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A
Wide Sweep of Adventure
Himachal's spectrum of
rivers, forests and
mountains covered with snow and alpine
meadows offers the adventure-minded tourist
a wide range of activities. Age is no bar.
All that is required are varying degrees of
experience and a reasonable level of
fitness.
Trekking
The main areas are the
Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal
ranges, routes over the passes between
shimal region and Kullu valley, numerous
treks out of Kullu and select tracks in the
trans-Himalayan regions of Kinnaur, Lahaul
and Spiti. Most trekking areas are between
1,500-6,000 meters. With over 270 defined
trails, the variation in terrain is
manifold.
Skiing
 At
2,700 meters above sea level,
Narkanda is a skier's paradise for about
three months in a year during the winter
season. Facilities exist at Narkanda, 64
kilometers from Shimla. there is a range of
slopes, including a beginner's run, an
advanced slope and a slalom run. Winter and
summer skiing is possible in Manali's Solang
area.
Mountaineering
The area around Manali forms the core of
mountaineering in Himachal Pradesh. The Beas
Kund region and lower raches of Hanuman
Tibba, the Manali and Shitidhar peaks around
the source of the Beas river and the Dec
Tibba area are suggested for beginning with
some experience.
Para-Gliding
The bald peak of Billing, above the Buddhist
monastery of Bir Kangra, has been the venue
for national and international hang-gliding
rallies since 1984. The site is perfect for
para-gliding too. The regular paragliding
spots are Bundla Dhar near Bilsapur, in
Kullu valley and at Inkali in Pabbar valley
near Rohru.
Angling
Upstream of Rohru in Pabbar valley are
several spots ideal for fishing. Chirgaon
has a trout hatchery. Other sites are within
5-25 kilometers of Rohru. Kinnaur's Basps
river in Saangla valley also holds trout as
also in the Uhi river near Barot. Kangra
valley has several spots offering mahaseer.
The Pongdam reservoir till Dehra town, Gaura
on the Giri river, Dadahu near Renuka lake
and the Yamuna river, downstream of Paonta
Sahib, are also good.
Heli-Skiing
 For
high mountain thrills nothing surpasses
heli-skiing, specially if you are
transported by helicopter to the top. The
heli-skiing areas are those bound by Hanuman
Tibba, Rohtang pass, Deo Tibba and
Chanderkhani pass, near Manali. A major
feature is the compactness of the
heli-skiing area. A 10-minute sortie carries
skiers to the top of a 14,000 feet-high
slope.
River Sports
 River
rafting or whitewater rafting - is swiftly
making Himachal a focal point for the sport.
Rafting is conducted on the Sutlej near
Shimla, the Beas near Kullu, the Ravi near
Chamba and the Chandra in Lahaul.
Mountain Cycling
Gear yourself for
high adventure with an expedition of
cycles. You can pedal your way past high
passes or simply, make a day-adventure.
Quite literally, the whole of Himachal is
your playground. The tour can be coupled
with camping and can be carried on for
several weeks over diverse terrain. The
lower regions of the State-Kangra. Una,
Hamirpur and Bilaspur - offer gentle routes.
Or you can stretch mind, muscle and stamina
to reach out to the Trans Himalayan tracts
of Lahaul, Spiti and Kinnaur. Milder - but
no less interesting - excursions can be done
out of any holiday station.
For the higher regions, the summer and
autumn months are suggested.
Vehicle Safaris
By jeep, car or on motorcycle, you can
explore the variety Himachal has to offer.
By jeep, the Trans Himalayan tracts 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 (3980m), and move through
arid Lahaul to Leh and Ladakh. From Shimla,
through picturesque Kinnur, you drive
through the haunting landscapes of spiti -
and over the Kunzam pass (4551 m), enter
Lahaul. Himachal has an extensive network of
roads and tracks - and apart from the routes
mentioned above, there are several others
you can traverse on. By car, driving over
the more demanding routes may not be
possible, but in no way does this curtail
the range of experience. And motorcycles may
impose some limitations, but are again a
wonderful way of sharing the wonders of
Himachal.
All you have to do is buy a route map, plan
your trip - and you are on your way.
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