SOTC Blog

Auli hill station gained all the fame as the “skiing destination of India” in 2011 after the South Asian Winter Games. The main reason why it is gaining eyeballs is because of less commercialization and hence, low tourist buzz as compared to other destinations. In Auli, mountain slopes bordered with tall coniferous trees and picturesque views of the Himalayan ranges will steal your heart right away!

Auli, Uttarakhand is a 10-hour long drive from either Rishikesh or Haridwar. However, the less crowded terrain is a total visual treat and a perfect company for your journey uphill. Most Auli Tour Packages include some really amazing and fun things that you can do in Auli.

Let us discuss top 7 things that you should definitely try when in Auli.

Ski

The ski season in Auli is limited but it is so worth it! It begins in the middle of January and lasts till the end of February when the south-facing slopes of Auli cover themselves with blankets of snow. Although the area available for ski isn’t large, you can go all the way downhill as well as cross-country. Four downhill slopes are available for beginners. You will find professional ski instructors that will teach you the basics of skiing.

Uttarakhand Tourism also conducts courses by private operators wherein the fee includes everything right from all the necessary equipment and subsequent training sessions to timely meals. When in Auli, indulging in endless ski sprees is something you should make the most out of!

Experience Asia’s Longest Aerial Tramway

Auli hill station makes winters all the more fun and exciting! During the winter season, the only mode of transport that will take you to Auli is the aerial tramway, commonly known as, the aerial ropeway. And this is exactly where the excitement crawls in. The route of the aerial tramway is the longest of its kind in Asia and covers a distance of about 4 kilometres!

This journey starts from Joshimath and it takes around 25 minutes to reach Auli. The service starts from 9:15 AM with fixed departures at a span of 15 minutes and goes on until 4:20 PM during this season. With a capacity of 20 people, this tramway gives you a trailer of what you’re about to experience once you arrive in Auli through breath-taking scenic views and clear skies.

Behold The Mighty Himalayas

Auli, Himachal Pradesh, is at the epicentre of the most majestic mountain peaks of the Himalayas. No matter where you go or where you look, you’ll be greeted with snow-capped Himalayan peaks which will make your day brighter than what it already is! Look around and you’ll find yourself marvelling at some mighty beauties namely Nanda Devi, Kamet, Mana Parvat, Chaukhamba, Trishul, Dunagiri, Nanda Kot, Hathi Parbat, Gauri Parbat, Neelkanth and Panchchula.

Don’t forget to take a pause and soak in the beauty and vibe of Nanda Devi, India’s highest peak. Isn’t this something that you should definitely add to your list of things to do in Uttarakhand?

Trek To The Highest Point in Auli

A solid gush of adrenaline and serenity around you is a soothing combination and Auli just manages to give you all of that! Experience the same at the highest point of Auli which is 3,056 meters above sea level. This point is known as Gorson Bugyal and it treats its guests with breath-taking and uninterrupted views of Nanda Devi and Dunagiri. The point is not very far from the tramway. However, the trek uphill takes around 2 hours and it is such a memorable experience! While trekking, glance through the rustic beauty of oak trees adorned with snow-clad peaks of the Himalayas.

Gorson Bugyal, a meadow with picturesque beauty, is exceptionally attractive and will refresh you to the core. Also, if the adrenaline rush hasn’t subsided yet, you can include Chattrakund, a sweet water lake, to your day of adventures and extend your trek. Make sure you take a guide to avoid losing your way amidst the dense forests.

Explore The Artificial Lake

The artificial lake nestled alongside the Clifftop Club in Auli, Uttarakhand, is the one of the highest lakes in the world. This becomes one of the reasons why Auli is unique in its own little way. The lake water is used in snow-making machines to enhance the spread of snow in all of Auli. Make sure you keep a day aside in your Auli Tour Packages and include a trip to this enchanting artificial lake in it.

Go Glamping

Glamping is one of the best inventions of mankind and we couldn’t agree more to this after exploring the campsites at Auli Woods! Established in the lap of the mesmerizing mountain ranges, Auli Woods comprises of just six but fully equipped and maintained tents to gift you an experience of a kind. You can also indulge in various activities such as horse riding, night trails, day hikes, village visits, jungle walks and photography.

The best time to visit Uttarakhand to make the most out of this experience is from April to January. The charges for a double bed occupancy including breakfast and dinner are Rs. 7,500 (approx.) but the experience is simply priceless!

Bird Watching

It is during the months of April and May when the climate shifts from cold and comfortable to pleasant and perfect that birds can be spotted in Auli. Bird watchers/lovers will be immensely delighted to see rare Himalayan bird species such as the Himalayan Mongal and the Himalayan Griffon vulture. You can also glance through the dense forests of Auli to check out other bird species such as doves, eagles, woodpeckers, jays, sunbirds and spotted nutcrackers.

There are a number of ecotourism companies that conduct one-of-a-kind bird watching hikes. The best thing about exploring with them is that they will take you on completely offbeat paths giving you unimaginable experiences!

Auli is now imprinting itself not only in the hearts of people but is also ranking itself on the list of some amazing places to visit in India. Check out Uttarakhand Tour Packages to know more about this amazing destination and plan your trip today!