Photo spot in Auli
Auli Artificial Lake
Auli, Uttarakhand
A high man-made lake built to feed snow-making machines for the ski slopes — one of the world's highest, mirror-still and ringed by meadows and peaks.
Best time
Early morning, when the water is still and the peaks are clear; October for the sharpest air of the year.
Best angle
Stand on the lower side of the lake and take a wide photo across the water, with the reflected ridge filling the top half of the frame.
Entry fee
Free
Opening hours
Daylight hours
Crowd level
Medium
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Auli Artificial Lake
Early morning, when the water is still and the peaks are clear; October for the sharpest air of the year. Crowds here are typically medium. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Auli Artificial Lake
Stand on the lower side of the lake and take a wide photo across the water, with the reflected ridge filling the top half of the frame. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
By the lakeside
With the peaks reflected
Outfit guide
What to wear at Auli Artificial Lake
For photos at Auli Artificial Lake, red, cream and forest green work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Popular modern looks travellers are wearing across Auli.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural looks that suit Auli Artificial Lake.
Eat nearby
Food near Auli Artificial Lake
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for phaanu nearby, or settle in at one of the 1 restaurants close by.
Special dishes to try
Restaurants & food places nearby
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Good to know
Local tips
Come before 9 am on a windless day if you want a clean reflection of the peaks.
Stay outside the fence, as the banks are steep and the water is very cold.
Expect ice on the path in winter and wear boots with a deep grip.
Combine the lake with the top of the chairlift to save the steepest part of the climb.
Carry a warm layer, as wind across the water makes it colder than the slopes below.
Do not expect snow-making to cover the slopes in a lean winter; check snow reports instead.
Take your litter back down, as there are no bins beside the lake.
A lake for making snow
The Auli Artificial Lake is a reservoir above the ski slopes. It was built for the 2011 South Asian Winter Games, to supply water to snow-making guns laid along the main ski run. The idea was simple: if natural snow fell short, the slope could still be covered. It is often called one of the highest artificial lakes in the world. How much snow-making has been used since varies from winter to winter, so do not count on artificial snow when natural snow is thin.
What you see
The lake is a plain, fenced reservoir rather than a natural pond. What makes it worth the walk is the setting: open slopes on one side and the Garhwal peaks behind. On a calm morning the water holds a clear reflection of the ridge. In summer the grass around it is green; in autumn it turns golden.
Seasons
In mid-winter the lake may be frozen, drained low or buried under snow, and the path can be icy. From April to November it usually holds water, and the reflection is at its best in October, when the air is clearest.
Getting there
It is a short, steep walk up from the lower slopes and hotels, or a shorter walk from the top of the chairlift. Allow about half an hour from the resort area at a slow pace. At this height, climbing even a short slope leaves many people breathless, so stop often.
Nearby
Continue up the slope for wider views of the Auli Ski Slopes below. From the upper area, the path to Gurson Bugyal leads into the forest.
Questions
Auli Artificial Lake — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Auli Artificial Lake?
Early morning, when the water is still and the peaks are clear; October for the sharpest air of the year. Stand on the lower side of the lake and take a wide photo across the water, with the reflected ridge filling the top half of the frame.
Is there an entry fee at Auli Artificial Lake?
Entry to Auli Artificial Lake is free.
What are the opening hours of Auli Artificial Lake?
Auli Artificial Lake keeps daylight hours.
What should I wear at Auli Artificial Lake?
Red, cream and forest green photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Auli Artificial Lake get?
Crowd levels are typically medium. To miss the busiest window: early morning, when the water is still and the peaks are clear; October for the sharpest air of the year.
What food should I try near Auli Artificial Lake?
Try phaanu, available at nearby restaurants.
Why was the lake built?
To store water for snow-making guns along the ski slope. It was built for the South Asian Winter Games held in Auli in 2011.
Can I swim or boat on the Auli lake?
No. It is a fenced reservoir for the snow-making system, and there is no boating or swimming.
Is the lake frozen in winter?
Often, in January and February, or it may be drained low or covered by snow. Visit between April and November for open water.
How long is the walk to the lake?
About half an hour at a slow pace from the resort area, less from the top of the chairlift. The slope is steep, so take breaks.