Auli (Uttarakhand) FAQs In 2024

10 FAQS on Auli

What is Auli?

Auli is a ski destination in Chamoli district in the Himalayan mountains of Uttarakhand, India. Auli is known for its ski resorts, ski slopes, and beautiful landscapes. It lies on the way to the Hindu pilgrimage destination of Badrinath. It is surrounded by coniferous and oak forests, with a panoramic view of the peaks of the Himalayas.

The best time to visit Auli for skiing is from late December to March when the region is covered in snow. For those who are interested in enjoying the natural beauty and meadows, May to November is an ideal time to visit.

Auli can be reached by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 286 kilometers from Auli. The nearest railway station is in Haridwar, 273 kilometers away. From both Dehradun and Haridwar, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Joshimath. From Joshimath, Auli is accessible via road or by cable car.

Yes, Auli offers several ski slopes of varying lengths and gradients. Ski equipment and instructors are available for both beginners and advanced skiers. The region also boasts a cable car, chair lifts, and a ski lift for the convenience of skiers and visitors.

Popular sightseeing places include Gurso Bugyal, Kwani Bugyal, Trishul Peak, and the artificial lake in Auli which is one of the world's highest man-made lakes. Additionally, visitors can explore nearby pilgrimage destinations like Badrinath Temple, and natural attractions like Valley of Flowers and Nanda Devi National Park.

Yes, non-skiers can enjoy the captivating views of the Himalayan range, take leisurely walks around the hills, ride the cable car, visit nearby attractions, and relax in the serene environment of Auli.

Auli has various accommodation options ranging from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hotels and guest houses. There are also government-operated Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) rest houses available for visitors.

It is highly recommended to book your accommodation in advance, especially during the peak tourist seasons of winter for skiing and summer for sightseeing, as Auli attracts a significant number of tourists.

During winter, when you visit Auli for skiing, it is essential to wear heavy woolens, thermal wears, gloves, and a cap to protect yourself from the cold. In the summer, light woolens are advisable because the weather can still be cool, especially in the evenings.

While Auli itself may not host many cultural festivals, the surrounding areas, being a part of the state of Uttarakhand, have several Hindu religious festivals and celebrations, like the Badrinath yatra, which have their own unique hill culture experiences.