Places to Visit in Auli

Famously named as the world’s highest man-made lake, this scenic, and a transcendent lake is a must visit and definitely should be added to your list of things to do in Auli. This serene lake is located right next to the private hotel, Clifftop Club. 

The government developed this lake in view of creating artificial snow on the new ski slopes in the event of low snowfall during certain seasons hindering the tourism for this Ski-Hotspot. The water from this lake is strategically used to feed the snow guns stationed along the ski slopes and thus provides a smooth skiing surface and extends the popular ski season.

Click here to book Auli Snow Skiing Tour Package!

For those who are looking for an offbeat options for places to visit near Auli. A short but adventurous trek of 3km will land you at the mysterious Gurso Bugyal.  The trail passes through the valleys between the mountains of Nanda Devi, Trishul and Dron. The views of these majestic mountains while walking along the nature trails is truly majestic! 

During the spring season, the region transforms into a huge green carpet under your feet and the clear blue sky over your head. Rising at a level of 3056m above sea level, it is decked up in pine, oak, rhododendron and conifer. Being just 1.5km from the last stop of the Auli Ropeway, it is an easy travel up to this gorgeous meadow which should definitely be on your list of places to visit in Auli.

A majestic peak nestled in the quaint hill station of Auli, Nanda Devi is renowned as the Goddess of Himalayas. Counted among the many popular UNESCO sites, it is the second tallest peak in India flaunting the surreal backdrops of Garhwal. It stands at an altitude of 7817 meters above the sea level and lures the visitors with its awe-inspiring views.

The peak is surrounded by Nanda Devi National Park where one can bask in nature’s glory and catch the bewitching sight of exotic flora and fauna. Nanda Devi mountain range has two peaks including Western and Eastern peaks. While the eastern peak is named after Goddess Nanda, the western peak is popularly known as Sunanda Peak.

Apart from its natural splendour, the place has also gained massive popularity for its religious significance. Nandadevi is hailed as the Goddess of Uttarakhand and abode of Lord Shiva, which is why it is frequented by a large number of devotees.

This Himalayan beauty is equally popular among adventure enthusiasts and travel buffs for its enthralling trekking routes and serene villages which provide the much-needed relaxation after a hectic day of sightseeing. The 55 Km trek to Nanda Devi flags off from the beautiful town of Lata, takes you through Dharansi Pass, Debrugheta, and Hitoli, and ends at Joshimath.

During the trek, you will get an opportunity to interact with the natives of Himalayas and learn about their lifestyle and culture. You will also get to see the confluence of sacred rivers Nandaprayag, Rudraprayag, and Devprayag.

Connecting the hill stations of Joshimath and Auli, Auli Ropeway is one of the tops draws when it comes to the topnotch places to visit in Auli. The highest and the longest ropeway in India after the one at Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir, it covers an approximate distance of 4km and presents the traveller with gaping views of the snowy valleys and verdant meadows below. Also called ‘Gondola’, it travels at a height of 3,010m above sea level. 

Walk into this stunning watershed of crystal clear blue waters, the lake of Chattarkund is located just minutes ahead of Gurso Bugyal. 

This fairytale place of picturesque views will enchant you to no end as it will enchant you with its peace and serenity. Put this place on your map of Auli Sightseeing and feel the calm and placid landscape.

In the Garhawal Himalayas, there are still some areas which are virgin and unexplored. One such trail is the one that will lead you to Chenab Lake. It is here that you can embark on serene and stunning trekking roads; it is especially perfect for those adventurists who love the company of untouched nature. 

The area is off the beaten track and is almost inaccessible by motor vehicles or bikes. The best way to experience the untouched beauty of its serene nature is to start off on a trek of the valley or set up camp amidst the greenery.

Location: Auli, Uttarakhand

Best time to visit:  Between May to October

Being such a coveted destination in terms of Skiing in India, it is imperative that Auli has resorts that can provide accommodation to ski enthusiasts visiting this place during the peak months of tourism here. That is what Auli Ski Resort provides here every year. 

Amongst all the major peaks of the Himalayan range, Trishul is one of the most famous and challenging climbs for an avid trekker or trekking enthusiast. Looked from a distance, the beauty of Trishul along with the other mountain peaks in this range, is simply breathtaking and its pristine beauty draws tourists from all over the world.

