Welcome to Auli, ‘the Switzerland of India’. Come, take a bite out of the magical winter wonderland this destination has to offer. From stunning snow-clad views that will make you fall in love with nature all over again, to luscious green conifer forests and lovely sweeping meadows; Auli is the place to be for anyone looking for an unforgettable experience! It’s no surprise why it’s one of India’s best ski destinations— once you set foot on its pristine white slopes, you’ll know exactly why!
All About Auli – the Most Special Place on Earth?
Auli is known as ‘the Switzerland of India’ for its picturesque mountain views, lush meadows, and mesmerizing sunsets. Located in Uttarakhand at an altitude of 2,500-3,000 meters above sea level, Auli offers a unique experience to any traveler—from skiing adventures down its glaciers to leisurely strolls through its numerous apple orchards. For those looking for some peace and quiet in nature, there are plenty of options for camping and hiking around Auli.
The area has a rich cultural heritage as well. Aside from stunning natural beauty, Auli is also home to several ancient temples and monuments that tell stories of old civilizations that once inhabited the region. The most famous temple is the Narsingh Temple which dates back to the 11th century CE. There are also many ancient ruins scattered throughout the area which offer insight into how people lived hundreds of years ago.
Auli also boasts some amazing wildlife such as snow leopards, musk deer, Himalayan black bears, and more than 200 species of birds that inhabit this corner of Uttarakhand. The local flora here includes rhododendron trees which bloom beautiful flowers during springtime making everything even more gorgeous.
Get to Know Auli: An Adventure Awaits!
With its majestic landscapes and array of activities, Auli is the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts looking for an unforgettable adventure.
Getting There
The most convenient way to get to Auli is by bus or private car from either Haridwar or Rishikesh. The journey will take around 8-10 hours depending on traffic. You can also fly into Dehradun Airport and take a taxi from there; it’ll take about 5 hours to reach your destination.
If you’re feeling really adventurous, you can trek up from Joshimath (the nearest town). However, this route is only recommended for experienced hikers as it takes at least 3 days!
What To Do
Once you arrive in Auli, you’ll be able to enjoy some of its many activities. From skiing (yes, ski season runs through April!), paragliding and cable car rides, to trekking and camping—there’s something here for everyone! The area also has plenty of historical sites such as temples and monasteries that are worth exploring too. Plus there are plenty of restaurants nearby where you can sample some delicious local cuisine like momos or thukpa soup!
Accommodation
If you want to stay overnight in Auli then there are several accommodation options available ranging from budget hotels to luxury resorts. All resorts offer breathtaking views of the mountains and provide amenities like spa facilities and multi-cuisine restaurants so you won’t have any trouble finding somewhere comfortable to rest your head for the night.
When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Auli?
Blog Introduction: Winter in Auli is a magical time! Whether you’re a skiing enthusiast or just looking for a picturesque mountain getaway, Auli has something to offer everyone. But when is the best time of year to visit this beautiful destination? Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of visiting during different times of year and explore the best time to make your trip.
Winter Wonderland
For many travelers, winter is the ideal time to visit Auli. During the winter months, temperatures vary from 5-15 degrees Celsius, making it balmy enough for outdoor activities but still cold enough for snowfall. The stunning snow-covered valleys are perfect for skiing and other winter sports like snowboarding and tobogganing.
If you’re an adventure seeker, you can take part in various other thrilling activities such as trekking and paragliding. And if you’re looking for some peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of city life, then look no further – Auli offers breathtaking views of snow-covered mountains as far as the eye can see!
Springtime Splendor
Springtime in Auli brings with it blooming flowers, lush green grasses, and plenty of sunshine! This makes it an ideal destination for nature lovers who are looking to explore gorgeous mountain ranges and take in the beauty of nearby rivers and lakes.
Temperatures usually hover around 10-20 degrees Celsius during this time, which means that activities like camping and trekking are possible without having to worry about extreme cold or heat. Additionally, there are plenty of fun festivals taking place during springtime in Auli – so if you’re looking for a unique cultural experience then this could be the perfect time of year for your visit!
