Auli

Auli is located in a high altitude valley of flowers national park in the north Indian Himalayan state of Uttarakhand. It’s a highland pasture which is called Bugyal in the local Garhwali language meaning ‘nature’s own garden’. Located at an elevation of 2,500 to 3,050 metres above sea level, it becomes famous ski and winter sports destination during the winter season. The conifers, oak and deodar forests surround the slopes of this hill station reduces the wind velocity making the slopes perfect for both leisure and professional skiing. Auli is located just 9 miles from Joshimath near Badrinath which is approximately 186 miles north of famous city of Rishikesh.

Auli: the tourist destination

Auli is an all year destination for nature and adventure loving tourists. It is snow clad for most of the year revealing the most mesmerising and vibrant spectacle of countless rare flowers and lush greenery in the months of June to October.

The valley and the surrounded areas are a heaven for nature lovers, photographers, botanists, winter sports and adventure seeking travellers. A world heritage site, the valley is situated at a transition zone between the Zanskar, Eastern and western Himalayan ranges. Also known as Valley of flowers the entire region is part of Nanda Devi biosphere reserve. It is surrounded with the ring of most splendid panoramic views of highest peaks such as Nanda Devi (7,816m), Trishul (7,120m) and Gauri Parbat (6,719m) of Himalayas.

In the months of June – October, the valley is sprawling with one of the highest numbers of flower species found anywhere in the world. It has 520 species of high altitude plants, of these 498 are flowering plants with significant populations of globally threatened species.

The entire valley is covered with flowers of every colour and type, from geraniums, primulas, asters and trollies to Epilobium, rhododendrons, marigolds and pedicularis. An enjoyable ride from Auli to Joshimath on the ropeway is popular activity at this time. This is also the time when camping on the lush green meadows is most magical under the star studded clean Himalayan skies.

Hiking in Auli

In summers the bugyals and the valley become the perfect place for hiking. There are numerous hiking treks in and around the valley and most famous is the Valley of Flowers Trek itself. The trek starts narrow and goes through the uphill dense forest route to the most magnificent high altitude valley. Trek to Gurson bugyal and Kuari pass is must do for off-beat travellers, both of which are winter treks and pass through the meadow of Auli bugyal. Climb to Trishul peak is also a great option for avid but experienced mountain lovers.

The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun about 170 miles from Auli and the nearest international airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi about 300 miles from Auli.

How Auli in the Himalayas inspired AULI in London

The place has been an inspiration for a name sake home fragrance brand also called AULI which is based in London. The brand has its roots in Auli as the founder of the brand was born and raised here in this part of Himalaya. The brand’s first fragrance C-34/2 was created in the memory of her childhood consisting the notes of deodar pine, marigold, geranium and juniper leaves, prominent in Auli bugyal. The inspiration comes from her memory of picking and crushing wild flowers, taking strolls in the pine forests and keeping juniper leaves in her notebooks as a good charm. The founder says, “If you look closely AULI monogram is inspired by a midnight scene in the Valley of flowers. If you are out in Auli at midnight you can’t see any colours or spectacle of bright flowers, all you can see is deep blue sky and feel is the scent in the air. One doesn’t need to see to feel it, that’s the invisible art of essence. Auli perfumes containers and bottles are midnight blue for this reason so you can simply experience what’s inside.”

Find out more about AULI C – 34/2 that is inspired by Auli in Himalayas. The scent is reminiscent of the essence of marigold flowers picked from the while taking a stroll in the pine forest, green woody scent of juniper leaves left in the notebook and soothing sandalwood enveloping and evoking the rumours and imaginary tales. An ode to the curious and wonder! Pure nature that delights and captures imagination.