How to Plan a Perfect Trip to Auli in Uttarakhand: A Complete Guide

Auli is a hidden gem in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India. It is a popular destination for skiing enthusiasts, nature lovers, and honeymooners. Auli offers stunning views of the Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Dronagiri mountains, as well as the longest cable car ride in Asia. It is also a base for many treks to nearby places like Gorson Bugyal, Kuari Pass, and Valley of Flowers. If you are looking for a serene and scenic getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life, Auli is the perfect place for you. In this blog post, we will tell you everything you need to know about planning a perfect trip to Auli, including the best time to visit, how to reach, where to stay, what to do, and what to eat.

The best time to visit Auli and what to expect in different seasons

Auli has a pleasant climate throughout the year, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to experience. Here are the pros and cons of visiting Auli in different seasons:

Winter (December to February)

This is the peak season for skiing in Auli, as the slopes are covered with thick snow. The average temperature ranges from -4°C to 10°C, and the views of the snow-clad mountains are mesmerizing. However, this is also the most crowded and expensive time to visit Auli, and you may face roadblocks due to heavy snowfall. You will also need to carry warm clothes and accessories like woollen caps, gloves, boots, etc.

Spring (March to May)

This is the best time to visit Auli if you want to enjoy the greenery and flowers of the meadows. The average temperature ranges from 7°C to 17°C, and the weather is pleasant and sunny. You can also witness the annual Skiing Festival in March, which attracts many national and international skiers. However, you may not find much snow on the slopes, and some of the cable car services may be closed for maintenance.

Summer (June to August)

This is the best time to visit Auli if you want to escape the heat and humidity of the plains. The average temperature ranges from 10°C to 20°C, and the weather is cool and breezy. You can also enjoy some of the treks to nearby places like Gorson Bugyal, Kuari Pass, and Valley of Flowers. However, you may face occasional rainfall and landslides during this season, which may disrupt your travel plans.

Autumn (September to November)

This is the best time to visit Auli if you want to witness the changing colours of the foliage. The average temperature ranges from 8°C to 18°C, and the weather is clear and crisp. You can also enjoy some of the festivals like Dussehra and Diwali in Auli, which are celebrated with great fervour and enthusiasm. However, you may not find many activities or attractions open during this season, as it is considered an off-season.

How to reach Auli from different cities by road, rail, or air

Auli is well-connected by road, rail, and air from different cities in India. Here are some of the options you can choose from:

• By road: Auli is about 500 km from Delhi, 300 km from Dehradun, 250 km from Rishikesh, and 280 km from Haridwar. You can either take a private car or a bus from these cities to reach Auli. The nearest bus station is Joshimath, which is about 16 km from Auli. You can also hire a taxi or a shared jeep from Joshimath to reach Auli. The road journey may take anywhere between 10 to 14 hours depending on traffic and weather conditions.
• By rail: The nearest railway station is Haridwar Junction Railway Station (HW), which is about 280 km from Auli. You can take a train from Delhi or other major cities to reach Haridwar. From Haridwar, you can either take a bus or a taxi to reach Joshimath or Auli. The train journey may take anywhere between 5 to 7 hours depending on your train choice.
• By air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport (DED), which is about 270 km from Auli. You can take a flight from Delhi or other major cities to reach Dehradun. From Dehradun, you can either take a bus or a taxi to reach Joshimath or Auli. The flight journey may take anywhere between 1 to 2 hours depending on your flight choice.

The best places to stay in Auli for different budgets and preferences

Auli has a range of accommodation options for different budgets and preferences. You can choose from luxury resorts, budget hotels, guest houses, homestays, camps, and cottages. Here are some of the best places to stay in Auli:

Luxury resorts in auli

If you want to splurge on your stay and enjoy the best amenities and services, you can opt for luxury resorts like Clifftop Club Resort, The Royal Village Resort, Himalayan Eco Lodge, and Blue Poppy Resort. These resorts offer spacious rooms, cosy interiors, stunning views, delicious food, and recreational facilities like a spa, gym, games room, etc. The tariff for these resorts may range from Rs. 5000 to Rs. 10000 per night.

Budget hotels in Auli

If you want to save on your stay and still enjoy comfortable and clean accommodation, you can opt for budget hotels like GMVN Skiing Tourist Resort, Hotel Auli D, Hotel Mount View Annexy, and Hotel Dronagiri. These hotels offer basic rooms, decent facilities, friendly staff, and good food. The tariff for these hotels may range from Rs. 1000 to Rs. 3000 per night.

Guest houses in Auli

If you want to experience the local hospitality and culture of Auli, you can opt for guest houses like Devi Darshan Lodge, Nanda Inn Guest House, Himalayan Abode Homestay, and Dream Mountain Resort. These guest houses offer cosy rooms, a home-like atmosphere, warm hosts, and authentic food. The tariff for these guest houses may range from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1500 per night.

Homestays in auli

If you want to live like a local and enjoy the natural beauty of Auli, you can opt for homestays like Himalayan Roost Homestay, Snow Mount Homestay, Alpine Camps Auli, and Himalayan Eco Camps Auli. These homestays offer rustic rooms, serene surroundings, friendly hosts, and organic food. The tariff for these homestays may range from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1500 per night.

