I was in Garhwal once before, about 8 years ago. I stayed in Chilla, a little forest area between Haridwar and Risikesh.

It was during that visit, I came to know about Auli, the “Switzerland of India”. I wanted to visit Auli since, recommended it to everyone I know; but this is finally when I got an opertunity to visit “Auli Bugyal”, which means “Meadows” in Garhwali.

Joshimath and Auli is Connected by Road, and by Ropeway, this Ropeway is India’s Highest, Biggest and maybe, the Scariest.

What I find funny is that This Ropeway takes you from Uttarakhand to Himachal Pradesh, in 22 Minutes, covering about 4.37 KMs distance scaling an height of 1110 Meters from Joshimath.

I was not expecting any Snow, this was a very bright and Sunny day in Joshimath, hence my expectations were high about a clear sky in Auli.

The Ropeway can carry 25 People at once, and there are 10 Towers to cross from Joshimath to Auli.

Tower 8 is where the Hotels and Resorts are Situated. Tower 10 is the view point.

People who don’t stay the night, usually disembark at Tower 10, and come back accordingly. So, I caught the 8:50 AM Ropeway, and reached Auli by 9:15.

For the First Time In My Life, I was not Disappointed by a view point.

Tiger Hill Disappointed me, So did Dochula Pass in Bhutan…

But Auli, Tower 10 Didn’t…

I could see Nanda Devi, The Snow covered peak of Himalayas which is India’s Second Highest…

I could see Sleeping Beauty and Elephant Hill.

I took pictures, and walked… Walked as far as my legs could take me, and mind allowed…

I know, the Best Time to Visit Auli is From December to March, when the Entire Ground is covered in 4-5 Ft of Snow, and Skiers from Around the World Gather here.

I know, there is only so much one could explore in half-a-day.

But, those who Remember “The Daffodils” by William Wordsworth; they do Remember The phrase “Bliss of Solitude”.

And living in a city, Solitude is a Luxury…

When I walked far far away from my co-tourists, I sat down on the grass and set aside my Camera. I looked at the Himalayas, and Remembered lines from a famous John Denver Song…

“Life is Old There, older than the trees,

Younger than the mountains, blowing like a breeze…”

Bliss… Pure Bliss…

Peace…

Neel…