- Cosseted within the confines of the gorgeous snow clad mountains in the Garhwal Range of the Himalayas, Auli adds a charm to Uttarakhand that it so rightly deserves. Best places to visit in Auli therefore, are a stunning mixture of amazing escapes and stunning locales located in the captivating slopes and towering hills. These in turn are flanked by a meadows and flora which is mainly mountainous, the most prominent being tall and looming trees of oak and pines.
Situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, the destination is famous for its ski slopes of international standards that stand sprawling below the snow clad peaks of the Himalayan Mountains. This stunning hill station is rightfully gaining the attention of peace seekers, adventurers, honeymooning couples, families, friends and loved ones alike.
Although a relatively fresh hill station in terms of its age and developing facilities, Auli has gained the attention of tourists and holidaymakers around the world who want to see the beauty of the snowy peaks for themselves! This pristine white hill station is located at an elevation of 2,519m to 3,050m above sea level. The area is called ‘Bugyal’ meaning meadow colloquially, being a beautiful place of ethereal beauty; it blooms in its full glory in the summers.
It is at this time that the destination is filled with unmistakable beauty that should not be missed. Although it is better known as a skiing destination, it also presents vacationers with multiple adventure pursuits such as hiking, trekking and camping. A stunning stopover on the way to the Garhwal Himalayas, places to see in Auli are endless and full of natural splendors.
Here are some of the best places to visit in and near Auli:
01Auli Artificial Lake
The highest manmade lake in the world, the Auli artificial lake is one of the best places to visit in Auli. The lake was built with a view of creating perennial artificial ski slopes at this adventure destination. The water from this freshwater reservoir will be used to fuel the snow guns that have been stationed along the ski slopes to provide an even surface and extend the season of skiing even if there is less snowfall. Situated next to the Cliff top club Hotel, it is a pioneering effort to encourage tourism.
The sight of the lake looming large at the base of the mountains like Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers is truly majestic and royal. Often called the ‘Switzerland of India’ it defines the nomenclature in the truest way with sights such as these.02Auli Ropeway
Connecting the hill stations of Joshimath and Auli, Auli Ropeway is one of the top draws when it comes to the topnotch places to visit in Auli. The highest and the longest ropeway in India after the one at Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir, it covers an approximate distance of 4km and presents the traveller with gaping views of the snowy valleys and verdant meadows below. Also called ‘Gondola’, it travels at a height of 3,010m above sea level.
The Auli Ropeway operates with a ski lift and a chair lift that rest on 10 steel towers. This bi cable contraption was built in order to present travellers to Auli with a scinitillating experience. It ascends gradually to a height of 1,110m. In the skiing season, it presents exciting views of the skiing competitions that are organized by government’s tourist department.
You ca board the ropeway at either Auli or at Joshimath and the cost of it approximately 400/- INR.03Gurso Bugyal
For those who are looking for an offbeat options for places to visit near Auli. A short but adventurous trek of 3km will land you at the mysterious Gurso Bugyal. The trail passes through the valleys between the mountains of Nanda Devi, Trishul and Dron. The views of these majestic mountains while walking along the nature trails is truly majestic!
During the spring season, the region transforms into a huge green carpet under your feet and the clear blue sky over your head. Rising at a level of 3056m above sea level, it is decked up in pine, oak, rhododendron and conifer. Being just 1.5km from the last stop of the Auli Ropeway, it is an easy travel up to this gorgeous meadow which should definitely be on your list of places to visit in Auli.04Chattrakund
Walk into this stunning watershed of crystal clear blue waters, the lake of Chattarkund is located just minutes ahead of Gurso Bugyal.
This fairytale place of picturesque views will enchant you to no end as it will enchant you with its peace and serenity. Put this place on your map of Auli Sightseeing and feel the calm and placid landscape.05Chenab Lake
In the Garhawal Himalayas, there are still some areas which are virgin and unexplored. One such trail is the one that will lead you to Chenab Lake. It is here that you can embark on serene and stunning trekking roads; it is especially perfect for those adventurists who love the company of untouched nature.