Camps in auli

If you want to have an adventurous and fun-filled stay in Auli, you can opt for camps like Auli Adventure Camps, Himalayan Snow Runner Camps, Camp Joshimath Auli Adventure Camps, and Camp Aloha Auli. These camps offer tents, bonfires, music, games, activities, and delicious food. The tariff for these camps may range from Rs. 1000 to Rs. 3000 per night.

Him180 – The Best Glamping Experience

Cottages in auli

If you want to have a cosy and private stay in Auli, you can opt for cottages like Himalayan Cottage Auli Resort & Spa (HCA), Nature’s Valley Cottage & Spa (NVC), Snow View Cottage & Spa (SVC), and Alpine Cottage & Spa (AC). These cottages offer wooden rooms, balconies, views, jacuzzis, and spas. The tariff for these cottages may range from Rs. 3000 to Rs. 6000 per night.

The top attractions and activities to do in Auli

Auli has a lot to offer in terms of attractions and activities for all kinds of travellers. Here are some of the top things to do in Auli:

Skiing

Auli is one of the best places in India for skiing enthusiasts as it has some of the finest slopes in the world. You can enjoy skiing on the slopes of Auli which range from 2500 m to 3000 m in altitude. You can also take skiing lessons from professional instructors at the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) Skiing School. The skiing season in Auli is from December to March.

Cable car ride

Auli boasts of having the longest cable car ride in Asia covering a distance of 4 km from Joshimath to Auli. You can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks and valleys as you glide through the air in the cable car. The cable car operates from 9:15 a.m. to 4:20 p.m. every day except Tuesday. The ticket price is Rs. 1000 per person for a round trip.

Trekking

Auli is also a base for many treks to nearby places like Gorson Bugyal (3 km), Kuari Pass (12 km), Valley of Flowers (18 km), Hemkund Sahib (25 km) and many more.

Sightseeing

Sightseeing is another attraction and activity in Auli that you can enjoy if you love history and culture.

• You can visit some of the historical and religious places in and around Auli, such as Narsingh Temple (14 km), which is dedicated to Lord Narsingh, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and believed to protect the Badrinath Temple from natural calamities.
• You can also visit Kalpavriksha (14 km), which is a 1200-year-old mulberry tree that is said to have been used by Adi Shankaracharya for meditation.
• You can also visit Chenab Lake (28 km), which is a small and serene lake surrounded by pine trees and meadows.
• You can also visit Bhavishya Badri Temple (17 km), which is another Sapta Badri temple and is believed to be the future abode of Lord Vishnu when the present Badrinath Temple will be inaccessible due to natural disasters.
• You can also visit Tapovan Hot Springs (15 km), which are natural hot water springs with medicinal properties and a source of geothermal energy.

The local cuisine of Auli

Auli has a rich and diverse cuisine and culture that reflects its geographical and historical influences. The cuisine here is mainly vegetarian, as it is influenced by Hinduism and Buddhism. The cuisine consists of various dishes made from grains, pulses, vegetables, fruits, dairy products, spices, herbs, etc. Some of the popular dishes that you can try in Auli are:

• Aloo ke Gutke: This is a spicy potato dish that is cooked with mustard oil, cumin seeds, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, salt, etc. It is served with rice or roti (flatbread).
• Kafuli: This is a green leafy vegetable dish that is made from spinach or fenugreek leaves that are boiled and then cooked with garlic, ginger, green chillies, curd, salt, etc. It is served with rice or roti.
• Phaanu: This is a thick soup-like dish that is made from different types of lentils that are soaked overnight and then cooked with onion, garlic, ginger, green chillies, salt, etc. It is served with rice or roti.
• Chainsoo: This is a black gram dal dish that is roasted and then ground into a paste and then cooked with onion, garlic, ginger, green chillies, salt, etc. It is served with rice or roti

The essential tips and precautions to follow while travelling to Auli

Auli is a wonderful place to visit, but it also requires some tips and precautions to follow while travelling to make your trip safe and enjoyable. Some of the essential tips and precautions to follow while travelling to Auli are:

• Plan your trip well in advance and book your accommodation and transportation accordingly. Auli is a popular destination and may get crowded and expensive during peak seasons.
• Carry sufficient cash and cards with you as there are limited ATMs and card machines in Auli. Also, carry your identity proof and travel documents with you at all times.
• Pack your clothes and accessories according to the season and weather of Auli. Carry warm clothes, woollen caps, gloves, scarves, boots, etc., for winter; light clothes, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc., for summer; raincoats, umbrellas, waterproof shoes, etc., for monsoon.
• Hire a local guide or driver if you are not familiar with the roads and routes of Auli. The roads are steep and narrow and may get slippery and risky during rains or snowfall.
• Follow the instructions and safety measures of your hotel or resort staff while staying in Auli. Do not venture out alone or at night without their permission or guidance.
• Respect the local culture and customs of Auli while interacting with the locals or visiting their places. Do not litter or damage their property or environment. Do not indulge in any illegal or immoral activities that may offend them or cause trouble for you.
• Carry your medicines and prescriptions with you if needed. Also carry some basic medicines for headache, fever, cold, cough, stomachache, etc., as they may come in handy in case of emergency.

Conclusion

Auli is a perfect destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and honeymooners who want to experience the beauty and thrill of the Himalayas. It has something for everyone and every season and will leave you spellbound and satisfied with its charm and grace.

If you are planning to visit Auli, we hope this blog post has helped you to know how to plan a perfect trip to this amazing place.

We wish you a happy and memorable trip to Auli! 😊

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