is staying in Joshimath instead.
Food options are not as much available as compared to other hill stations. There are only a few restaurants and dhabas that you would be able to find in Auli
Budget
As a matter of budget, traveling in groups is always a plus, as every expense is divided among all the members. I am not aware of the exact amount but the whole trip costed me around 20–22K .
If you do not prefer to travel in a group I don’t think the whole trip will cost you more than 28K.
PS: It also depends on your haggling skills and how frequently you travel and know some budget-saving tricks.
Tips
- When you are traveling to such a place where the temperature can go really low like in Auli is can be as low as -6 to -10, do not forget to do three layerings of clothes on your body, because you don’t wanna fall sick and miss a whooping chance to enjoy the snow.
- Always carry some munchies and eatables which can revive your energy instantly when trekking to high altitude trek .
- Wear good quality trekking shoes and do not rely on the ones they provide you at the base of any trek.
- Take enough polybags and spare clothes as clothes can get wet in snow.
- Book your stay in Auli in advance as the resorts are very limited.
- If you have some extra days must plan to visit Deoria Taal and experience near by Village culture.
About Us
Welcome to Pyramid travel, your trusted travel partner for unforgettable Auli experiences!
At Pyramid Travel, we are passionate about creating memorable journeys to one of India’s most picturesque destinations – Auli. Nestled in the heart of the Garhwal Himalayas, Auli is renowned for its pristine natural beauty, snow-capped peaks, and world-class skiing opportunities.
Our mission is to provide you with a seamless travel experience, combining adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion. Whether you are an avid skier, a nature enthusiast, or someone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we have tailored packages to suit your needs.
Why Choose Us?
- Expert Guidance: With years of experience in the travel industry, our team of experts ensures that you receive the best advice and guidance for your trip to Auli.
- Customized Packages: We understand that every traveler is unique. Our tour packages are customizable to fit your preferences, interests, and budget.
- Safety and Comfort: Your safety and comfort are our top priorities. We partner with reliable service providers to offer you the best accommodations, transportation, and activities.
- Local Insights: Our deep knowledge of Auli and the surrounding regions allows us to offer you an authentic travel experience, enriched with local culture and traditions.
- 24/7 Support: We are here to assist you at every step of your journey, from planning your trip to providing support during your stay in Auli.
Our Packages
- Skiing Adventures: Experience the thrill of skiing on some of the best slopes in India, with packages that include professional instructors and all necessary equipment.
- Nature Trails: Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Auli with guided treks and nature walks that showcase the region’s flora and fauna.
- Cultural Tours: Immerse yourself in the rich culture and heritage of Uttarakhand with visits to local villages, temples, and festivals.
- Relaxation Retreats: Unwind in serene settings with wellness retreats that include yoga sessions, spa treatments, and meditation.
Join us on a journey to Auli, where every moment is crafted to create lasting memories. Let Pyramid travel be your gateway to the wonders of Auli!