Kausani To Auli

Skiing Paradise-Auli

Post by Yagnadat

Auli is well connected by road. Book a cab/taxi from Rishikesh to Joshimath. It takes 9-10 hours based on the road conditions and might go higher. Auli is just 13 km up from Joshimath, snowfall conditions can make it difficult for vehicles on the upper reaches. So in worst case scenario, you have to trek the route ( it is fun!) Rishikesh- Joshimath_ The road is cut through hill slopes and Alakhnanda passes right down in the valleys. Start early in the morning if you do not want to miss the nature's bounty. Have a safe driver who is accustomed to the roads and it is also highly accident prone area so stay highly alert. High altitude tends to interfere after prolonged driving which might interfere with the driver's motor functions, the best way to beat it to stay enough hydrated and take enough breaks if necessary and most importantly take time to indulge in nature. land slides is a daily phenomenon that obstructs the traffic, BRO has land movers placed at most of these places and in matter of minutes this problem is solved. Also, the width at some of the crossings can be too narrow Tighten your seat belts and yeah pray to God! It helps! Have sufficient winter clothing like Thermals, Gloves, woolen socks and good shoes etc. If you have missed any there are shops along at SriNagar, Nand Prayag along the way. Adequate food joints and Dhabas will come to your rescue at times of need.

Majestic Mountains, Serene Snow and Scorching Sun

Post by Kanchan | Bangalore | Feb 22, 2008

Auli is about 500 kms from Delhi by road through some of the most rugged, mighty and brown mountains you will ever see. The roads are mostly good but downright non-existent at a few places. One can reach Haridwar by an overnight train from Delhi and hire a cab or take the State Transport bus from there to Joshimath. Joshimath to Auli is by the famous cable car – be sure to check the timings for the rides up and down. A bus is not a good option for people looking for a comfortable drive and if they suffer from mountain sickness. If not this, one can drive all the way from Delhi to Joshimath through Haridwar-Rishikesh-Devprayag-Srinagar-Rudraprayag-Karnaprayag-Nandaprayag-Chamoli and Pipalkoti. You can stop at any of these towns for a roadside meal or a hot cup of spiced tea. After Rishikesh the entire drive is in the mountains with views along the way to die for. You will find a number of mesmerizing photo-ops on the way. Huge mountains with the Alaknanda giving you company all the way are a feast for the eyes. Devprayag where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi meet and form the Ganges is a good place to stop. Be sure to walk down to the Sangam and behold this mightiest of Indian rivers. The entire drive can take around 13 to 16 hrs depending on number of stops and speed. You will need to break journey as driving in the hills is prohibited from 8 pm to 5:30 am. Warning: Watch out for Land slides! Carry heavy duty woollens during winters – the locals are used to the cold, you are not. Carry a strip of Avomine if prone to mountain sickness.