Once you are in the spectacular Auli Meadows with the view of the snowy mountains and the alpine landscape, do not stop here. Majestic meadows are not the last stop on the way of magic; there are hidden, spiritual centers, best hotels in Auli and unexplored scenery in the area around Auli, which will make your trip remarkable. If you are a nature lover, a trekker, or a peace seeker, then here are the seven places to visit in the surroundings of Auli that you definitely have to put down in your travel plan:
1. Joshimath – The Spiritual Gateway to Auli (10 km away)
Your Auli tour should start in Joshimath, a small hill town, which doubles up as a base camp to Auli, Badrinath, and the Valley of Flowers. It is also known for the Shankaracharya Math, which was formed by Adi Shankaracharya, and the historic Narasimha Temple, in which Joshimath mixes religious aspects with history. The highlight? It is the starting point of the Auli Ropeway, which is one of the longest cable cars in Asia and is the best place to get amazing visuals as you fly above forests and ridges. You should not miss having a peaceful stroll around the ancient roads or a hot cup of tea by the side of a view before making your way up to the Auli Meadows.
2. Gurso Bugyal – A Short Trek to Paradise (3 km trek from Auli)
Gurso Bugyal is a quiet grassland place just 3 km from Auli. Big mountains like Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Dronagiri are all around it. In summer, it has flowers and green grass. In winter, it is all white with snow. There is a short and scenic hike and a walk that can be undertaken by all the first-time visitors as well as families, and the hike comes through deodar and oak forests. The experiences that you may choose are either the photos, the serenity feel or even the taste of the fresh air; Gurso Bugyal offers nature at its best being in the coolest and the purest state.
3. Chattrakund – A Hidden Forest Lake (4 km from Auli)
Chattrakund is a small lake with clear blue water. It is hidden in a quiet forest, about 4 km from Auli and just 1 km from Gurso Bugyal. It is untouched, as though mountains held a secret. This is the perfect place to go to have a calm picnic or rest a bit after trekking; it is also quite magical in the morning hours. The place is like a dream because of birdsongs, the sounds of leaves rustling, and reflections in the still water. In case you are tired of the city chaos and would love to have some escapade into the wilderness, then Chattrakund is your side trip to Auli.
4. Kwani Bugyal – A Meadow for the Adventurous (12 km trek from Auli)
Looking to find a true Himalayan adventure? Kwani Bugyal, situated some 12 km short of Auli, provides the ideal combination of hard work and payoff. It is a meadow located at 3350 meters altitude and is a paradise for an explorer. The hike is intermediate, though scenic, as you will run into small forests, charming streams, and open edges. The view is all-inclusive of Nanda Devi, Hathi Parbat, and other grand mountains as you get to the top of this steep climb. An outstanding place to camp overnight and under the stars. Kwani Bugyal has something different to offer in each season, i.e., flowers in summer, snow during winter, and peace throughout the year.
5. Tapovan – Natural Hot Springs and Himalayan Calm (15 km from Auli)
Tapovan is a quiet village about 15 km away from Auli, famous because of the natural hot water springs having healing properties. It is the place where one would relax with snow-capped mountains and terraced farms around after several days of trekking and snow activities in Auli. Dip your feet in the warm spring, visit small temples and enjoy the relaxing landscapes. Tapovan presents the best combination of nature, spirituality, and wellnessand the route, just like the destination, is remarkably beautiful. You can book your stay at the best resorts in Auli and can enjoy the true Nature.
6. Niti Village – Where the Road Ends and the Himalayas Begin
Niti Village is the last inhabited outpost along the India-Tibet border hidden in the depths of Niti Valley of Chamoli district. Situated at a cold, 3,600-meter-high, and isolated village, the village has a backdrop of beautiful mountains and ancient silence. Locals are people from the Bhotiya tribe, tough mountain folk known for their wisdom and endurance, who live in the world of snowy winters, grazing cows, and traditions that have roots in the past. Although a special permit is required to access it, the reward of making the trip has all the benefits of pure natural beauty, primitive architecture, and the untouched beauty of Himalayan appeal. An important trail to Niti Pass (5,800 m), the route also brings a traveller a look into a world frozen in time, a quiet, comfortable place proudly defended by nature.
7. Lata Village – The Forest That Fought Back
Lata Village, placed within the green confines of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, is not only a destination but also a movement. The Chipko Movement began in this place in the year 1974, when the Chipko pioneer Gaura Devi and other local women started campaigning by hugging trees because loggers were going to chop down their sacred forests. It is an atmosphere of conservation as Lata is enclosed by whispering deodar and oak forests. The villagers still remain the leaders in community forest management, sustainable tourism, and ecological rights. In 2001, they said they should be able to protect nature and earn from tourism. Led by women, Lata Village narrates a strong story of opposition, endurance, and nature worship, it shows the world how the village fought back, stayed strong, and respects nature, a place that teaches the world to live peacefully.
Final Travel Tip:
During your trip to Auli Meadows, do not forget to allot time to experience such outlying marvels nearby. Every location has a new taste of the Himalayas, whether it is a serene forest lake or holy villages or the best food in Auli and scenic grassy bugyals. The trek around Auli is much of an experience in itself; whether you reach there using ropeway, on track, or by roads, the path is unforgettable.
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