Introduction
Auli Hill Station, widely known as the skiing capital of India, is nestled in the lap of the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. Situated at an altitude of approximately 2,800 meters (9,200 feet), it provides breathtaking views of the snow-covered peaks, including Mt. Nanda Devi and Trishul.
Auli is popular worldwide for its snow-covered slopes, lush green meadows, and cable car rides, offering something different for every traveller, so whether you are planning a winter snow vacation or a peaceful summer escape.
Hello, this is Samar. I visited Auli last year and got to witness one of the longest ropeways in India, a pristine artificial lake, and much more. There are multiple places to visit in Auli, including spiritual and adventurous sites, providing an unforgettable experience.
In this guide, I’ll tell you about the best places to visit in Auli, along with nearby attractions and popular things to do in Auli that you shouldn't miss.
So let’s explore the Auli tourist places at its best.
Quick Overview: Auli Tourist Places To Visit
| Place | Distance from Auli | Best For | Best Time to Visit | Time Required |
| Auli Artificial Lake | 1.5 km | Photography, peaceful walks | Winter & Summer | 1–2 hours |
| Auli Ropeway (Connects Joshimath–Auli) | 4.15 km | Scenic ride, family activity | Year-round | 1 hour |
| Gurso Bugyal | 3 km | Trekking, panoramic views | March–June, Dec–Feb | 2–3 hours |
| Chattrakund | 4 km | Nature, picnic | Summer | 1–2 hours |
| Joshimath | 16 km | Spiritual visit, base town | Year-round | Half day |
| Badrinath Temple | 56 km | Pilgrimage | May–Oct | Full day |
| Valley of Flowers National Park | 45 km | Trekking, rare flowers | July–Sept | 1–2 days |
| Hemkund Sahib | 46 km (road + trek) | Spiritual trek | June–Sept | 1–2 days |
Top Tourist Places To Visit In Auli
In 2026, the Auli best places to visit include the world's highest man-made lake, often called Auli Artificial Lake; Auli Ropeway; and sprawling alpine bugyals, like Gurso Bugyal.
Here is an overview of the Auli places to visit in Uttarakhand. Let’s take a look at this.
Auli Artificial Lake
Auli Lake is one of the primary attractions; it is considered one of the highest man-made lakes in the world, built to provide synthetic snow for the ski slopes during the low snowfall period. It is a peaceful walking area with stunning views of the sunset and sunrise, making it ideal for photography.
This artificial lake is highly accessible via a trek from the main Auli resort area, located around 1.5 km from the GMVN rest house. The Auli chairlift is a popular way to reach the lake.
- Distance: Approx. 2 km from the GMVN Tourist Rest House
- Why Visit: Experience scenic reflection and peaceful atmosphere.
- Best Time: December to February
- Entry Info: Free
Auli Ropeway: A Thrilling Car Ride
The Auli ropeway is one of the highest and longest cable car rides in India. Ropeway distance from Joshimath to Auli is 4.15 km. It provides a scenic ride of about 20 to 25 minutes over a dense oak forest with spectacular 360-degree views of Himalayan peaks. The cost of the Auli ropeway is ₹1,000 per person for adults and ₹500 per person for children for a complete round trip.
- Distance: 4.15 km
- Why Visit: Spectacular views of Mt. Nanda Devi and Trishul through a scenic cable car ride.
- Best Time: December to February
- Entry Info: ₹1,000 for adults and ₹500 for children
Gurso Bugyal
Gurso Bugyal, a vast and picturesque bugyal, is located around 3 km from Auli and is one of the best places to visit in Auli, offering a different experience throughout the season.
In the summer, it becomes a lush green carpet of wildflowers, while in winter, it transforms into a snowy wonderland, making it a perfect paradise for snow lovers, with majestic views of snow-capped peaks.
