Auli | Auli Tourism | Auli Sking | Sking in Auli | Auli Chamoli | Auli Uttaranchal Uttarakhand

Auli - Ski Destination in the Himalayan Mountains

Auli is situated at an altitude of 2915 mts - 3049 mts is an important ski destination in the Himalayan mountains of Uttarakhand, India. In fact some French and Australian experts consider Auli to be one of the best ski resorts in the whole world. Auli is where impeccable natural vistas of mighty peaks are studded with huge mountainous trees creating a fabulous scenery that compels compulsive travelers to set on Auli Tours repeatedly. Auli is less known ski destination than Shimla, Gulmarg or Manali. Auli lies on the way to Badrinath. Auli is blessed with a breathtaking panoramic view of the lofty peaks of the greatest mountain range in the world, the Himalayas. The slopes here provide enough thrill to professional skier and novice as well. The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Limited (GMVNL) have imported snow beater to maintain slopes.

Auli also boasts the Asia's longest - 4 km Cable Car - Ropeway (Gondola). It also has a Chair Lift and a Ski-Lift. Apart from Skiing there is an interesting trek route also. There is a training facility of Indo-Tibetan Border Police.

Etymology

Auli is known as 'Bugyal' in the regional language which means meadow. A small temple having connection to great epic Ramayana is also present. The place Auli is surrounded by the mighty peaks of Himalayas. Most of them have some name of goddess or some mythological connection. The one that stand out is beautiful Mt Nanda Devi which stands 7,817 Mts (25,643 ft) in height. Even the Mt Neelkant visible. Auli lies in the way of the Badrinath route. So in winter there is a heavy snow fall in Badrinath and the temple is closed for 5–6 months. During this period the deity of Lord Badri Vishal is brought and kept in temple at Joshimath. This is golden chance for Hindus and not to be missed. In Auli there is a small Hanuman temple having some connection to Ramayana. The belief of people is when Laxman, younger brother of Lord Rama got injured fighting the Rakshas in Lanka (Sri Lanka). A medic ordered that only the herb name 'Sanjivani' found on Sanjivani mountain in Himalayas can save Laxman. Lord Rama ordered Hanuman the task. Hanuman flew from Lanka and during his way to Sanjivani mountain he took some rest in Auli before continuing his journey.

Geography of Auli

Auli is located at 30.32°N 79.36°E in the Chamoli District of Uttarakhand, India.

Adventure Sports in Auli - Skiing in Uttarakhand - Skiing in India

Auli is becoming a popular spot for Adventure. Skiing is a major pastime in Auli. Facilities for skiing are available from GMVNL. There are certificate and non certificate course provided ranging from 4 days to 14 days. The courses includes stay, food, ski gear charges and guide. There are local people who provide Ski Equipment for the casual tourist and also help them to ski. If you have a weeks time, then it is possible to enroll in Ski courses and learn from experts.

Best time to Visit Auli - Best Time to Visit Auli Uttaranchal Uttarakhand

Auli is a picturesque destination the best time to visit is last week of Jan to first week of March for skiing. Though weather is highly unpredictable.

Auli has a cool climate all through the seasons. 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. The best season to visit Auli is all through the year. Tourist attraction in Auli is Snow Skiing and is best during November to March. May to November offers cool and pleasant climate and the right period to spend relaxing moments in the outdoors. December to February is snow bound and chilly. Keep winter clothes to cover up the body if opt for a visit during this period. This period is ideal for snow skiing. March and April are very pleasant and perfect for all sight seeing and outings.

Weather of Auli - Climate of Auli :-

April is a good month to visit Auli. Moderately Cold Weather: Moderately Cold Temperature varies from 7°C to 17°C. April is cold but perfect for all tourist activities. Day times are bit warm, but nights are cool.

Month wise Auli Weather Condition Details

Auli in January: Freezing Cold with Snowfall. Temperature varies from -4 to 7°C. January has a freezing climate with snowfall. The snow clad nature is imposing and ideal for winter sports.

