Popularly known as the “mini Switzerland of India”, Auli is a gorgeous hill station perched in the Garhwal hills of Uttarakhand. The hill station is also a renowned destination for Skiing in India. Situated at an elevation of 2800 metres, Auli offers some amazing yet scenic views of nearby mountain ranges, including Nanda devi and Nar Parvat. Also, Auli is the gateway to many famous nearby destinations such as Valley of Flowers, Hemkund Sahib and one of the Char Dham, i.e., Badrinath.
Here are the top 7 places you can visit while you’re in Auli:
1. Gurson Bugyal
A beautiful meadow just a short distance from Auli, Gurson Bugyal is the picture-perfect place for any traveller. It’s a short trek of 3 km from Auli, suitable for beginners, and offers unparalleled views of various mountain ranges such as Nanda devi, Trishul peak and Dron parvat. Gurson Bugyal is also a gateway to many beautiful places, including Kuari Pass, Chattrakund and Kwani Bugyal.
2. Kwani Bugyal
Kwani Bugyal is located 13 km ahead of Gurson Bugyal. It is a lush green meadow bigger than Gurson bugyal. The place is considered a haven for nature lovers and tourists visiting Auli. The best time to visit Kwani Bugyal is in summer, as in winter, it is fully covered with snow. Kwani Bugyal offers some amazing views of snow-covered mountains, including Dronagiri and Nanda devi.
3. Chattrakund
Perched at an elevation of 3300 m, Chattrakund is one of the best places to visit in Auli. It is located just 4 km from Auli and 1 km ahead of Gurson Bugyal. If you’re a nature lover and admire tranquillity, this freshwater lake will leave you blissed. It offers surreal views of nearby mountains in both winter & summer.
4. Auli Lake
Auli lake is the highest artificial lake in India and is one of the best places to visit in Auli. In the summer, you can visit this beautiful lake and admire its turquoise water, which looks magnificent. However, the lake is snow-covered for winter and shines like a beautiful gem above the Ropeway. The purpose of building this man-made lake is that when there is less snow, artificial snow can be generated with the help of this lake, so there is no down winter season for tourists. So if you’re planning an Auli tour, you should definitely explore this lake.
5. Salidhar Tapovan
Salidhar Tapovan has located just 14 km from Auli. It is a small village with a hot water spring and a temple as a major attractions. Surrounded by the coniferous forest and oak trees, Salidhar Tapovan offers 360° views of beautiful mountains. The people of this village are hospitable and friendly. One can explore the cultural tradition and rich handicrafts of this particular region.
6. Valley of flower
Valley of flowers means “Phoolo ki Ghati”. It is an Indian national park established in the 1982 era. Accessible by a 30 km drive from Joshimath, this valley is a wonderland of flowers. In this valley, over 600 species of the flower have bloomed. The sight offers a surreal experience to any tourist visiting the valley of flowers. Not only this, but you’ll also get panoramic views of the mighty Himalayan ranges from this sight. The place can be explored best from July to September as the monsoon makes this valley turn into heaven, with every species of flower grown to its full bloom.
If you love trekking, many organisers like India Thrills, India hikes, trekking the Himalayas and ban banjara offer “Trek to Valley of Flowers”, in which you can participate and get ready to explore this paradise.
7. Badrinath Temple
A religious yet beautiful sight abode to Lord “Vishnu”, Badrinath temple is located around 65 km from Auli. It is a very religious place and one of the Char Dham in Uttarakhand. Every year lakhs of tourists come for Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand, this pilgrimage is considered very sacred, and historians believe that it is a way to get “Moksha” in life. One can also see the mighty snow-covered Himalayan ranges from Badrinath Temple, which looks like a surreal experience. Everyone should visit this place while they’re on their Auli tour.
Whether you’re a nature lover, trekking enthusiast, photographer or a soul who loves adventures, Auli has everything to keep you engaged and entertained. So don’t wait. Get your bags packed and hop on to the Auli for a lifetime vacation.
