Auli
Encyclopedia
Auli, is an important ski destination in the Himalayan
mountains of Uttarakhand
, India
. Auli is known as 'Bugyal' in the regional language which means meadow. In fact some French and Australian experts consider Auli to be one of the best ski resorts in the world. Auli is less known ski destination than Shimla
, Gulmarg
or Manali. It was only in the recent time, after the creation of new state Uttarakhand(formerly Uttaranchal) carved out from Uttar Pradesh
, Auli was marketed as Tourist Destination. The state is called "Dev Bhoomi" which means "Land of Gods" as there are important pilgrimage destination in this state mainly the 'CHAR DHAM' (Gangotri-Yamunotri
-Kedarnath-Badrinath). Auli lies on the way to Badrinath. Auli is blessed with a breathtaking panoramic view of the lofty peaks of the greatest mountain range in the world, the Himalayas. The slopes here provide enough thrill to professional skier and novice as well. The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Limited (GMVNL) a govt agency which takes care of this resort have imported snow beater to maintain slopes. Auli also boasts the Asia's longest - 4 km - cable car (Gondola). It also has a Chair Lift and a Ski-Lift. Apart from Skiing there is an interesting trek route also. There is a training facility of Indo-Tibetan Border Police. A small temple having connection to great epic Ramayana
is also present. Best time to visit is last week of Jan to first week of March for skiing. Though weather is highly unpredictable.
, India
.
Moderately Cold Weather: Moderately Cold
Temperature varies from 7 to 17°C. April is cold but perfect for all tourist activities. Day times are bit warm, but nights are cool.
Month wise Weather Condition Details
January:
Freezing Cold with Snowfall. Temperature varies from -4 to 7°C. January has a freezing climate with snowfall. The snow clad nature is imposing and ideal for winter sports.
February:
Freezing Cold with Snowfall.Temperature varies from 0 to 10°C. February is snow bound with nature appears with eye catching white cover. Good for winter travels.
March:
Very Cold Temperature varies from 4 to 14°C. March offers reprieve for the freezing cold. The atmosphere starts to become warm.
April:
Moderately Cold Temperature varies from 7 to 17°C. April is cold but perfect for all tourist activities. Day times are bit warm, but nights are cool.
May:
Moderately Cold Temperature varies from 7 to 18°C. May is moderately hot with sun appears over the sky most of the days. Good for outdoor travels.
Jun:
Pleasant Temperature varies from 10 to 20°C. June is the hottest month of the year. The atmosphere is temperate. The nature looks attractive and suitable for tourist activities.
July:
Pleasant Temperature varies from 7 to 18°C. July has beautiful showers in its kitty. The nature dresses in new lush green new leaves. Good for enjoying the picturesque nature.
August:
Moderately Cold Temperature varies from 7 to 15°C. August is pretty good with picturesque nature and flowering plants and trees. August offers moderately warm climate.
September:
Moderately Cold Temperature varies from 7 to 15°C. September is humid with post monsoon showers. The nature appears fresh.
October:
Very Cold Temperature varies from 5 to 14°C. October welcomes winters with all its majesty. The climate is moderately cold.
November:
Very Cold Temperature varies from 4 to 14°C. November offers a very cold ambiance. This month is ideal for honeymoon travels.
December:
Very Cold Temperature varies from 2 to 10°C. December is very cold. Outdoor activities require winter dresses and often snowfall is seen.
Summers (March to June) are very pleasant with moderate climate, with average around 15°C. Summers is ideal for all sight seeing, skiing and also for visiting nearby attractions.Monsoons (July to October) are accompanied with scanty rains and also temperature drops down to 12°C.
Winters (November to February) are chilly days with average minimum touching near 4°C. Minimum can touch sub zero levels (-8°C). Snow falling seen very often during winters. These months are perfect for travelers liking chilly climates.
The best season to visit Auli is all through the year. Tourist attraction in Auli is Snow Skiing and is best during November to March.
