Auli Tour Packages

Auli was historically and traditionally known as Auli Bugyal. The term ‘bugyal’ meant ‘meadow’ in the local Garhwali language. In the ancient era, Auli was a vast high-altitude grassland used by local shepherds and tribes for grazing cattle. The history of Auli is closely linked to the town of Joshimath, located nearby. The region gained religious significance when the revered monastery, Jyotir Math, was established in the 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya. Auli served as a vital trading centre for semi-nomadic communities such as the Bhotiya, Tibetan, and Mongol groups. These communities journeyed through high-altitude mountain routes to transport goods between India and Tibet by using horses and yaks. For the longest time, Auli remained a remote and serene mountain meadow. The period of transformation came about in the late 20th century, when the Government of India and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) began to establish the hill station as a prime skiing destination to promote winter sports and train soldiers. With time, various facilities were introduced, such as ropeways, ski lifts, and artificial snow, and eventually the town came to be recognised as the ‘Skiing Capital of India’.

• Auli is widely recognised as the ‘Skiing Capital of India’.
• The Auli Ropeway is one of the longest ropeways in Asia.
• The Auli Artificial Lake is said to be one of the highest manmade lakes in the world.
• The Chenab Lake serves as a reservoir for the people of the region.
• The Nanda Devi Peak is renowned as India’s second-highest mountain.
• The Narsingh Temple is dedicated to Lord Narasimha, who is the fourth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
• The Nanda Devi National Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.

• The nearest airport to Auli is the Jolly Grant Airport (DED) in Dehradun.
• Always carry bottled water to stay hydrated.
• The items to carry to Auli during the winter season include heavy woollen clothes, thermal innerwear, and sturdy boots.
• Finding an ATM in Auli is not easy, and the ones available in the hill station aren’t always reliable. Hence, carrying sufficient cash is important.
• Since Auli is located at a high altitude, it’s common to experience altitude sickness. Carry the required medication, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and rest well.
• Drink only filtered or bottled water so as to stay safe from waterborne diseases.
• Clean bathroom facilities may not always be available in the region.
• Therefore, always carry the necessary items such as wet wipes and hand sanitisers.
• Although tipping is not mandatory in Uttarakhand, it’s a way to show appreciation to those who help and serve you, such as porters, drivers, waiters, etc. A 10% tip is usually considered appropriate.

Here are the top reasons to book our Auli tour packages:

The mesmerising scenic beauty of this quaint hill station is surely one of the prime reasons to book GT Holidays’ Auli tour packages. Lay your eyes on the Auli Artificial Lake, which is one of the world’s highest manmade lakes. Breathe in the endless beauty of the alpine meadow called Gorson Bugyal, which is either covered in snow or blooming with flowers. Make your way to the hidden gem known as Chenab Lake, which plays the role of a reservoir for the people of the region. A trip to Auli is incomplete without experiencing the magnificence of the Nanda Devi Peak, which is the second-highest mountain in the country.

Visiting Auli and not exploring its skiing facilities is indeed impossible. During the winter season, Auli is blanketed in snow, and this is when the hill station turns into an alluring skiing destination. The facilities in Auli are so premium that they are suited for both beginners and experienced skiers. The skiing season is usually from December to February. There are professional instructors and training courses available for those who wish to explore this adventure on a deeper level.

Getting to taste the unique cuisine of Auli is surely an attractive reason to book our Auli tour packages. The area’s cuisine is deeply influenced by Pahadi food culture. Given the altitude of Auli, the food available in the region is wholesome, nutritious, and energy-rich. Locally grown ingredients are used to make daily meals, such as rice, seasonal vegetables, lentils, pulses, and millets. You will find that Auli mostly has vegetarian dishes, such as kafuli, chainsoo, phaanu, and aloo ke gutke. However, the dishes are so eclectic that you will be left wanting more. There are certain dishes that are exclusively found in the state, including mandua ki roti and bhaang ki chutney. Make sure to also try out sweet dishes like bal mithai and jhangora ki kheer.

By grabbing our Auli tour packages, not only do you get to explore Auli, but also the many thrilling places located nearby. This includes Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand. As you walk around the city, you will come to know exactly why The Beatles were compelled to compose a song about it. If a holy atmosphere is what you crave, then do visit Rishikesh and Badrinath. The serenity of the ghats, the holiness of the aartis, and the multiple spots of spiritual significance are bound to leave you speechless. You can also visit the hill station known as Mukteshwar, which is an enticing spot for birdwatchers.

