As brochures and blog posts go, one would think that skimming over freshly snowed mountains on skis is the hunting ground for hardened adventurers, and the only high-point of Auli. No doubt that this Himalayan hill-town is a paradise for skiing and sledging enthusiasts, but in truth, it is an all-year-round destination. Apart from ski slopes, make Himalayan High, your base for exploring the religious shrine of Badrinath, UNESCO Heritage Site, Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve and the famed Valley of Flowers National Park during different times of the year – when the snow clad hills will not be the only highlight.

Mountain sides of coniferous and oak trees form a bed for the high peaks of Nanda Devi, Mana Parbat, Dunagriri, Beethartoli, Nilkanth, Hathi Parbat and Ghori Parbat, all breathtakingly visible from your own bedroom at Himalayan High. If you’re looking for glorious views, cycling, sightseeing, picnics and a smidge of village life charm, then Auli is your ticket. It is apt for outstanding mountain and forest scenery that helps you unplug from the drag of the city life. And then there is the expanse of white where you can get your skiing chops (or whet them) with instructors. Of course, be prepared to land on your backside, or land spread-eagle at the base several times, before you can swoosh down the slopes. We assure you, it’s worth it.

This is the ideal place for an all–ages adventure break where there’s no room for boredom