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Auli, Uttarakhand: Skier’s Paradise in India

  Introductionauli

Auli is a picturesque destination in the lap of the Garhwal Himalayas in the state of Uttarakhand. It appears that the treasure trove of the serene landscapes and international-level skiing experience has been awakened by this scintillating beauty. Located at an altitude of approximately 2,800 meters or 9,186 feet above sea level, Auli offers breathtaking panoramic views of some of India’s most majestic peaks like Nanda Devi, Kamet, and Mana Parvat.

History and Significance

Auli, also known as “Auli Bugyal” (meadow), was once a secluded pasture ground for the shepherds. The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) promoted it as an adventure tourism destination for skiing in the 1980s. It has now become the world’s one of the best cross-border destination for international-class skiing which attracts tourists from within the country as well as abroad.
A Skiing Destination Like No Other
Auli is renowned for its snow-covered slopes, which are considered the best skiing scopes the country has to offer. From December to March, the town is covered with a carpet of white, attracting world-class skiing aspirants. The groomed slopes avail for all sorts of challenges that advanced as well as amateur skiers crave.
It boasts the longest skiable slope in the country, stretching 3 kilometres long and offering beautiful quality snow, not too bad for a great piece of Europe.

SKIING FESTIVAL

The Skiing Festival is hosted here by GMVN and holds much significance since it features multiple courses and competitions for those interested in skiing.

Auli Cable Car

One of the prime attractions of Auli is its most talked cable car which happens to be the longest and highest in Asia. Spanning from Joshi Math to Auli for about 4 kilometers, this cable car offers views of snow-clad mountains and deep valleys. It is certainly something that has to be experienced by any visitor as one gets a bird’s eye view of the natural wonder of the surroundings.

 

Auli in Summer: Trekking and Nature

With the path for skiing in the snowy winters, Auli has a different beauty in the months of summer. Lush meadows, thick forests, and pleasant weather make it a sort of heaven for trekking enthusiasts and all nature lovers. The impression of sheer pristine beauty comes along the trail of Auli-Kuari Pass Trek and Gorson Bugyal Trek. Auli is also known for its lush flora and fauna, with bright oak and deodar trees all around.
It carries a religious and spiritual significance too.
Furthermore, Auli bears religious significance in Hindu mythology and religion. It is a location near some of the most revered pilgrimage centers in India, one of the Char Dham – Badrinath and the sacred shrine of Sikh faith called Hem Kund Sahib. Joshi math, a town near the location of Auli has the Adi Shankaracharya Math which is an important religious center founded by the renowned Hindu philosopher Adi Shankaracharya.

How to Reach Auli

Auli is very conveniently close to other cities of Uttarakhand and India. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun that lies approximately 270 kilometers from there; the nearest railway station is at Rishikesh, approximately 250 kilometers. From there, one can avail of a taxi or a bus up to Joshi math, and then take their vehicle up or use the cable car to Auli.

Best Time to Visit

Auli is perfect when visited at that time when you are looking for some fun. December to March is ideal for skiing and snow-based fun, but if you want a retreat which offers trekking and natural beauty, then a visit to Auli in the months of April-June is a perfect fit.

Adventure Beyond Skiing

Though skiing is the primary attraction at Auli, this destination offers plenty of other exciting adventure activities. Snowboarding, sledding, and even snow trekking are very much in vogue in winters. For all such dare-devils, there exists an Auli Ropeway Challenge- a white-knuckle ride that takes you along to view those towering snow-clad peaks right at close proximity. The vast expanse of snowfields also attracts nature photographers and snow enthusiasts who admire the fabulous white landscapes.

Auli Artificial Lake

Auli Artificial Lake is one of the highest man-made lakes in the world and finds itself in Auli. This pristine water body lends an unique charm to the town as it was constructed to provide artificial snow on slopes at the time of skiing competitions. The still, azure waters of the lake against the backdrop of snow-dusted peaks are a postcard-perfect sight. It is an ideal destination for rest and revelry in the majesty of nature, especially at sunset when the entire sky radiates vibrant shades of orange and pink.