The area is off the beaten track and is almost inaccessible by motor vehicles or bikes. The best way to experience the untouched beauty of its serene nature is to start off on a trek of the valley or set up camp amidst the greenery.06Joshimath
One of earliest maths (temples ) created by Adi Shankaracharya, Joshimath is also known at Jyotirmath and is a common destination for both devotees and adventurers amongst places to visit in Auli. The biggest draw to this peaceful abode is that it is the gateway to Badrinath Temple and Hem Kund and the starting point for man treks in the Garhwal Himalayas.
Joshimath is best known as the place sanctified by the presence of devotees and enlivened by the spirits of thousands of trekkers who come here each year. The destination is perched at a height of 1,890m above sea level and is sited in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. What’s more? It is also the confluence of the mighty Dhauliganga and Alaknanda Rivers at Vishnuprayag.
The view of the tall, towering and majestic mountains while these rivers giggle at your feet is truly marvelous and unforgettable.07Nanda Devi Peak
As one of the highest hill stations in India, Auli is located in the shadow of many other tall and towering peaks that give it the characteristic look of a snowy hill station. One such peak amongst them is the Nanda Devi. The name of the peak itself stands for bless giving Goddess and it is this very meaning that you will see in its greatest measure as you catch a sight of its towering peaks from Auli. The Nanda Devi National Park that surrounds the peak is also a place where you can explore and discover a stirring range of flora and fauna and biodiversity.
This is characterized by mostly mountainous fowl, tall trees of oak, deodar, pine, conifer, rhododendron and many others. It is this very variety and diversity which has led to it becoming a part of the World UNESCO Heritage sight. The seconds highest mountain in India, Nanda Devi towers to an elevation of 7,817m and the very view of it is humbling.08Trishul Peak
There are a few peaks in the Garhwal and Kumaoni Himalayas that are as pretty and majestic as the Trishul Peak. The peak is so called because is presents not one but three distinct faces and facets of the mountain that can be clearly seen with the naked eye. It is the main meeting place where skiing enthusiasts gather for annual skiing events and competitions.
The Trishul Peak is situated in the Kumaaon region. The peak rises to a level of 23,940ft and is the prettiest sight in the Himalayan Ranges where skiing is practiced professionally. The peak is also encircled by a national park and also has the Roopkund Lake at its base. Trishul peak is the perfect place to visit in Auli.09Vishnuprayag
Ideally placed in the mountains, Auli is also the base town to travel to the holy town of Vishnuprayag, where one can clearly see the two tributaries of Alaknanda and Dahuliganga merging together to form one single river. Vishnupruyag is actually one of the five places (Panchprayag) where the river meets its sister tributaries before transforming into the mighty Ganga River.
Vishnuprayag lies in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand and is located at an elevation of 1,372m above sea level. At the banks of this majestic sight, one can also see a famous Vishnu temple that was built by the Maharani of Indore way back in 1889. You can spend hours here as you marvel the confluence point of these two water bodies which appear clearly in distinct colours.
This sight bordered by the tall Hiamalayan mountains and meadows is indeed a must visit on Auli Sigtseeing tour as it is just about 25km away! In the vicinity, you can also be charmed by the sight of the Kagbhusandi Lake, which is a stunning water body filled with emerald green water.10Badrinath
After a brief stopover in Auli, you can embark on a journey to one of the most pious pilgrim centres of India, Badrinath. The most important of the Char Dhams (Four Holy Places) in India, it lies in the shadow of the Nar and Narayana ranges below the mighty Nilkantha peak.
Situated on the banks of the Alaknanda River, it is one of the best places to visit near Auli. There are various legends surrounding the temples of Badrinath. The hike to this holy place usually begins from Joshimath. There are many sights to see around Badrinath that will just astound you! Thermal springs, Neelkanth Mountain and the confluence points of the huge Ganga River are just a few that will take your heart away.