May to November offers cool and pleasant climate and the right period to spend relaxing moments in the outdoors.
December to February is snow bound and chilly. Keep winter clothes to cover up the body if opt for a visit during this period. This period is ideal for snow skiing.
March and April are very pleasant and perfect for all sight seeing and outings.
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 279 km from Auli. Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is a domestic airport located at about 20 km away from city center of Dehradun. Taxi cabs are available from Dehradun airport to Auli, which cost about Rs 4,000. The airport operates daily flights to Delhi. Nearest International airport is Delhi, which is about 500 km away.
Airports near Auli
Auli is starting to get popular among the ski-lovers. Though the long,tiring travel and unpredictable weather can be the mood killer. You cannot be sure till you reach what to expect. Few lucky can gets to enjoy snow fall and skiing. If luck is not on your side snow storm can lock your room for days. For some its hard solid snow which take away the skiing pleasure. Though the GMVNL has imported snow beater it cannot give the experience of fresh snow. There is a long Ski-Lift connecting lower slopes to the Top.
Artificial lake
The world's highest man-made lake is at Auli, right next to the private hotel, Clifftop Club. The government has developed this in view of creating artificial snow on the new ski slopes in the event of low snow fall. The water from this lake will be used to feed the snow guns stationed along the ski slopes and thus provide a good skiing surface and exend the ski season.
Views
Auli is surrounded by high peaks like Mana, Kamet and tallest of all Nanda Devi. The 270 degree view will be enough to make you forget the long and tiring ride to reach Auli. Once the Skiing is over the best thing one can do in evening is to take chair out and get treated to great view of snow clad mountains as they keep changing colors every minute the sun goes down. Here you will understand why the Sadhus(sage) came to Himalayas for meditation. The feeling of solitude and oneness with god will do wonders to you mind and have a positive effect on you body. You will get which no money can buy "Peace of Mind"
Trekking
Apart from skiing there are some trek options available and below list is some of the trail normally completed in single day
Auli - Gorson around 7 km
Gorson - Tali around 6 km
Tali - Kuari Pass around 11 km
Kuari Pass - Khulara around 12 km
Khulara - Tapovan around 9 km
Spiritual
The place Auli is surrounded by the mighty peaks of Himalayas. Most of them have some name of goddess or some mythological connection. The one that stand out is beautiful Mt Nanda Devi
which stands 7,817 Mts (25,643 ft) in height. Even the Mt Neelkant visible. Auli lies in the way of the Badrinath route. So in winter there is a heavy snow fall in Badrinath and the temple is closed for 5–6 months. During this period the deity of Lord Badri Vishal is brought and kept in temple at Joshimath. This is golden chance for Hindus and not to be missed. In Auli there is a small Hanuman temple having some connection to Ramayana. The belief of people is when Laxman, younger brother of Lord Rama got injured fighting the Rakshas in Lanka (Sri Lanka). A medic ordered that only the herb name 'Sanjivani' found on Sanjivani mountain in Himalayas can save Laxman. Lord Rama ordered Hanuman the task. Hanuman flew from Lanka and during his way to Sanjivani mountain he took some rest in Auli before continuing his journey.
Others
There is a training facility of Indo Tibetan Border Police. This force is responsible for guarding Indian borders at high altitude. They are subjected to hard training and its amazing to see their stamina and skiing skills. This center is equipped with best medical team for any emergency and tourist can use their help. If tourist gets trapped then the chopper service can be requested for rescue or transfer to city medical facilities.
A Hydro Power project can be seen from Auli. A private company has trapped the flowing river Alaknanda and diverted its waters through a big tunnel that runs under the mountain and the force acquired is used to generate electricity. To see this you will have to travel some 5 km towards Badrinath.
Joshimath, derives from the word ‘Jyotirmath’ the place of Jyotirlinga of Shiva. Shankracharya founded one of the four piths “Centres’ for sanyashis here. It is the resting place for the pilgrims going to Badrinath. This is a sacred place for the believers of Badrinath better known as God Vishnu. Joshimath has a temple of Narsimha, an incarnation of Vishnu.
