Auli

Overview:

Auli is a truly splendid holiday and ski destination strategically located in the Himalayan mountain range of Uttarakhand. The name Auli, which in the local dialect means "Bugyal", means the meadows. Auli is situated in the newly formed state of Uttarakhand that has been demarcated under the Indian constitution act. Uttarakhand is the called "DevBhoomi" which means "Land of Gods" is the prime region for 'Char Dham' (Gangotri-Yamunotri-Kedarnath-Badrinath).

Auli has popular annual skiing event, known as "Auli Skiing Festival" every year in February/March. The prime attraction of festival is Skiing competition organized at the Auli skiing slopes and several renowned and experienced skiers form India and across the globe participate in it. During this event, many cultural programmes are also organized at the behest of state government depicting the cultural heritage of Uttarakhand.

Tourist Attaractions :

The popular tourist attractions that tourists would love to explore is the ropeway trip between Joshimath and Auli, Gurso Bugyal, Chattrakund, Saildhar Tapovan and many more.The ropeway between Joshimath and Auli also known as Rajju and is approximately at the height of 3027 mts. above sea level, considered to be the longest and second highest ropeway of Asia. The trip from Auli to Joshimath and back will take around half an hour for the tourists.

Gurso Bugyal is located just 3 kms. from Auli and is anenormouspaddockwhich extends and includes forest of oaks and conifers forests. Around a mile from Gurso Bugyal, situated in mid of the jungle is a small sweet water lake known as Chattrakund. As you travel down 15 kms. from the Joshimath road, you come across small village, Saildhar Tapovan, which is known for its hot water spring geysers. Around 3kms. further to Saildhar, one will find the hot water fountains providing the tourists with a mesmerizing retreat.

Vishu Prayag- It is an exciting tourist spot which is actually the holy confluence of river Alaknanda and Dauli Ganga. Vishu Prayag can be easily accessible from Joshimath.Tapovan, approximately 15 kms. from Joshimath, have a temple, a mediating place as well as the natural hot water spring.

Trekking Routs at Auli :

• Auli - Gorson around 7 km - Time Duration: Easy
• Gorson - Tali around 6 km - Time Duration: Easy
• Tali - Kuari Pass around 11 km - Time Duration: Difficult
• Kuari Pass - Khulara around 12 km Time Duration: Difficult
• Khulara - Tapovan around 9 km - Time Duration: Easy

How to Reach :

By Air - Direct flights from Delhi and Chandigarh to Jolly Grant airport. The airport is 17 km from Rishikesh and 25 km from Dehradun. After reaching Rishikesh or Dehradun, you hire the taxi or bus service to Joshimath and then to Auli.

By Rail- The closest railway station is at Haridwar, which is approximately 289 km from Auli. From Haridwar an individual can hire a taxi or take bus for the journey to Auli through Joshimath. The road journey from the railway station is around 10 to 12 hours.

By Bus -

Regular private and government operated bus service will runs from New Delhi (500kms), Dehradun (316,) Rishikesh (264) and Haridwar to Joshimath, 13 km away. From Joshimath, taxis and jeeps can be availed to reach to Auli. The popular and celebrated cable car service from Joshimath is the amazing ways to view Auli and its scenic terrains. The cable service runs for 4 km right up to Auli.

Traveling to Auli by road can be a great experience. There are regular road services that run from Delhi (500kms),Dehradun (316,) Rishikesh (264)and Haridwar to Joshimath, 13 km away. From Joshimath, jeeps and taxis are available for hire to Auli. State government sponsored as well as private vehicles are available for the return trip.

The best way in which you can get through Auli and enjoy the life around and tread indomitable slopes of Auli is by going for chair lift or ski lift. At high altitudes, you will get outstanding views of Nanda Devi and Himalayas.

Best Time to Visit Auli :

If have a quest for an escapade and want to enjoy frigid weather conditions, the best time to visit Auli would be during the winter season. Thetime period from late November to late March is considered to be great for skiers. In the winter months the mountains are completely covered with snow and make it suitable ski turns.The summers in Auli provide amazing views of cascade of Himalayan landscape and around.