A Winter Guide to Visiting Auli

A breathtaking sunrise amid the snow-capped mountains, that's what you will wake up to every day, assuming you wake up early in the morning! This view will definitely put a smile on your face. Not just the sunrise but the sunsets are equally beautiful in Auli. Even nighttime promises you a view that you will never forget. In fact, if you wake up at the right time in the morning, you might witness the sun and the moon at the same time on either side of the hill. The sky looks surreal, and you'll never want to leave Auli at all.

If you are someone who loves exploring new places on foot, you have to trek to Gurson Bugyal, a meadow mistress in Auli. Make sure you carry your camera with you because you will definitely want to take a ton of pictures while trekking to this place. One of the most fascinating things about the Gurson Bugyal is that it is so quiet, every sound you make, including the camera shutter when you click, echoes back. It's not the most conventional activity taken up by travellers but certainly one you should experience when you are in Auli.

Auli is known as the perfect place to go skiing or snowboarding. A great place to make snow angels, snow man or a fun snowball fight! Even if you don't know how to ski, you can always learn here. The ski resort in Auli is quite popular, and you might even have to book well in advance since winter is a peak tourist season here. The charges to learn skiing or go skiing are not too high. However, make sure that you go for it at the right time of the day. You can take lots of pictures, boomerangs, videos and be a rage on social media. This is another reason why winter is the best time to visit Auli.

The Joshimath-Auli Gondola is the longest ropeway ride in Asia and an unforgettable experience, too. While there are some chair car rides meant strictly for professional skiers, there are others for sight seeing around the beautiful valley. It is a great way to experience Auli during the winter season. Though you can also opt for the chair car rides during other seasons, it is best enjoyed during winter to soak in the snow laden views.

Winter is the best season to visit Auli, especially if you want to enjoy the food here. Though there aren't a lot of eateries around here, you will find some good restaurants in Joshimath. Try the authentic and delicious Garhwali cuisine like the Kachmauli (which is stuffed goat with spice and oil), Singhori (a sweet wrapped in malu leaf), the Bal Mithai or the local dal with vegetables. The food and the simple method of cooking will leave your taste buds wanting for more.

Winter is the best time to take off on holiday to a lot of places in India. But Auli is certainly one you must add to your list if you haven't already. The hotels and homestays here follow all Covid-19 regulations and make sure that the accommodation is safe enough for travellers. Not to mention, you must also make sure you follow all the protocols necessary to have a memorable trip.