Auli A place to ski

Snow covered slopes of Auli offers a wonderful view of the Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi, Kamet, Nanga Parvat and Dunagiri. Spending time in Auli can be a relaxing experience, away from the hectic pace of the city life and if one is inclined towards outdoor activity then there is nothing like the ski slopes that beckon you.

by REPORTER@DAYAFTERINDIA.COM

Auli, the winter sport destination, is nestled in the peak of Garhwal hills at a height of nearly 3000 metres with a vertical drop of 500 metres in the Chamoli district of Uttaranchal. The place is known for skiing more than anything else. The natural beauty of attracts tourists almost round the year. Auli attracts tourism by conducting skiing festivals. National Championships in the months of February and March are organized by the Winter Games Federation of India.

Auli Attractions: Skiing: Skiing is the major tourist attraction. Auli skiing resort was set up here by Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam to promote Auli as a skiing destination. All the facilities for skiing are available here on hire. You just have to be here to enjoy the fun. Not just that, for people interested in skiing but do not know how to begin with, GMVN organises skiing courses here, ranging from 2 days to 14 days.

Other Attractions: Gurso Bugyal is just 3 kilometres from Auli. Gurso is a huge beautiful meadow spread out and blessed with picture like beauty by nature. The place has mixed forest type, oak and conifer, and is 3056 metres above the sea level. One of the best way to come here is via ropeway.

While on trip to Gurso Bugyal, just a kilometre ahead is Chattrakund which you can easily include in your trip. In the centre of jungle is this sweet water lake called Chattrakund, the lake is small yet the view of a small beautiful lake is like a scene out fairy tale.

Joshimath is just 16 kilometers from Auli and rich with attractions. The place has ancient temples which date back to as long as 8th century, when spiritual leader, Adi guru Shankaracharya. Joshimath is also the base camp and gateway to Badrinath and the world famous ‘Valley of Flowers’.

Bhavishya Badri is one of the five Badri shrines in the region. Bhavishya Badri is worshipped here at three kilometres from Tapovan. It is an on foot journey, in the middle of the dense deodar forest to the shrine of Bhavishya Badri.

The best time to visit Auli for the adventurers is at its best in winters. The snow on the steep slopes makes the spectacular ground for skiing. Skiers from far and away throng Auli from late November to late March. In the months of February and March, Auli often hosts the National Winter Games. In a planned move, the Government and local authorities have involved the local Garhwali people to explore the slopes that rightfully belong to them.

HOW TO GET THERE

By Air- The nearest airport from Auli is Jolly Grant, Dehradun, 279 kms from here. Flights from Delhi are available.

By Rail- The nearest railway station from Auli is Haridwar which is 273 kms from here. Trains are available for major cities.

By Road - The best way to come to Auli is to come to Joshimath via Rishikesh. Joshimath is just 16 kms from Auli. Regular taxis ply between Joshiamth and Auli. The road journey is laid with beautiful sights on the way.