Auli - ski destination OR bugyal

DISTANCE - 505 kms from Delhi, 264 kms from Rishikesh

CONNECTION

By Air : Auli the beautiful land is connected by air route to other cities with Dehradun being the Airport at a distance of 298 kms and Rishikesh at the distance of 235 kilometers which is the nearest railway head.

By Road : Auli is well connected by the means of road network which the cities like Delhi, Dehradun, Rishikesh and Haridwar. From Joshimath one can easily get taxi for Auli. One can even trek for 5 kilometers from Joshimath to Auli.

By Road : Joshimath is the nearest railway station connected to Rishikesh and is just 16 kms from Auli. Regular taxis ply between Joshiamth and Auli. The road journey is laid with beautiful sights on the way.

ABOUT AULI

Auli is most famous for the steep slopes and its scenic views. Surrounded by Himalayas from one side the views at Auli are owe-inspiring. There are the snow capped Nanda Devi, Kamet and Mana Parbat of the Himalayas, the whistle of the winds and the scintillating skiing. The nature at its beautiful best brings out for the tourists to remember forever. Auli is one of the very few places in India where skiing is a major pastime. For all the ones who dare and long for a tinge of adventure, Auli is the place to be. The adventure destination of Auli lies towards the north of the state of Uttaranchal and forms a part of the Garhwal mountain range. Auli is 16 km away from Joshimath. The steep slopes of Auli are as high as 9000 feet above sea level. The deodar and oak forests cover the slopes and reduce the velocity of the chilly winds to the minimum. The slopes offer a panoramic view of many a famous Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi, Kamet, Mana Parvat and Dunagiri.

Auli famous as a Hill station also has a vast history to explore as way back in the 8th century ad, the great Guru Adi Shankaracharya is believed to have tread on these snowfields of Auli. You can still visit the temple built by him at Joshimath. For hundreds of years, the colorful semi-nomadic tribes of the Bhotiyas, of the Mongolian stock, traversed the trails at Auli, locally called Thatauli. Their longhaired yaks, laden with an assortment of goods, assisted them in conducting a flourishing trade with neighboring country of Tibet.

PLACES OF INTERESTS IN AULI

Gurso Bugya : Gurso Bugyal is a huge meadow spread amidst a mixed forest of oaks and conifers and of is located at a distance of 3kms from Auli. Gurso Bugyal is at 3056 mts above sea-level. One can reach Joshimath via the ropeway. It is barely 1.5 kms from the last tower of the ropeway.As there is no accommodation available here one can only admire the scenery during the day and return to Auli by night.

Chattrakund : 1 km from Gurso Bugyal in the middle of the jungle is a small lake of sweet water called Chattrakund. This place can be visited when visiting Gurso Bugyal.

Saildhar Tapovan : 15 kms on the Joshimath road is a small village where there are many hot-water springs. 3 kms ahead in Saildhar are hot water fountains where the water is almost at a boiling point.

Kwanri Bugyal : 12 kms from Gurso Bugyal Kwanri is a very interesting place for trekkers. Its at 3350 mts above sea-level. Many tourists camp here in summer. Nanda Devi hotel in Joshimath organises such camps where porters, guides, cooks and camping equipment are available. June and September months are the best time visit.

Chenab Lake : The last village from Joshimath is Dang which has to be passed to reach this beautiful lake. The road is rough because of which this lake is not very popular with the tourists.

Vanshinarayan Kalpeshwar : 12 kms from Joshimath, 10 kms from a village called Helang, this is a beautiful valley where there is a cave called Kalpeshwar. 10 kms further down the road is a spot called Vanshinarayan which is unmatched in its beauty.

Bhavishya Badri : 3 kms by foot from Tapovan this spot is situated in the midst of a dense deodar forest.

RELIGIOUS PLACES IN AULI

Joshimath : 12 kms from Auli in the Chamoli District is this town with many temples and memorials. It is a gateway to Badrinath and the Valley of Flowers.

WHEN TO GO AULI

For the adventurers Auli is at its best in winters. The snow on the steep slopes makes the spectacular ground for skiing. Skiers from far and away throng Auli from late November to late March. In case you plan your visit to Auli between December and March then you may check out the ski courses conducted by Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam. These courses are conducted for both amateurs and advanced learners.

WEATHER FORECAST

Summers (March to June) are very pleasant with moderate climate, with average around 15°C. Summers is ideal for all sight seeing, skiing and also for visiting nearby attractions.

Monsoons (July to October) are accompanied with scanty rains and also temperature drops down to 12°C.

Winters (November to February) are chilly days with average minimum touching near 4°C. Minimum can touch sub zero levels (-8°C). Snow falling seen very often during winters. These months are perfect for travelers liking chilly climates.

EVENTS AND FESTIVALS IN AULI

Auli plays host to the National Winter Games in the months of February and March.

FOOD AND RESTURANTS IN AULI

Enroute to auli are gamut of cuisines available in various food-outlets restaurants.