From Winter Playground to Summer Eden
For many, Auli is synonymous with skiing. As one of India’s premier winter sports destinations, its slopes draw crowds from December to March. But when the snow melts, Auli undergoes a spectacular transformation. The white-out landscape gives way to an endless
carpet of emerald green grass and vibrant wildflowers. This summer version of Auli is its best-kept secret. The very same gentle slopes that make it ideal for novice skiers become the foundation for some of the most accessible and rewarding hikes in the entire Himalayan range. It’s a place with a dual identity, offering tranquil beauty once the winter thrill-seekers have departed.
The Gentle Magic of a 'Bugyal'
The key to Auli's gentle nature lies in its geography. The area is dominated by “Bugyals”—a local word for high-altitude alpine meadows. Unlike the jagged, rocky terrain that defines much of the world’s highest mountain range, these are vast, rolling pastures above the treeline. Think of the idyllic, hill-dotted landscapes from “The Sound of Music,” but set at 10,000 feet and surrounded by some of the tallest peaks on Earth. This unique topography means you can spend hours walking across open, breezy landscapes with a soft carpet of grass underfoot, soaking in 360-degree views without needing to navigate treacherous paths or steep ascents.
Your High-Altitude Stroll to Gorson Bugyal
The classic Auli summer hike is the trail to Gorson Bugyal. The journey itself is part of the appeal. From the base town of Joshimath, you can take one of Asia’s longest cable car rides up to Auli, a scenic adventure in its own right. From the cable car station, the trek to Gorson Bugyal begins. It’s a leisurely two-mile walk through a pleasant forest of oak and conifer before the trees part, revealing the breathtaking expanse of the meadow. The path is clear and the gradient is mild, making it perfectly suited for families, casual walkers, and anyone who prefers admiring mountains to conquering them. The payoff is immense: a panoramic vista that includes Nanda Devi, the second-highest mountain in India, standing sentinel over the horizon.
Planning Your Gentle Adventure
The window for this green paradise is from late May to September, when the weather is pleasant and the meadows are in full bloom. To get there, the most common route for international travelers is to fly into New Delhi, then take a domestic flight to Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport. From there, it’s a long but scenic full-day drive to Joshimath, the gateway town at the foot of the mountain. You can stay in Joshimath, which has more amenities, or in one of the few resorts in Auli itself for immediate access to the meadows. While the hikes are gentle, the altitude is not. At around 10,000 feet, it’s crucial to spend a day acclimatizing in Joshimath or Auli before exerting yourself to avoid altitude sickness.
