AULI

Auli is a part of the Garhwal mountain range. It lies about 15 km/9 miles from Joshmath on the Badrinath Pilgrimage route just beyond Rishikesh. The slopes at Auli are as high as 9000 feet/2750 metres above sea level and are covered with thick forests of Oak and deodar (a kind of pine).

Just visualizing the snow covered peaks in the summer makes you feel cooler. From the slopes of Auli you can see many of the famous peaks of the Himalayas such as Nanda Devi, Kamet, Mana Parvat, Trishul and Dunagiri. You are truly blessed to be in Auli for the Adi Shankracharya an 8th century sage walked this path. He built a temple at Joshimath which bears testimony to his visit.

Today Auli is a flourishing ski resort. The resort has about 6 km/3.5 miles long slopes where skiers can shalom from 10000 feet/3049 meters to 8260 feet/2519 meters. There is a 500 meter chair lift running beside the main slope. The upper and lower slopes are linked by an 800m chairlift. A convenient 3.9 km cable car links Joshimath to the resort.

The best time to come to Auli is in the winter with late November to March ideal for skiing. It is an awe inspiring sight with snow everywhere. From the slopes to the mountains everything is awash in snow. From December to March regular ski courses of 7 to 15 day duration are conducted here for amateurs and advanced skiers.

From February to March Auli hosts the National Winter Games. From 8 am to 4 pm the slopes are full of skiers. With the sun in the sky it makes for a pretty sight. As soon as the sun sets people get together around the traditional bukhari (quaint wooden stove) in the huts and resorts, swapping experiences listening to the folklore of the region or listening to the local music of Garhwal. As the candles and lanterns cast their glow the stories get more interesting. The more enterprising sometimes get together around a bonfire with a hot drink to keep warm. It makes for friendship and bon hommie.

Woolen blankets, caps and shawls can be bought at Joshimath and are great souvenirs and gifts. The nearest airport is Dehradun (300 km/185 miles) and Rishikesh (257 km/160 miles) the nearest railhead.