The Northern part of India has to offer one of the most beautiful places with picturesque views, which literally is a slice of heaven on earth. In the Chamoli district of <a href="https://universaladventures.in/state/Uttarakhand" target="_blank">Uttarakhand</a>, there is this mesmerizing hill station – Auli. This place is surrounded by the majestic Himalayas and lies in the mid-way of other beautiful holy destinations like Badrinath Dham and Hemkund Sahib. Being one of the most scenic hill stations in the Himalayas, it has enthralled tourism across the country. With the spectacular scenic beauty of the snow-peaked mountains and tall pine trees, this place could turn out to be a paradise for adventure lovers. It has gained a lot of popularity in recent years as a skiing spot in India. In fact, <a href="https://universaladventures.in/city/Auli" target="_blank">Auli</a> is considered one of the best spots for skiing in the world. The nearest airport to reach Auli is <a href="https://universaladventures.in/city/Dehradun" target="_blank">Dehradun</a>, and the rest of the journey needs to be done by road. It takes approximately five hours from Dehradun to Auli.&nbsp;

One of the best outdoor activities in Auli could be to camp. It offers an unforgettable experience for a lifetime - with a bonfire, local food, a night under the stars, and waking up to a beautiful sunset! The camping experience comes with other exciting adventure activities such as village visits, horse riding, hiking, trekking, drifting, etc. All of these activities are performed under the guidance of the experts. There are several locations where one could set up a camp and they could use a cab or private car to reach the spot. One of the most popular campsites is Auli Woods. It was set up by a mountaineer and skiing champion on the mountainside of Auli. This campsite is open from April to January.
 
Traveler information:
<ul>
 <li>Best time to camp: May – October</li>
 <li>Duration: 1 - 2 days &nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Another fun activity in Auli could be to treat your eyes with the variety of birds that could be seen there. The higher regions of Uttarakhand are sure to be a delight for a bird lover. Birds start moving in and around the area when the snow slowly starts melting. One could witness rarest species such as the Himalayan Monal, Himalayan Griffon Vulture, and other birds such as eagles, jays, nutcrackers, sunbirds, etc. There are special home-stays and lodges for birders that are owned by an Ecotourism Company named Mountain Shepherds. Spending a day close to nature and counting the birds could be an exciting thing to do in Auli.
 
Traveler information:
<ul>
 <li>Best time: April - March</li>
 <li>Duration: Half a day, starting early in the morning</li>
</ul>

Apart from the fun filled adventures, Auli also provides a fulfilling experience of village life. One such experience could be in the little village near Auli, <a href="https://universaladventures.in/city/Joshimath" target="_blank">Joshimath</a>. The charms of this village have encapsulated many visitors in recent times making it one of the most visited places in the state. It is one of the pilgrimage destinations of the Hindus across the country.
One could reach this village by road, either opting for a bus or a car from Auli. This spot is also the base for various treks in the region such as – the Kuari Pass Trek, the <a href="https://universaladventures.in/products/valley-of-flowers-trek" target="_blank">Valley of Flowers Trek</a>. There are a few hotels as well as Dharamshalas providing decent accommodation to visitors. &nbsp;
Traveler information:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Best time: April - May&nbsp;</li>
<li>Duration: Spending a day or two</li>
</ul>

One of the most sought-after religious spots in Auli is the temple of Lord Hanuman. It is believed that the Hindu God Hanuman rested in this temple while searching for the Sanjeevani herb for Lord Laxman. A sacred tourist spot, this temple has to offer magnificent views from the top and is a must-visit on your trip to Aul
 
Traveler information:
<ul>
 <li>Best time to Visit: Throughout</li>
 <li>Duration: 1- 2 hours&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

A fun activity to do in Auli could be to set out on a food tour. Auli has to offer flavourful Garhwali cuisine including a variety of dals, and leaf vegetables. A specialty of the region is “Kachmauli” a traditional meat dish prepared with a delicious stuffing of goat seasoned with mustard oil, chilies, and turmeric. The place also offers special sweet delicacies – Bal mithai which is a very famous sweet and Singhori which is again a sweet in the shape of a cone wrapped in Malu leaf. Some popular food joints to checkout at Auli are Roxy Restaurant, Hariyali Restaurant, Cliff Top Resort, etc.