Summertime Bliss
Summertime in Auli is typically quite pleasant with temperatures ranging from 20-30 degrees Celsius depending on where exactly you decide to visit within the region. This makes summer an ideal time to go sightseeing or explore some of the nearby hiking trails without having to worry about freezing cold temperatures or persistent rain showers.
Plus, since it is peak tourist season during this time of year, there are plenty of exciting events taking place throughout town – making it easy to immerse yourself in local culture while enjoying all that Auli has to offer!
What to eat and drink in Auli
From skiing down fresh powdery slopes to taking in the spectacular snow-capped views of the Himalayas, Auli offers an adventure like no other. But what about food? Skiing can get you hungry and after a long day on the slopes, you may be wondering what dishes this mountain town has to offer.
Well wonder no more! Let’s explore some of the delicious eats and treats that make up this unique mountain cuisine.
Local Dishes with Regional Flair
Auli offers a variety of dishes made with local ingredients, such as lentils, potatoes, and yogurt. One popular dish is bedmi aloo dum –– a type of lentil curry served with fried potato cakes. This hearty meal is perfect for those cold winter days when all you want is something warm and comforting in your belly.
Another must-try dish is gahat ke phulke –– wheat flour dumplings cooked in yogurt sauce and spiced with green chili peppers and black pepper. It’s an ideal post-ski snack!
Drinks for All Seasons
No matter what time of year it is, there’s always something tasty to sip in Auli! During summer months, try thandai––a refreshing drink made from crushed almonds, cashews, saffron strands, cardamom powder, rose petals, black peppercorns, poppy seeds and sugar syrup mixed with chilled milk or water. In wintertime however nothing warms you up quite like a hot cup of kahwa––a traditional Kashmiri tea brewed with green tea leaves and spices such as cardamom pods and cinnamon sticks.
Where to stay in Auli
Whether you’re looking for something luxurious or just something simple and convenient, there are plenty of accommodation options in Auli that fit every budget. Let’s take a look at some of them.
Hotels & Resorts
If you’re looking for something luxurious and comfortable, then Auli has plenty of hotels and resorts to choose from. The International Ski Village is one such option; set amidst picturesque pine forests, this hotel provides its guests with access to skiing lifts, skiing lessons, and other activities like paragliding. But if you want something even more exclusive, then you might want to check out the Himalayan Eco Lodge—an eco-friendly boutique hotel offering stunning views of the Himalayas.
Campsites & Homestays
Auli also has several camping sites and homestays that provide travellers with an affordable way to experience the beauty of this part of India. There are several campsite options available near Joshimath that offer basic amenities like tents and sleeping bags.
These campsites tend to be popular amongst backpackers who don’t have much money but still want to explore this part of India. And if camping isn’t your thing, there are also plenty of homestays available in nearby villages—many offer basic amenities like hot water and meals included in their rates.
Activities you can do in Auli
This beautiful little town in the Indian Himalayas is chock full of activities that will make your heart race and give you plenty of stories to tell. From skiing and snowboarding to camping and trekking, here’s what you can do when you visit Auli.
Skiing/Snowboarding
Auli is known as one of India’s premier ski destinations, with some of the longest runs in the country. It’s also home to one of Asia’s highest ski lifts, which takes visitors up to 3,050 meters (10,000 feet) above sea level. There are several ski schools in Auli offering lessons for beginners and advanced skiers alike. Whether you’re a veteran or a novice, it’s easy to find a good skiing spot in Auli.
Camping
If you’d like something a bit more rustic than hitting the slopes, why not try camping? There are several campsites around Auli that offer breathtaking views of the Himalayas and nearby villages. Campers can enjoy activities like bird watching or star gazing at night, or take part in adventure sports like paragliding and mountain biking during the day.
Trekking
Finally, if all else fails and you just want to get out there and explore nature at its finest, then trekking is definitely an option to consider while visiting Auli. Whether it’s an easy stroll through some nearby villages or tackling longer trails up into the mountains — whatever you prefer — there are plenty of great options available when it comes to trekking around Auli.
Auli is a must-visit formountain and skiing lovers alike. It’s the perfect place to enjoy some time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Whether you’re looking for a winter wonderland or an adventure in the great outdoors, Auli has something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Auli today!
