Auli earns its place among the travel destinations in Uttarakhand with ski slopes that stretch about 5 km across elevations of 2,500 m to 3,050 m. January to March brings the best conditions for skiing, while October onwards offers glimpses of the Himalayan peaks against clear skies.
On a bright winter morning, Nanda Devi rises to 7,816 m above the surrounding ranges, its snow-covered summit dominating the view. Beyond the slopes, Gorson Bugyal opens into wide alpine meadows, while an artificial lake supports snowmaking during the ski season. Explore more in our guides to tourist attractions in Auli and skiing in Auli.
Jolly Grant Airport near Dehradun is the nearest airport, followed by a road journey into the mountains. Our guide to a trip to Auli covers the route and travel details.
Chopta and the Trail to the World's Highest Shiva Shrine
At around 2,608 m, Chopta sits amid the forests and mountain meadows of Uttarakhand, with the ancient Tungnath Temple perched higher up the slope. Revered as the world's highest Shiva shrine, Tungnath draws pilgrims and trekkers along a stone-paved trail with sweeping views of the surrounding peaks.
The climb continues beyond the temple to Chandrashila, a summit at roughly 4,000 m, about 5 km from Chopta. November to May offers a window for the trek, though snow conditions affect access in winter. Start early to allow enough daylight for the ascent and return.
Valley of Flowers: A Summer Carpet of Himalayan Blooms
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Valley of Flowers transforms into a sweep of colour during the monsoon, with wildflowers covering the high-altitude meadows against a backdrop of rugged Himalayan peaks. The valley is open from May to October, with July to September bringing the most abundant blooms.
Reaching the valley begins with a trek from Govindghat to Ghangaria, a mountain village roughly 13 km along the route that serves as an overnight base. Camping inside the national park is prohibited, so plan to return to Ghangaria by 5:00 PM. Our guide to the Valley of Flowers National Park covers the trail, seasonal blooms, and wildlife in greater detail.
Badrinath: A Char Dham Shrine on the Alaknanda
Set along the Alaknanda River, between the Nar and Narayana mountain ranges, Badrinath is one of the 4 sacred destinations on the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit. The temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, welcomes pilgrims from around May to October before closing for winter, with reopening usually around April. A short drive beyond the town brings you to Mana, a high-altitude village at roughly 3,000 m, often described as the last Indian village before the Tibetan border.
The temple's striking architecture and enduring legends are explored in our guide to Shri Badarinath Dham. Before setting out, read our essential guide to visiting Badrinath Temple for details on permits, darshan timings, and daily rituals.
Snow and Hills: Head to Auli for skiing between January and March, with sweeping views of the Himalayan peaks.
Wildlife: Jim Corbett National Park offers the chance to spot tigers, elephants, and other wildlife amid forests and riverine landscapes.
Pilgrimage: Badrinath and Kedarnath are key stops on the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit, while Haridwar draws visitors to the evening Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri.
Adventure: Trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath along the roughly 16 km trail, or climb from Chopta to Chandrashila for panoramic mountain views.
Family Holidays: Nainital centres around Naini Lake, with boating, lakeside walks, and pleasant weather from March to June.
Scenic Escapes: Visit the Valley of Flowers during its summer bloom or travel to Munsiyari for striking views of the Panchachuli peaks.
Faraway Cottages, Auli: Your Mountain Getaway in the Garhwal Himalayas
Wake up to the snow-covered Nanda Devi Range, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and let the day unfold at its own pace. Set in Parsari, lower Auli, at 8,000 ft., Faraway Cottages brings you close to the quieter side of the Garhwal Himalayas, with panoramic mountain views and trails that lead into the surrounding meadows. Our cottages cater to different kinds of escapes, from the 350 sq. ft. Luxury Cottage designed for couples to the 535 sq. ft. Family Suite Cottage, which accommodates up to 4 adults and 4 children. The Superior Luxury Cottage pairs a king size bed with a large balcony, while the 850 sq. ft. Villa, with 2 bedrooms and a separate living room, suits families and groups travelling together.
Spend your days exploring the mountains with our trained Garhwali guides, whether you fancy a trek to Gorson Bugyal or a pilgrimage to Badrinath, approximately 49 km away. When you're ready to slow down, head to Rumi's Escape, where the menu brings together Garhwali delicacies, Indian favourites, international dishes, and freshly prepared seasonal meals. Open from 8:00 AM to 10:30 PM, the restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating, with mountain panoramas for company. You can also arrange a meal prepared in collaboration with local residents for a taste of the region's culinary heritage.
As the temperature drops, gather around the bonfire, settle into the lounge with a book, or spend time playing games with the family. Travelling with children? Indoor and outdoor games keep them entertained between mountain outings. Free parking and a complimentary dormitory for drivers make the practical details easier, while candlelight dinners and honeymoon arrangements are available on request. At Faraway Cottages, the mountains set the scene; the rest of your getaway is yours to shape.