Nanda Devi National Park and Biosphere Reserve

Nanda Devi National Park a UNESCO World Heritage Site is situated within a distance from Auli. Rare and endangered flora and fauna, including snow leopards and Himalayan musk deer can be spotted here. For wildlife watchers and nature lovers, trekking through this national park has been a favorite. During springtime, the meadows come alive with wildflowers and alpine vegetation, setting up a tapestry of breathtaking beauty.

Auli and the Skiing Institute

Also, Auli has the famous Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) Skiing Institute that provides various courses in skiing from the nursery to expert level. The institute offers skilled trainers, latest gizmos, and well-maintained slopes where there is safety as well as excitement. Many of them visit here to have fun in skiing but also for professional training in the high-adventure sport.

Auli in the Future: The Future Tourist Hotspot

Although, over the past several years, the Uttarakhand government has made substantial investments in Auli as part of worldwide development. Infrastructures have improved, more luxury resorts and homestays have been introduced to cater for the increasing inflow of tourists. Auli is expected to grow as a popular international destination rivalling some of the best skiing spots found in Europe and the Americas.

Additionally, the other factor is the encouragement of environmental tourism by the Indian government in the region, focusing on sustainability and conservation of the environment. This would make the holistic destination blend adventurers, spiritual seekers, and quiet getaway tourists.

Local Culture and Cuisine

Locals have their distinct garhwali culture. Auli is an isolated place and retains rich, old-fashioned lifestyles. It hosts many festivals and cultural events that add to the local bustle. The people of Auli majorly belong to the Garhwali tribe, who are known as being hospitable. Moreover, visits to local markets in Joshi math offer a great relief from the usual fare of tourists who visit Garhwal. Traditional Garhwali cuisine such as Chains, Aloo Ke Gutke, and Jhangora ki Kheer is available here.
Festivals such as Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra fill the alive colors with devotion in Auli. It is held once in every 12 years. Thousands of devotees as well as tourists throng to the region, increasing the religious and cultural value of the place.

About accommodation in Auli

Auli provides plentiful accommodation options ranging from luxury resorts to budget homestays. The good-end resorts, of course, display superior views of the Himalayas with heated rooms, guided ski tours, and yoga retreats. If you want to feel the pulse of local life, homestays with local families will get you closer to traditions and lifestyles of the Garhwali people.

Best places to stay:  Clifftop Club Resort, The Tattva Resort and even the government-run GMVN Auli Tourist Bungalow easily reach the ski slopes and ropeway.

Places of Attraction Around

Besides the in-town experiences, there are plenty of attractions located around Auli that can be well accessed from here. Some attractions around Auli include:
Joshi Math:  It is a holy town situated at a distance of just 16 kilometers from Auli. It is the winter seat of Lord Badrinath. The sacred Adi Shankaracharya Temple and Narasimha Temple in this place form some of the main pilgrimage sites here.
Badrinath Temple:  Badrinath is one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites. It is located around 60 kilometers from Auli. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It sits atop the scenic Neelkanth peak with an entrance open from April to November.
Valley of Flowers:  This glimmering valley has the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It lies at a distance of approximately 40 kilometers from Auli. In fact, it attracts trekkers, botanists, and nature lovers alike due to its vibrant alpine flowers and breathtaking landscape.
•Tapt Kund:  It is a hot water spring near the Badrinath Temple which is considered sacred. The Kund is a hot water spring.

Auli offers something for everyone-from the adrenaline-kick filled excitement of skiing and snowboarding to serene alpine pastures, religious pilgrimage sites. Even a refreshing amalgamation of natural beauty, adventure sports, cultural significance, and spiritual peace. However, for those looking to conquer the snowy slopes or finding solace amidst the grandeur of the Himalayas, Auli, in Uttarakhand, promises to be an unforgettable journey.

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