Auli

Auli is a very famous place for skiing in the mountainous regions of Uttarakhand, India. This place is also known by the name Auli Bugyal or Bugyal, in terms of the local language of this place, which can be translated into English as meadows. This place is approximately 2500 meters above sea level. Many people have not heard about this place, and are certainly very less famous than hill station hot spots such as Manali, Gulmarg or Shimla.

Not so long ago, when Uttarakhand was made a separate state and moved out of Uttar Pradesh, that Auli was being promoted as a tourist spot. The state of Uttarakhand is also known as the land of Gods or Dev Bhumi, as it is an important destination for Hindu pilgrimages mainly due to four important destinations namely Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath.

Tourist will come across Auli on their way to Badrinath. It offers a panoramic view of one of the most scintillating mountain ranges in the world, the Himalayas, richly populated with oak and coniferous trees. Regardless of whether you are a professional skier or trying it out for the first time, the slopes here will provide enough thrills to everyone. To encourage skiing in India, winter sports competitions are conducted at this place by Uttaranchal Tourism Department.

With an objective to provide opportune slopes for better ski enjoyment, snow beaters have been imported to keep slopes in best form. This place is also proud to have the longest cable car in the world, which stretches across 4 Km. For the comfort of tourist, ski-lift and chair-lift are also provided. Indo-Tibetan Border Police has made its training facility here. It is very difficult to predict the weather of this region, but the most opportune time to visit this place is during last week of January till first week of March, particularly for people who come for ski, which is when the snow begins to melt.

History of Auli

It is believed that the great Guru Adi Shankaracharya had visited around this place way back in 8th century AD. The best example of the fact that he came here given by the temple Joshimath, which was built by him and still exists. For many centuries, the trails of Auli had been traversed by the colourful semi-nomadic tribes of the Bhotiyas, which are of the Mongolian stock. In local language these people are known as Thatauli.

The only friends of these people were the long haired yaks, who used to carry their load and help them in doing trade with neighbouring countries. Before this place was turned into a favourite spot for tourist, the beautiful slopes of Auli were used as a training ground for upcoming Indo-Tibetan Border Police force. There are many legendary and awesome peaks around this place in the mountain range, prominent among them is Trishul, which rises 23,490 feet from sea level and was a place of unique expiation in 1958.

Climate

In case you are coming here to seek adventure than February end and starting of March is the most opportune time. Weather is moderately cold during this time, which means the temperature range from 7 to 17 degrees. Day times are bright and sunny, but nights will be really pleasant and cool. For all kinds of tourist activities April as it is quite cold.

Things to do and Attractions

With the fact that it is a mountain region, tourists get ample opportunity for skiing and trekking. It is the best way to admire the natural beauty of this place and to enjoy it too. Apart from these adventure sports, there are certain specialities of this place such as:

Nanda Devi National Park

At around one hour drive from Auli, tourist can reach Nanda Devi National park. Adorned with abundant flora and fauna and beautiful environment, it is one of the preferred locations of tourists coming to Auli. In one day, only two groups are allowed to visit the park, with a weekly cap of four groups of visitors. Each of the group should be accompanied by a registered guide. Tourist must be aware of the fact that, the terrain here is tough and hilly and appropriate measures should be taken to be safe at all times.

Joshimath

It is believed that Shri Adi Shankaracharya attained enlightenment at this place. Garuda and Narsingh are two famous temples to visit here in Joshimath. After getting blessed, it is time now to go back 2500 years back in time, as there is an Amar Kalp tree which is believed to be of the same age. Around 14 Km from Joshimath, tourists can enjoy the hot springs. Spending some time at these hot springs will certainly ease out your mind.

Trishul Peak

The legendary trishul peak is one of the most preferred destinations of skiers. This place had been in use even before this place is made popular as a tourist destination by border police force. Slide down this beautiful range and when you reach the bottom of the slope, spend some time at the Roopkand Lake. There is a big mystery hidden in this lake, as more than 600 skeletal remains of horses and humans have been found from this lake.

How to Reach

In case you are coming by air, then the nearest you can land is at Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun, which is around 280 km from Auli. Tourists have to spend around four thousand rupees if they want to come to Auli by taxi. Roads leading to this place are mostly in dilapidated conditions, mainly because of the rock falls which occur every now and then, which makes it very difficult to maintain roads.

There are lot of risk associated for traveling during winter season. Nearest railway station to this place is Raiwala near Rishikesh which is around 250 km. From Raiwala, one has to hire a taxi or take a bus. It is advised to start early morning so they can reach Joshimath by evening. It is safe for people who are coming here for the first time and now familiar with it.

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