TRIP TO AULI SKI RESORT: AN UNFORGETTABLE SNOW EXPERIENCE

The scenic hill town of Auli was on the top of my travel list for the past so many years, but each time I planned the trip, I had to cancel it for one or the other reason. Finally, I was able to visit this fairyland last year - a journey offering a unique, unforgettable snow experience probably difficult to get at any other place in India.

The scenic hill town of Auli was on the top of my travel list for the past so many years, but each time I planned the trip, I had to cancel it for one or the other reason. Finally, I was able to visit this fairyland last year - a journey offering a unique, unforgettable snow experience probably difficult to get at any other place in India.

Nestled in the lap of snow-clad peaks in Chamoli district in Uttarakhand, Auli is one of the top skiing destinations in India. Auli is basically a meadow (or a bugyal as it is called in local language), situated at an altitude of about 2520 to 3050 meter. This beautiful pearl in the Greater Himalayas is considered a paradise for skiing enthusiasts. People who visit this ski resort can expect all the fun, thrill, and adventure usually sought in a trip. To get to Auli, you first need to reach Joshimath—the same town that takes Chardham yatris to the holy temple of Badrinath. From Joshimath, you can reach Auli, either via road (a drive of 15 km) or through cable car ropeway (about 4-km long). The road usually remains closed during winter months (January to March) due to heavy snowfall, so you are left only with cable car option to reach the Auli skiing resort.

Once you reach Auli, the scenic beauty of the exotic surroundingsmesmerizes your brain, heart and the soul. The high peaks of Mana Parbat, Nanda Devi, Dunagriri, Nilkanth, Beethartoli, Ghori Parbat and Hathi Parbat create an awe-inspiring sight for the eyes.