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Fast Facts

Getting there

Like the destination itself, even the journey to Auli is an exhilarating experience. Delhi, at a distance of 500 km, is the ideal flag off point. For those who opt for public transport, there are both state corporation and private luxury buses to Rishikesh. Haridwar, 24 km before Rishikesh, is well-served by trains including the Dehradun Shatabdi Express. Both modes, barring the super-fast Shatabdi, take between six and eight hours.

The real journey begins from Haridwar/Rishikesh, 250 km and 10 hours away from Joshimath. The departure is before 8.30 hours in the morning as the road is closed for buses after sunset. For those looking for some adventure, the buses are not the only alternative though. A fleet of private jeeps and mini-buses operate to various points along the route and hopping on to them does not cause much discomfort for those without children or excess baggage.

And if one has time, stopping at any of the towns en route -- several of them prayags (confluences) where the Ganga is joined by a tributary or two -- is ideal, to take the strain away from the journey. Or if the hills are angry and cause landslides, travellers are forced to break their journey. Frequent landslides force able tourists to trek or climb a few strenuous kilometres. But it's a blessing in disguise considering you can't get closer to the hills unless you trek across to them.

Where to stay

While the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam runs decent tourist rest houses along the route, a couple of bigger towns have good private lodges as this is the same crowded road that leads of Badrinath, Hemkund Sahib, the Valley of Flowers, Almora and Chamoli in the peak season from April to September. Off-season boarding and lodging is therefore inexpensive along the route, with the most expensive double room with hot water costing less than Rs 400 a night.

Auli however is slightly heavier on the pocket. The GMVN offers budget dormitories, log huts and deluxe rooms, the last two costing upwards of Rs 700 a night. If at all one can complain about anything, it is the lack of variety on the menu at the only GMVN restaurant. Breakfast is bread and eggs; lunch and dinner have rice plus dal and rotis with the same three vegetables that the kitchen offers everyday. But then Auli isn't being recommended for its gourmet food.

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