Auli Uttarakhand – The Winter Wonderland

Introduction to Auli Uttarakhand: A Hidden Gem in the Himalayas

Located at an amazing height of 8000 to 10,000 feet above sea level in the lap of the Himalaya, Auli is one of the most famous tourist destinations and a winter wonderland with a top choice for adventure lovers. It comes under the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Its wide, snow-covered mountain slopes make it an ideal destination for skiing and snowboarding. Not only idle for adventure lovers, but it is also perfect for lovers, as this is the best secret keeper and a perfect place to express your love in this serene environment. So Manchala Mushafir welcomes you to the most iconic tourist destination of India because it's not just a destination, it's an experience that you are going to cherish throughout your life. So, let's dive deep into the ocean of snow and make a virtual tour of Auli.

Skiing in Auli: Paradise for adventure lovers

A perfect slope fully covered with snow, with towering peaks and a serene environment, makes Auli an undeniably renowned skiing destination in India. Often referred to as the “Switzerland of India,” it's a perfect place for adventure lovers. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a beginner, Auli provides a versatile and safe environment for all skill levels, making it a must-visit for anyone craving an adrenaline rush. Well-maintained slopes with varying levels of difficulty—ranging from gentle inclines for beginners to steep, thrilling descents for the more experienced are some of the reasons which attract both domestic and international tourists. This place offers a range of services, including ski equipment rentals, professional instructors, and guided tours to help you make the most of your experience. In addition to this, Auli's modern infrastructure, including a cable car and chair lifts, ensures smooth access to the slopes and panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. One of the most exciting aspects of skiing in Auli is the stunning backdrop of the Himalayan range. As you glide down the snow-covered slopes, the towering peaks of Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Dunagiri emerge majestically in the distance. The panoramic views of the mountains, valleys, and forests are a bonus, making every ski run feel like an adventure in itself.

In addition to skiing, Auli is also a popular destination for snowboarding. With wide-open slopes and fresh powder snow, snowboarding enthusiasts can enjoy the freedom to explore the terrain and carve through the snow. For those looking for even more adventure, Auli offers other snow activities like snow trekking, tobogganing, and snowshoeing, giving you multiple ways to explore the winter landscape.

Auli: A perfect destination for lovers

In addition to the adventure hub, Auli also offers a romantic escape for couples who are willing to spend quality time in a serene environment. Lush green forests, snow-capped mountains, and a peaceful environment make it an idyllic getaway for lovers seeking both adventure and serenity. Far from the hustle and bustle of city life, Auli's peaceful environment provides you with the perfect setting to reconnect, relax, and express your love. Imagine walking hand-in-hand through dense oak and deodar forests or gazing at the distant snow-capped mountains—every moment in Auli feels intimate and special. Auli’s natural beauty changes with the seasons, making it an all-year-round destination for couples. One of the most romantic activities in Auli is the cable car ride. Known as one of the longest cable car rides in Asia, this unique experience offers couples panoramic views of the Himalayas, with snow-capped peaks stretching as far as the eye can see. The view from the top is something that will stay etched in your memory forever, as the mountains glow in the changing light of the day. The cable car ride isn’t just a mode of transportation—it's a chance to share a moment of wonder with your loved one as you take in one of the most mesmerising landscapes in the world.

Popular Packages

Kedarnath Yatra ⏳ 4 Days / 3 Night ₹9,500 View Tour

Kedarnath Packages From Bangalore ⏳ 7 Days / 6 Nights ₹15,200 View Tour

Kedarnath Trip From Pune ⏳ 8 Days / 7 Nights ₹15,200 View Tour

Best Time to Visit Auli

Auli is a year-round paradise, and you will witness different colours in every season. The best time to visit Auli, however, depends on the kind of experience you are looking for. So here is a comprehensive guide explaining all the unique features you are going to witness at Auli in every season. So let’s start.

Winter wonderland (November to February)

If you are willing to witness live snowfall, snow-capped peaks, and winter sports, then November to February is the best time to visit Auli. During this time, Auli will transform into a winter wonderland with a thick sheet of snow all over the mountains, and powder snow on the slopes of the mountain will make it a perfect place to glide with your skis. The view of the snow-clad peaks, including Nanda Devi and Mana Parvat, adds to the charm, making winter the peak season for visitors to Auli.

Spring Season (March to April)

If you are allergic to the chilling cold and wish to enjoy the pleasant weather with beautiful views all around, then spring is the ideal time to visit Auli. It’s a time when the snow will start to melt, revealing the lush green mountain and vibrant colours all around the valley. It will get decorated with beautiful rhododendrons, oak trees, and alpine flowers, creating a picturesque setting that is perfect for couples seeking a romantic escape or families looking to explore nature at its best. During this period, the weather in Auli is comfortable, with temperatures ranging between 7°C to 15°C, which is ideal for outdoor activities like trekking and exploring the region's scenic beauty. If you want to experience the beauty of Auli without the crowds, then spring is the ideal time to visit.

