Auli is a hill station in the Garhwal Hills of Uttarakhand, known for its exquisitely well created and maintained ski routes. The town is a base of skiing resorts, known for one of the best skiing grounds in the world, as certified by Austrian and French experts. Aside from skiing, for which this place is renowned, there are a ton of other things to do in Auli; like taking a nature tour through the Nanda Devi National Park, Trekking up Trishul and Dron summits, pilgriming in nearby Nandaprayag, Rudraprayag and Joshimath towns, or taking Cable Car rides. 

There are also some thrilling entertaining camps, peppered with good shopping in Joshimath.

If you came to the skiing haven of India and didn’t ski then what did you do? 

Touted as one of the best skiing grounds in the world by International experts, Auli is filled with white glimmering slopes fringed by deodars, pines and oaks. A perfect hill station with 2500-3000 m high summits, some winding hilly ways carpeted with powdered snow, and lots of peace; what more could a ski soul ask for?

The fun begins here by January as winter solidifies and snow becomes fine and powdered, setting the stage for skiing routes. The season goes on until April, when Auli sees a throng of ski-enthusiasts. Two main skiing resorts here are GMVN Resort (owned by Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam) and Cliff Top Club. If here, do invest in a good kit of ski gear and zoom down some thrilling slopes. There are a few learning schools too if you are new to the sport.

Auli has no dearth of peaks to conquer. There are some huge, imposing mountains around the town, screaming to be conquered. You can trek up the Nanda Devi, Trishul or Dron mountains. Trishul is one of the highest peaks, daunting by the name itself. At 7000+ m height, Trishul hike is one for seasoned trekkers. 

Summer is the best time to do these treks and it is advisable to do them under expert guidance. However, if you are a seasoned trekker, then what can we say? Sky is the limit.

The Nanda Devi National Park is home to some of the rarest species of wild animals of the Himalayas. Join in on one of these special walks through the Reserve Forest to sight stunning animals. From Foxes to Jackals, Rabbits to Musk deer; you may also see the Snow Leopard if you are in luck. 

This is a coveted thing to do when in Auli and should not be missed. At all.

Gurson Bugyal is a popular sightseeing spot, at 3056 m above sea level.

You can also visit the Auli Artificial Lake for the beautiful scenic setting of its banks. A man-made marvel, this lake doubles up as a relaxation spot. It was initially made to supply snow to the skiing grounds during off-season spells, when snowfall was scarce. It still fulfils its purpose, as well as attracts tourists.

There is also Chenab Lake, a waterbody that needs you to cross rugged villages and difficult roads. Across Joshimath and Dang village you will reach Chenab Lake and enjoy every moment of being there, basking in the sun’s reflection off its crystal water. This is a virgin spot in many ways and is untouched by tourists, so be ready for some peace and quiet time.

Auli is at the centre of many a pilgrim sights of Uttarakhand. From major pious confluences like Nandaprayag and Rudraprayag to the many temples at Joshimath, you have a list of shrines to visit.

Badrinath pilgrims rest in Joshimath on their way up, and their milling in the markets make for a great mood enhancer. You must also visit the Gopal temple in Nandaprayag and Narsimha Temple in Joshimath, where the Badrivishal idol is housed during winter months.

Shopping is a warm experience at Joshimath market. Literally.

Make sure to scout this market for woollen caps, shawls and warm clothes. These are famous and make for much useful shopping, not to forget they are quite reasonably priced. There is also no dearth of artefacts and souvenirs in this market.

It is advisable to carry hard cash as many places here are not yet equipped to accept cards.

Camping under the stars is yet another attraction of Auli. Wake up to the sun rising from between a chain of white mountains, with oaks and deodars shading your eyes and a sweet wind caressing your body.

Setting camps on chosen spots is an ideal way to spend a day or two, especially during summer. You get to indulge in adventure sports in the day and sing by the bonfire at night. Some adventure companies organise camps here and the price ranges anywhere between Rs. 8000-9000 including food.

The Cable Car Ride from Auli to Joshimath is one enthralling experience. Do take this ride, one of the highest and longest, pegged at 4 km. It takes you across snow-filled valleys and lush green hills.

This ropeway is used by hundreds of tourists everyday and is a coveted tourist thing to do. If you happen to use it during the skiing season, your eyes will be treated to little dots of humans skiing away on white curves. This is a sight definitely for keepsake in memories.

Entry Fee: Rs. 1000