From
the foothills of the Garhwal-Kumaon Himalayas to its snow-clad upper
reaches, the picturesque land of Uttaranchal is a treasure-trove of
adventure sports. Over 90 % of the 50,000 sq.kms area of Uttaranchal is
rugged and mountainous, very ideal for popular adventure sports such as
trekking, rafting, kayaking, gliding, mountaineering, skiing and safaris.
So, when you visit the state don't forget to undertake the variety of
adventure sports, because you might miss some wonderful lifetime
experiences. You need not to worry about carrying equipments or essential
gears, as the state has no shortage of facilities for those wanting to ride
the waves of the wonderful slopes. In Uttaranchal, adventure season extends
from early September to late June, so next plan your visit to the state
during this period.
Mountaineering in Garhwal-Kumaon
: With its variable and challenging altitudes, Garhwal-Kumaon region
provides you a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the adventurous sport of
Mountaineering. Situated almost at the centre of the Great Indian Himalayan
chain, the Garhwal-Kumaon regions have more than 250 peaks soaring up to a
height of around 5,500 metre. The Garhwal Himalayas comprises a series of
steep mountain ridges divided from each other by deep, narrow glens.
Start your mountaineering expedition from Kumaon region, which is well
connected by buses, railways and airways to rest of the state as well as
country. As you enter Garhwal region from Kumaon, you will be certainly
struck by the more rugged feature of the unparalleled scenery that is in
wonderful contrast to the milder Kumaon Hills. Besides, the devotionally
adorned temples, picturesque hill stations, blue- emerald lakes, meandering
rivers, marvelous waterfalls, undulating meadows, rich-thick forest and
interesting villagers en-route will add more to your mountaineering
experience.
Para
Gliding in Uttaranchal : A very convenient and affordable aero-sport,
para gliding is a major attraction for tourists visiting the state of
Uttaranchal. Kumaon's easternmost district, Pittorgarh makes Uttaranchal one
of the most striking regions for para gliding, not only in India but also
all over the world. Pittorgarh is wedged in between Nepal and Tibet, in the
Soar valley of the lower Himalayas. The Soar valley is flanked by four hills
namely - Chandak, Dhwaj, Thal Kedar and Kundar - where you can try the
adventure sport of para gliding.
With the Himalayas in North and the Terai region plains in South, the
unique topography of Garhwal makes it an ideal destination for both
professional as well as beginner gliders. In Garhwal, joy rides as well as
training courses in para gliding are available. Joy rides are tandem flights
accompanied by an experienced flier, training facilities are available for
those who are new to the sport.
Some of the popular para gliding sites in Uttaranchal are Naukutchiyatal in
Nainital, Dayara Bugyal (Garhwal), Dhanolti Ridge (Garhwal) and Bedni Bugyal
in Kumaon.
Jeep
Safari in Uttaranchal : Situated in the heart of the majestic Himalayas,
Uttaranchal is bestowed with a luxurious expanse of forest. From its
snow-capped peaks to the Sivalik foothills, the alpine and deciduous forests
run house a variety of wildlife.
Uttaranchal's numerous wildlife sanctuaries and parks offer the nature
enthusiasts as well as tourists an abundance of animal and plant life and
breathtakingly pristine landscapes. Jeep Safari is one of the most
convenient and fast medium to explore the wildlife sanctuaries of the
Uttaranchal.
You can explore Uttaranchal's famous sanctuaries - the Corbett National
Park, Rajaji National Park and Binsar Wildlife Sanctuaries on Jeep Safari.
Jeeps are available on rent at various places of the state or you can hire
the jeeps from the tourism department of Uttaranchal, it will cost you
around Rs. 500-600 per trip. During your Jeep Safari trip, a forest
department trained guide will always accompany you.
Early morning and the evening are the best time for Jeep Safaris, as during
this period there are maximum chances of wildlife viewing. Explore the
wildlife sanctuaries of Uttaranchal and see a variety of animals from the
open-roof jeep. Don't forget to take the prior permission from the
headquarters because it's necessary for Jeep Safaris.
