Looking for a fun-filled vacation right in the lap of the majestic Himalayas? Then Auli in Uttarakhand will satiate your thirst for adventure. This charming town is soaked in the ethereal beauty of snow-clad mountains and evergreen pine and oak forests. Apart from the scintillating views of this place, there are numerous enthralling activities that you can enjoy. Here’s a list of the fun things you can do in Auli that every kind of traveler must enjoy!
8 Fun Things To Do In Auli
- Skiing On The Snowclad Slopes Of Auli
- Test Your Stamina By Going On A Trek
- Enjoy Stargazing On A Camping Trip
- Witness Enchanting Views Of The Valley From A Cable Car Ride
- Explore The Rich Wildlife At Nanda Devi National Park
- Go For A Nature Walk At Chenab Lake
- Go On A Shopping Spree At The Local Markets
- Relish The Local Cuisine Of Auli
1. Skiing On The Snowclad Slopes Of Auli
One of the most sought-after and fun things to do in Auli is skiing. Just so you know, India has only a handful of ski resorts, and Auli happens to be one of them! The snowclad slopes of this picturesque town have lured skiing enthusiasts into coming here from around the world. And don’t worry if you’ve never tried this sport before. Many freelance skiing instructors can help you learn to ski from scratch!
Without a doubt, one of the most ideal locations for skiing in Auli is the Gorson Reserve Forest. From here, you get views of majestic peaks like Mana Parwat, Hathi Parbat, and Nar Parbat. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or with friends, this is a must-try sport in Auli!
Time Required: 1.5-2 hours.
Average Cost: INR 6,000 to INR 20,000 (depending on the length of your stay)
Best Time For Skiing In Auli: November to February.
2. Test Your Stamina By Going On A Trek
Not a fan of ski boards? No problem, you can explore Auli on foot and still have fun! This charming town offers trekkers the finest Himalayan slopes for a challenging walk. One of the most preferred trekking spots here is Gorson Bugyal. If you choose to take this trek, it’s going to be very picturesque. Lush green meadows, pine and alpine trees, and colorful wildflowers are what you’ll get to experience on this trekking trail.
If you’re looking for a much more challenging trek, head straight to Kuari Pass in Auli. It offers clear and panoramic views of Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Hathi Ghoda, and Neelkanth. If you visit Auli in the winter, you’ll find the trekking trails covered in thick snow and beautiful snow-covered oak trees. Beginners can go for shorter treks at Tali (6 km), Khulara (6 km), and Tapovan (9 km).
Time Required: 3-4 hours (depending on the trekking route you choose and the distance you wish to cover).
Average Cost: INR 8,000 to INR 10,000.
Best Time For Trekking In Auli: Throughout the year, except for the months from June to August.
3. Enjoy Stargazing On A Camping Trip
How would you like to spend a night by the bonfire while gazing at the starry night sky? For an unforgettable experience in Auli, a camping trip is what you need! You can enjoy camping activities during summertime when the snow-covered meadows have thawed into green grasslands. Winter months can be bone-chilling here. But many campers enjoy the pleasure of camping in the cold.
You can play fun games and cook some barbecue dishes to pair with your hot chocolate. The mesmerizing views of the snow-capped mountains create the perfect backdrop for an outdoor activity like this. Before you crash into your cozy tent, don’t forget to lie down and gaze at the wonderful sky filled with tons of stars. It’s truly a sight to behold! Many camps in Auli also offer visitors other activities like trekking and hiking.
Time Required: Overnight.
Average Cost: INR 8,000 to INR 9,000.
Best Time For Camping In Auli: March to June.
4. Witness Enchanting Views Of The Valley From A Cable Car Ride
Don’t miss out on this adventure if you’re looking for fun things to do in Auli! This is the second largest cable car ride all over Asia, with the largest being located in Gulmarg. It covers an overall distance of around 4 km. Joshimath, a picturesque town, is the starting point while Auli is where the journey ends. Your reward is the mesmerizing views of the Nanda Devi Peak and the Sanjivani Parvat.
This cable car ride is from a staggering height of almost 3,010 m above sea level. You can spot many oak and deodar trees and beautiful meadows as the car moves at a speed of 3 m per second. The car can accommodate 25 people at a time. So if you want an activity that your entire family and gang of friends can enjoy, this is it! Who knows, if you’re lucky enough, you might even spot a skiing competition beneath you.
Time Required: 3 hours.
Average Cost: INR 750 per person.
Best Time For Cable Car Ride In Auli: November to February.
5. Explore The Rich Wildlife At Nanda Devi National Park
One of the most biodiverse areas in the world is the Nanda Devi National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you’ll find various rare and high-altitude flora and fauna species. This park resides close to the Nanda Devi Peak. All adventure enthusiasts can enjoy various activities organized here, like trekking and hiking.
