Auli Attractions - Tourist Places To Visit In Auli

Nandaprayag is located in the Chamoli District of Uttarakhand. It is situated at the confluence of the rivers, Alaknanda and Nandakini. Many devotees take a dip at the confluence to wash off their sins. According to mythology, Nandaprayag was the capital of Yadu dynasty. This is one of the five prayags, which serves as a gateway to Badrinath and Kedarnath, the famous pilgrimage sites. The other prayags are Vishnuprayag, Karnaprayag, Rudraprayag, and Devprayag.

Nandaprayag is known for the scenic views of the snow-capped mountains. The Gopalji Temple located on the banks of the River Alaknanda is visited by numerous devotees from across the country.

Gurso Bugyal, which is situated at an elevation of 3056 m above sea level, is located at a distance of 3 km from Auli. This place is known for its lush-green landscapes during the summer season. It is covered with conifers and oak forests. This place can be reached by a ropeway from Joshimath. As there are no accommodation facilities at the place, tourists can visit the place during the day and return to Auli by night. Chattarkund, a small lake, can also be visited, as it is only a kilometre away from Gurso Bugyal. The lake is known for its crystal clear and sweet water.

Auli Artificial Lake is perched at a high elevation above sea level. This lake was developed by the government to provide artificial snow on the ski slopes, during the months of scanty snowfall. The lake water feeds the snow guns that are placed along the ski slopes. It helps in extending the ski season by providing an apt ski surface.

Trishul Peak, situated at an elevation of 23,490 feet above sea level, is a major tourist attraction of Auli. This peak derived its name from the trident of Lord Shiva. This site also has skiing slopes, which serve as the training ground for the patrolling officers belonging to the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force. A mysterious water body, Roopkund Lake, is located on the foothills of the peak. Around 600 skeletons of human and horses were discovered in this lake. This peak is also visible from Kausani and Bedini Bugyal.

Bhavishya Badri can be reached by foot from Tapovan. The place is situated in the centre of a dense forest. Perched at an elevation of 2744 m above sea level, this site is one of the five Badri shrines. The other shrines are Badrinath, Yog Dhyan Badri, Adi Badri, and Vridha Badri.

According to beliefs, the Badrinath shrine would not be accessible in the future because of bad climate. Therefore, it is believed that this site will be worshipped as a substitute for Badrinath. An image of Narasimha, an incarnation of the Hindu God Vishnu, is enshrined in a temple located here. Tourists can reach this place by a trekking route beyond Tapovan, all the way leading to the Dhauliganga River.

Saildhar Tapovan is a small hamlet located at a distance of 15 km from Auli. This place has a natural hot water spring and a temple. Another hot water spring is located at a distance of 3 km from this place in Saildhar.

Auli is a popular destination known for the sport skiing. The snowy slopes of the place are the best sites to enjoy skiing to its fullest. The place is famous as one of the best skiing sites in the world, with facilities to enjoy Nordic Skiing, Alpine Skiing, and Telemark Skiing. Enthusiastic skiers can also go for slalom, cross-country, and downward skiing actions here. The snowy slopes are around 20 km long and to-and-fro movement is facilitated with the Gondola cable car. Snow-packing machines and snow beaters maintain the smoothness of the slopes.

The skiing slopes are surrounded by green woody forests and are safe zones for skiing. These woody forests help to minimise the velocity of the wind while skiing. The summer season is the best time to enjoy the sport of skiing in Auli. Ski equipment, snow beaters, and special skiing packages are provided by various agencies in Auli.

Tourists should bring woollen wears, socks, caps, gloves, dark glasses, pullovers, windproof jackets, mufflers, gum boots, and a torch light with them. Auli also serves as a good training ground for all those people who want to try their hand at skiing.

Trekking is the other major activity, after skiing, among travellers visiting Auli. This place offers the best slopes for trekking in the mighty Himalayan ranges. One of the trekking routes is 3 km long and trekkers can enjoy a panoramic view of the surroundings from here. This route is situated at an elevation ranging from 2519 m to 3049 m above sea level. This route offers scenic views of the peaks, Nanda Devi, Kamet, Mana Parvat, and Dunagiri.

The route leading from Auli to Joshimath is the most popular trekking slope of the region. Tourists can enjoy the enchanting view of sunrise from Nanda Devi peak while trekking through this route. Other popular short trekking routes are Auli - Gorson, Tali, Kuari Pass, and Khulara.