Few
places in the world are as richly endowed as Himachal Pradesh.
Low rolling hills, just a couple of hundred meters above sea level,
climb on to touch the c
ore
of the Himalaya mountains. Here lie peaks that are several thousand
meters high and never lose their perennial snows. Then, past these
forbidding heights, lie the visually stunning cold deserts of
the Trans Himalaya.
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 is enormous. There
are day-hikes by the thousand, and trek routes follow trails
that last couple of days or can even extend over few weeks. These
vary from gentle walks over easy terrain, to grueling expeditions.
There is skiing, heliskiing and 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. All you have to do is make up your mind
and select your own activity. .
Golf
At Naldhera, 23 kms beyond Shimla
is one of the oldest golf courses in India. The course, whose
topography is absolutely natural, was originally placed by the
british Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon. This is a par 68, nine
hole course which is regarded as one of the most challenging in
the country. In the repeat nine, the yardage somewhat increases.
The links are maintained by Tour my India....
Trekking
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, the numerous treks out of kullu and select
tracks in the Trans-Himalayan regions of Kinnaur, Lahaul
and Spiti. Most trekking areas are between 1,500 metres
and 6,000 metres.
With
well over two hundred and seventy defined trails, the variation
in terrain is also enormous. Low scrub-land and paths through
paddy fields, give way to trails strewn with pine needles. Then
come woods of oak and flowering rhododendron, which merge into
forests of Himalayan cedar - 'deodar' - and spruce. On most trails,
small pastoral hamlets dot the way. Cunningly hidden between the
high mountains, are passes which were once known only to migrant
shepherds and dare-all traders. These lead to the fabulous wastes
and swift rivers of the arid Trans-Himalaya.
Sking
Kufri, near Shimla is one of the oldest places in India to be
Associated with skiing during winter. Above Kufri, the Mahasu
ridge also has good slopes. Comprehensive facilities exist at
Narkanda, 64 kms from Shimla. There is a range of slopes, including
a beginners run, an advanced slope and a slalom run. Winter and
summer skiing are possible in the Solang area near Manali.
Camping
Camping is perhaps the best way of enjoying the wonders of nature
given to Himachal and sharing the warmth of its people. You can
carry your own gear along or opt for any of the several camps
that are pitched in various parts of the state. These camps offer
accommodation, catering and a variety of activities like hikes,
fishing, nature-tours and rafting. Most of these offer quality
facilities and services. Himachal tourism has camps at Sarchu
in Lahaul and in addition to built-accommodation, tents are available
at Sangla and Kalpa in Kinnaur and at Kaza in Spiti.
Para-Gliding
Riding the warm thermal currents of the air, is perhaps the closest
man has ever come to sailing the skies as free as a bird. Almost
at will, you dip and wheel high over the hills and valleys. The
bald peak of billing, above the Buddhist monastery of Bir in Kangra,
has been the venue for five national and three international hang-gliding
rallies since 1984. The site is perfect for para-gliding too.
This sport is a mix of sky diving and hang-gliding. 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.
Mountaineering
Rock climbing is often seen as the basic stage for mountain climbing.
Yet it may also be treated as an independent sport, where its
most basic level is climbing a rock face, using only hands and
feet and a safety rope. The area around Manali, presently forms
the core of mountaineering in Himachal. The Beas Kund region and
lower reaches of the Hanuman Tibba, the Manali and Shitidhar peaks
around the source of the river Beas, and the Deo Tibba area, are
suggested for beginners with some experience. The Chandra Bhaga
ranges, the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges are an exsiting focus.
The state also has several other areas where mountaineering is
possible.
