Auli transforms into a magical wonderland, beckoning adventurers, nature lovers and peace-seekers.

By Ajit Brar

Imagine waking up to a panoramic view of snow-capped Himalayan peaks, the air crisp and clean, and the only sound is the gentle crunch of snow underfoot. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, this dream becomes reality in Auli, a winter wonderland nestled in the Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India. Especially during winter, Auli transforms into a magical wonderland, beckoning adventurers, nature lovers, and peace-seekers alike.

Auli is the Skiing Paradise for adventure sports lovers, for perfect reason ! The winter months, from December to March, blanket Auli in a thick layer of pristine white snow, making it an ideal destination for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. But even if you’re not into adventure sports, Auli offers an experience that’s hard to beat.

• Spectacular Views: The highlight of Auli is undoubtedly its breathtaking 360-degree views of some of India’s highest peaks, including Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Kamet. In winter, these majestic mountains are adorned with a fresh coat of snow, creating a postcard-perfect panorama.
• Winter Sports Paradise: With its gentle slopes and well-maintained ski lifts, Auli is perfect for both beginners and experienced skiers. You can even learn basic lessons from certified instructors.
• Tranquility and Serenity: Far from the hustling crowd of cities, Auli offers a peaceful getaway. The serene environment, coupled with the stunning natural beauty, is perfect for unwinding and rejuvenating.
• Unique Experience: Experiencing snowfall, making snowmen, and simply reveling in the winter magic is an experience everyone should have at least once.

While skiing might be the main draw, Auli has several other attractions that are worth exploring:

• Auli Artificial Lake: This lake is one of the world’s highest man-made lakes and provides water for the snow machines during low snowfall. In winter, it often freezes over, offering a unique sight.
  
• Auli Ropeway: One of the longest and highest ropeways in Asia, the Auli Ropeway (Gondola) offers unparalleled views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. It connects Joshimath to Auli and is an experience in itself.
• Gurso Bugyal: A short trek from Auli will take you to Gurso Bugyal, a beautiful meadow that offers spectacular views of Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Dron Parvat. In winter, it’s covered in snow, making for a picturesque hike.
• Joshimath: Located a short distance from Auli, Joshimath is a sacred town and a gateway to several Himalayan expeditions and pilgrimages. You can visit the Shankaracharya Math and Narsingh Temple here.
• Chenab Lake: A bit more challenging to reach in winter, Chenab Lake is a pristine body of water surrounded by lush greenery (or snow in winter). It requires a trek, but the untouched beauty is rewarding.

Auli offers a range of accommodation options, from luxurious resorts to cozy guesthouses. It’s good to book your stay in advance, especially during busy winter season.

• Clifftop Club Resort: Known for its stunning location and panoramic views, this resort offers comfortable stays and excellent facilities.
• GMVN Auli (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam): This government-run guesthouse offers basic but comfortable accommodation and is a popular choice for budget travelers.
• Private Guesthouses and Homestays: You can find several smaller guesthouses and homestays that offer a more local experience and often come with delicious homemade food.
• Hotels in Joshimath: Many travelers choose to stay in Joshimath and take the ropeway or drive up to Auli for day trips, as there are more hotel options in Joshimath.

Reaching Auli in winter can be an adventure in itself due to snowfall. Here’s a breakdown:

• By Air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest Airport, which is about 279 km from Auli. From Dehradun, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Joshimath.
• By Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh (RKSH), approximately 250 km from Auli. From Rishikesh, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to Joshimath. Haridwar is another major railway station nearby.
• By Road:
  • To Joshimath: Joshimath is well-connected by motorable roads with major cities of Uttarakhand and other parts of India. You can travel by a bus or take a taxi from Rishikesh, Haridwar, or Dehradun.
  • From Joshimath to Auli:
    • Ropeway: The most popular and scenic way to reach Auli from Joshimath is via the Auli Ropeway. It’s a breathtaking 20-25 minute ride.
    • Road: Auli is about 13 km by road from Joshimath. During heavy snowfall, this road might be closed, and the ropeway becomes the only option. It’s best to check road conditions before traveling.
    • Chairs Lifts: There are also chair lifts available from the GMVN complex in Auli to the ski slopes.

Important Winter Travel Tip: Always carry heavy woolen clothing, waterproof jackets and pants, gloves, caps, and sturdy waterproof shoes. It’s also wise to carry basic medicine kits. Always check on the weather forecasts, as heavy snowfall can sometimes lead to road closures.

Auli in winter is more than just a destination; it’s an experience that will leave you mesmerized. So let’s get ready to click some unforgettable moments in this winter wonderland !

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