15 Places To Visit In Auli: Unlocking Auli's Beauty

March 14, 2024

Hill stations are a crowd-pleaser when it comes to vacation plans and travel itineraries. The splendid views and places to visit in Auli are right in place for those who have a heart for the hills! This hill station, nestled in the snowy laps of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, is among the best places to visit in winter in India owing to its verdant coniferous forests and hills. 

If you've been planning a respite from the fast-moving scenes of the city, this Himalayan retreat might be the elixir of your rejuvenation. Here are our picks for the top 15 attractions in Auli that deserve your patronage and visit:

1. Gurso Bugyal – The Idyllic Meadows

Start off with a trekking location for those who look forward to hill stations for the breathtaking hikes. Gurso Bugyal is a 3-kilometer trail consisting of dense oaks and conifers. This valley passes through the Naina Devi, Dron, and Trishul mountains. 

With its sprawling green meadows and frosty temperatures to catch the Auli snow, this is a perfect spot for those who enjoy a fair share of walks and physical activities during their hill station visit.

Location: Auli Laga Salude in Uttarakhand
Travel timing: 20 minutes
Things to do: Hiking, walks, picnics.

Also Read: 35 Best Places To Visit In March In India 2024

2. Auli Ropeway – The Hills From High Above

When it comes to essential things to do in Auli or any other hill station, ropeways and cable car rides rank at the very top. At an elevation of 3056 meters above sea level, the Auli ropeway is one of the best ways to enjoy the shrinking landscape beneath. 

These are called gondolas locally, starting from Joshimath and ending at Auli, and is indisputably one of the best Auli things to do.

Location: Ropeway trail, Joshimath in Uttarakhand
Travel timing: 9 to 10 minutes
Things to do: Enjoy the ropeway ride, photography

Also Read: 30 Best Places To Visit In India In January For A Memorable Experience

3. Kwani Bugyal –Nature's Own Garden

The Bugyals of Uttarakhand are sprawling meadows and pastures known as "nature's gardens." The Kwani Bugyal is no different. At 3380 meters above sea level, this is one of the most frequented Auli tourist attractions for viewing the Naina Devi peak and the Dunagiri mountains. If you love hiking, trekking, and camping, these nature gardens will be some of the most inviting places for you!

Location: Around 13 kilometres from Auli
Travel timing: 13 minutes
Things to do: Camping, Hiking, trekking, picnics

Also Read: 35 Best Wedding Destinations in India for Your Dream Celebration

4. Trishul Peak – The Snowy Ring

Hill station visits remain incomplete without visiting the hills and mountains around which they're formed. The Trishul Peak is formed from the three different Himalayan peaks from the Kumaon range and is one of the most frequented Auli sightseeing places. It forms a magnificent ring around the Naina Devi Sanctuary in the southwest corner, which makes it the best view from Kausani.

Location: Gharwal region, Auli in Uttarakhand
Travel timing: 2 hours
Things to do: Trekking, Mountain climbing, photography

Also Read: 55 Best Places To Visit In North India With All Tourist Attractions

5. Rudraprayag – The Great Confluence

As a part of the Panch Prayag, the Rudraprayag ranks high in the most coveted Auli places to see, especially for those interested in Hindu mythology and ethos. 

Undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Auli, this river is a part of the convergence of the rivers Vishnuprayag, Karnaprayag, Devprayag and Nandaprayag. 

Location: Auli, Uttarakhand
Travel timing: 3 and a half hours
Things to do: See the confluence, photography

Also Read: Explore The 30 Best Honeymoon Places in India in December

6. Joshimath – Terrific Trek

At an elevation of 6150 meters above sea level, Joshimath, also called Jyotirmath, is a town in the Chamoli District of Gharwal. The town gets its name from the four "maths" that Adi Guru Sri Shankaracharya founded near it. It is a frequently visited town near Auli Hill station and is a religious pilgrimage site. It is also known for its hiking trails that are widely connected, which makes it ideal for trekking.

Location: Joshimath in Chamoli District
Travel timing: 30 minutes
Things to do: Religious pilgrimage, trekking, hiking

Also Read: 30 Most Romantic Places In The World

7. Nandaprayag – The Panch Prayag

Another part of the Panch Prayag, the Nandaprayag and Rudraprayag, forms the famous river confluence. If you plan to visit places in Auli, make sure this river is on your list! 

You wouldn't want to miss seeing the gurgling foam of the five rivers as they crash and meet near the mountains. Auli sightseeing is truly incomplete without this mystical view of the Panch Prayag rivers.

Location: Chamoli, Uttarakhand
Travel timing: 1 hour
Things to do: Photography, spiritual healing

Also Read: 30 Best Places To Visit In December In India

8. Chenab Lake – Frozen Reservoir

This is an artificial lake that functions as a water reservoir in Auli. Despite being an artificial lake, the Chenab Lake is no less striking than the surrounding coniferous forests. Visits to the lake are often included in some of the best Uttarakhand tour packages, which proves its aesthetic value.

Location: 28 kilometers from Joshimath
Travel timing: 5 hours
Things to do: Boating, picnic, photography

Also Read: 30 Best Places to Visit in November in India You Must Visit

9. Narsingh Temple – The Half Lion Half Human

The Narasingh is a quintessential part of Hindu mythology and iconography. It is part lion and part human, and this Auli destination is in honor of the Narasingh lore. 

It also goes by the name of Narsingh Bandri Temple and is the ideal Auli place to visit for those who are spiritually inclined.