- Distance: 3 km
- Why Visit: Snow-capped peaks and mountain views
- Best Time: April to June in summer and September to October in Autumn
- Entry Info: Free
Chattrakund Lake
Chattrakund is a hidden Himalayan gem; it’s a small, serene freshwater lake, located about 4 km from Auli and 1 km beyond Gurso Bugyal, surrounded by dense oak and deodar forest.
It’s a perfect picnic spot for those seeking a quiet and untouched environment, offering a full 360-degree glimpse of Himalayan peaks.
- Distance: 4 km from Auli / 1 km beyond Gurso Bugyal
- Why Visit: Picnic in dense oak and deodar forest
- Best Time: April-June in summer and December to February
- Entry Info: Free
Joshimath: A Major Gateway Town
Joshimath Town, the primary gateway to Auli and a significant religious hub of Uttarakhand, is located in the Chamoli district, 16 km from Auli. The town holds great significance, serving as the winter home to Lord Badrinath.
It houses the sacred Narsingh Temple, where the idol of Lord Badri is kept during the winter. Kalpvriksha is another highlight of Joshimath, and the town offers the perfect blend of spirituality and mountain charm.
- Distance: 16 km
- Why Visit: For Narsingh Temple (Winter seat of Badrinath)
- Best Time: November to April in winter and May to June in summer
- Entry Info: Free
Tourist Places Near Auli
Beyond the places to visit in Auli, you can explore numerous breathtaking destinations, including significant spiritual sites and trekking sites in the surrounding Garhwal Himalayas.
Here are the best places to visit near Auli that every traveller must add to their Auli itinerary.
Badrinath: One of the Sacred Char Dham
Badrinath Temple, located about 56 km from Auli, is the sacred abode of Lord Vishnu. Pilgrims add this site to their Char Dham Yatra tour package, which attracts millions of devotees every year.
The temple is typically open from late April/May to October/November and closed the rest of the year. Combine an Auli journey with the Badrinath tour for a perfect blend of adventure and spiritual experience.
Hemkund Sahib: A sacred Sikh pilgrimage site
Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara, a sacred pilgrimage site, is located 46 km by road from Auli. It is accessible by a combination of road travel and trek from Govindghat.
It is the world’s highest Gurudwara, situated at an elevation of 4,632 meters (15,200 feet) above sea level and surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
Valley of Flowers National Park
The Valley of Flowers trek is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located 45 km from Auli. It is widely famous for its exotic flora and surrounding scenery. The park opens from June to October and remains closed in winter due to heavy snow.
Famous for its various species of flowers, including alpine, poppies, and more. Here, visitors get to witness the rarest flowers, such as Brahma Kamal.
Padukeshwar Village
Pandukeshwar is a sacred village, located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, on Badrinath road, 31 km from Auli. It is an ancient site linked with the Pandavas.
It is also a key pilgrimage site, houses two revered temples: Yogdhyan Badri Temple (one of the Sapta Badri temples) and Vasudev Temple, and holds significance associated with the legend of King Pandu (the father of Pandavas).
Gopeshwar
Gopeshwar is a serene hill station in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, at an altitude of 1,308 meters (4,291 feet), located 70 km from Auli.
It is renowned for its tranquil atmosphere and ancient temple, named Gopinath Temple (the winter seat of Rudranath Temple). It is accessible by a 2.5-hour scenic drive by taxi or jeep from Auli.
Kuari Pass Trek
The Kuari Pass trek is a famous trekking destination of Uttarakhand, which typically starts from the Auli-Joshimath area. It offers the breathtaking views of Mt. Nanda Devi and Trishul.
The distance from Auli to Kuari Pass is approximately 20 km. The trek is considered easy to moderate, ideal for beginners or first-timers.
Things To Do In Auli
Auli Uttarakhand places to visit are not just about sightseeing destinations; it’s about the experience. It offers a diverse range of activities year-round, from Asia's longest ropeway ride to serene treks.
Here is an explanation of the top things to do in Auli.