Wildlife sanctuaries and parks apart, the rest of the hill state of
Uttaranchal, too, is best explored by undertaking a jeep safari trip. Jeep
safaris allow you to move into the lesser known areas of the beautiful
Garhwal and Kumaon region in a way you like. Enroute, you can leisurely
watch the beauty that pass by or stop to observe the flora, fauna and
interact with the people to know more about them.
Jeeps are readily available in Uttaranchal, but take care that the driver
accompanying you should be experienced enough to drive in the hilly areas,
narrow and curved paths.
Trekking in Uttaranchal :
A popular adventure sport, trekking involves climbing uphill and sometimes
walking downhill. Boasting of the world famous Great Indian Himalayan range,
Uttaranchal is harbouring many snow capped peaks, some soars above 6,500 m.
Garhwal and
Kumaon
Himalayas of Uttaranchal are home to some of the most famous treks of India
and the world as well. Trekking amidst the Uttaranchal Himalayas is a
wonderful experience and you get magnificent views of the majestic Himalayan
range, alpine meadows, rare variety of flora and fauna etc.
So, every year a large number of trek enthusiasts reach Uttaranchal, to
enjoy the adventure sport of trekking. In Uttaranchal the duration of
trekking varies between one week to three weeks or more. Some of the popular
treks of Uttaranchal are Kedarnath-Vasuki Tal Trek, Panch Kedar Trek, Dodi
Tal Trek, Gangotri-Kedarnath Trek, Gangotri-Gaumuka-Nadavan-Tapovan Trek and
Bageshwar-Sunderdhunga-Pindari-Kafni Glacier Trek.
Rafting
in Uttaranchal : River-rafting is one of the most exciting ways to
explore the far-flung areas and also an enjoyable way to experience the
natural environments of any particular region. River Rafting in Uttaranchal
has become one of the favourite activities for vacationers as well as
adventure seekers. Blessed with enough white-water that courses through the
mountainous terrain, Uttaranchal offers wide array of river thrills
available anywhere in the world.
The Ganga river flowing through the state cuts against the rocky banks,
crash into rocks, crevices and breaking into white water rapids and falling
in a thunderous din, making Uttaranchal an ideal place for enjoying the
sport of white-water rafting.
If you are a healthy person, love to accept challenges without any fear of
swirling and foaming water, then rafting in Uttaranchal can be a quite
thrilling sport for you. From mild to wild, Uttaranchal has several river
rafting regions, where both amateurs and professionals can undertake the
sport. Popular places where you can enjoy river rafting include : Ganges
River (Garhwal), Gangotri (Garhwal Himalayas), Asan Barrage, Kudiyala
Rafters Club and Lake Paradise (Nanital).
Skiing and
Snow-Boarding in Uttaranchal : Uttaranchal is a veritable land,
full of adventure, thrills and excitement. Amongst the variety of adventure
options, skiing and snow-boarding are two famous adventure sports in
Uttaranchal. Every year, the slopes of Garhwal and Kumaon Himalayas of
Uttaranchal are covered with seasonal snow, which make a perfect base for
skiing and snow-boarding.
From beginners to experienced, Uttaranchal offers exciting opportunities
for skiing and snow-boarding at various places. While you are undertake
these adventure sports, you get a good chance to see the verdant valleys,
picturesque sky-kissing peaks and snow covered mountains, cascading rivers,
lush greenery and abundant fauna en-route. All the necessary equipments for
these sports are available on rent, so you need not to carry them. Some of
the famous sites for skiing and snow-boarding are Auli, Mundali, Munsyari
and Dayara Bugyal.
Camping
in Uttaranchal : Far from the hustle and bustle of the crowded
cities, camping in Uttaranchal is a wonderful adventure option. In
Uttaranchal camps are available in various options such as the Fishing
camps, Jungle lodges and Guest houses. Equipped with all the basic
amenities, the camps in Uttaranchal provide you a comfortable as well as a
memorable stay. Besides, food, trips to nearby places and facilities for
adventure sports are also offered by the camps in Uttaranchal. There are
several camping sites in Uttaranchal some of the famous camping sites are
Chitrauli (Nainital), Rishikesh, Jharipani (Mussoorie) and Tons Valley
(Garhwal).