Auli in February: Freezing Cold with Snowfall.Temperature varies from 0 to 10°C. February is snow bound with nature appears with eye catching white cover. Good for winter travels.

Auli in March: Very Cold Temperature varies from 4 to 14°C. March offers reprieve for the freezing cold. The atmosphere starts to become warm. April: Moderately Cold Temperature varies from 7 to 17°C.

Auli in April is cold but perfect for all tourist activities. Day times are bit warm, but nights are cool. May: Moderately Cold Temperature varies from 7 to 18°C.

Auli in May is moderately hot with sun appears over the sky most of the days. Good for outdoor travels. Jun: Pleasant Temperature varies from 10 to 20°C.

Auli in June is the hottest month of the year. The atmosphere is temperate. The nature looks attractive and suitable for tourist activities. July: Pleasant Temperature varies from 7 to 18°C.

Auli in July has beautiful showers in its kitty. The nature dresses in new lush green new leaves. Good for enjoying the picturesque nature. August: Moderately Cold Temperature varies from 7 to 15°C.

Auli in August is pretty good with picturesque nature and flowering plants and trees. August offers moderately warm climate. September: Moderately Cold Temperature varies from 7 to 15°C.

Auli in September is humid with post monsoon showers. The nature appears fresh. October: Very Cold Temperature varies from 5 to 14°C.

Auli in October welcomes winters with all its majesty. The climate is moderately cold.

Auli in November: Very Cold Temperature varies from 4 to 14°C. November offers a very cold ambiance. This month is ideal for honeymoon travels.

Auli in December: Very Cold Temperature varies from 2 to 10°C. December is very cold. Outdoor activities require winter dresses and often snowfall is seen.

Places to see in Auli - Visiting Places in Auli - Auli Sightseeing

Ski Auli is starting to get popular among the ski-lovers. Though the long,tiring travel and unpredictable weather can be the mood killer. You cannot be sure till you reach what to expect. Few lucky can gets to enjoy snow fall and skiing. If luck is not on your side snow storm can lock your room for days. For some its hard solid snow which take away the skiing pleasure. Though the GMVNL has imported snow beater it cannot give the experience of fresh snow. There is a long Ski-Lift connecting lower slopes to the Top.

Ropeway : Auli also boasts the Asia's longest - 4 km Cable Car / Ropeway (Gondola). It also has a Chair Lift and a Ski-Lift. The upper slopes of Auli host the longest ropeway in Asia. The Ropeway has ten towers of self-supporting steel structures, complete with saddles and shoes. Besides, Auli also offers the luxury of an 800-meter chair lift linking the lower slopes with the upper region. Remote-controlled hydraulic and pneumatic braking system makes it safe to travel in this Mesmerising Trees in Auli chair, which also has a storm-warning device attached to it. Another comfortable scientific contribution to this highland is a state-of-the-art ski lift.

Artificial Lake The world's highest man-made lake is at Auli, right next to the private hotel, Clifftop Club. The government has developed this in view of creating artificial snow on the new ski slopes in the event of low snow fall. The water from this lake will be used to feed the snow guns stationed along the ski slopes and thus provide a good skiing surface and exend the ski season.

Views Auli is surrounded by high peaks like Mana, Kamet and tallest of all Nanda Devi. The 270 degree view will be enough to make you forget the long and tiring ride to reach Auli. Once the Skiing is over the best thing one can do in evening is to take chair out and get treated to great view of snow clad mountains as they keep changing colors every minute the sun goes down. Here you will understand why the Sadhus(sage) came to Himalayas for meditation. The feeling of solitude and oneness with god will do wonders to you mind and have a positive effect on you body. You will get which no money can buy "Peace of Mind"

Trekking Apart from skiing there are some trek options available and below list is some of the trail normally completed in single day Auli - Gorson around 7 km Gorson - Tali around 6 km Tali - Kuari Pass around 11 km Kuari Pass - Khulara around 12 km Khulara - Tapovan around 9 km

