Auli, Uttarakhand

Auli is India's answer to the Alps. It is a place where you can trade the chaos of the plains for the silent, majestic presence of the highest peaks in the world. Most travelers spend 3 days here, primarily focusing on learning to ski or enjoying the long cable car rides. Unlike other hill stations, Auli is sparsely populated, offering a quiet, boutique-style experience of the Himalayas.

The experience is incomplete without a stay at the top station hotels, where you can wake up to the sun hitting the peaks of Trishul and Dronagiri. While the food is simple—mostly consisting of comforting mountain staples like Dal, Rice, and Pahadi chicken—the crisp mountain air and the vast horizons make every meal feel special. Auli is a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience the raw, snowy beauty of Uttarakhand.