‘Alp’ the near or dear ones around you to enjoy the snowfall in its best avatar in Devbhoomi’s winter wonderland. In more refined words, Auli in winters (December to January) has an essence of Alaska. The catch is the Auli slopes and mountains, which are higher than Alaska. As a result, tourists flock to the best places to visit in Auli in December for skiing, snowboarding, and trekking. Unknown to many, shivering counts as a physical exercise when you are in Auli for the December holiday. Therefore, hear the personal invitation from the snow God to holiday in this Himalayan ski resort. Even more, the lush green meadows turn into snow-covered meadows.
Why December is A Good Time to Visit Auli?
December counts as the peak tourism season in Auli. Moreover, December is the the winter month. Generally speaking, the December subzero temperature of Auli at night sounds like a perfect excuse to cuddle with your partner in romance. Similarly, family tourists will love loading their camera roll with snow-filled selfies of the Garhwal Himalayas backdrops! At the same time, kids in your clan indulge in some free activities associated with snow like; snowball fights, snowman making!
7 Places to Visit in Auli During December to Feel Fros-ty
Lend us your ears to find out why the twelfth month of the year in Auli has captured the hearts of tourists for ages. Before you pack your bags and hold on to your loved ones for snowfall in Auli in December, scroll down to the 7 best places to visit in Auli during December under your nose!
- Auli Artificial Lake
- Auli Ropeway
- Chattrakund Lake
- Gorson Bugyal
- Narsingh Temple
- Joshimath
- Nanda Devi Peak
1. Auli Artificial Lake – Artificial Lake Hugged By Scenic Himalayas
Who said the man-made wonders are in cities only? Come to Auli in December to sit amidst the Auli Artificial Lake/Chenab Lake, built to sprinkle artificial snow when there’s less snow on the ski track. There are benches around the lakes to sit with your near or dear ones. Infact, Auli Artificial Lake is the face of Auli Tourism which city tourists see on their social feed. As a result, Auli Artificial Lake is the best place to visit in Auli in December.
This made wonder has freezing coils at its bottom, which produce snow at the ski slopes by the pump sets that carry snow to huge fans. Visit Auli Artificial Lake aka Chenab Lake in December to witness the partially frozen lake blanketed with mist and fog. Indulging in skiing at the slope, which is one of the best activities to do!
Who Are Allowed for Skiing: Anyone above 13 years of age
Ideal Duration: 2 hours (approx.)
Auli Skiing Charge: ₹ 300 – ₹ 500 (approx.) per person
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2. Auli Ropeway – Second Longest Ropeway in Asia
Say thanks to the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board because they harnessed the power of technology in 1993 September. As a result, Auli Ropeway was introduced between Joshimath and Auli. One of the must-visit tourist places in Auli in December, Auli Ropeway takes visitors up about 4,000 ft – 9,500 ft (approx.) within a few minutes. Subsequently, Auli Gondola (Ropeway) is the second-highest and the longest cable car ride in Asia, standing inches behind Gulmarg!
It can accommodate up to 20 people at a single time to provide guests the splendid views of the Nanda Devi Parvathy wrapped in snow. However, the Auli Gondola could be enjoyed in summer also, but in winters, the beauty of the majestic Nanda Devi snow peaks increases 10x fold.
Auli Ropeway Price: Ropeway cost is ₹ 1000 per person for a round trip
Auli Ropeway Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM (subject to change according to the weather conditions)
Auli to Joshimath Ropeway Distance: 4.5 kilometers long cable car system
Starting and Ending Point: Joshimath – Auli (Vice-versa)
How Many People Can Get Accommodated Upto in Auli Gondola: 20 people
Read Also: Best time for Skiing in Auli
3. Chattrakund Lake – Easy Winter Trek of Auli
Surrounded by green pine, deodar, and oak trees which turn into glistening snow in winters, Chattrakund Lake is one of the best places to visit in Auli in December. It is a high-altitude lake that can only be reached via trek from Auli. It’s an easy trek, and thus, strong endurance is not required. As a result, the Chattrakund Lake trek is one of those winter treks of Uttarakhand for everyone!
Chattrakund Lake is a subrange of Garhwal Himalayas. This large alpine meadow is wrapped with a vast expanse of grasslands sprawling over acres of land. Even more, you can club Chattrakund Lake trek from Gorson Bugyal as it is approximately 1 km away! Hear the ringing bells from the temple found in the middle of the trek. Talk to the locals.
Elevation of Chattrakhund Lake: 3,300 m (approx.)
Facilities: Paid washroom, food stalls
Distance from Auli: 5 km (approx.)
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4. Gorson Bugyal – Feel Like You Are Walking on the Clouds
Gorson Bugyal is one of the well-maintained winter trek routes in and around Auli and Joshimath. This is also another easy trek in Auli during December. Apart from the Peak tourism season (December to January), the Gorson Bugyal trails are drenched with lush greenery. But guess what? The winter, particularly December and January, makes the meadows wrapped in the crystal white snow sheet or chunks.
Envision yourself making your way to the trek while churning the thick sheet of ice all around you! Once you reach the summit via trek or pony ride, bewitch your mind with the views of the jaw-dropping Garhwal Himalayan Peak like Nanda Devi, Nanda Ghunti, Trishul, Dronagiri.
Distance from Auli: 5 kilometers (approx.)
Number of Hours to Walk Up and Down: 4-5 hours (approx.) depending on the endurance
Pony Ride One Way Cost: INR 1,200 per person (approx.)
How Long You Must Stay at the Summit: 45 minutes (approx.)
