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Auli Also known as a skier’s paradise, Auli has one
of the best slopes in the world facilitating Himalayan Trekking in India.
The 3km long slope ranges from 2519 m to 3049 m offers a magnificent
panoramic view of great Himalayan peaks like the Nanda Devi(7817m),
Kamet(7756m), Mana Parvat(7273m) and Dunagiri(7066m). You could reach Auli
from Joshimath(1890m) by taking an enchanting 3 km ride on the world’s most
highly situated and longest ropeway(cable car). A round trip costs Rs 200/-
per person.
Adiguru Shankaracharya on his visit to Uttarakhand had founded Joshimath
which is 47 kms from Badrinath and this snow-covered mountainous region is
well known for its winter sports, especially skiing. The third most famous
skiing spot in the country is Auli which is just 12 kms away from Joshimath.
There are dozens of areas for trekking where a tourists can take a walk and
the scenery is extraordinary.
One road from here leads to the famous Valley of Flowers. The hot water
springs are also wonderful.
The skiing center was set up in Auli in 1984. The Uttar Pradesh State
Government has a branch called Garhwal Mandal Corporation which runs this
center. Professionally trained people have been employed for teaching. This
spot was discovered by the Indian Army which was posted on the Tibetan
border. The army has its own skiing center here. Right in front of Auli, is
one of the highest peak, Nanda Devi. Along with it can be seen the
Hathigauri, Neelkanth, Comet and Eravath mountains.
Auli is a grazing land spread over 6 kms. In the local language they call
this "Byugal". In summer, in the old days, the local villagers used to graze
their cattle here. During monsoons thousands of different variety of flowers
bloom here.
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HOW
TO REACH
By Air - The closest airport for Auli is at Dehradun, the capital of
Uttaranchal. The airport is at a distance of 298 kms.
By Rail - The nearest railhead is at Rishikesh, about 235 kms from Auli.
By Road - Frequent buses run for Auli from Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar and
Delhi, so road is a good option too. one can also get to Auli by hired
jeeps or taxi.
WHEN TO GO
Auli can be traveled round the year. but its better to plan your tour
between, December to March as this is the most ideal time for all visitors.
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WHAT TO SEE |
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Chattrakund - 1 km from Gurso Bugyal, in the
middle of the jungle is a small lake of sweet water called Chattrakund.
This place can be visited when visiting Gurso Bugyal.
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Vanshinarayan Kalpeshwar - 12 kms from Joshimath,
10 kms from a village called Helang, this is a beautiful valley where
there is a cave called Kalpeshwar. 10 kms further down the road is a
spot called Vanshinarayan which is unmatched in its beauty.
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Gurso Bugyal - 3 kms from Auli, Gurso
Bugyal is a huge meadow spread amidst a mixed forest of oaks and
conifers. Gurso Bugyal is at 3056 mts above sea-level. One can reach
Joshimath via the ropeway. It is barely 1.5 kms from the last tower of
the ropeway.As there is no accommodation available here one can only
admire the scenery during the day and return to Auli by night.
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Saildhar Tapovan - 15 kms on the Joshimath road
is a small village where there are many hot-water springs. 3 kms ahead
in Saildhar are hot water fountains where the water is almost at a
boiling point.
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Kwanri Bugyal - 12 kms from Gurso Bugyal Kwanri
is a very interesting place for trekkers. Its at 3350 mts above
sea-level. Many tourists camp here in summer. Nanda Devi hotel in
Joshimath organises such camps where porters, guides, cooks and camping
equipment are available. June and September months are the best time
visit.
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Joshimath - 12 kms from Auli in the
Chamoli District is this town with many temples and memorials. It is a
gateway to Badrinath and the Valley of Flowers.
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Chenab Lake - The last village from
Joshimath is Dang which has to be passed to reach this beautiful lake.
The road is rough, because of which this lake is not very popular with
the tourists.
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Bhavishya Badri - 3 kms by foot from
Tapovan this spot is situated in the midst of a dense deodar forest.The
temple of Bhavishya Badri is at an elevation of 2744 m and is surrounded
by dense forests.
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Valley of Flower - Way back in 1931, English
mountaineer Frank Smythe, on his way back from an expedition to Mt Kamet,
literally stumbled across the paradisal Bhyundar Valley, an 8-km long
glacial corridor in Chamoli Garhwal. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains
and carpeted with flowers- some 500 species, including the elusive
brahmakamal, the cobra lily, the Himalayan edelweiss and the ethereal
Himalayan blue poppy- the Valley forms one of India's most unusual
protected areas. Declared a National Park in 1982, the Valley of Flowers
stretches over an expanse of 87.50 sq km- an area which has steadily
gained in popularity, not just among nature lovers, but also among
eager-beaver trekkers over the past few years.
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Yogdhyan Badri - Every so often in the Garhwal
Himalayas, tales from the Mahabharata spring magically to life. Yogdhyan
Badri, 1,920 mts, is located at Pandukeshwar, named after the Pandvas
King.According to the myth, the Pandavas, victorious after their battle
against Kauravas, but emotionally scarred, came to Himalayas for penance
and before seeking out the highway to heaven, handed over their capital
Hastinapur to king Parikshit.
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Bridha Badri - the image was found by Adi Guru
Shankaracharya at Narad Kund, and restored, though part of it remains
damaged. The climb to the temple is through cultivated land and past
Malta Groves.The temple of the Bridha (old) Badri is located at Animath,
7 km from Joshimath in the direction of Pipalkoti.
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WHERE TO EAT
There are few good restaurants which serves delicious pure vegetarian food.
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