Dehradun is the capital of Uttarakhand and also its largest city. Situated at a height of 1,400 feet above sea level, it’s known as the educational hub of the state since Dehradun is home to numerous esteemed boarding schools and universities. Such is the beauty of Dehradun that George Harrison, the famous musician from The Beatles, composed a song about it titled ‘Dehra Dun’. The song was composed in the spring of 1968 when the musical group visited Rishikesh. As you roam around Dehradun with GT Holidays’ Auli tour packages, some of the sites you must explore are the Robber’s Cave, Mindrolling Monastery, Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple, Sahastradhara Ropeway, Malsi Deer Park, and Forest Research Institute.

Badrinath is a picturesque little town located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Nestled 3,133 metres above sea level, the town is situated about 25 km away from the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Valley of Flowers National Park. Badrinath is one of the spots in the holy Char Dham Yatra, with the other three being Dwarka, Puri, and Rameswaram. The pilgrimage site is also a part of Uttarakhand’s Chota Char Dham, a smaller pilgrimage circuit consisting of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. The most alluring tourist places to visit in Badrinath with our Auli tour packages are the Badrinath Temple, Mana Village, Brahma Kapal, Bheem Pul, Tapt Kund, and Vyas Gufa.

Mukteshwar is a hill station situated in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. It’s located about 51 km away from Nainital and is perched at an altitude of 2,285 metres above sea level. This quaint little hill town is a paradise for birdwatchers. Some of the birds you can spot here include woodpeckers, Himalayan bulbuls, the great Himalayan barbet, and the Himalayan eagle. A trip to Mukteshwar will be incomplete without visiting the Mukteshwar Temple. Built about 350 years ago, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The other attractions to witness in this hill station with our Auli tour packages are Bhalu Gad Waterfall, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Sitla, and Chauli ki Jaali.

The city of Rishikesh in Uttarakhand is known worldwide as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’. The city gained global recognition back in the 1960s when the beloved musical band, The Beatles, visited the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram. After their visit, the ashram came to be known as the Beatles Ashram. Each evening, the sacred ghats of Rishikesh light up with the spiritual splendour and glory of the Ganga Aarti. There are several stalls along the ghats that sell artefacts such as incense sticks and the idols of deities. When you explore Rishikesh with GT Holidays’ Auli tour packages, make sure to visit Triveni Ghat, Ram Jhula, Lakshman Jhula, Parmarth Niketan, and the Trayambakeshwar Temple.

Let’s take a look at what each season in Auli brings about so you can accordingly decide when to book GT Holidays’ Auli tour packages:

During the summer season, the temperature in Auli usually oscillates between 5 degrees Celsius and 20 degrees Celsius. On certain nights, the temperature can drop to – 5 degrees Celsius, which is why you should carry your woollen clothes. The weather remains pleasant and comfortable during the day, making it perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. With our Auli tour packages, it’s the ideal time to visit popular tourist spots, such as Gorson Bugyal, Auli Artificial Lake, and Nanda Devi National Park. The summer season in Auli is particularly perfect for families and laidback travellers.

The temperature range during the monsoon season in Auli usually remains between 10 degrees Celsius and 20 degrees Celsius. The rain turns the landscape lush green and vibrant. However, this isn’t the ideal season to visit as the rain affects road conditions, and landslides are a common occurrence. Outdoor activities are limited at this time for this purpose. Some of the festivals you could witness in the region during this season, with our Auli tour packages, are Raksha Bandhan and the Harela festival.

As winter embraces Auli, the temperature range can oscillate between – 4 degrees Celsius and 10 degrees Celsius. If you have ever wanted to experience a winter wonderland blanketed in snow, then this is the best time to visit Auli. Since Auli is known to be a skiing destination, the hill station comes alive at this time with its snow-covered slopes. You can also enjoy snowboarding during this season with our Auli tour packages. The event, called the Auli Skiing Winter Carnival and National Winter Games, takes place at this time.

• Cheapest time to fly to Auli – July
• Best time for skiing – January to March

Following are the best places to visit in Auli and the adventures to take up with GT Holidays’ Auli tour packages:

The Auli Ropeway, also known as the Auli Cable Car, is one of the best adventures to participate in with our Auli tour packages. Renowned for being one of the longest ropeways in Asia, it connects Auli to Joshimath. The cable car ride covers a distance of about 4 km, and the total journey takes around 25 minutes. Climbing to a height of approximately 3,010 metres above sea level, the ropeway ride offers spectacular views of the Himalayas, the oak forests, and the snow-covered peaks.

The Auli Artificial Lake is situated near the Clifftop Club. Perched at an altitude of more than 3,000 metres above sea level, it’s known to be one of the highest manmade lakes in the world. It was built by the Government of Uttarakhand to serve as a reservoir for water that could be used for artificial snowmaking. During the winter season, Auli is the hub of snow-based activities. At this time, when natural snow doesn’t suffice, the water from this lake is supplied to the snow guns located along the ski slopes. This ensures that there is enough snow for visitors to enjoy skiing.