Badrinath One of the four Dhaams. Very important for Hindus and who worships God Vishnu. Its closed in winter.
Tapovan 'Tapo' meaning meditation, 'van' means forest in Sanskrit. The place is 15 km from Joshimath and has a temple and a natural hot water spring.
♦ September is attractive here with Mata Mruti Ka Mela, which is celebrated in nearby Badarinath with many rituals and festivities.
Himalayas
The Himalaya Range or Himalaya Mountains Sanskrit: Devanagari: हिमालय, literally "abode of snow"), usually called the Himalayas or Himalaya for short, is a mountain range in Asia, separating the Indian subcontinent from the Tibetan Plateau...
mountains of Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand , formerly Uttaranchal, is a state in the northern part of India. It is often referred to as the Land of Gods due to the many holy Hindu temples and cities found throughout the state, some of which are among Hinduism's most spiritual and auspicious places of pilgrimage and worship...
, India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
. Auli is known as 'Bugyal' in the regional language which means meadow. In fact some French and Australian experts consider Auli to be one of the best ski resorts in the world. Auli is less known ski destination than Shimla
Shimla
Shimla , formerly known as Simla, is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. In 1864, Shimla was declared the summer capital of the British Raj in India. A popular tourist destination, Shimla is often referred to as the "Queen of Hills," a term coined by the British...
, Gulmarg
Gulmarg
Gulmarg is a town, a hill station and a notified area committee in Baramula district in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.-Geography:Gulmarg is located 52 km from Srinagar. It is located at . It has an average elevation of .-Demographics:...
or Manali. It was only in the recent time, after the creation of new state Uttarakhand(formerly Uttaranchal) carved out from Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh abbreviation U.P. , is a state located in the northern part of India. With a population of over 200 million people, it is India's most populous state, as well as the world's most populous sub-national entity...
, Auli was marketed as Tourist Destination. The state is called "Dev Bhoomi" which means "Land of Gods" as there are important pilgrimage destination in this state mainly the 'CHAR DHAM' (Gangotri-Yamunotri
Yamunotri
Yamunotri is the source of the Yamuna River and the seat of the Goddess Yamuna in Hinduism. It is situated at an altitude of in the Garhwal Himalayas and located approximately North of Uttarkashi, the headquarters of the Uttarkashi district in the Garhwal Division of Uttarakhand, India...
-Kedarnath-Badrinath). Auli lies on the way to Badrinath. Auli is blessed with a breathtaking panoramic view of the lofty peaks of the greatest mountain range in the world, the Himalayas. The slopes here provide enough thrill to professional skier and novice as well. The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Limited (GMVNL) a govt agency which takes care of this resort have imported snow beater to maintain slopes. Auli also boasts the Asia's longest - 4 km - cable car (Gondola). It also has a Chair Lift and a Ski-Lift. Apart from Skiing there is an interesting trek route also. There is a training facility of Indo-Tibetan Border Police. A small temple having connection to great epic Ramayana
Ramayana
The Ramayana is an ancient Sanskrit epic. It is ascribed to the Hindu sage Valmiki and forms an important part of the Hindu canon , considered to be itihāsa. The Ramayana is one of the two great epics of India and Nepal, the other being the Mahabharata...
is also present. Best time to visit is last week of Jan to first week of March for skiing. Though weather is highly unpredictable.
Geography
Auli is located at 30.32°N 79.36°E in the Chamoli District of UttarakhandUttarakhand
Uttarakhand , formerly Uttaranchal, is a state in the northern part of India. It is often referred to as the Land of Gods due to the many holy Hindu temples and cities found throughout the state, some of which are among Hinduism's most spiritual and auspicious places of pilgrimage and worship...
, India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
.
