For sheer geographical diversity, few places in the world are as richly endowed as Himachal Pradesh. Most of the area has low rolling hills, just a couple of hundred meters above sea level, climb on to touch the core of the Himalaya Mountains.
Rivers in deep gorges and placid mountains lakes, thick forest and acres of spree, mountain sides draped in snow, and green alpine meadows, all form a part of this immense spectrum. And the possibilities for a wide range of adventure activities are endless, from trekking to skiing, heliskiing , ice-skating. There is the thrill of paragliding and the test of stamina with mountain-cycling. You can go camping and fishing and play golf or take a safari by car, jeep or on motorcycle. Then there is mountaineering and rock climbing. Equipment, training and instructors are available. And then, all this comes at a fraction of what it would cost elsewhere in the world.
You could go for a game of golf enjoying the beautiful scenery at Naldera, 23 km. from beyond Shimla which is one of the oldest golf courses in India. Annandale, in Shimla has nine hole course managed by the army and there is another at the exquisite glade of Khajjiar, 22 km from Dalhousie and 24 km from Chamba. Putting greens are available at several resorts and hotels.
The main trekking areas in Himachal are the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges, routes over the passes between the Shimla region and the Kullu valley. A host of combinations and variations take the trails through changing countryside. Guides, equipment, porters, pack animals and maps are available at major starting points. The old Forest ‘dak bunglows’ that are strategically placed along many trek routes, add a considerable measure of nostalgic charm and convenience for trekkers.
Kufri, near Shimla is one of the oldest places in India to be associated with skiing and the slopes are still in use during winter. Above Kufri, the Mahasu ridge also has good slopes. Comprehensive facilities exist at Narkanda, 64 km from Shimla. There is a range of slopes, including a beginer’s run, an advanced slope and a slalom run.
The Shimla ice-skating rink has the largest open-air area with naturally frozen ice in this part of the world. The Ice Skating Club has already celebrated its Diamond Jubilee.
Ice-skating normally begins in early December and carries on to February.
A fairly recent sport that is steadily gaining popularity, para-gliding is possible at various places in the state. Places where para-gliding is done regularly are – Bundla Dhar near Bilaspur, in the kullu valley and at Intkali in the Pabbar valley near Rohru in Shimla district.
The Maharana Pratap Sagar reservoir in Kangra with its 42 km length and 2 km breadth, offers a variety of activities in close collabration with the Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports. Year long activities include swimming, water-skiing, surfing, kayaking, rowing, canoeing and sailing. Similar activities are also available on the waters of Gobind Sagar near Bilaspur, the Chamera lake near Dalhousie (Chamba) and the Pandoh lake on the Mandi-Kullu National Highway
By jeep, car or on motorcycle you can explore the variety Himachal has to offer. Jeep Safaris are gaining popularity among the tourists. By jeep, the Trans Himalyan tract can steadily unfold their natural and man made wonders. Along one of the world’s highest highways, you can drive out of Manali, cross the Rohtang Pass (3980 m) and move through arid Lahaul, you drive through the haunting landscapes of Spiti and over the Kunzum pass (4551 m), enter Lahaul.
Himachal also hosts a winter and snow carnival. So there is something for everyone, to suit every adventure enthusiast’s needs. You don’t need and expert training for most of these activities, age is no consideration and all you need is reasonable level of fitness.