One of the most mesmerising places to visit with GT Holidays’ Auli tour packages is Gorson Bugyal. It’s a gorgeous alpine meadow which is truly a sight to behold, particularly when it’s blooming with flowers or covered in snow. In the native language, the word ‘bugyal’ means ‘a high-altitude grassland’ or ‘a high-altitude meadow’, thereby serving as a perfect name for this aesthetically pleasing location. It offers spectacular views of Nanda Devi, Dronagiri Parvat, and Mount Trishul. The Gorson Bugyal trek takes you from Auli to Gorson Bugyal. This 6-km trek can be completed in about six hours.

Chenab Lake is one of those hidden gems that you absolutely must explore with our Auli tour packages. This artificial lake serves as a reservoir for the people of the region. The way to reach Chenab Lake is by trekking your way to the location from Auli. On your way to Chenab Lake, travellers will come across picturesque meadows and dense forests. The period between May and October is considered to be the ideal time to visit the lake.

The Nanda Devi Peak is renowned as India’s second-highest mountain. It’s also the highest peak located entirely within the country. This is because although Kangchenjunga is the highest peak overall, it’s situated on the border of India and Nepal. Perched at an elevation of 7,816 metres above sea level, the peak is surrounded by the Nanda Devi National Park. It’s named after Nanda Devi, who is revered as the patron deity of Uttarakhand. The Nanda Devi Peak is divided into distinct peaks, namely the eastern peak and the western peak. The western summit, which is the main peak, is higher than the eastern summit. The latter is locally known as the Sunanda Devi peak.

The Narsingh Temple, which is also known as the Narasimha Badri Temple, is dedicated to Lord Narasimha, who is the fourth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It was established in the 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya, the renowned Vedic scholar. Legend has it that Lord Narasimha took on this avatar in order to protect his devotee, Prahlada, from the tyranny of his father, Hiranyakashipu. The statue of the deity located within the temple is made of Shaligram stone, depicting the god seated in the lotus position.

The Nanda Devi National Park, which is also known as the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, is situated around the Nanda Devi peak. It was established in 1982 and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. The park is home to a wide variety of animals, such as the snow leopard, Himalayan musk deer, Asiatic black bear, Himalayan tahr, brown bear, bharal, and common langur. Almost 1,000 plant species can be spotted in the area, including fir, birch, juniper, and rhododendrons.

Auli is a premium skiing destination in India and is often tagged as the Ski Capital of India. The 5-km-long ski slope is perfect for professionals and beginners. There are several ski training schools and equipment rental providers who can help you enjoy the sport safely and comfortably. Skiers must take the ski lift system connecting Joshimath with Gorson, from which they can ski down the slope.

The slopes of Auli are perfect for snowboarders of all levels, including advanced riders. If you do not know snowboarding, do not worry; there are plenty of training schools that offer to teach snowboarding.

If you love trekking, the Gorson Bugyal trek is a must. You must trek through dense forests of oak and conifers to reach the meadows of Gorson Bugyal. From Auli, you can also trek to Nanda Devi, Mana Parvat or Dunahgiri.

Listed below are the best souvenirs to buy from Auli:

The traditional handicrafts of Uttarakhand reflect the state’s cultural diversity. Ringaal handicraft is one such example. It’s crafted by the Ringaal people of the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand and features pieces created from bamboo. This includes baskets, bags, furniture, mats, and kitchen utility items. Another fascinating form of handicraft in the state is called rambaans handicraft, which is made using jute and hemp. The items you can buy in this category include purses, bags, showpieces, and wall hangings.

Visiting a hill station like Auli means one will need layers of woollen clothes. You can find many of these soft, warm, and comfortable woollen items in the markets of Uttarakhand. This includes sweaters, scarves, shawls, socks, and much more.

The state of Uttarakhand has some of the most intricate wooden crafts that tourists can buy. The village of Gunji, for instance, has several skilled artisans who are known for their excellent craftsmanship. Some of the wooden crafts you can buy from the state are walking sticks, animal figurines, jewellery boxes, and figurines of deities.

Did you know that Uttarakhand has one of the most interesting and delicious beverages that you can take back home for yourself and your loved ones? We’re talking about the rhododendron wine, which is also known as buransh wine. There are various other local specialities in terms of food that you can purchase from Uttarakhand, such as jams, pickles, spices, and honey.

Joshimath Market: For woollen items, handicrafts, accessories.

• Bargaining is common in the markets of Auli. Be polite and respectful as you bargain and keep negotiating till you reach a price point that suits both parties.
• The markets in Auli may not always have digital payments available. Therefore, carry sufficient cash when you go out shopping.
• Try to buy from the local artisans as you purchase the state’s handcrafted items. This supports their livelihood and also helps you get unique souvenirs.

