Auli Uttarakhand :Summer Meadows & Mountain Serenity

Up in the Garhwal Himalayas, far from the hustle of Mussoorie and Nainital, sits Auli. It’s a small hill station in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, around 2,800 meters above sea level. Most travelers know it as a winter ski destination, but that’s only half the story. When the snow melts, Auli becomes something else entirely—a land of rolling meadows, cool mountain air, and silence that feels almost spiritual.

During summer, this place opens up. The ground that was once white turns lush and green. Wildflowers start blooming, oak and apple trees stretch out, and every view looks like it belongs in a travel calendar. Nanda Devi, India’s second-highest peak, stands tall in the background, keeping watch.

How To Reach Auli

Reaching Auli takes time, but the journey is worth every mile. It’s not the kind of place you reach in a hurry, and honestly, that’s part of the charm.

By Road (Bus/Taxi):

First, make your way to Joshimath—the main town before Auli. From there, Auli is just about 16 km away. The drive from Joshimath is beautiful, with winding roads and deep valleys on one side. Shared taxis, jeeps, and local cabs are easy to find.

If you're starting from Delhi, it’s a long drive—around 500 km. Many break the trip by stopping in Rishikesh or Haridwar for a night. Buses run from both cities to Joshimath, but the ride is slow and the roads narrow, so it’s better to start early in the morning.

By Train:

No direct trains go to Auli. The nearest big station is Haridwar, about 280 km away. From there, you’ll need to hire a cab or catch a bus to Joshimath. The route goes through mountain towns like Devprayag, Srinagar (not the one in Kashmir), Rudraprayag, and Karnaprayag—all places with beautiful river views along the way.

By Air:

Flying in? The closest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. After landing, you still have about 9–10 hours of road journey left to reach Joshimath. From there, it’s just that last stretch to Auli.

Bonus: The Ropeway Ride

There’s also a cable car—the Auli Ropeway—one of the longest in India. It runs between Joshimath and Auli, and glides over forests and slopes. Even if you have a car, it’s worth parking it and taking this route at least once. The views from up there are just stunning.

Things To Do In Auli (Beyond Skiing)

Summer in Auli is perfect for travelers who want peace, nature, and fresh mountain air. Here’s what you can actually do once you’re there:

1. Hike To Gurso Bugyal

This meadow is a short 3 km hike from Auli. The path winds through tall pine and oak forests, and suddenly opens up to green grasslands with snow peaks in the distance. It’s not too tough, so even beginners can manage it. Morning is the best time to go—it’s quieter and the sky’s usually clearer.

2. Camp At Kwani Bugyal

If you’re up for a bit more adventure, trek further to Kwani Bugyal. It’s around 12 km from Gurso. People often camp here overnight. Imagine waking up to the sound of wind moving through the grass, and the Himalayas glowing in the first light. Nights can get chilly even in summer, so pack well.

3. Auli Artificial Lake

Yes, it’s man-made—but don’t write it off. It’s still a peaceful place to watch the sun go down. You’ll often see travelers just sitting by the lake, sipping tea, watching the water reflect the orange skies.

4. Visit Chattrakund

A small lake in the middle of a forest, just 4 km from Auli. The water is clean, cold, and still. The walk to the lake is nice too—not very steep—and you might spot a few birds or mountain goats along the way.

5. Try The Ropeway Again

If you skipped it the first time, don’t leave Auli without taking that ropeway ride. It’s one of those simple things that stays with you.

6. Just Sit And Soak It In

Honestly, one of the best things to do in Auli is nothing. Sit on a rock, lie on the grass, read a book, or just stare at the mountains. In a world full of noise, silence is rare. Auli gives you that.

What’s Famous in Auli

Most people hear “Auli” and think “skiing.” And yes, that’s true in winter. But the soul of Auli is much more than snow. Its alpine meadows, known as bugyals locally, are what make it stand out. During spring and early summer, these meadows bloom with wildflowers, and shepherds from nearby villages bring their flocks up to graze.

Auli is also part of bigger Himalayan adventures. Treks to Kuari Pass, Tali Lake, and even routes leading toward Nanda Devi National Park start from nearby. For spiritual travelers, the holy town of Badrinath is just 60 km away.

And let’s not forget the food. Local Garhwali dishes like Aloo ke Gutke, Jhangora Kheer, and Chainsoo taste better when you’re cold, hungry, and sitting near a wood fire.

Best Time To Visit

Winter (Dec–Feb): Snowy and popular with skiers.

Summer (Apr–Jun): Green, peaceful, and perfect for trekking or relaxing.

Monsoon (Jul–Sep): Risky due to landslides, but beautiful in bursts.

Autumn (Oct–Nov): Fewer tourists, clear skies, crisp mountain air.

If you're not into snow sports, avoid winter. For nature, summer is the golden window. Auli doesn’t shout. It whispers. It doesn’t flash neon lights or sell you rides and noise. It just is. If you’re the kind of traveler who looks for stillness, mountain air, and the kind of views that make you feel small (in the best way), Auli is your place.

It may be known for skiing, but its real beauty shows up when the snow melts.