After having a fun-filled experience with the various adventures in Auli and visiting all the nearby places in Auli, strolling around the local markets could be a great idea. Though there are not a lot of shops in the area, there are a few selling equipment related to skiing and other activities. There is the main market in Joshimath which is about 13 km away from Auli. The shops there will sell other items such as shawls, woolen caps, apparel, etc. Spending an hour or two in the market could be a great way to spend your stay at Auli.
 
Traveler information:
<ul>
 <li>Duration: Max 2 hours (depends)</li>
</ul>

A mystical town near Auli to calm your senses is Rudra Pragya. It is a major spot of religious significance to visit. It is considered one of the five Pragyas (Panch Pragyas) situated at the convergence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers. The atmosphere of the place makes it ideal for relaxing and connecting to the self. The place derives its name from the Hindu mythological figure, Lord Shiva (Rudra, one of his names), who is believed to have appeared in this place. The mesmerizing views of the town pave the way for significant pilgrimages to <a href="https://universaladventures.in/travel-guide/things-to-do-at-badrinath" target="_blank">Badrinath</a> and <a href="https://universaladventures.in/city/Kedarnath" target="_blank">Kedarnath</a>. Other places to trek nearby from Rudraprayag include Chopta and Tungnath.
 
Traveler information:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Best time to Visit: March – November&nbsp;</li>
<li>Duration: a stay for 1 or 2 days</li>
</ul>

Auli is undoubtedly a major tourist destination in the Northern part of Uttrakhand. Though there is no restriction on visiting this place any time of the year, the best time to visit is definitely from December to January. The best way to reach Auli is through the nearest airport in Dehradun or a train to <a href="https://universaladventures.in/city/Rishikesh" target="_blank">Rishikesh</a> and then travel for 250kms more by cab to Auli. The deep winter skies and the scenic beauty of Auli are bound to calm your senses.&nbsp;

If there’s something you cannot miss while in Auli it has to be Skiing. It is one of the major tourist attractions of the place. The geographical location of the place makes it quite an ideal ground for skiing - the 11000 feet height, the snow-bedded grounds and the winds blowing across the mountains make it easier for the skier. The best time as mentioned is during the months from November to February because the region experiences a good amount of snowfall during winters. This place has also gained quite a lot of recognition (both nationally and internationally). It hosted the first SAF Winter Games in 2011 and other national festivals and competitions. The next time you plan your trip to Auli make sure you do not miss out on this rip-roaring experience – all you need to do is just fasten yourself to the ski board and take off!!
 
Traveller information:
<ul>
 <li>Best Time for Skiing in Auli: November – February</li>
 <li>Approximate time required: 2 – 2.5 hours</li>
</ul>

The unparalleled beauty across the endless blanket of snow as well as the lush green forest is a major attraction for trekkers from different parts of the world. The extreme height of the <a href="https://universaladventures.in/products/kuari-pass-trek" target="_blank">Kauri pass trek</a> (about 12000 ft above sea level) makes it a little tough for beginners. However, the incredible view from the top makes it worth the adventure. The trekkers begin from Joshimath and end with a stunning view of the Nanda Devi mountain summit.&nbsp;
 Traveler information:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Best Time to trek: November - January&nbsp;</li>
<li>Duration of the trek: 2 hours</li>
</ul>

Roasted at an extreme elevation from the sea, the government created this lake for creating artificial snow on the new ski slopes when there is low snowfall. The water from this lake is a source of the snow-making machines that are installed to improve snow cover. Here you can experience a rare site of snowfall in the months of monsoon and summer. It is situated near the Cliff Top Auli (a well-known hotel in Auli) and one needs to do a short trek from there to Auli Lake. One could also opt for cable cars that are available from Joshimath and witness a seamless view of the town of Auli.
 
