Auli is hidden in the mountains of Uttarakhand and is one of those places that really comes as a big surprise. Since it is not very popular among people, there are fewer crowds and more peace.
Winter is great for skiing. The slopes are good both for new learners and experts. Summer is beautiful too - the fields turn green with flowers everywhere. The reasons to visit Auli work for any time of year.
The cable car is one of Asia's longest. You ride through the sky with huge mountain peaks all around. Places to visit in Auli include Gurso Bugyal meadows for nice walks, and a lake that shows perfect mountain reflections. Joshimath is nearby with old temples.
No traffic noise, no rush. Just mountains and clean air. It's a break from which everyone needs occasionally.
Want to go? Our Uttarakhand Tour Packages take care of all the work in planning, so you can simply relax and have fun.
Top 12 Reasons to Visit Auli: Your Complete Guide to This Himalayan Paradise
The reasons to visit Auli are many. Let's talk about why you should add this place to your travel plans.
1. India's Best Place for Skiing
This is the main thing Auli is famous for. It has some of the best skiing slopes in India. The slopes are good for everyone - even if you've never tried skiing before. There are teachers who can help you learn. You don't need to bring your own ski equipment. You can rent everything there. The skiing season starts in late November and goes till March. December and January are the best months when lots of snow covers everything. This is definitely among the top reasons to visit Auli.
- Best Time to Ski: December to February is the best time. This is when snowfall in Auli in December starts, and the snow is thick and soft for skiing.
- Ski Training: Beginners can learn skiing from the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) Skiing School. They offer short and long courses.
- What to Wear: Wear waterproof jackets, gloves, snow boots, and sunglasses. The sunlight reflects on snow and can hurt your eyes without shades.
- Equipment Rental: You can rent skis, poles, and snow boots easily in Auli, so you don’t have to buy your own.
- For Beginners: Start on gentle slopes near the GMVN guesthouse. Trainers are available to guide you safely.
2. The Amazing Cable Car Ride
Auli has one of Asia's longest cable car rides. It's about 4 kilometers long. This ride is super fun. You hang in the air and see mountains all around you. On clear days, you can see many big peaks like Nanda Devi, Mana Parvat, and Kamet. The cable car goes from Auli to another place called Joshimath. The ride takes about 25 minutes. Many people say just this ride is worth the whole trip.
- Second Longest Ropeway in Asia: The Auli Ropeway is around 4 km long, connecting Joshimath to Auli.
- Duration: The ropeway takes about 22 minutes, offering a slow, scenic glide above the valleys.
- Best Time: The best experience is during snowfall in Auli in December when the landscape looks magical.
- Ticket Price: The ticket costs around ₹1000–₹1200 per person, but prices can vary with the season.
- Photography Spot: Great for taking photos of snow-covered mountains and Auli’s ski slopes.
3. Beautiful Mountain Views
The mountain views here are incredible. Nanda Devi is India's second-highest mountain, and you can see it clearly from Auli. You also see many other big peaks. What's special is how close they feel. They're not far away - they're right in front of you, huge and beautiful. During sunrise and sunset, the mountains turn golden and pink. It's so pretty that you'll forget to take photos and just stare. The views alone give you enough reasons to visit Auli.
4. Winter is Like a Fairytale
The reasons to visit Auli in winter are endless. From December to February, everything turns white with snow. The slopes, the fields, the trees - all covered in white. The air feels fresh and clean. Everyone is skiing and snowboarding. Even if you don't do winter sports, just being around so much snow is magical. Kids love it, parents love it - snow makes everyone happy and excited. Winter truly transforms Auli into something special.
5. Great Place for Families
One of the best reasons to visit Auli in winter with family is that it's safe and easy to reach. Unlike some faraway mountain places, Auli has good hotels. There are doctors nearby in Joshimath if needed. The roads are usually in good condition. Kids can learn skiing with proper teachers. Families can ride the cable car together. There are easy walks that even grandparents can do. The local people are friendly and ready to help. It's exciting but also safe, which parents really like.
Places like Shimla, Manali, and Mussoorie get really packed with tourists. Auli is different. Yes, people visit, but it never feels too crowded. You can actually enjoy peace and quiet. The skiing slopes don't have long lines. You can find quiet spots to sit alone and look at the mountains. This is one of those reasons to visit Auli that people who travel a lot really appreciate. Sometimes you just want to escape crowds, and Auli is perfect for that.
7. December is Super Special
Auli in December is truly magical. This is when winter really begins. December brings the first big snowfall. Everything gets cold, turns white, and skiing starts. It's also less crowded than January when school holidays bring more visitors. If you're planning to go in December, book your hotel early because rooms get full quickly. Christmas and New Year in the mountains feel extra special too. Auli in December offers experiences you won't find anywhere else.
