Things to do in Auli

Skiing, Camping, Ropeway Ride, Trekking, Visiting Nanda Devi National Park, Joshimath, Trishul Peak, Hiking, Shopping at the local market, and many more. 

Auli is a picturesque ski destination in the Garhwal region of the Indian state, Uttarakhand. This whimsical little town looks like a page from the fairy tale with thick blankets of snow, dense coniferous forests, and unobstructed views of Nanda Devi and Nar Parvat mountains in the background. 

Trekking to the Himalayan peaks through snow, coniferous jungles, pastures and meadows make this magical snow land bustle with nature lovers and adventure seekers. Of all the activities to do in Auli, skiing and ropeway ride top the list for their thrill, adventure, and fun factor. Other activities like nature walks, birding tours, camping, and food tours ensure that one will never be left out for choices on what to do in Auli.

Here are the Best things to do in Auli:

1. Skiing in Auli:

Located at an elevation of about 2500 - 3000 meters above mean sea level, Auli is one of the world’s best skiing destinations in the world. The expansive snow blankets, and high slopes that rise to an altitude of 3 km along with the strong winds boost up the thrill quotient of skiing in Auli. However, novice ski lovers can also indulge in skiing in Auli.

The best time to enjoy skiing and other snow-related things to do in Auli is during the winter months from December to February. However, an artificial lake has been constructed in Auli to feed snow guns so that the tourists can enjoy snow skiing all through the year.

Best season to visit: January to March

Approximate Price: Price of accommodation in ski lodges and rental of skiing equipment can cost around 6000 INR to 22000 INR

2. Auli Artificial Lake:

Known to be one of the highest man-made lakes in the world, the Auli Artificial Lake was built by the government to provide for snow when the snowfall by the season was scanty for skiing purposes. Apart from that, the lake obviously also has a scenic purpose.

The mere presence of the lake in the region makes it all the more beautiful. Whether it is covered in snow in the winters, or is surrounded by a green landscape in the summers, the lake is one of the best spots in the region to spend some time with your loved ones, or even with your own self. And one of the best things to do in Auli is to spend time watching a sunset from the lake. Imagine the sun going down over some of the highest peaks of the country

Location- Near Clifftop Club Auli, Uttarakhand

Best Season to Visit- Throughout the year

Distance from Auli- 5 km

3. Kuari Pass Trek:

The alpine meadows and majestic snow-capped mountains of Kuari Pass have been attracting trekkers and backpackers alike from around the world for decades. Although it’s only at an altitude of 12,000 ft it makes up for it with unparalleled stunning views. Apart from endless blankets of snow you will come across thickets of grand green forests.

Originating in Joshimath, a meeting point for many, the path gives you a brief stopover at Devaprayag, before it gradually ascends to take you to heights that end with a breathtaking view of the Mt. Nanda Devi summit in all its glory. Abound with tributaries of the Ganges, dense mountain forests, and a meaningful interaction with the local tribes. 

Best season to visit: The best time to do the Kauri trek is in the winter months from November to January.

Approximate Price: 700 INR to 8000 INR

4. Visit Nanda Devi National Park:

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. 

You can also checkout Nanda Devi East Base Camp Trek.

5. Ropeway Ride:

Ropeway Ride is the second most thrilling activities to do in Auli after snow skiing. This is also the second-longest and highest cable car ride in Asia after Gulmarg. This cable car ride from Auli GMVN Clifftop to Joshimath offers amazing views of Nanda Devi peak and Sanjivani Parvat.

The astounding views of the landscape below and the majestic Himalayan ranges are a sight to behold. This enthralling ride also lets one witness the flora and fauna of the Nanda Devi forest from a bird's eye view.

Approximate Price: Price for cable car is around 750 INR and for the chair lift is around 300 INR.

6. Camping in Auli:

Who wouldn’t love waking up to the stunning views of the towering majestic snow-capped mountains of the Himalayan range, abundant greenery and the fresh crisp air of Auli? Camping in Auli is ideal for large groups and should be experienced during the summer when meadows of snow are converted into lush greenlands. 

During the day enthrall in a plethora of fun activities or engage in a refreshing trek or hike. End your eventful day while you set up camp amidst nature’s best and warm yourself by a bonfire and dig into a scrumptious dinner before you retire into cozy tents under the starry sky.

Best season to visit: Summer months between March to June

Approximate Price: 8000 INR - 9000 INR

7. Visit Joshimath:

A quaint town located in the Chamoli District, Joshimath is a famous and frequently visited pilgrimage destination in the country. This town sees a steady influx of Hindu and Sikh worshippers flocking to the stunning temples of Badrinath and Hem Kundh during the months of May to October.

Joshimath also serves as the base or starting point for the famous Valley of Flowers Trek, Kuari Pass Trek and Auli hence attracted tonnes of adventure enthusiasts all year round. 

The town is home to a few hotels and Dharamshala to provide a retreat for tired travelers.

Although there isn’t much to catch in this laid-back town it’s a cable car ride away from Auli. 