Don’t forget to carry your binoculars when visiting here. You’ll get to spot species like Asiatic Black Deer, Himalayan Flame-backed Woodpecker, Red Fox, and Musk Deer. When it comes to sightseeing and exploring the natural wonders of Auli, you’ll find plenty of opportunities at this park. Within the vicinity of the park, you’ll get to see the breathtakingly beautiful Valley Of Flowers. Other popular attractions like the Badrinath Temple and Hemkund Sahib are also located very close to the park.
Time Required: 3-4 hours.
Average Cost: INR 8,000.
Best Time For Nanda Devi National Park: April to June.
6. Go For A Nature Walk At Chenab Lake
For all those who’re looking for offbeat things to do in Auli, a nature walk at Chenab Lake is a must. This artificial lake is not always flocked by tourists. So, you can enjoy a quiet nature walk at this lake. Your trip to Auli would be incomplete without gazing at the crystal clear waters of this lake. The lush greenery that surrounds the lake is pleasing to the eyes. It’s a secluded spot and perfect for photoshoots and family picnics.
Many trekkers have Chenab Lake as the starting point of their trek. So, if you wish to go on a trek, you can pitch your own tent here. Just keep in mind that the trekking path here is very rocky and has several hurdles like twigs and plants. Also, there’s no proper motorable road that leads to this lake. So, riders won’t be able to ride in the surrounding area of this lake.
Time Required: 2 hours.
Average Cost: No entry fee.
Best Time For Chenab Lake: May to October.
7. Go On A Shopping Spree At The Local Markets
Yes, Auli is famous for being the skiing destination of India. So, you’ll find plenty of shops here selling various kinds of skiing equipment. Other than this, your shopping options in Auli are modest. You can buy items like skiing jackets, goggles, snowboards, and boots from here. Even winter-wear garments like woolen caps, shawls, and sweaters are available in a variety of colors in this town.
One of the most visited shopping markets is Joshimath Market. Joshimath is a beautiful town located just 13 km away from Auli. This market is also famous for a lot of souvenir items like handicrafts that you can buy for your friends and family. One of the most sold items in Auli is the Ringaal handicraft. These are bamboo items like baskets, carpets, bags, and furniture that are truly worth the hype!
Time Required: 2 hours.
Average Cost: Depends on the items you buy.
Best Time For Shopping In Auli: All year round.
8. Relish The Local Cuisine Of Auli
Exploring the amazing food scene is one of the many fun things to do in Auli. After all, enjoying the food of a new place will tell you so much about its culture. There are various street stalls and restaurants that serve mouthwatering dishes. This town is popular for its Garhwali cuisine which comprises different kinds of dals, vegetables, and rice.
One of the many popular dishes that you must try is the Kachmauli. It’s a meat dish that is made of turmeric, chili, and mutton. Before heading out for your sightseeing tour of Auli in the mornings, have some yummy Bun Tikki. It’s a crispy bun served with curd chutney, and onions. You must go to Joshimath market or Narsingh Mandir Marg to relish the amazing local cuisine of this town.
Time Required: 1-2 hours.
Average Cost: Depends on the kind of dishes you order.
Best Time For Relishing Local Cuisine Of Auli: All year round.
Summing Up
So folks, don’t you think that Auli has many unique things to offer its visitors? It’s time you try out these fun things to do in Auli. It’s a whimsical little town that looks like a winter wonderland. Apart from a snowy mountain retreat, there are many exciting things to do in this charming town. Go ahead and plan a trip there and don’t forget to cross out each item from this list!
FAQs
What Is Auli Famous For?
Auli is famous for the many ski resorts that one can visit to enjoy skiing. The snow-clad slopes of this town have attracted a lot of tourists to engage in activities like snowboarding, and skiing.
How Many Days Are Enough For Auli?
If you’re planning a trip to Auli, a 5-day trip will be a great time for you to explore the major tourist spots of the town. You’ll be able to enjoy various activities like snowboarding, camping, and trekking within this time.
Is Auli Worth A Visit?
Auli is a place that’s worth a visit. Right from adventurous activities like skiing to enjoying the most talked about Garhwali cuisine, there are plenty of fun things to do in Auli.
What Food Is Famous In Auli?
Some of the famous foods in Auli are Kachmauli (mutton dish), Singhori (a sweet dish that’s wrapped in a Manu leaf), and Bal Mithai (a local sweet dish).
Which Month Snow Falls In Auli?
During the months from December to January, snow falls in Auli.
Which Month Is Best For Auli, Uttarakhand?
Since Auli is famous for activities like skiing and snowboarding, the best time to visit here would be during the winter months. So, you can plan a trip here between November to February.
Is Auli A Honeymoon Destination?
Auli is a great honeymoon destination. There are many picturesque places like the Nanda Devi Peak, Chenab Lake, Gorson Bugyal, and many more that you can visit with your beloved.
What Should I Pack For Auli?
Since Auli has a relatively cooler climate for most of the year, you need to pack warm clothes when visiting here. Apart from that, you can carry sunglasses, binoculars, and other travel essentials like sunscreen.
