Who would be an exception to give the eyes, a celebration, by making it experience the snow world around, that too till where the eyes can see. But if you estimate, the place we are about to discuss is such a big one, you are wrong.
An eye feast place, called Auli, in the Himalayan mountains of Uttarakhand, India, is a ski destination, which is just about 5-7 kms, but since it is located way up between 9,500 and 10, 500 ft, it commands excellent views of the surrounding peaks which soar well over 23,000 ft.
Auli at its best
Auli is located in the northeastern corner of Garhwal, towards the north eastern state of Uttarakhand. Auli’s slopes offer a panoramic view of several famous Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi, Kamet, Mana Parvat and Dunagiri.
The government even arranged a new spanking cable cars rope way that, traverses 4 km up the hill from Jyothirmath, transporting the tourist over the top of the oak and fir trees to Auli.
On the other hand, when the tourist swoop down the slopes, he does not have to worry about the trudge back up, as the baby slopes have a 1,640-ft ski lift, and the advanced slopes have a 2, 620-ft chair lift, to haul the tourist up to the top.
Also read: Places to Visit in Courtrallam
Skiing
Being a ski destination, many tourists come to involve in several ski sports. Not disappointing those, who could not perform, Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) even offers 7 day certificate courses from January to March, every year.
One can hire the instructor and trainers according to their choice and needs. Fee for the courses include boarding, lodging ski-equipments, lift and training. The economy and regular categories will be accommodated at GMVN at Auli.
Especially for the kids, the snow spot at Auli, would be one of the ultimate joys, they get in their life. The officials even built the snow castles at this place.
Joshimath
Just 16 kms away from Auli, there is even a place called Joshimath or Jyothirmath, which almost arrests you in the spot, you stood, with its beauty. It is believed to have been wandered by Adi Shankaracharya in the ancient times.
One cannot get into the return vehicle, without watching Narsingh and Garuda temples, the Shankaracharya Math and also the Amar Kalph tree at Joshimath.
Rudraprayag
Nothing would be harder than tabby cat prowling around in the thin scrub covering the surrounding hills in Rudraprayag. The swirling confluence of Alaknanda rivers around which the town has grown is a must watchable one. Koteshwara Mahadev Temple, Rudranath ji and Chamunda Devi mandirs, overlooking the confluence of two rivers at Rudrprayag is that something, you cannot miss.
The best time to visit Auli is between December and March, as Auli, will be covered by the full of snow at that time. Haridwar is the nearest airport to Auli. Joshimath would be the halt, if you are driving all the way from the Delhi. The tourist Office address is GMVN Skiing & Tourist Resorts, Auli.
By Phani Ch