Auli, sometimes also referred as Ski Capital of India is situated in the Himalayan mountains of Uttarakhand near Badrinath. The place is the most picturesque during winters when snow covers the place enhancing its beauty tremendously.
Two days are more than sufficient to explore Auli completely until an unless you are an adventure enthusiast and wish to Trek. You need to reach Joshimath and then take a cable car or cab/ bus in order to reach Auli.
I visited Auli is the first week of January and it was a complete bliss. I am sharing a brief itinerary along with my experiences and some tips.
-> 5.30 AM - Started from Dehradun in the State Government bus. There is only one direct bus to Joshimath and takes about 12-13 hours. Otherwise, you can take bus till Chamoli and change for Joshimath. Cabs are also available but cost a good amount of money.
-> 7 PM - Reached Joshimath and checked in to Dream Mountain Resort. There is no other option then to spend a night in Joshimath as the last cable car to Auli leaves at 4.20 PM. Even if you are in a cab or own vehicle, it is advisable not to travel after sunset as roads become quite dangerous. Leave next morning for Auli.
NOTE-
1) The roads are real bad, even till Joshimath. Avoid travelling at night. Keep medication if you have a problem of Nausea.
2) Several stay options are available in Joshimath.
3) Keep in mind to withdraw money from Joshimath itself as there are no ATMs in Auli.
The first cable car leaves at 9.15 in the morning and is available every 20 mins for 750/- per head. It takes about 25 mins to reach Auli. Then you need to take chair car which costs 300/-.
-> 11 AM - Had breakfast and did some shopping in the Joshimath market. Took the 2.15 Cable car to Auli. Checked in our resort around 3.
-> 3 PM - Went to explore Auli on foot. The place witnessed snowfall the previous night and we played with snow and took plenty of beautiful pictures.
-> 5.30 PM - Enjoyed some hot momos and tea and came back to resort.
There is nothing much to do after sunset. Grab a beer or anything of your choice and enjoy the cold 🙈.
11 AM - Took the chair car uphill to the Artificial lake. Hired a khachhar (mule) to go further up to the skiing point.
12.30 PM - Reached the skiing point and skied for about an hour.
2 PM - Started further uphill on foot. The view is beautiful. You even cross a small temple, like those seen in movies.
4 PM - Started the return journey to the resort after clicking lots of pictures, making snowman and indulging in a serious snow fight.
Slept early so as to leave early in the morning back to Joshimath and then to Delhi.
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