Perched at an elevation of 2,800 meters (9,200 ft) in the Chamoli district, Auli is widely recognized as one of the best ski resorts in India. Known as 'Auli Bugyal' in the local Garhwali language, which translates to 'meadow', it offers glittering, powdery snow slopes in the winter and lush apple orchards and oak forests in the summer. It provides an uninterrupted, majestic view of some of the highest Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi, Mana Parvat, and Kamet.
Auli
India's Premier Skiing Destination in the Himalayas
History and Development
Traders' Route
Historically, the meadows of Auli and nearby Kuari Pass were used by semi-nomadic Bhotia traders carrying out barter trade with Tibet across the mountain passes.
Development by GMVN
In the 1980s, the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) recognized Auli's potential. French and Austrian experts were brought in to survey the slopes, leading to its development into a world-class winter sports destination.
South Asian Winter Games
Auli's reputation on the global stage was solidified when it successfully co-hosted the First South Asian Winter Games in 2011, establishing its slopes as fit for international alpine skiing competitions.
The Artificial Lake
One of Auli's most fascinating features is its pristine artificial lake--one of the highest man-made lakes in the world. It was created by the government to feed the snow guns deployed along the ski slopes, ensuring a good skiing surface even during periods of low natural snowfall.
Things to Do and See
Skiing and Snowboarding
From January to March, Auli is a paradise for winter sports. The GMVN offers excellent skiing courses ranging from 7 to 14 days for beginners, complete with gear rentals and certified instructors.
Auli Ropeway (Gondola)
The 4-kilometer-long Auli ropeway connects Joshimath to Auli. It is one of the highest and longest ropeways in Asia, offering spectacular bird's-eye views of the dense oak forests below and the towering Nanda Devi peak ahead.
Gorson Bugyal Trek
A short 3 km trek from Auli takes you to Gorson Bugyal, a massive alpine meadow. In summer, it is a carpet of green, while in winter, it is heavily snowed in, providing incredibly peaceful, panoramic views of the Garhwal Himalayas.
Travel Guide
How to Reach
Base Town (Joshimath): Reach Joshimath by road (approx. 250 km from Rishikesh).
Ropeway to Auli: The best way to reach Auli from Joshimath is via the cable car (Ropeway), which takes about 25 minutes.
By Road: A 16 km drive from Joshimath connects to Auli, though this road is often closed or requires 4x4 vehicles with snow chains during peak winter.
Best Time to Visit
For skiing and snow sports, the best time is from late December to early March. For trekking, sightseeing, and enjoying the pleasant weather and green meadows, visit between May and November.
Accommodation
GMVN manages the primary ski resort in Auli. There are also a few private luxury ski resorts and boutique hotels offering excellent amenities and heated rooms.
Travel Tips
Book Ropeway Early: The Joshimath-Auli ropeway has limited capacity. It is highly recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially during the peak winter months.
Proper Snow Gear: If visiting in winter, ensure you have excellent quality waterproof snow boots and heavy jackets. Temperatures frequently drop well below zero.
Sun Protection: The reflection of the sun on the white snow is blinding. Polarized UV-protection sunglasses are an absolute necessity to prevent snow blindness.
Medical Supplies: Auli is at a high altitude. Bring a basic first-aid kit and any necessary prescription medicines, as the nearest major medical facilities are back down in Joshimath.