Nestled in the lap of snow-capped peaks of Garhwal Himalayas, near the world-famous religious Badrinath Temple, Auli is renowned for the fascinating ski resorts and stunning natural vistas. At an average height of 2800 meters above sea level, Auli’s well-dressed slopes are flanked by coniferous and oak forests, which offer a panoramic view of mountains. Auli is also known as a ‘bugyal’ in the regional language which means meadow. The weather in the region is highly unpredictable.
Auli has a credible past that dates back to the 8th century. It is believed that this pretty locale is blessed with the sacred visit of Sankaracharya. Auli lies on the way to Badrinath Chardham Pilgrimage Destination in Uttarakhand.
The most Superior time to visit the Auli falls between the month of mid-February to mid-March, when it is snow-covered. Tourists in Auli can avail of accommodation options, ranging from budget hotels to 5-star hotels. Some hotels in Auli offer spectacular views of the peaks of the Himalayas. Gurso Bugyal, Chattrakund, Kwani Bugyal, Hot Spring Point, and Chenab Lake are the other popular attractions of Auli. Excursions to Hemkund and Valley of Flowers are also popular among the wayfarers visiting Auli.
History and Legends of Auli
Auli is a lesser-known hill station when compared to its counterparts – Shimla, Gulmarg, and Manali. The slopes of Auli were the training ground for the Indian Paramilitary Forces and Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force. Today, Auli is known for its snow-covered slopes and panoramic views of the surrounding lofty peaks of the Himalayas like Trishul, Nanda Devi, Kamet, Mana Parvat, Beethartoli, Nilkanth, Hathi Parbat, Ghori Parbat, and Dunagiri. According to legend, the revered Guru Adi Shankaracharya visited Auli during the 8th century AD. He built math at Joshimath, which still is intact and is known by the name Sankaracharya Tapastali.
Places To Visit In Auli
- Joshimath:- It is one of the four maths which is discovered by Adi Shankracharya in the 8th century. Joshimath is a city with lots of religious importance in Uttarakhand state of India.
- Chattarakund:- It is small lake which has crystal clear water. It is situated near Auli at a height of 3300 mts above sea level. It is surrounded by lush green beautiful forest.
- Bhavishya Kedar:- It is a small temple which is dedicated to Hindu Lord Shiva and his wife Goddess Parvati.
- Auli Ropeway:- It is a major attraction in Auli which offers a beautiful view of some popular Himalayan peaks. It is the highest ropeway of Asia after Gulmarg.
- Chenab Lake:- It is a small crystal clear water lake situated near Joshimath. It is a less polluted and untouched place which attracts many nature lovers or tourists.
- Auli Artificial Lake:- It is one of the worlds highest Artificial or Man-made lake. This beautiful lake has helped in extending the Skii season in Auli.
- Kwani Bugyal:- It is popular trekking destination near Auli, Joshimath. The summer season is the best time to visit this place
- Gorson Bugyal:- It is situated at a height of 3056 mts above the sea level. It is just a 3 km trek away from the Auli. It is covered by snow in the winter season.
- Sleeping Beauty Mountain:- It is a mountain that looks like a lady with open hair lying on the top of the peak.
- Narsingh Temple:- It is one of the most popular temple in Joshimath, Uttarakhand. It is famous as a part of Sapt Badri and it is also known as Narsingh Badri Temple.
- Tapovan:- This place is situated at a distance of 14 km from Joshimath. It is a popular tourist spot near Joshimath. It is known for its natural spring where hot water comes from the earth.
Auli During Char Dham Yatra
Besides these snowy miracles, the boulevards through the slopes offer marvelous views of gorgeous apple orchards and fine deodar trees, which make Char Dham Yatra tour package, stride a precious experience. You can visit Auli from Joshimath, you can either take a taxi or visit there by Ropeway. The place also has the highest and longest cable car that stretches up to 4 km and is called Gondola.
Car Rental For Char Dham Yatra
Car rental service for Char Dham Yatra or for individual Char Dham Temples (Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri), Here you will find all types of the latest information about Cabs/Taxi Rental Services with rates from your city. We have some of the best car rental operators offering the quality & efficient Car Hire service for pilgrimage tours in Uttarakhand.
Char Dham Distance Chart From Auli
Many pilgrims prefer to visit Auli (best skiing destination in India) for its immaculate beauty with their Char Dham Yatra. The views of Himalayas is amazing from Auli, with lush green meadows all over.
You can visit Auli from Joshimath, you can either take taxi or visit there by Ropeway.
| |
Distance |
Time |
Route |
| Badrinath |
59 kms |
2 hrs |
Auli -> Joshimath -> Govindghat -> Pandukeshwar -> Hanuman Chatti -> Badrinath |
| Kedarnath |
212 Kms |
9 hrs |
Auli -> Joshimath -> Pipalkoti -> Chamoli -> Nandaprayag -> Karnaprayag -> Rudraprayag -> Augustmuni-> Guptkashi-> Gaurikund-> Kedarnath |
| Gangotri |
392 kms |
13 hrs |
Auli -> Joshimath -> Pipalkoti-> Chamoli-> Nandaprayag-> Karnaprayag-> Rudraprayag-> Srinagar-> Naughar -> Uttarkashi-> Gangotri |
| Yamunotri |
382 kms |
13 hrs |
Auli -> Joshimath -> Pipalkoti -> Chamoli -> Nandaprayag -> Karnaprayag -> Rudraprayag -> Srinagar-> Chinyalisaur -> Dharasu Band-> Barkot -> Jankichatti-> Yamunotri |
How to Reach Auli
By Air : Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun is the nearest Airport located at the distance of about 17 km from Rishikesh and 273 km from Joshimath.
By Train : Haridwar Railway Junction is the nearest Rail-head located at the distance of about 299 km away from Auli.
By Bus : Auli is only 16 km drive from Joshimath. State transport and Union buses ply regularly between Joshimath and Rishikesh (253 km). Local Transport Union Buses and State Transport buses operate between Joshimath and Rishikesh (253 km), Haridwar (277 km), Dehradun (298 km) and Delhi (500 km).
