Auli Ski Resort is a wonderful Skiing location in the state of Uttarakhand in India. The snow-white Ski slopes of Auli and Ski boarders were waiting eagerly for my appearance :) I was staying in the dormitory of GMVN in Joshimath. Auli Ski Slope is 15 Kilometer uphill from the small town of Joshimath.
I was the only soul in the GMVN dormitory of 10
beds. Freezing night was in its last phase. The winter morning made sure to keep
me beneath two woolen blankets apart from body thermals. Checked my mobile it
was around 7 AM of the morning. I could see the dawn breaking from the GMVN
window.
Chirping of the birds, soft footsteps of the
waiters in the corridor, men with sweater and muffler pushing the bicycle pedal
hard on the hilly road broke a big smile on my lips.
I wish I could be the eternal element of such a
beautiful mountain morning scene.
Album cover
Route map
I had planned to return to Joshimath by14:30 and proceed to Gopeshwar.
I had expected black ice on the route and I was correct. Geared up myself took my camera and with one push Avenger started. First 5km was good except the chilly wind which made my fingers almost numb.
Scene started changing. I could see shining snow clad peaks and fresh snow on both sides of the road.
Suddenly I felt my Tyre skidding left and right, it was black ice. I slowed down to 20kmph.
No car or motorcycle passed me till now. Snow on the road was increasing with every kilometer. I was around 5 kilometer behind Auli. A car came from behind and started honking to pass. I was riding in the middle, I signaled to wait and moved slowly towards right.
At the curve just ahead driver of the car applied brake. Due to ice on the road car didn't slowed down, it skid towards right. I think driver must have steered to make it straight. But car again skidded towards left facing the valley. I thought it will fall. Luckily he escaped and went ahead. I hate drivers who rush to their destination.
My rear got stuck in almost a feet deep snow very close to Auli. I was at full throttle but Tyre just kept revolving. My shoes was not fit for snow as a result I was not able to push my bike forward or back.
Then comes the rescue. Indo Tibetan Border Police has their camp at Auli top. Military trucks fitted with big snow chains keep plying on this route.
A jawan jumped from truck and lifted my bike from behind. He helped me clear that snow patch. Thanked them and moved ahead.
Joshimath to Auli
Joshimath to Auli
Joshimath to Auli
Joshimath to Auli
Owner of the shop is a nice guy. This year his brother who was in ITBP was representing India in Nordic Ski race help up in Switzerland. He lived in the village down below. He said he can arrange a coach for Skiing. Thats good.
Settled the deal for Rs.300. He closed his shop and took me the Ski slope.
Guy sitting arranged my Skiing practice
His village on the hill below his shop
I was handed Ski shoes which sturdy and tall. Coach asked to get on the slope which was around 100 meters from here. Walking with Ski shoes requires a bit of practice.
Coach brought a pair of Ski, a pair of Ski sticks and a pair of Ski gloves. First lesson was to stand with Ski.
Fell 2-3 times but learning was fun. After an hour of struggle I was enjoying coming down the slope.
But its tiring as well. After 2 hours of practice I asked the coach to leave.
Falling session
Now I am getting it :)
Dikhave par naa jao. She didn't Skied, it was for photograph
Ski slope at Auli
Purchased Rs.350 ticket for rope way to get up on the slope. It was valid to and fro. There are two rope ways in Auli. The bigger one starts from Joshimath and ends on the top of the slope. Ticket price for this rope way costs Rs.750.
Smaller rope way takes Skiers to the top of the slope from where the slope ends. It costs Rs.350.
Auli ropeway - runs from Joshimath
Auli ropeway - Runs from Joshimath
Auli ropeway - Skiers use it get on top of the slope
Auli ropeway - Skiers use it get on top of the slope
Auli ropeway - Skiers use it get on top of the slope
Coach offered me rubber shoes to walk on snow. Auli has artificial lake on the top of the slope. It was completely frozen.
Auli ski resort
Auli ski resort
Auli ski resort
Ski resort scenic view
Artificial Frozen lake - Auli
Scenic view - Auli ski resort
Endless Himalayan mountain ranges
Great Nanda Devi in the center
Spent some time walking around the lake and started my return journey. Bid good bye to the shop owner Deepak (08650496857) and left Auli.
While returning an ITBP jawan asked if I can drop him to Joshimath. I said I dont have any problem. I asked 'girne se dar to nahi lagta?' He said 'Ji nahi. gir gaye to phir uth jaayenge'. Thats like an army guy.
Dropped him near Joshimath market at around 14:30. I was on schedule. Packed my stuffs and proceeded to GMVN, Gopeshwar.
Today it was Mahashivratri. Gopeshwar was bustling with activities. People had flooded markets. Chat wala, khilaunewala, Ice cream wala were busy tending queues of customers. It seemed like a movie scene.
Checked into GMVN. I had whole of dormitory. Slept early after a nice warm bath.
Part 1 The beginning
Part 2 Rishikesh to Gopeshwar
Part 3 Part 3 In the land of Badri Vishal
Part 5 Trek to Deoria Tal
Part 6 Beatles ashram and 3 sanyasis
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