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Places to Visit in Auli

Nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas, Auli in Uttarakhand offers exhilarating adventures and serene spirituality. Discover ski slopes, panoramic viewpoints, sacred temples, and alpine meadows among the top places to visit in Auli.

A skier on the slopes at the Auli Ski Resort, one of the premier places to visit in Auli.

Auli Ski Resort

A premier winter destination nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas, Auli Ski Resort boasts Asia’s longest cable car and impeccable slopes. Its carefully maintained runs cater to both beginners and seasoned skiers against a backdrop of towering peaks. The resort’s artificial lake, the world’s highest, ensures consistent snow coverage throughout the season. 

Beyond skiing, it transforms into a lush green meadow in summer, ideal for trekking. It offers a complete mountain experience with stunning vistas of Nanda Devi and surrounding ranges.

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The serene, man-made Auli Artificial Lake reflecting snowy peaks, a key place to visit in Auli.

Auli Artificial Lake

The world’s highest man-made lake, created for snow-making and offering stunning mountain reflections.

The sacred town of Joshimath, the gateway and essential base for places to visit in Auli.

Joshimath

The sacred pilgrimage town and base for the cable car to Auli, home to ancient temples.

Gondolas of the Auli Ropeway traversing over pine forests, a must-do among places to visit in Auli.

Auli Ropeway

 India’s longest and Asia’s second-longest gondola ride, offering panoramic Himalayan views.

Expansive green meadows of Gurso Bugyal offering stunning Himalayan vistas, a top place to visit in Auli.

Gurso Bugyal

A sprawling alpine meadow near Auli, perfect for summer treks with breathtaking valley vistas.

Majestic view of Nanda Devi peak from a popular lookout in Auli.

Nanda Devi Peak Viewpoint

This spectacular vantage point in Auli provides a direct and awe-inspiring view of India’s second-highest mountain, Nanda Devi. The majestic peak, along with its sister mountain Nanda Devi East, dominates the northern skyline in a breathtaking panorama. The viewpoint is a key highlight for visitors, photographers, and trekkers seeking the quintessential Himalayan vista.

It is most clearly visible during the crisp, sunny days of autumn and winter. The sight of the sun rising or setting on the snow-clad summit is an unforgettable experience.

Panoramic view of the snow-capped Trishul peak from a viewpoint in Auli.

Trishul Peak Viewpoint

Offering a commanding view of the iconic Trishul massif, this viewpoint showcases three prominent peaks resembling Lord Shiva’s trident. The close proximity of the towering peaks creates a dramatic and powerful landscape for observers. It is a favored spot for photography, especially during the golden hours when the snow turns a brilliant shade of orange.

The viewpoint is easily accessible from Auli’s slopes and ski resort area. It stands as a testament to the raw, majestic beauty of the Garhwal Himalayas.

The renowned Bharat Kala Bhavan museum at Banaras Hindu University, a premier place to see Indian art and history in Varanasi.

Chattrakund

Established in 1916, Asia’s largest residential universities. Its campus houses the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum, showcasing a rich collection of artifacts.

Hikers exploring the scenic trails of Kwani Bugyal, a beautiful meadow near Auli.

Kwani Bugyal

Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, this temple is frequented by devotees. It’s known for its peaceful ambiance and spiritual significance.

The quaint, traditional-style Auli Church against a backdrop of snowy slopes.

Auli Church

This temple stands at the site where the epic Ramcharitmanas was composed by Tulsidas. The walls are adorned with verses and scenes from the Ramayana.

A peaceful view of the lesser-known Chenab Lake nestled in the Auli landscape.

Chenab Lake

A serene and picturesque high-altitude lake located near Auli, Chenab Lake is a hidden gem for nature lovers. Surrounded by lush green meadows and coniferous forests, it provides a tranquil escape from the more frequented spots. The lake’s calm waters perfectly mirror the surrounding peaks and sky, creating stunning reflections. 

It serves as a peaceful picnic spot and a rewarding destination for short, scenic hikes. Its unspoiled beauty makes it a perfect place for quiet contemplation amidst nature.

The historic facade of the colonial-era Cliff Top Club hotel in Auli.

Cliff Top Club

A historic and iconic property in Auli, the Cliff Top Club is renowned for its old-world colonial charm and heritage. Perched dramatically on a cliff edge, it offers unparalleled panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges. Originally built for paramilitary forces, it now provides rustic yet comfortable accommodation for visitors. 