Best season to visit: Between the months of April - May, and September - November.

8. Auli Gorson Trek:

Auli Gorson Trek is one of the most enchanting treks from Auli to Gorson Bugyal. Gorson has verdant pastures and tall coniferous trees like alpine, oak, and deodar that are decked with a variety of colorful wildflowers. The trail is filled with scenic views that will double the fun of your trekking experience.

The unobstructed views of the Nanda Devi peak is an extra perk that one gets during this trek. The Auli Gorson Trek extends for just about 3 km and on reaching Gorson Bugyal, one can camp or glamp (glamorous camping) in the lap of Nature. Auli is full of surprises that you will never have to think twice about what to do in Auli.

Location- Gorson Bugyal, Auli Laga Salude, Uttarakhand

Best season to visit - Throughout the year except for July and August

Distance from Auli- 4.7 km

Price- INR 9000/- to 10000/-

9. Visit Trishul Peak:

The three Himalayan mountain peaks of western Kumaun namely Trishul I, Trishul II and Trishul III form the whole Trishul peak. The trek up the Trishul Peak is physically challenging; however, the soul-stirring views of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges around are rewarding.

It takes about a couple of hours to visit the Trishul Peak and the best time to view the peak in its full glory is during the winter months from November to March. Visiting the Trishul Peak is unquestionably one of the no-miss things to do in Auli.

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

10. Hike to Kwani Bugyal:

For the trekking enthusiasts questioning what to do in Auli, a trek from Joshimath to Kwani Bugyal is the answer. Kwani Bugyal is located at an elevation of about 3380 meters above the mean sea level and is the perfect trekking destination. The trekking trail Joshimath-Auli-Gurso Bugyal-Kwani Bugyal is easy even for the first-timers and the views of Nanda Devi and Dunagiri mountain ranges from Kwani Bugyal are sure to steal one's heart.

The trekking trail from Gurso Bugyal to Kwani Bugyal is covered with green pastures and tall oak trees that makes the trek a true feast to eyes and soul. At Kwani, one can also enjoy camping. The best time to visit Kwani Bugyal is from June to September.

Best Season to visit: June to September

Distance from Auli: 12 Km

11. Stroll Around Chenab Lake:

Lying placidly amidst the towering Garhwal Himalayan mountain ranges in Dang village, Chenab Lake is one of the very few offbeat places in Uttarakhand where Nature still exists in its virgin form. Many popular trekking trails have Chenab Lake as their origin. The list of things to do in Auli is incomplete with a stroll around crystal clear waters of the lake.

The surrounding mountain ranges, calm and pleasant ambiance and the lush greenery make Chenab Lake one of the most alluring places in India to pitch your tent and camp under the blanket of stars. However, exercise caution while visiting this lake as there is no proper, motorable road to this lake.

12. Visit Chattrakund Lake:

Chattrakund Lake is a small sweet water lake that is situated at a distance of about 4 km from Auli in the middle of a jungle. The clear waters of the lake reflect the blue sky on sunny days and look breathtakingly beautiful. The lake is easily accessible by road and one can spend hours lazing around it.

If you are a couple honeymooning in Auli and wondering what to do in Auli, visiting this romantic Chattrakund Lake will definitely be a scintillating experience. The lake lies at an altitude of about 3300 m above mean sea level and hence adventure seekers can trek up to this lake to appease their thrill quest.

Distance from Auli: 4 km

13.Go Bird Watching:

One of the most euphoric activities to do in Auli is to go on a bird watch tour. Auli and its neighbourhoods like Govindghat, Pandukeshwar, and Joshimath form the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.

The region is surrounded by dense alpine forests which is home to a number of native Himalayan birds like doves, eagles, tits, jays, woodpeckers, spotted nutcrackers, and sunbirds and exotic birds like Redstart, Finch, Thrush, Himalayan Griffon, Grey Bushchat, and many others. The best time to go birding in Auli is during the summer months (April and May) after the snow has cleared.

Best Season to visit: March to June

14. Shopping at the Local Market:

Being a snow skiing destination, Auli has several shops selling ski equipment. Apart from that, the shopping options in Auli are modest. However, those want to enjoy shopping as one of the things to do in Auli, can head to Joshimath Market. Joshimath is located 13 km away from Auli and is dotted with shops selling woollen caps, shawls, warm clothes, artefacts, and souvenirs.

15. Enjoy the Local Cuisine:

Going for a food tour in Auli is one of the enjoyable activities to do in Auli to savour the local cuisine. Auli is famous for delectable Garhwali cuisine in which a variety of dals, leafy vegetables, and rice dominate the menu. The traditional meat dish available currently is the Kachmauli (stuffed goat seasoned with mustard oil, chilly, and turmeric).

Other local delicacies of Auli include Bal Mithai ( a popular local sweet), Singhori ( a cone-shaped sweet wrapped in Malu Leaf) and many more. Head to GMVN Complex, Hariyali Restaurant, Roxy Restaurant, Pindari, and Cliff Top Resort to relish authentic Garhwali cuisine.