8. The Weather is Just Right
The Auli temperature in December goes from about -3°C to 8°C. Yes, it's cold, but you can handle it with warm clothes. The days are often sunny and nice. Nights get very cold, but you're inside your hotel anyway. The cold is dry, not wet and sticky, so it feels better. Just pack good jackets, thermals, gloves, and caps, and you'll be fine. Understanding the Auli temperature in December helps you pack right and enjoy your trip more. The weather is perfect for skiing and other winter fun.
9. Beautiful Green Fields and Walking Paths
Gurso Bugyal is a must-see among places to visit in Auli in December. These are big grassy fields high up in the mountains. Under snow, they look stunning. Walking to Gurso Bugyal takes about 3 kilometers and gives you amazing views. In summer, these fields are green with colorful flowers, but winter makes them look different and beautiful. There's also the Auli Artificial Lake. It was made to create fake snow for skiing, but it's a pretty spot for taking photos. These are some of the best places to visit in Auli in December that you shouldn't miss. The whole area has many walking paths where you can explore.
- Auli Artificial Lake: A man-made lake built to make snow for skiing. When it freezes, it looks like a mirror reflecting the sky.
- Gurso Bugyal: A green meadow that becomes a snowfield in December. You can trek here and see mountain views on all sides.
- Chattrakund Lake: A small lake known for its crystal-clear blue water surrounded by pine trees.
- Joshimath: A nearby town where you can visit temples and local markets.
- View Points: There are several spots around Auli where you can stop to take pictures of snow-capped mountains.
10. December Snow Makes Everything Perfect
Snowfall in Auli in December is usually good and steady. This is when the slopes get their first thick layer of snow. Fresh snow means great skiing. Everything looks clean and untouched. Waking up and seeing fresh snow outside is something many people travel just to experience. The snowfall in Auli in December isn't so heavy that it's dangerous, but it's enough to make everything look like a winter wonderland. The fresh snow creates perfect conditions for all winter activities.
11. More Fun Things Beyond Skiing
Skiing is the main attraction, but there's more. You can try snowboarding. There are trekking paths for different levels - easy ones and hard ones. If you like adventure, you can trek to places like Kwani Bugyal and Pangarchulla Peak. Taking photos is amazing here - every spot looks perfect. You can try sledging in the snow, which is fun for everyone. Things to do in Auli in December also include simple stuff like making snowmen, having snowball fights, or just walking around in the snow. Many visitors also enjoy evening bonfires and hot chocolate sessions. The variety of things to do in Auli in December means you'll never get bored.
12. Religious Places Nearby
Joshimath is only 15 kilometers away. It's an important religious place with old temples like Narsingh Temple. Badrinath, one of India's most holy places, is about 45 kilometers away (but it closes in winter). The local Garhwali culture is interesting, and the people are warm and welcoming. You get to see how mountain people live. The local food is simple but tasty - try dishes like rajma, aloo ke gutke, and pahadi dal. The cultural experience adds to the reasons to visit Auli.
Journey from Delhi to Auli
Many tourists travel from Delhi, so knowing the Delhi to Auli distance is helpful. The distance is around 500–520 km. It takes about 10 to 12 hours by car or bus to reach Joshimath, and then another 13 km uphill to Auli.
You can travel by:
- Car or Taxi – For comfort and flexibility.
- Bus – Budget-friendly option, with overnight buses to Joshimath.
- Train + Road – Take a train to Haridwar or Dehradun, then continue by road.
Even though the Delhi to Auli distance is long, the road trip is beautiful. You’ll see rivers, mountains, and green valleys along the way.
Tips for Visiting Auli in December
If you’re planning a trip to Auli this December, here are a few simple tips:
- Carry woolen clothes, gloves, and snow boots.
- Book your hotel early since Auli in December end is peak season.
- Keep cash as ATMs may not always work.
- Carry basic medicines for cold and altitude sickness.
- Always check Auli temperature in December and road conditions before starting your journey.
Following these tips will help you enjoy your trip safely and comfortably.
If you’re looking for compelling Reasons to visit Auli, here they are: majestic Himalayan views, skiing, ropeway rides, snowy meadows, nature and adventure combined. And if you go in December-Auli in winter, Auli in December, especially December end-you’ll catch Auli at its winter best.
With the Auli temperature in December cold but manageable and a reasonable Delhi to Auli distance, you can plan it as a memorable mountain trip. For families, the experience is also very doable and enjoyable-another strong reason to visit Auli in winter with family. The snow, the quiet, the sky, the hills-they all come together.
