Auli in Summer – Things To Do Beyond Skiing

Many people know Auli as a winter skiing destination. During winter months, snow covers the slopes and attracts thousands of adventure lovers. However, many travellers do not know that Auli in summer is equally beautiful and peaceful.

When the snow melts, the entire region turns green. Meadows open up. Forest trails become accessible. Moreover, clear views of Himalayan peaks appear almost every morning.

Therefore, summer is actually one of the best seasons to explore the natural beauty of Auli. You can walk through alpine meadows, visit nearby villages, enjoy Himalayan views, and try many outdoor activities.

In this article, I will share detailed information about things to do in Auli in summer beyond skiing. This guide will help travellers plan a better trip to Auli during the warmer months.

About Auli in Summer

Auli is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It sits at an altitude of around 2800–3050 meters above sea level. The place is surrounded by oak forests, bugyals (high altitude meadows), and snow-covered Himalayan peaks.

In summer months, the temperature remains pleasant. Usually it stays between 10°C to 20°C. Because of this comfortable weather, travellers can explore the area without extreme cold.

Moreover, summer gives some of the clearest mountain views. Peaks like Nanda Devi, Mana Parvat, Kamet, Dunagiri, and Hathi Ghoda Parvat are clearly visible from Auli.

The entire landscape changes. Instead of white snow, you see green grasslands and colourful wildflowers.

Enjoy the Beautiful Auli Bugyal

One of the most special attractions of Auli in summer is the Auli Bugyal.

Bugyal means a high altitude meadow in the Himalaya. These meadows open fully after winter snow melts.

Auli Bugyal becomes a huge green carpet during summer months. Soft grass spreads across the slopes. Small alpine flowers start blooming everywhere.

Because of the wide open landscape, this meadow offers one of the best Himalayan viewpoints in Uttarakhand.

Travellers often spend hours walking slowly on the meadow. Many people simply sit there and enjoy the peaceful environment.

Moreover, photographers love this place. Sunrise and sunset create beautiful light on the surrounding Himalayan peaks.

Hiking and Nature Walks

Summer is the best time for short hikes and nature walks in Auli.

Several forest trails start near the main Auli area. These trails pass through oak and rhododendron forests.

During spring and early summer, rhododendron flowers bloom in the forests. This adds bright red colours to the landscape.

Popular hiking routes include:

Auli – Gorson Bugyal Trek

This is one of the most famous short treks near Auli. The trail starts from Auli and goes to Gorson Bugyal, which is around 3 km away.

The path is easy and suitable for beginners. During summer, the meadow becomes very green and wide.

From Gorson Bugyal, travellers get stunning views of Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Dunagiri peaks.

Auli – Chattrakund Lake Trek

Chattrakund is a small high altitude lake located near Gorson Bugyal.

The lake water looks very clear and sometimes greenish in colour. Dense forest surrounds the lake.

This short hike is peaceful and perfect for nature lovers.

Camping in Auli Meadows

Camping is another wonderful activity to try in Auli during summer.

Because the weather remains stable, camping becomes comfortable in the meadows.

Many adventure groups organise overnight camping near Auli Bugyal and Gorson Bugyal.

During night time, the sky becomes extremely clear. Travellers can see thousands of stars above the Himalayas.

Bonfire, simple mountain food, and cold Himalayan air create a memorable experience.

Mountain Biking in Auli

Summer months are also good for mountain biking in Auli.

When snow disappears, the slopes and dirt tracks become perfect for cycling adventures.

Cyclists can ride on trails between:

Auli – Gorson Bugyal
Auli – Joshimath road trails
Forest paths around the Auli region

These rides are not very technical, but the altitude makes them exciting.

Moreover, riding with views of the Himalayan peaks is a unique experience.

Visit Nearby Himalayan Villages

Another beautiful experience during summer is exploring the local Himalayan villages near Auli.

Small villages around Joshimath preserve traditional Garhwali culture. Travellers can see wooden houses, terraced farms, and local lifestyle.

Some villages worth visiting include:

Mana Village

Mana is the last Indian village near the Tibet border. It lies around 45 km from Auli.

The village is famous for Vyas Gufa, Bheem Pul, and Saraswati River origin point.

Many travellers combine Auli and Mana village in one trip.

Badrinath

The famous Badrinath Temple is also located near Auli.

This temple is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites in India. Thousands of pilgrims visit every year during summer months.

If you want a detailed guide about the temple and travel information, I have already written a full article on Badrinath travel guide on my website. You can also check that article on mohitbangari.com.

Ropeway Ride from Joshimath to Auli

The Joshimath–Auli Ropeway is one of the longest cable car rides in India.

The ropeway distance is around 4 km. It connects Joshimath town with Auli.

During the ride, travellers get amazing views of forests, valleys, and snow peaks.

Summer season is perfect for this ride because visibility remains very clear.

The ropeway journey itself becomes a memorable part of the trip.

Bird Watching and Photography

Auli region is also good for bird watching and nature photography.

Because forests surround the area, many Himalayan birds live here.

Some commonly seen birds include:

Himalayan Monal
Yellow billed blue magpie
Himalayan griffon
Black headed jay

Morning time is the best for bird watching.

Additionally, photographers love capturing:

Himalayan peaks
Wildflowers
Bugyals
Traditional villages
Sunrise and sunset landscapes

Try Adventure Activities in Auli

Even though skiing happens mainly in winter, some adventure activities remain available during summer.

Visitors can try activities like:

Zipline
Short trekking tours
Camping
Mountain biking

Local adventure guides organise these activities for tourists.

These experiences allow travellers to enjoy the mountain landscape in a different way.

Yoga and Meditation in the Himalayas

Many travellers visit Auli in summer for peace and relaxation.

The calm environment makes it ideal for yoga and meditation.

Early morning views of Himalayan peaks create a spiritual atmosphere.

Several small retreats and camps organise yoga sessions in the meadows.

This experience attracts both Indian and international travellers.

Best Time to Visit Auli in Summer

The best summer months to visit Auli are:

April
May
June

During this period the weather remains pleasant. Meadows become fully green and trekking routes stay open.

July and August bring monsoon rains. Because of that, landslides sometimes affect mountain roads.

Therefore, April to June remains the most comfortable time for summer travel.

How to Reach Auli

Reaching Auli is quite simple.

First travellers need to reach Joshimath, which is the main base town.

From Joshimath, Auli is around 13 km by road.

Visitors can either drive to Auli or take the ropeway.

The nearest railway station is Haridwar or Rishikesh. From there taxis and buses travel towards Joshimath.

The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun.

Conclusion

Most travellers only know Auli as a skiing destination. But the truth is that Auli becomes equally beautiful in summer.

Green meadows, clear Himalayan views, forest hikes, and peaceful villages create a completely different experience.

Instead of crowded winter slopes, summer offers calm nature and fresh mountain air.

Therefore, if you love nature, trekking, photography, or simply peaceful travel, Auli in summer is definitely worth visiting.

This season allows you to explore the Himalayan landscape slowly and enjoy many activities beyond skiing.