Skiing: Skiing in Auli is the primary thing to do in Auli. It features a 5-meter-long slope covered in thick snow, making it perfect for skiing. Auli is hosting the national skiing championship and winter carnival in 2026, which will lead to high demand and a huge crowd.
Trekking: For those who prefer walking through the dense forest over the peaks, trekking is a perfect activity to do. The Gurso Bugyal and Kauri Pass trek is a perfect trekking destination near Auli.
Auli Ropeway ride: One of the thrilling things to do in Auli is taking a ropeway ride of about 4.15 km long, which connects Joshimath to Auli and passes through the snow-clad peaks. It is an ideal activity for families, couples, and photographers.
Camping: If you are seeking a peaceful and untouched environment, camping under the starry skies is a perfect experience. It provides you with clear views of starry skies and a bonfire experience.
Photography: For the photographers, Auli is a paradise. From snow-covered peaks to lush meadows, it offers a perfect spot to capture.
Sunrise & Sunset Watching: There are so many viewpoints in Auli, like Nanda Viewpoint, offering an opportunity for breathtaking sunset and sunrise views.
Travel Tips For Places To Visit In Auli
Check the weather before traveling: Before planning a trip, check the weather and road conditions, as they can vary due to rapid weather change.
Plan a nearby visit to Smarty: If the weather permits, then plan your journey with a visit to Badriath or the Valley of Flowers.
Pack according to season: Pack smart according to season; carry heavy woolens in winter, and light jackets are enough for summer evenings.
Check ropeway access: Always check ropeway timing in advance and confirm the operational status also in Joshimath.
Wear comfortable attire: Wear comfortable clothes and trekking shoes for visiting nearby trails.
Network Connectivity: Mobile networks are weak beyond Joshimath, so inform your family about your travel plans well in advance.
Travel Responsibility: This is an eco-sensitive zone, so avoid littering in meadows and be respectful about local culture and religious sites.
Conclusion
Auli is a destination that promises provide an incredible experience of natural beauty, adventure, and serenity all at the same time. Auli tourist places are not limited to adventure but go beyond it.
From sacred spiritual sites to scenic trekking trails and alpine meadows, Uttarakhand offers multiple places to visit in Auli that add adventure to your trip. Auli is in very close proximity to Joshimath, Badrinath Temple, and the Valley of Flowers, offering a blend of spirituality and scenic experience.
So plan your next trip to meet the adventure and spirituality at different locations in the vicinity of Auli.
FAQs: Places To Visit In Auli Uttarakhand
1. Which place is near Auli?
Places to see near Auli include:
- Joshimath (the base town for the Auli Ropeway)
- Gurso Bugyal (a picturesque trekking destination)
- Auli Artificial Lake (an alpine man-made lake)
- Kauri Pass Trek (a popular beginner-friendly trekking destination).
Beyond these, some other places are Badrinath, Pandukeshwar, and the Valley of Flowers.
2. How many days are enough for Auli?
Generally, a 4-5-day trip is considered enough to explore Auli, includingexperiences such as skiing, snowboarding, ropeway, camping, and trekking.
3. Is 2 days enough for Auli?
Yes, a 2-day trip is enough for a quick sightseeing experience, but it could be tiring, so a 3-4 day trip is highly recommended for a peaceful and relaxed experience.
4. What can be done in Auli?
Auli offers numerous activities to do, providing different kinds of experiences. Primary things to do in Auli are:
- Snowboarding & skiing: One of the primary activities to do is skiing on a 5 km-long snow slope.
- Ropeway ride: A thrilling cable car ride of around 4.15 km
- Trekking: Gurson Bugyal and Kauri Pass are nearby trekking destinations in Auli.
- Sunset and Sunrise Viewpoints: Auli provides an opportunity for breathtaking sunset and sunrise views.
- Camping under the sky: Camping at nearby trekking sites is a different experience.
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