Spiritual The place Auli is surrounded by the mighty peaks of Himalayas. Most of them have some name of goddess or some mythological connection. The one that stand out is beautiful Mt Nanda Devi which stands 7,817 Mts (25,643 ft) in height. Even the Mt Neelkant visible. Auli lies in the way of the Badrinath route. So in winter there is a heavy snow fall in Badrinath and the temple is closed for 5–6 months. During this period the deity of Lord Badri Vishal is brought and kept in temple at Joshimath. This is golden chance for Hindus and not to be missed. In Auli there is a small Hanuman temple having some connection to Ramayana. The belief of people is when Laxman, younger brother of Lord Rama got injured fighting the Rakshas in Lanka (Sri Lanka). A medic ordered that only the herb name 'Sanjivani' found on Sanjivani mountain in Himalayas can save Laxman. Lord Rama ordered Hanuman the task. Hanuman flew from Lanka and during his way to Sanjivani mountain he took some rest in Auli before continuing his journey.

Others There is a training facility of Indo Tibetan Border Police. This force is responsible for guarding Indian borders at high altitude. They are subjected to hard training and its amazing to see their stamina and skiing skills. This center is equipped with best medical team for any emergency and tourist can use their help. If tourist gets trapped then the chopper service can be requested for rescue or transfer to city medical facilities. A Hydro Power project can be seen from Auli. A private company has trapped the flowing river Alaknanda and diverted its waters through a big tunnel that runs under the mountain and the force acquired is used to generate electricity. To see this you will have to travel some 5 km towards Badrinath.

Places Around Auli - Auli Tourism - Tourism in Auli

Vishu Prayag, Its an holy confluence of river Alaknanda and Dauli Ganga. It is access from the Joshimath.

Joshimath, derives from the word ‘Jyotirmath’ the place of Jyotirlinga of Shiva. Shankracharya founded one of the four piths “Centres’ for sanyashis here. It is the resting place for the pilgrims going to Badrinath. This is a sacred place for the believers of Badrinath better known as God Vishnu. Joshimath has a temple of Narsimha, an incarnation of Vishnu.

Badrinath One of the four Dhaams. Very important for Hindus and who worships God Vishnu. Its closed in winter.

Tapovan 'Tapo' meaning meditation, 'van' means forest in Sanskrit. The place is 15 km from Joshimath and has a temple and a natural hot water spring.

Events & Festivals in Auli :-

January to March is attractive with Skiing festivals and National Championships of Snow Skiing.

September is attractive here with Mata Mruti Ka Mela, which is celebrated in nearby Badarinath with many rituals and festivities.

How to Reach Auli :- Reaching Auli -

Auli By Air : The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 279 km from Auli. Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is a domestic airport located at about 20 km away from city center of Dehradun. Taxi cabs are available from Dehradun airport to Auli.

The airport operates daily flights to Delhi. Nearest International airport is Delhi, which is about 500 km away.

Auli By Train : Rishikesh Haridwar & Dehradun all have Railway Stations

For those heading for Auli, the best possible way is to Auli Valley During Summer catch the Dehradun Shatabdi Express to reach Rishikesh early in the morning. One must reach Joshimath, some 250 km from Rishikesh on the Badrinath route, before the sunset.

Nearest railhead is Raiwala near Rishikesh (250 km approx); from here one can take a bus/tourist cars early morning to reach Valley @ Auli Joshimath/Auli by evening. It is advisable to reach Joshimath by 4 pm, from where the ropeway chair can take you to Auli. Road to Auli is closed after dusk.

Auli by Road:

By Road: Auli is only 13 km drive from Joshimath. State transport and Union buses play regularly between Joshimath and Rishikesh (253 km). Local Transport Union Buses and State Transport buses operate between Joshimath and Rishikesh (253 km), Haridwar (277 km), Peace at Auli Dehradun (298 km) and Delhi (500 km). From Joshimath onwards, both bus and taxi services are available for Auli.

Nainital Tourism provides Pickup & Drop facility from Delhi to Auli or anywhere in Uttarakhand.