Weather
April is a good month to visit Auli.Moderately Cold Weather: Moderately Cold
Temperature varies from 7 to 17°C. April is cold but perfect for all tourist activities. Day times are bit warm, but nights are cool.
Month wise Weather Condition Details
January:
Freezing Cold with Snowfall. Temperature varies from -4 to 7°C. January has a freezing climate with snowfall. The snow clad nature is imposing and ideal for winter sports.
February:
Freezing Cold with Snowfall.Temperature varies from 0 to 10°C. February is snow bound with nature appears with eye catching white cover. Good for winter travels.
March:
Very Cold Temperature varies from 4 to 14°C. March offers reprieve for the freezing cold. The atmosphere starts to become warm.
April:
Moderately Cold Temperature varies from 7 to 17°C. April is cold but perfect for all tourist activities. Day times are bit warm, but nights are cool.
May:
Moderately Cold Temperature varies from 7 to 18°C. May is moderately hot with sun appears over the sky most of the days. Good for outdoor travels.
Jun:
Pleasant Temperature varies from 10 to 20°C. June is the hottest month of the year. The atmosphere is temperate. The nature looks attractive and suitable for tourist activities.
July:
Pleasant Temperature varies from 7 to 18°C. July has beautiful showers in its kitty. The nature dresses in new lush green new leaves. Good for enjoying the picturesque nature.
August:
Moderately Cold Temperature varies from 7 to 15°C. August is pretty good with picturesque nature and flowering plants and trees. August offers moderately warm climate.
September:
Moderately Cold Temperature varies from 7 to 15°C. September is humid with post monsoon showers. The nature appears fresh.
October:
Very Cold Temperature varies from 5 to 14°C. October welcomes winters with all its majesty. The climate is moderately cold.
November:
Very Cold Temperature varies from 4 to 14°C. November offers a very cold ambiance. This month is ideal for honeymoon travels.
December:
Very Cold Temperature varies from 2 to 10°C. December is very cold. Outdoor activities require winter dresses and often snowfall is seen.
Overview & Best Season of Auli
Auli has a cool climate all through the seasons.Summers (March to June) are very pleasant with moderate climate, with average around 15°C. Summers is ideal for all sight seeing, skiing and also for visiting nearby attractions.Monsoons (July to October) are accompanied with scanty rains and also temperature drops down to 12°C.
Winters (November to February) are chilly days with average minimum touching near 4°C. Minimum can touch sub zero levels (-8°C). Snow falling seen very often during winters. These months are perfect for travelers liking chilly climates.
The best season to visit Auli is all through the year. Tourist attraction in Auli is Snow Skiing and is best during November to March.
May to November offers cool and pleasant climate and the right period to spend relaxing moments in the outdoors.
December to February is snow bound and chilly. Keep winter clothes to cover up the body if opt for a visit during this period. This period is ideal for snow skiing.
March and April are very pleasant and perfect for all sight seeing and outings.
How to reach Auli
Auli By Air:The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 279 km from Auli. Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is a domestic airport located at about 20 km away from city center of Dehradun. Taxi cabs are available from Dehradun airport to Auli, which cost about Rs 4,000. The airport operates daily flights to Delhi. Nearest International airport is Delhi, which is about 500 km away.
Airports near Auli
| Airports near Auli | Type | Arial Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (DED) | Domestic | 170 km |
| Shimla Airport (SLV) | Domestic | 285 km |
| Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi (DEL) | International | 336 km |
| Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Intl Airport, Kolkata (CCU) | International | 1322 km |
Tourist attractions
SkiAuli is starting to get popular among the ski-lovers. Though the long,tiring travel and unpredictable weather can be the mood killer. You cannot be sure till you reach what to expect. Few lucky can gets to enjoy snow fall and skiing. If luck is not on your side snow storm can lock your room for days. For some its hard solid snow which take away the skiing pleasure. Though the GMVNL has imported snow beater it cannot give the experience of fresh snow. There is a long Ski-Lift connecting lower slopes to the Top.
