6 Places to Visit in Auli in Uttarakhand

Auli is a quaint little hill station in Uttarakhand slowly starting to become popular among tourists. Surrounded by snow-clad mountains, full of oak, pine, and fir trees, this picturesque little town has a lot of charm. It is a paradise for nature-lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike. Auli is the premier ski destination in India (in winter) and the most underrated and gorgeous place to visit in Uttarakhand. Pristine lakes, colourful temples, skiing, and trekking spots–there are many spots to explore in Auli.

Best time to visit Auli

Auli is a great place to visit all around the year. The summer months from March to June are pleasant, with temperatures varying from 9 to 12 degrees celsius. During the winter months, the temperate drops up to -8 degrees celsius. November to February is the best time to visit if you want to brave the cold and witness the magical snowfall.

Are you planning a mountain vacation? Here are some of the best places to visit in Auli:

Joshimath

Joshimath has a high religious significance and is visited by many Hindu pilgrims. This little town in the Garhwal region lies in the proximity of the four math founded in the 8th century by Adi Guru Shri Shankaracharya. During the winter months, lord Badri’s idol from Badrinath is moved to Joshimath. This scenic little town is also called the ‘Gateway for Trekking’ since many beautiful treks begin from here, including the stunning Valley of Flowers trek.

Chenab Lake

This artificial lake in Auli acts as a reservoir for the locals. This scenic little crystalline lake is a quaint little spot of Auli that not many have explored. The trail to reach Chenab Lake is a bit challenging. The rocky passes and the twigs and plants on the way make it a little rough, but the final destination is so picturesque that you wouldn't mind the grueling journey. With the Garhwal range of the Himalayas surrounding the lake, this is a marvelous spot to visit to clear your head and be close to nature.

Auli Ropeway

If you want to enjoy a cable car ride experience, this is the place to be. This is the second-highest and longest cable car ride in Asia. The cable car ride starts from Joshimath and ends in Auli, covering a total distance of 4 km. The distance is covered in approximately 24 km. The locals call the cable car ride a Gondola. It is an exciting experience as you get to see the snow-covered mountains and the surrounding natural beauty while being suspended midair in the cable car ride. It is one of the most enjoyable and memorable experiences you will have on your trip to Auli.

Nanda Devi Peak

Nanda Devi Peak has to be one of the most visited Auli sightseeing spots. It is said to be the 23rd largest peak in the world and the second-highest in India after Kanchenjunga. The Nanda Devi Peak is a paradise for adventure lovers since it is a popular trekking destination. The peak is off-limits for locals and tourists and was declared as Nanda Devi Sanctuary by the government of India. The surrounding area is the Nanda Devi National Park which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Gurso Bugyal

One of the most scenic places to visit in Auli, Gurso Bugyal, is a lovely meadow. A short 3 km trek will take you to this beautiful location which is nothing short of paradise on earth! The place offers a scenic view of the Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Dron peaks. Gurso Bugyal is covered in white snow during the winter months. After the winter months, the snow melts revealing greenery and a variety of flora. It’s a lovely spot to do a picnic with your loved ones while enjoying the natural surroundings. 

Trishul Peak

The three mountains of Western Kumaon form the Trishul Peak in Auli. From a distance, the view of the Trishul peaks with the surrounding snow-clad mountains is mesmerizing! The climb to Trishul Peak is one of the toughest. However, the basecamp is a popular sightseeing spot where most tourists can visit and even camp. 

Auli is one of the most beautiful mountain vacation spots in India. Plan your trip to this haven soon and enjoy a blend of nature and adventure at its finest!