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5. Narsingh Temple – Winter Abode of Bhagwan Badrinath
As the name suggests, Narsingh Temple is a sacred place. Even more, it is amongst the 108 Divya Desams. This temple is dedicated to Lord Narsingh – a fierce avatar of the Hindu God Lord Vishnu. It is located just a walking distance from the Joshimath bus stand. The deity of Narsingh Temple incarnates as half lion and half man. In Garhwal, the deity is strongly worshipped because he’s the evil destroyed and brings calamity in the region.
Even more, the legends of the Narsingh Temple say that Kedarnath God comes here during winters. Subsequently, Adi Shankaracharya established the deity idol at Narsingh Temple in 820 A.D. In December, a visit to Narsingh Temple is a great experience to witness snowfall before or after taking the blessings.
Distance from Joshimath Bus Stand: 950 m (approx.)
Temple Timings: 6 AM – 7:30 PM
Ideal Duration: 30 minutes (approx.)
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6. Joshimath – Getaway to the Famous Shrine of Badrinath and Hemkund
Bewitch your mind with the tantalizing glimpse of snow-capped Himalayan peaks in Joshimath in December. This is a town that is often intermingled with Auli (hill station), which is right up hills from Joshimath. At 1,821 m (6,150 ft), Joshimath is also a getaway to the various Himalayan trails. Subsequently, that is the only sole reason why Joshimath is touted as the gateway to the upper regions of the Himalayas. Most importantly, a cable car ride between Joshimath and Auli is operational throughout the year except monsoon. Most tourists who come to Auli to witness snowfall in December stay at Joshimath since it has more luxury hotels equipped with better facilities.
In particular, December travel to Joshimath is a visual retreat for those who want to witness snowfall with great views of the Himalayas. The most famous winter trek to Valley of Flower gets started from Joshimath itself! It is divided into two parts (Upper Bazar) and Lower Bazar. The former one is around 1 km from the main market, while the latter is where the temples are located. Lastly, Joshimath is linked to the Adi Guru Shri Shankaracharya, where he established one the ‘maths; in the 8th century. There is a 1200 years old tree (Kalpavriksha) where Adi Shankaracharya meditated.
Starting and Ending Point: Joshimath – Auli (Vice-versa)
How Far is Joshimath from Auli: 12 kilometers (approx.)
How Many People Can Get Accommodated Upto in Auli Gondola: 20 people
7. Nanda Devi Peak – Meet the Native Himalayan People
As a result, Nanda Devi Peak is one of the most challenging places to visit in Auli in December. But as you know, with great challenges in the mountains comes great views. And so in Nanda Devi Peak. This peak is touted to be the 23rd highest peak in the Indian Himalayas, with an approximate elevation of 25,646 feet (7,817 meters).
Even more, the Nanda Devi Peak is the second-highest mountain in India after Kanchenjunga. The trek to Nanda Devi Peak remains closed, but you can meet the native Gadhwali locals living around the valley. Within the area, there lies a Nanda Devi National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to spot snow leopards throughout the year except for November to February.
Wrapping Up
That’s it, folks! We hope you get your answer to knowing everything about planning a trip to Auli in December. But keep in mind that there is no ATM facility in Auli. ATMs are found in Joshimath. Consequently, you should not depend much on ATMs as you will be not the only one thinking about withdrawing cash. For a safer experience, have enough cash for at least 4-5 days (approx.). Personally speaking, don’t take all the cash with you. Instead, keep most of them in your hotel room.
If traveling to Auli via road, the nearest petrol pump at Auli is close to Joshimath. Also, the mobile network connectivity in Auli is excellent only if you are at the city center. The trek and summit of the peaks have a network issue. Lastly, those planning a trip to Auli during December for guaranteed snow must know that snow God showers its blessing in mid-May for sure! But the initial days of December have a past record for covering the town in the snowflakes.
Reasons to Visit Auli in December 2024
You Can Ski in Auli in Shoe-String Price Over Alaska
Skiing in Auli is pocket-friendly and in comparison to Alaska. When you are in Auli, The average cost of skiing per person is hovering from ₹ 300 – ₹ 500 (approx.) per person for adults. At the same time, amateur ones can learn skiing in Auli at just starting at ₹ 200 per day. Whereas skiing in Alaska costs around $50 (₹ 3,700 onwards) per person.
Auli Dresses Up for the Skiing Carnival Annually in Late December
The Tourism Ministry of Uttarakhand, in association with the Winter Games Federation of India, conducts the Auli Carnival to increase the footfalls of the skiing-loving tourists. The Auli Carnival and Skiing Festival gets started in late December and extends till February/March. Tourists, irrespective of the region or even across the border, join the skiing competitions.
Alaska Mountain Peaks Lags Behind Auli Mountain Peaks in Height
Grandiose mountain ranges of Alaska, like the Chugach mountains (13,094 ft), Cascade Mountains (14,411 ft), are smaller than Nanda Devi (25,640 ft), Kamet (25, 446 ft). As a result, skiing in Auli sounds more exhilarating than in Alaska.
How to Reach Auli
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Nearby Towns, Cities to Auli, Uttrakhand
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Jaipur |
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Gurgaon |
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Lucknow |
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Agra |
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Read Also: Best Places to visit in Auli
Akshay Negi
Copywriter with eagle eyes who writes copies backed by market research. Akshay uses the persuasive power of NLP to influence readers. Maybe that’s the reason why Akshay became a writer the way other people became monks and nuns. His approach geeks out on studying the personas of the human mind. Thrill yourself from head to toe by feeding your hunger for more travel-related content written by him.
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