Traveller information:
<ul>
 <li>Best Time to Visit the Auli Lake: January – March</li>
 <li>Approximate time: 1 hour</li>
 <li>Famous For: Highest man made lake&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

A vast stretch of meadow covered with lush green pasture land, the trail of Gurson Bugyal trek crosses the mountains of Nanda Devi, Dron, and Trishul. It is a 3 km trek from Auli which could be reached through ropeway or by road. From Joshimath ropeway is accessible to the last tower from which Gurson Bugyal is only 1.5 km away. Another option could be trekking upwards from Auli to Gurson Bugyal. This place offers beautiful and breathtaking views of the Trishul Peak to the South and a range of the snow-peaked Shivaliks. It could be a short yet adventurous trek witnessing a variety of flora and fauna.
 
Traveler information:
<ul>
 <li>Best time to Trek: During the Spring Season</li>
 <li>Duration: 4 – 6 hours&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

The inaccessibility of this national park has kept its beauty intact for years. It was acknowledged as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in the year 1988. This is one of the most famous bio reserves in the country, offering scenic views of a variety of flora and fauna. The extremely cold temperature during the months of November till April requires this reserve to be shut down for visitors. However, from mid-June to mid-September it becomes a pleasant destination for tourists. This entire region is divided into two parts with the Inner area comprising Uttrari Rishi glacier and Dakshini Rishi glacier. The Outer area comprises the basins of Trishul glacier and Ramani glacier. Inside the park, the visitors are allowed only after prior permission from the authorities of Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Office in Joshimath. They are allowed only to travel in groups of five people along with a registered guide.
 
Traveller information:
<ul>
 <li>Best time: May - October</li>
 <li>Duration: 2 hours</li>
 <li>Famous: World Heritage Site</li>
</ul>

The ropeway of Auli covers a distance of about 4 kms and it runs from Joshimath to Auli. At times when the roads are covered with snow, the ropeway is the only option to get to Auli. It has two cable cars with a capacity of 25 passengers, operating through 10 towers. This ride is popularly known as Gondola. The ropeway gives a nail-biting experience with jaw-dropping views of the Nanda Devi Peak and Sanjivani mountains. The panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges and the lush green valley at the backdrop are some brownies on the ride. One could straightway board a cable car from Joshimath.
 
Traveler information:
<ul>
 <li>Best time to go on a ropeway: October – May</li>
 <li>Famous for: second longest ropeway in Asia after Gulmarg</li>
 <li>Duration of the ropeway: 25 to 30 minutes</li>
</ul>

To reach this peak the best way is to opt for a road till the base camp of the hill and then trek up to the peak. The Trishul Peak is an amalgamation of three famous Himalayan mountain peaks: Trishul I, Trishul II, and Trishul III. These three peaks form the shape of a trident or the Trishul (in Hindi), the weapon of Lord Shiva. This peak encloses the Nanda Devi Sanctuary in the shape of a ring. The trail of this trek is for somewhat experienced trekkers as it is actually rough. The top of this peak promises entailing views of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges. Also, the best view of this peak could be witnessed from Kausani or from a trek to Roopkund.
 
Traveler information:
<ul>
 <li>Best time to trek: November - March</li>
 <li>Duration: 2 – 3 hours</li>
</ul>

About 4kms from the city of Auli is a small sweet water lake named Chattrakhund. It is one of the best places to explore around the city. The emerald, clear water of the lake is situated at a height of about 3300 meters above sea level. Its crystal clear water reflects the blue sky forming a breathtaking view for visitors. The best and easiest way to reach here could be by road or one could even take up a trek to this lake. The calm and soothing beauty beside the water could be an ideal spot for spending some hours on your own or with a group of friends. It could also be a perfect spot to watch sunsets with an orange glow and cotton candy clouds that appear to be very close.
 
Traveler information:
<ul>
 <li>Best time to visit: April - June</li>
 <li>Duration: 2 hours approximately</li>
</ul>

Top 15 Things to do at Auli

India > Uttarakhand > Auli

8 Apr 2026

Explore in Auli

Table of Content