Auli is a picturesque Himalayan destination located in Chamoli district within the hill state of Uttarakhand in India. Situated between altitude range of 2, 500 - 3, 050 meters above the sea level, Auli offers breathtaking 180 degree views of surrounding higher Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi (7, 817 m), Kamet (7, 756 m), Mana Parvat (7, 273 m) and Dunagiri (7, 066 m).
Auli, cradled in snow white Garhwal Himalayas, is amongst the most well known skiing resorts of India. The skiing slopes of Auli are comparable to the best in the world. Besides, the natural splendor of coniferous high altitude vegetation that dresses its slopes is sure to compel anyone to fall in love with Auli.
During the months of January - March, Auli is packed with skiing enthusiast. National championships apart from the various skiing courses are conducted here. The entire skiing resort of Auli is maintained by the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN), an autonomous body of Garhwal region in Uttarakhand state.
The beautifully snow blanketed sopped of Auli are dotted with coniferous vegetation that cut wind velocity to a minimum, thus promising the skiers a thrilling experience. Skiers at Auli, enjoy almost 20 km of virgin slopes, which provide excellent opportunities for cross-country, slalom and down-hill events.
Places to See:
Trishul Peak
One of the most ski-friendly ranges of Auli, the legendary Trishul peak is 23,490 feet high. Even before the ski resort tourism marked its debut on the slopes of Auli, the Trishul and other Auli peaks were used by the ski-equipped patrolling officers of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force as a training ground. It is said that in a 1958 expedition to scale the Trishul Peak, it took the mountaineers four days to climb and just 90 minutes to ski down to their base camp. There is a lake, Roopkand, at the bottom of the slopes of Trishul Peak. It is also known as the mystery lake because over 600 skeletal remains of humans and horses were discovered from here.
Winter Ski Resort
Auli is a famed winter ski resort. In winters, the slopes of Auli are clad with a snow carpet as deep as 3 meters. The skiing season in Auli ranges from January to March every year. Skiing on 10-20 kms of clean stretches of slopes thickly coated with snow in Auli snow is as good as an international skiing experience. Auli offers world class facilities for experienced skiers and beginners can also sign up for one week or two week long skiing courses. Everything from lodging to boarding facilities is easily available for skiers.
Joshimath
The revered sage Adi Shankaracharya is believed to have wandered and gained enlightenment in Joshimath. There are two famous temples, Narsingh and Garuda temple, to visit in Joshimath. Another attraction is the Amar Kalp tree which is believed to be some 2,500 years old. One can also check out the hot springs of Tapovan located at a distance of 14 kms from Joshimath and 32 kms from Auli.
Nanda Devi National Park
The Nanda Devi National park is located at a distance of 41 kms from Auli. Adorned with beautiful environs and abundant flora and fauna including Brahma- kamal and Bharal, it is a major attraction four tourists who come to Auli. Not more than two groups of visitors are allowed to move in the park in a day. The maximum limit for a week is four groups of visitors. Visitors are accompanied by a registered guide. The terrain is hilly and tough, so, visitors should take care to take all the precautionary steps.
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