Location: Joshimath
Travel timing: 1 hour
Things to do: Offer prayers, photography

Also Read: 30 Best Places To Visit In October In India

10. Chattrakund – Frozen Waters

This small lake is definitely one of the better places to visit in Auli in December, owing to the quiet and serene surroundings that make it perfect for enjoying the frozen landscape of winter. This installation is perfect for your itinerary if you enjoy quiet and sparse destinations.

Location: Joshimath
Travel timing: half an hour
Things to do: Photography, picnic, boating

Also Read: 20 Best Snowfall Places In India You Must Visit (2024)

11. Nanda Devi Peak – The Ice Jewel

Any Auli trip package is incomplete without a visit to the Nanda Devi peak. It is one of the most prominent Himalayan peaks in Auli and is the 23rd tallest Himalayan peak overall. Hence, it's no wonder that this is one of the best visiting places in Auli. If you enjoy trekking, mountain climbing, or the view of the snowy hills at daybreak, the sight of the Nanda Devi peak is sure to be a part of your core memory.

Location: TCP Market in Joshimath
Travel timing: 9 to 12 days
Things to do: trekking, Hill climbing, Hikes, Photography

Also Read: 30 Best Hill Stations in India You Must Visit

12. Saildhar Tapowan – Hot Spring Oasis

The best Auli tour packages include Shaildhar because of the numerous hot springs that populate its vicinity. Hot springs in a hill station are like finding an oasis in a desert! Take a plunge in the hot pools to thaw your freezing bones in among the most coveted places to visit in February in India

Hot springs are always a great place to bond in various cultures, so you might find this spot included in many honeymoon destinations in India in low budget.

Location: Joshimath Road
Travel timing: 3 hours
Things to do: Bathe in hot springs, trek

Also Read: 15 Best Places To Visit In Summer In India

13. Vridh Badri Temple – A Spiritual Reroute

This is another important spiritual location in Auli, located on the Badrinath Trek. It is located 8 kilometers from Joshimath and falls on the way to the Vanshinarayan Kalpeshwar. If you're visiting Kalpeshwar, it might be a great idea to visit the Vridh Badri temple on the way and enjoy the trek as you go! 

Often, temple visits are included as detours from other hill stations. Check out the best packages for more spiritual reroutes in your travels.

Location: Auli Road In Joshimath
Travel timing: 1 Hour
Things to do: trek, offer prayers

Also Read: Best Places To Visit In India In April

14. Vanshinarayan Kalpeshwar – Myths and Spirits

This temple worships Lord Shiva and is a place where devotees and believers frequently visit. This is located in Joshimath and is at 2200 meters above sea level. When it comes to Auli's best places to visit, this is one for the folx who enjoy a spiritual turn on their trips.

Location: Helang Village
Travel timing: 2 Hours
Things to do: Offer Prayers, learn about Hindu mythology

Also Read: 30 Best Places to Visit in September in India

15. Bhavishya Badri – Where Vishnu Rests

As the name suggests, this is the site of the Badri temples in Auli. At a height of 2744 meters above sea level, this is another place of pilgrimage and spirituality. According to Hindu beliefs, this temple is considered the future resting place or seat of Badrinath or Lord Vishu. 

Location: Subhai
Travel timing: 1 day
Things to do: Pilgrimage, sightseeing

Best Time To Visit Auli

Hill stations welcome travelers and tourists all year round. Some may prefer the mild temperatures of Auli in summer to escape the heat while others may prefer to see the snowy sheets covering the whole landscape during the winter months. Depending on your preference, here's how each season can affect your visit:

Summers (From March to June)

The weather is temperate during these months, with the temperature at a comfortable range of 11 to 15 degrees Celsius. This is the ideal time for engaging in activities like hiking, camping, sightseeing, and more because the temperatures are not so cold that it's hazardous to engage in these activities. Most honeymoon packages in India include trips to Auli during this time.

Monsoon (From July to October)

These are the months when there is heavy rainfall, which can sometimes make traveling difficult due to roadblocks and slippery conditions that can sometimes be hazardous. However, tip rates are significantly lower during this time, which can be a great trade-off. Temperatures around this time range from 9 to 12 degrees.

Winters ( From November to February)

These are the months of snowfall when temperatures can drop down to -8 degrees Celsius. This is the perfect time for those people who love braving colder temperatures and enjoy snowfall. During this time Auli is one of the Best Places to Enjoy Snowfall in February in India

For more places with snowfall, the Best Places To Visit In Uttarakhand is also worth checking out.

How to Reach Auli

Depending on where you're traveling from, there can be various options when making a trip to Auli. Sometimes, Auli can also be included in detours from other hill station trips, such as Uttarakhand tour packages. Here are three easy-to-reach Auli:

By air 

The Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun is closest to Auli. From there, taking a cab or bus to Auli is best. This is one of the fastest ways to reach Auli if you prefer convenience, and depending on where you're traveling from, it can be as quick as a few hours.

By road

Taking the road to hill stations is also popular among many travelers. However, this is mostly viable during summer and not advisable during monsoon or winter. Depending on where you start, you'll find road tour routes to Auli in the best tour packages in India.

By railways

The Rishikesh Railway is located the closest to Auli and is well connected to most other railway networks. The railway is certainly one of the more scenic routes to Auli, crossing numerous landscapes and villages along the way. From Rishikesh onwards, you'll have to take a taxi or a bus to Auli, which will also have scenic quotes, lush green coniferous forests, and a noticeable transition from the cityscape to the hills.

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