Summer (May to June)

If you are looking for a relief from the extreme heat of a plain area and wish to spend your holidays in one of the most beautiful regions, then Auli could be your favourite destination. The temperature here will range between 15 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius, making it a perfect place to chill out with your family or friends. The cool mountain breeze, the blue skies, and the lush green surroundings create a refreshing environment, perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, nature walks, and photography.

Monsoon (July to September)

Monsoon is the most unfavourable time to visit Auli, as this region observes heavy rainfall during this time. Rain creates a possibility of landslides, road blockage, floods, avalanches, etc. So Manchala Mushafir recommends you avoid this season to travel in this area.

Autumn(October)

Clear skies with pleasant weather and moderate temperatures make this season also an ideal time to visit Auli. The temperature of this region will range between 10 to 20 degrees Celsius during this time, with clear views of snow-capped mountains and lush green forests all around the valley. The landscape will be full of vibrant colours, making it an excellent time for trekking, sightseeing, or simply relaxing while enjoying the breathtaking views.

Places to visit around Auli

Auli is located in a very scenic location with thousands of places around where you can visit. Here, we are going to mention some of the most beautiful places around Auli, which you can add to your itinerary for a fulfilling journey.

Joshimath:- One of the scenic town located just at a distance of 12 km from Auli is Joshimath. It’s also a hill station, but most prominently, it is known for the miraculous Narshimha temple and the starting point of many beautiful trekking destinations.

Valley of Flowers:- If you are an adventure enthusiast and willing to experience something thrilling, then you can also opt for the Valley of Flowers trek with a visit to Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara. Valley of Flowers is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with millions of species of flowers blooming around the valley, while the Hemkund Sahib is the highest gurudwara of India and one of the revered sites for the sikh community.

Do Dham Yatra:- One of the well-known pilgrimage tours of this region is the Do Dham tour, which involves a visit to Kedarnath and Badrinath temple. Kedarnath temple is dedicated to lord Shiva, while Badrinath temple is dedicated to lord Vishnu and is also known as the door to heaven. It is widely believed that all those who undertake this yatra get rid of the cycle of birth and death. You can call our customer care executive or just visit our website page for the Do Dham Yatra package to get more details about this.

Chopta Tungnath Trek:- Being a part of panch Kedar temples and one of the highest Shiva temples on earth, trekking to the Tungnath temple is another adventure which should be there in your bucket list. Chopta, which is the starting point of this trek, is also known for its remarkable beauty and is well known as the mini Switzerland of India.

How to Reach Auli: A Journey to the Heart of the Himalayas

Auli is well-connected to major cities in India; getting there requires a bit of effort due to its remote location in the Himalayan foothills. Here’s a detailed guide on how to reach Auli, ensuring a smooth journey to this Himalayan paradise.

By Air:- Nearest airport to Auli is Jolly Grant Airport, which is also known as Dehradun airport and is located at a distance of 280 km. Almost all the major aviation companies have regular flights to this airport from all the major cities, like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, etc.

By Train:- Nearest railway station to Auli is Rishikesh railway station, which is located at a distance of 250 km from Auli. If you don’t get a direct train for this station, you can also book your train for Dehradun, Haridwar or Roorkee as all these stations are in close vicinity.

By Road:- Auli is well connected by road to major cities of Uttarakhand and nearby states. It’s one of the most scenic road journeys, especially if you want to get yourself soaked in the beauty of nature. Cities like Dehradun, Rishikesh and Haridwar serve as the starting point of most of the trips to Auli.

What to Pack for Auli: Essentials for Your Winter Wonderland Adventure

As you know that Auli is a winter wonderland with harsh weather conditions and challenging terrains, so you need to be prepared for all the challenges well in advance. Here we will provide you with a comprehensive checklist of the things you need to carry before going there.

1. Warm Clothing (Essential for Winter)

Auli can get extremely cold, especially during the winter months (November to February). Make sure to pack layers of warm clothing, including:

Even during the summer months, temperatures can drop in the evening, so it's wise to carry some warm clothes.

2. Comfortable Footwear

Auli’s terrain requires a lot of walking, especially if you plan to explore on foot. Pack sturdy, comfortable footwear:

If you plan on skiing or snowboarding, you can rent specialised footwear at the ski resorts, but still bring comfortable shoes for walking around town.

3. Ski Gear (If Visiting in Winter)

Auli is famous for its skiing, and if you're an adventure lover, packing the right gear is crucial. While you can rent equipment at the Auli Ski Resort, it’s a good idea to bring:

4. Sunscreen & Lip Balm

The sun at high altitudes can be strong, even during the winter months. Be sure to pack:

5. Camera & Accessories

Auli’s scenic beauty is breathtaking, so don’t forget your camera or smartphone to capture the stunning landscapes. Consider bringing:

6. Personal Medications & Toiletries

Pack any personal medications you may need, as well as your standard toiletries. It's also advisable to bring:

7. Backpack & Travel Essentials

A small, comfortable backpack is perfect for day trips and trekking around Auli. Some travel essentials to pack:

8. Identification & Cash

While Auli has some ATMs, it's a good idea to carry cash, as card payments may not always be accepted. Also, bring:

Safety Tips for Skiing and Snow Activities in Auli

FAQs