Geotourism Around Himlayan paradise-Auli Hill station India
Auli India
Auli is a Himalayan hill station in the Chamoli district of the north Indian state of Uttarakhand. Standing at around 2,800 m, in height and is surrounded by coniferous and oak forests. Auli offers Some of the best Ski resorts in the world and panoramic views of some of India’s highest peaks, including the second-highest in the country, Nanda Devi (7,816m). It is the gateway to the Nanda Devi and the Valley of Flowers National Park, including the Hemkund Sahib gurdwara, and famous trekking destinations such as Gorson Bugyal, Pangerchulla Summit, and Tapovan. Dayara Bugyal, Munsiyari, and Mundali are the main skiing destinations.
Auli is connected with the town of Joshimath in a long cable car link. North of Auli is the colorful Badrinath Temple, a Hindu pilgrimage site, with its alpine flora and wildlife like snow leopards and red foxes Auli is a truly spectacular tourist destination in India.
Geology Around the Auli India
The Chamoli district comprises high hills and mountains with very narrow valleys, and deep gorges, having very high gradients. The northern, northwestern, eastern, and northeastern part of the district comprises Tethyan Himalaya with snow-covered throughout the year. The main lithological units in this region are-Vaikriata Group, Muscari, Tejam, Berinag, and Damtha formation.
The central crystalline rocks are well exposed in the Higher Himalaya of Alaknanda valley of district Chamoli. The rocks of the Central Crystalline Group form the oldest crystalline basement of the Himalayas. The gneisses migmatites, crystalline schist, thick quartzite with conspicuous horizons of calc silicates with psammite gneiss in the upper part form bulk of the metasediments. The major geological formation and lithology around Auli is given below.
Activities around the Auli India
Auli is the perfect holiday destination for adventure-seekers, honeymooners, and nature-lovers. Auli has the perfect blend of picturesque locations and adventure-led activities that can excite the tourist with thrilling activities. The skiing area of Auli is only about 5-7 km. What makes this hill station special is its pristine location. Auli is located at a high altitude ranging between 2800 m. and 3200 m. and this is the primary factor that makes the scenic beauty of this hill station. Locally Auli is known as Bugyal (meadow in Garhwali) and is one of the prominent places on the way to the popular Hindu pilgrimage destination Badrinath Dham.
The hill station is conducted winter sports every year, which are organized by the Uttarakhand Tourism Department. The journey to Auli through a meandering valley is a magnificent experience. A 4-km long cable car ride from Joshimath to Auli gives visitors an opportunity to enjoy the clear blue skies, the enchanting aroma of surrounding forests in the air, and a breathtaking view of the slopes of the snow-clouded mountain.
Best place in Auli to see
Auli Artificial Lake
Auli artificial lake is one of the highest manmade lakes in the world. The lake was built with the idea of creating everlasting artificial ski slopes for adventure-seekers. The water from this lake is used to fuel snow guns that are stationed around the ski slopes, which play a key role in extending the season of skiing even during low snowfall situations.
Cable car
The ropeway is Popularly known as the ‘Gondola’ and connecting Auli with Joshimath is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Auli hill station. The Cablecar Provides breathtaking views of the valley, its greenery, and rugged terrain. the cable car travels at a height of 3,010 m above sea level.
Gorson Bugyal
Gorson Bugyal is a 3-km trek from Auli, Located at an altitude of 3056 mts from sea level. After reaching here, trekkers can find a vast area of land that is adorned by large oak trees and coniferous forests. This is the perfect place to see the glory of bountiful nature.
Chattrakund
It is a 1-km trek from Auli, Chattarkund is known for being in the middle of a forest and for its sweet water. Local guides are the best navigators to reach Chattarkund, a beautiful natural spot.
Chenab Lake
Chenab Lake is Located near Joshimath and is a small crystalline water lake. The lake is attracted many tourists every year. Cross Dang village, the last village in Joshimath to reach Chenab lake.
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Kwani Bugyal
Kwani Bugyal is a 13 km trek from Auli. The large green meadow of Kwani is a scenic trek and is every trekker’s dream. Kwani Bugyal provides a breathtaking view of snowcapped Himalayan peaks such as Nandadevi and Dunagiri.
Kuari Pass
The Kuari Pass trek is an easy to moderate trek and is the perfect Himalayan trek for beginners. The 4-day trek from Auli takes you through Gorson, Tali, and Chitrakantha, giving panoramic views of the majestic Himalayas.
Badrinath
The famous holy town of Badrinath is 55 km from Auli and can be reached via road from Joshimath. After the 25-minute ropeway ride to Joshimath from Auli, private Cab and buses are easily available for Badrinath.
Best time to visit Auli India
The best time to visit Auli is Winter when everything it offers to you. who are seeking some snow adventure, the months between January and March are the best time to visit. The temperature drops below freezing and the slopes are covered with snow, making it a perfect time to ski. If you are not a fan of the freezing cold, visit Auli in April. The temperature starts to rise at this time and one can enjoy the green pastures and snow-clad Himalayan peaks.
How to reach Auli India
Reaching Auli can be a task for some tourists. To save time and energy, take a train to Haridwar, Rishikesh, Kotdwar, or Dehradun. Buses to Joshimath run regularly from these stations. From there, the tourists can take cable car rides to Auli. Getting around the town by private cab is the most convenient method. Cabs are easily available with drivers who also serve as tour guides for tourists. one can also rent a car. The nearest Railway Station is Haridwar which is 275 km away from Joshimath and Nearest Airport Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun is 269 km away from Joshimath.