Climbing Trishul is not an easy task as it is mainly accomplished by experienced climbers.

Treks to the summit of mt Trishul are held every year and experienced guides will lead you. Although it is highly recommended that seasoned trekkers and not beginners attempt this herculean trek.  For a nature lover,  marveling at this majestic mountain during sunrise or sunset is a pure thrill.

Best season to visit: Ascending Mt Trishul is viable in the months of July, August and September. 

Among the famous trekking tourist places in Auli, Kwani Bugyal is situated 3,350 metres above sea level and is a haven for the lovers of the adventure sport. The place is a popular destination among tourists during the summer months when hundreds of them visit the region for trekking.

Shaildhar is a popular tourist place to visit in Auli due to the presence of a hot spring about 3 km from it. It is a hamlet at a distance of 15 km from the town of Auli and lies on the Joshimath road. The village offers great cultural exposure to the tourists and poses as a dainty tourist attraction in Auli.

Located amidst the second highest peak in India, Nanda Devi,  is the outstanding Nanda Devi National park with houses some of the most spectacular species of high altitude flora and fauna in the region.

Blessed with stunning views, mountainous atmosphere, abundant greenery and rich biodiversity this national park stands out from other wildlife sanctuaries. UNESCO has awarded the Nanda Devi National Park the title of a world heritage site. From the park you can marvel at the views of The Valley of Flowers, Badrinath Temple and the Hem kumb Sahib Temple.

Best season to visit: Between the months of April to June. Other months witness severe snow and heavy rainfall. 

Land of the famous man-eater killed by Jim Corbett in 1925, Rudraprayag is among the major places to visit in Auli. Located at a short distance from other popular places in the state of Uttarakhand, including Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun, Rudraprayag is a famous spot for trekkers travelling up to Kedarnath.

A beautiful town in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, Nandaprayag is among the most wonderful tourist places in Auli and around. Situated at the sacred confluence of Mandakini and Alaknanda river, the destination is equally important to religious and spiritual travellers.

A 3-kilometre trek from Tapovan, Bhavishya Badri is home to one among the 5 Badri temples, Bhavishya Badri, and is regarded among the highly revered places to visit in Auli. Proximately 23 kilometres from Joshimath, the temple sits at an elevation of 2,744 metres above sea level.

Located a short distance from Joshimath, Vanshinarayan Kalpeshwar is another popular place to visit in Auli which is of interest to both generals as well as spiritual travellers. The area’s primary attraction is the Kalpeshawar temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva which sits atop a height of 2,200 metres in the heart of the panoramic Urgam Valley.

Vridh Badri Temple is a part of the Badrinath trek, which makes it a sacred and spiritual tourist place in Auli. On the way to Kalpeshwar Mahadev Temple, this blissful place is about 8 km from Joshimath.

Ideally placed in the mountains, Auli is also the base town to travel to the holy town of Vishnuprayag, where one can clearly see the two tributaries of Alaknanda and Dahuliganga merging together to form one single river. Vishnupruyag is actually one of the five places (Panchprayag) where the river meets its sister tributaries before transforming into the mighty Ganga River. 

Vishnuprayag lies in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand and is located at an elevation of 1,372m above sea level. At the banks of this majestic sight, one can also see a famous Vishnu temple that was built by the Maharani of Indore way back in 1889. You can spend hours here as you marvel the confluence point of these two water bodies which appear clearly in distinct colours. 

This sight bordered by the tall Hiamalayan mountains and meadows is indeed a must visit on Auli Sigtseeing tour as it is just about 25km away! In the vicinity, you can also be charmed by the sight of the Kagbhusandi Lake, which is a stunning water body filled with emerald green water.

Trekking in the snow comes with a lot of perks, especially for adventure lovers, the endless meadows of blankets of snow prove to be a fun challenge.

You begin the Gurson and Auli Trekking Expedition on a spiritual note as you drive through the holy towns of Haridwar, Rishikesh and along Ganges. The experience includes sauntering off for a trek to charming Parsari Village, ambling through the apple orchards, getting a glimpse of Nanda Devi, making way along snow covered meadows with great Himalayas ahead of you and unravelling the hot springs at Tapovan.

Approximate Price: 9000 - 10,000 INR.

Best season to visit: The months between January to March .