Sky High Homestay – Auli

Auli

The town of Auli, located around 5 kms from Joshimath in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand is one of the most picturesque destinations in Garhwal. It is surrounded by Oak and Coniferous forests and offers panoramic views of Nanda Devi Mana Parvat and Kamat Kamat. The valley gets more than 500 species of rare flowers between June and October. Auli is also India’s premier ski resort destination. In winter, Auli hosts several snow adventure events. You can also take skiing lessons here. It is also the gateway to the Nanda Devi and the Valley of Flowers National Park and popular trekking destinations like Gorson Bugyal, Pangarchulla Summit, and Tapovan can be accessed through Auli. Auli’s artificial lake is another attraction which is one of the world’s highest man-made lakes. 

The nearest airport is in Dehradun (274 km) and Rishikesh is the nearest railhead (258 km). Regular road services are available from Delhi, Dehradun, Rishikesh and Haridwar to Joshimath, 5 km away. You can hire jeeps to Auli or trek the five kilometer between Joshimath and Auli.

The Homestay

It is a stone built bungalow nestled in the apple orchards, 150mts off the road. Its strategic location gives you complete privacy in the lap of nature with panoramic views of snow clad peaks. 70% of the Garwal peaks are visible from here; this includes –  Nanda Ghunti, Brahmal, Mukut, Sleeping Beauty range and Hanthi Ghodi peak. It comes under Nanda Devi biosphere and if you are lucky enough, you might spot some rare birds and animals as well.
There are 4 guest rooms spread across 2 floors. All rooms have an attached bathroom each. There is a well maintained garden, a fire pit where you can have cool evenings with no disturbance. With good internet speed and power back up, this is an ideal place for workation as well. Be prepared for extreme cold temperatures though. As the weather here remains cold most of the time throughout the year, you will need warm clothes.
Location: Lower Auli, 4 km from Joshimath
Number of Rooms – 4; Total Capacity – 12; Tent: 3; Capacity: 9

Tariff

Single Occupancy: 2000/-
Double Occupancy Room: 2600/-
Extra Person: 850/-
Complimentary: WiFi, Breakfast

Child Policy
Upto 8 years: Complimentary (no extra bed)

Note: What you pay for a homestay, brings a direct socio-economic benefit to locals. Be proud by not asking for a discount.

Facilities

WiFi • Power Backup • Parking • Running Hot Water • Electric Kettle • First-Aid Kit • Steam Iron • Open Seating Areas • Toiletries • Library • Pet Friendly •  Smoking Allowed • Washing Machine • Board Games • Badminton • Pick and Drop Service (paid)

Food

You can relish delicious home cooked meals prepared from locally procured organic vegetables, cereals and pulses. They have tie-ups with local farmers for the kitchen supplies including fresh cow milk and milk products. Enjoy puri sabji, stuffed paratha, butter toast, your choice of egg, sandwich, pancakes, pasta, seasonal fresh fruits etc in breakfast. Wholesome north India thali is served in lunch and dinner that includes seasonal vegetables, dal, Chutney, rice, roti, curd, salad etc. Do try local dishes like Rajma, Kulath (horse gram), Local red rice, jhangora, kondi (Cholesterol free millets) Kode ki roti (finger millet), Chutneys- Bhang Jeera, Plum, Apple and Apricot depending on the season. Both vegetarian and non- vegetarian options are available. Chicken, mutton or fish can be prepared on prior request. 

Activities

Bird Watching • Reading • Star Gazing • Village Walk • Forest Walk • Yoga and Meditation • Hiking

Local Attractions

Auli Chair Lift (4km) • Narsingh Temple (5 km) • Auli Lake (6 km) • Joshimath Ropeway (8km)  • Shankaracharya Tapasthali (8 km) • Chattrakund and Chenab Lake

Excursions

Joshimath (9 km) • Govindghat (30km) •  Badrinath (55km )

Treks: Gorson bugyal • Quarry Pass • Kagbhusandi • Niti Valley

Know your Host

Diksha and Abhishek will host you. Diksha is a native of Joshimath. After doing a job in corporate for quite some time, Diksha was looking for an opportunity to come back to the roots when she came across this bungalow. It looked perfect as it had a local feel to it and was located in the lap of nature with peaceful surroundings. The idea of settling here and opening the home to travelers immediately made sense. Her husband Abhishek also could work remotely from here because of good internet connectivity. Being a local, she is well versed with the place and can guide you on local trek and trails. She is happy to share her local experiences and will do her best to make your stay comfortable and memorable. Diksha likes to travel and write. Abhishek is a voracious reader and has a mini library. 

You may like to check more of our Homestays in Uttarakhand