Artificial lake
The world's highest man-made lake is at Auli, right next to the private hotel, Clifftop Club. The government has developed this in view of creating artificial snow on the new ski slopes in the event of low snow fall. The water from this lake will be used to feed the snow guns stationed along the ski slopes and thus provide a good skiing surface and exend the ski season.
Views
Auli is surrounded by high peaks like Mana, Kamet and tallest of all Nanda Devi. The 270 degree view will be enough to make you forget the long and tiring ride to reach Auli. Once the Skiing is over the best thing one can do in evening is to take chair out and get treated to great view of snow clad mountains as they keep changing colors every minute the sun goes down. Here you will understand why the Sadhus(sage) came to Himalayas for meditation. The feeling of solitude and oneness with god will do wonders to you mind and have a positive effect on you body. You will get which no money can buy "Peace of Mind"
Trekking
Apart from skiing there are some trek options available and below list is some of the trail normally completed in single day
Auli - Gorson around 7 km
Gorson - Tali around 6 km
Tali - Kuari Pass around 11 km
Kuari Pass - Khulara around 12 km
Khulara - Tapovan around 9 km
Spiritual
The place Auli is surrounded by the mighty peaks of Himalayas. Most of them have some name of goddess or some mythological connection. The one that stand out is beautiful Mt Nanda Devi
Nanda Devi
Nanda Devi is the second highest mountain in India and the highest entirely within the country ; owing to this geography it was the highest known mountain in the world until computations on Dhaulagiri by western surveyors in 1808...
which stands 7,817 Mts (25,643 ft) in height. Even the Mt Neelkant visible. Auli lies in the way of the Badrinath route. So in winter there is a heavy snow fall in Badrinath and the temple is closed for 5–6 months. During this period the deity of Lord Badri Vishal is brought and kept in temple at Joshimath. This is golden chance for Hindus and not to be missed. In Auli there is a small Hanuman temple having some connection to Ramayana. The belief of people is when Laxman, younger brother of Lord Rama got injured fighting the Rakshas in Lanka (Sri Lanka). A medic ordered that only the herb name 'Sanjivani' found on Sanjivani mountain in Himalayas can save Laxman. Lord Rama ordered Hanuman the task. Hanuman flew from Lanka and during his way to Sanjivani mountain he took some rest in Auli before continuing his journey.
Others
There is a training facility of Indo Tibetan Border Police. This force is responsible for guarding Indian borders at high altitude. They are subjected to hard training and its amazing to see their stamina and skiing skills. This center is equipped with best medical team for any emergency and tourist can use their help. If tourist gets trapped then the chopper service can be requested for rescue or transfer to city medical facilities.
A Hydro Power project can be seen from Auli. A private company has trapped the flowing river Alaknanda and diverted its waters through a big tunnel that runs under the mountain and the force acquired is used to generate electricity. To see this you will have to travel some 5 km towards Badrinath.
Places around Auli
Vishu Prayag, Its an holy confluence of river Alaknanda and Dauli Ganga. It is access from the Joshimath.Joshimath, derives from the word ‘Jyotirmath’ the place of Jyotirlinga of Shiva. Shankracharya founded one of the four piths “Centres’ for sanyashis here. It is the resting place for the pilgrims going to Badrinath. This is a sacred place for the believers of Badrinath better known as God Vishnu. Joshimath has a temple of Narsimha, an incarnation of Vishnu.
Badrinath One of the four Dhaams. Very important for Hindus and who worships God Vishnu. Its closed in winter.
Tapovan 'Tapo' meaning meditation, 'van' means forest in Sanskrit. The place is 15 km from Joshimath and has a temple and a natural hot water spring.
Events & Festivals in Auli
♦ January to March is attractive with Skiing festivals and National Championships of Snow Skiing.♦ September is attractive here with Mata Mruti Ka Mela, which is celebrated in nearby Badarinath with many rituals and festivities.