India is a country that is full of breathtakingly beautiful places and some of them are often called the “Switzerland of India”. But there is another place, which is called Mini Switzerland. We are talking about Auli. The place is a wonderland covered with white snow, making it similar to Switzerland.
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What makes Auli special is that when there is no snowfall, the people here make snow mountains by hand. Let us know about Auli.
Asia's second longest ropeway
Auli has a notable 4.15 km long ropeway that connects it to Joshimath, making it the second longest ropeway in Asia. This ropeway takes passengers from Joshimath to Auli at a height of 10,000 feet above sea level. This 22 km long ropeway is not only the longest but also runs faster than many ropeways around the world. Each cabin can accommodate 25 tourists. This is a scene reminiscent of Switzerland that you might have seen in pictures.
Sleeping beauty of Auli
There is a mountain in Auli which, when covered with snow, remarkably resembles a sleeping woman. Locally known as "Sleeping Beauty", the unique shape of this mountain becomes even more captivating with a layer of snow. You can also immerse yourself in the beauty of natural scenes around Auli. The tranquility and charm of this place make it an ideal place to relax.
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Skiing
Auli is recognized as a skiing destination by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF). It offers a 1300-meter-long track for skiing enthusiasts. The snow-covered slopes provide excellent opportunities for skiing and you can enjoy this exciting sport to the fullest. For trekking enthusiasts, it is surrounded by many peaks like Nanda Devi, Kamet, Man Parvat, Dunagiri, and Joshimath. Additionally, smaller peaks like Range Gorson, Tali, Kuari Pass, Khulara, and Tapovan also attract trekkers.
Ice is made here when there is no snowfall
Auli boasts of the world's highest man-made lake for artificial ice making. Constructed in 2010, this lake with a capacity of 25,000 cubic meters is used to create artificial snow when natural snowfall is insufficient. Auli uses machines imported from France to make artificial snow. This technology ensures that skiing enthusiasts can enjoy their favorite sport even when nature does not provide enough snow.
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When to go to Auli?
You can visit Auli any time of the year, as it offers something unique all 365 days. However, the best time to experience the charm of Auli is between November and March. During this period, Auli turns into a winter wonderland with heavy snowfall. The chilly weather and snow-covered landscapes make it an ideal place for snow lovers. From May to November, the weather is relatively mild, making it an excellent time for other outdoor activities.
How to reach Auli?
Auli can be reached by air, train, or road. If you love a scenic road trip, then hitting the road to Auli is a thrilling adventure that offers glimpses of natural beauty throughout the journey. Whether you want to travel by air, train, or road, Auli welcomes you with its picturesque landscapes and serene atmosphere.