• Whether you’re interacting with strangers or people you know, the common way of greeting someone in Auli or anywhere in Uttarakhand is by saying ‘namaste’ or ‘namaskar’.
• Make sure to dress appropriately and cover yourself up adequately while visiting a holy site.
• If you’re invited to someone’s home, it’s considered polite to bring a small gift for the host.
• Always remove your shoes before going inside a sacred spot.
• Be respectful and maintain the decorum of spiritual places whenever you visit them. Avoid using your phone and taking photographs wherever it’s prohibited.
• Always ask for permission before taking photographs of religious places, spiritual events, and festivals.
• If you’re invited to a festival, respect all the local customs and participate sincerely while following the lead of the local people.
• Stay away from discussing sensitive subjects, such as politics, religion, or local conflicts. Stick to neutral topics instead.
• Maintain the natural beauty of the place by not littering. If there is anything you need to throw away, do so only when you spot a garbage bin.
• Always smile and have polite conversations with the locals. A warm smile can go a long way if you ever need help or guidance from the locals in the region.
• When you visit a place that has wildlife, don’t disturb the animals while they rest in their natural habitat.

Let’s recommend to you some of the dishes you absolutely must try during your trip with GT Holidays’ Auli tour packages:

Kafuli is a traditional Uttatakhandi dish that’s particularly popular in the state’s Pahadi cuisine. Also known as ‘kapaa’, it’s made using lai, spinach, and fenugreek leaves, thereby making this dish extremely healthy and nutritious. It’s traditionally cooked in an iron kadhai and is usually served alongside steamed rice or roti.

Aloo ke gutke is a potato-based dish that’s made using local spices, such as coriander, cumin, and red chillies. The use of roasted dry spices amplifies the flavour of this concoction. The dish is commonly served during festivals. Aloo ke gutke is best enjoyed along with puris and raita.

The cuisine of Uttarakhand is filled with unique dishes, and one of them is surely bhang ki chutney. It’s a tangy sauce that’s made using hemp seeds and is eaten as a condiment along with rice or roti. You may have had different types of chutneys to date, but the distinct flavour and aroma of this chutney are sure to leave you intrigued. Some of the other ingredients that go into making this chutney are garlic, ginger, cilantro, green chillies, lime juice, and salt.

Chainsoo is a popular dish from the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Made using lentils, such as urad dal or kali dal, the dish is high in protein. In order to make this dish, the lentils are roasted and then ground into a paste. This paste is then cooked on low heat in an iron pot, which is what gives it an earthy flavour. Some of the spices used to make this dish include garlic, coriander, turmeric powder, cumin seeds, and garam masala.

A meal feels incomplete without mentioning a dessert, right? That’s exactly why we must talk about the Uttarakhandi sweet dish called jhangore ki kheer. It’s made using a particular kind of millet known as jhangora. The other ingredients used to make the kheer are milk, dry fruits, cardamom, and sugar, all of which combine to give the dessert a rich and creamy texture. It’s particularly prepared during festivals and fasting periods.

Phaanu is yet another famous Garhwali dish in Uttarakhand. It’s made using a mixture of lentils, including gahat dal, arhar dal, and urad dal. To make this dish, one needs to soak the lentils overnight and then cook them in a pot. This soupy stew is mostly served along with rice.

For those with a sweet tooth, you must try out bal mithai in Auli. It can be called the chocolate fudge of Uttarakhand. Made using roasted khoya, it is coated in small sugar balls and has a rich caramel flavour. The texture of this dessert is such that it simply melts in your mouth.

Mandua ki roti is a traditional flatbread made using finger millet or ragi flour (mandua). It’s a nutritious Pahadi dish that celebrates ancient cooking techniques and local products. This vegetarian flatbread is usually served alongside ghee and jaggery and can also be paired with other local dishes.

Uttarakhand is a land rich in unique and intricate art forms. There are the Ringaal handicrafts, which refer to the bamboo items created by the Ringaal people of the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. Visitors will also come across rambaans handicrafts, which are made using hemp and jute. The skilled craftsmen of Uttarakhand are known to create intricate wooden items, reflecting one of the oldest art forms in the state. Some of the wooden crafts to explore in the markets near Auli are jewellery boxes, animal figurines, walking sticks, and figurines of deities.

The most popular festival, which takes place in Auli, is the Auli Skiing Winter Carnival and National Winter Games. It is usually held during January or February. This four-day event involves cultural celebrations, sports competitions, and traditional performances. Some of the other festivals celebrated in Auli throughout the year include Basant Panchami, Makar Sankranti, and Mata Murti Ka Mela.