Auli | Chopta | Kartik Swamy | Khirsu
Auli has one of the best ski slopes in the world and facilitating skiing during winters from beginning of January to end of March. The 3 km long slope ranges from 2519 mt. to 3049 mt. offering a panoramic view of central Himalayan peaks such as Nanda Devi (7817 mt), Mana Parvat (7273 mt) and Dronagiri (7066 mt). The Deodar and Oak forest covers the slop and reduce the velocity of the chilly winds to the minimum, thus helping the skiers. At Auli, Uttarakhand Government conducts skiing training course of 7 and 14 days duration.
Other key places of interest near Auli are:
Chopta village is surrounded by forests of pine, deodar and rhododendron and is rich in flora and fauna include rare species of birds and musk deer. Chopta also popularly known as ‘Mini Switzerland’ of India. Chopta valley has spectacular view of many Himalayan peaks (Trishul, Nanda Devi and Chaukhamba) located a short distance away from the valley.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva's elder son, Kartikeya, Kartik Swami is a temple of mystic ambiance and exquisite views. The popular Hindu temple is perched on a hilltop at an elevation of 3050 Mt and situated near Kanak Chauri Village on Rudraprayag-Pokhari route in the district of Rudraprayag of the state Uttarakhand.
Encircled by the snow laden Himalayan peaks, Nestled at an altitide of 1700m, its a place from faily tales and one of the most unexplored destination of Garwal. Situalte at a distance of 19 Km from the puari town, Khirsu offers the widest look of the mighty Himalayan peals.