Its classic architecture and cozy ambiance evoke a sense of nostalgia and classic mountain retreats. It remains a landmark for its strategic location and breathtaking sunrise and sunset views.

A vibrant, colorful alpine valley blooming with endemic flowers near Auli.

Valley of Flowers National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this enchanting valley explodes into a vibrant carpet of endemic alpine flowers during the monsoon. Nestled in the West Himalaya, it is accessible via a trek from Govindghat and is known for its breathtaking biodiversity. 

The park is home to rare and medicinal flora, alongside fauna like the Asiatic black bear and blue sheep. The backdrop of towering peaks, including Nilgiri Parbat, adds to its surreal beauty. It is a paradise for botanists, trekkers, and anyone seeking sublime natural splendor.

The sacred Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara and lake surrounded by seven snowy peaks.

Hemkund Sahib

A high-altitude Sikh gurudwara and sacred lake surrounded by seven snow-capped peaks.

The iconic and ornate facade of the holy Badrinath Temple near Auli.

Badrinath Temple

One of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, a holy temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the Alaknanda valley.

Stone houses and narrow lanes of Mana, India's last inhabited village near the Tibet border.

Mana Village

India’s last inhabited village near the Tibet border, rich in mythology and scenic beauty.

The tall, cascading white waters of Vasudhara Falls against a rocky mountainside.

Vasudhara Falls

A magnificent waterfall near Mana Village, said to be mentioned in the Mahabharata epic.

The traditional wooden and stone architecture of the Bhavishya Badri Temple.

Bhavishya Badri Temple

One of the sacred Panch Badri temples, Bhavishya Badri is enshrined in mythology as the future abode of Lord Badrinath. Located in Subhain village, it is surrounded by dense forests and requires a short trek from Joshimath. 

The temple houses a silver idol of Lord Narasimha, believed to be the deity’s future manifestation. It holds great religious significance for pilgrims completing the Panch Badri circuit. The serene and remote location adds a profound spiritual atmosphere to the visit.

Trekkers on a ridge with Pangarchulla Peak in the background on a clear day.

Pangarchulla Peak

A popular trekking peak near Auli, offering a challenging climb and summit rewards.

The ancient, stone-built Rudranath Temple set in a remote alpine meadow.

Rudranath Temple

 A sacred and remote temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, part of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit.

A scenic view of the geothermal Tapovan meadow with steaming hot springs.

Tapovan

 A geothermal meadow with hot springs near Joshimath, surrounded by forests and mountain views.

The simple, cave-like entrance to the ancient Kalpeshwar Temple.

Kalpeshwar Temple

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kalpeshwar is the fifth and final temple of the revered Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit. Unique among them, it is where the Lord’s Jata (hair) is worshipped, housed in a small cave temple. Situated in the picturesque Urgam Valley, it is accessible by a scenic trek from Helang or Joshimath. 

The tranquil setting amidst apple orchards and flowing streams enhances its spiritual aura. It offers a deeply meditative experience for devotees and nature lovers alike.

A row of ancient, intricately carved stone temples at the Adi Badri complex.

Adi Badri

Adi Badri is a revered temple complex comprising sixteen ancient stone shrines nestled in the serene Himalayan foothills. It forms the first of the sacred Panch Badri pilgrimage circuit, dedicated primarily to Lord Vishnu. The main temple, Narasimha Badri, houses a finely carved black stone idol of Lord Narasimha, believed to be from the late Gupta period. 

Its tranquil location, away from bustling crowds, offers a deeply spiritual and peaceful atmosphere. The site holds archaeological and historical significance, reflecting centuries of devotion and architectural heritage.

A peaceful village road in Khirsu lined with apple orchards and mountain views.

Khirsu

A quiet and charming hill station near Pauri Garhwal, Khirsu is famed for its tranquil environment and panoramic Himalayan views. It offers stunning vistas of snow-capped peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Panchachuli, especially in winter. 

The area is dotted with ancient temples, lush apple orchards, and dense oak and deodar forests. It is an ideal destination for those seeking peace, gentle nature walks, and a break from crowded tourist circuits. The untouched beauty and cool climate make it a perfect serene getaway.

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