Auli is an important ski destination in the Himalayan mountains of Uttarakhand, India. Auli, also known as a ‘bugyal’ or Auli Bugyal, in the regional language, which means meadow, is located at an elevation of 2500 to 3050 meters above sea level. Auli is less known ski destination than Shimla, Gulmarg or Manali. It was only in the recent time, after the creation of new state Uttarakhand (formerly Uttaranchal) carved out from Uttar Pradesh, Auli was marketed as a tourist destination. The state is called “Dev Bhoomi” which means “Land of Gods” as there are important pilgrimage destination in this state mainly the ‘Char Dham’ (Gangotri-Yamunotri-Kedarnath-Badrinath). Auli lies on the way to Badrinath. Auli is surrounded by coniferous and oak forests, with a 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) a govt agency which takes care of this resort, and Uttaranchal Tourism Department conduct winter sports competitions at this place to encourage skiing in India. have imported snow beater to maintain slopes. Auli also boasts the Asia’s longest – 4 km – cable car (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. A small temple having connection to great epic Ramayana is also present. Best time to visit is last week of Jan to first week of March for skiing. Though weather is highly unpredictable.
Best Season of Auli
Summers (March to June) are very pleasant with moderate climate, with average around 15┬░C and ideal for sight seeing. Monsoons (July to October) are rainy – temperature are around 12┬░C. Winters (November to February) are freezing with minimum temperatures below 0┬░C. Snowfall is very common and this time is ideal for skiing. May to November offers cool and pleasant climate and the right period to spend relaxing moments in the outdoors.
How to reach Auli
Auli By Air:
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 281┬аkm from Auli. Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is a domestic airport located at about 20┬аkm away from city center of Dehradun. Taxi cabs are available from Dehradun airport to Auli, which cost about Rs 4,000. The airport operates daily flights to Delhi. Nearest International airport is Delhi, which is about 500┬аkm away.
Auli By Road:
The road leading to Auli is in dreadful condition and subject to frequent rockfalls (as a direct result of major deforestation). Travelling this route in winter carries serious risk.
Tourism
Auli is a popular hill station in India. Listed below are the tourist spots in and around Auli.
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 get 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. The gondola is not an aid to skiing and simply transports visitors to the accommodation centre from the local village and the one serious ski lift, as well as being short only operates when there are four people to fill the available seats. This does lead to long delays between runs. The ski village suffers from a shortage of electricity and to be restricted to one hour of power per day is not unusual in winter.
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 extend 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┬аkm Gorson – Tali around 6┬аkm Tali – Kuari Pass around 11┬аkm Kuari Pass – Khulara around 12┬аkm Khulara – Tapovan around 9┬аkm
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┬аft) 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 5тАУ6 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┬аkm towards Badrinath.
Places around Auli
Vishnu Prayag – It is a holy confluence of river Alaknanda and Dauli Ganga. Accessible from the Joshimath.
Joshimath, derives from the word тАШJyotirmathтАЩ the place of Jyotirlinga of Shiva. Shankracharya founded one of the four piths тАЬCentresтАЩ 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.