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TREKKING
The main trekking areas in Himachal Pradesh & Ladakh 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-Himalyan regions of Kinnaur,
Lahaul and Spiti. Most trekking areas are between 1500 metres
and 6000 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 forest of Himalyan 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-Himalya. A host of combinations and
variations take the trails through changing countryside. The
degree of physical output can also be changed to suit your
requirements. For example, the same trek can be developed from
a week to last longer. Or, the two ends of a trek can be the
same, but the trails can be designed to be taxing, or gentle.
Training facilities, with basic and intermediate courses are
available at Manali's (Kullu) Mountaineering Institute and at
its Regional centres at Dharamsala (Kangra) and Bharmour (Chamba).
Excellent camping facilities exists at these points.
HELI-SKIING
For high mo untain
thrills perhaps nothing can surpass the magic of heli-skiing.
Under a deep blue sky, you are carried by a helicopter to a
snow-draped peak. And after that there is nothing except
steadiely distancing whirr of rotor blades, the sky and the
snow. It is a thrilling experience as you rapidly zoom down
the slopes. The icy winds slaps your face and the swiftly
slithering hiss of skies remindes you that you are racing away
on your own steam.
The sport is available in the area bound by Hanuman Tibba,
Rohtang Pass, Deo Tibba and Chanderkhani Pass near the resort
town of Manali (Kullu). A major feature is the compactness of
heli skiing area. A sortie of ten minutes can carry the skiers
to the top of a 14000 feet high slope.
SKIING
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. Himachal Tourism offers ski courses,
instruction and has equipment on hire at Narkanda.
At Manali (Kullu), the Directorate of Mountaineering and
Allied Sports offers a variety of courses and facilities for
skiing are possible in the Solang area near Manali. There are
also some companies in the private sector that offer ski
courses and allied facilities.
ICE - SKATING
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. Clear skies and low temperatures provide series
of uninterrupted sessions. There are two sessions every day,
in the morning and in the evening.
Membership is available for the season as well as for shorter
terms and even for single sessions. Skates are available at
the rink.
Fancy dress carnivals, 'gymkhanas' ice-hockey and dances
enliven every season.
PARA-GLIDING
Riding the warm thermal currents of the air is perhaps the
closest man has ever come to sailingthe 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. And 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 in Shimla
district.
Himachal Tourism sponsors training programmes and events at
various times of the year, in different places. There is an
Adventure Sports Hostel at Dharamsala (Kangra) and an Aero
Sports Complex at Bir.
GOLF
At Naldera, 23 km. from 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, at the turn of the centuary. He
was so enhanted by the spot that he named one of his daughters
'Naldera' after the spot. 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 some - what
increases. The links are maintained by Himachal Tourism and
accomodation is available at Hotel Golf Glade. There are other
hotels in the private sector near Naldera.
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. Golf courses are also
coming up elsewhere in the state.
WATER AND RIVER SPORTS
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. Three levels of
courses are conducted - beginner, intermediate and advanced.
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.
River-rafting or white-water rafting as it is also called is
swiftly making Himachal a focus for the sport. For a torrent
of adrenalin to gush through every vein and surge over every
muscle you can race over the State's river rapids in an
inflatable rubber dinghy. Sport is now being held on the
Sutlej near Shimla on the Beas near Kullu, the Ravi near
Chamba and Chandra in Lahaul. Possibilities are also being
explored on the river Spiti. This sport takes a break during
winter and during the monsons.
MOUNTAIN CYCLING
Gear yourself for high adventure with an expedition on 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 streach your mind, muscle and
stamina to reach out to the Trans Himalyan tract of Lahaul,
Spiti and Kinnaur. Milder but no less interesting excursions
can be done out at any holiday station.
VEHICLE SAFARIS
By jeep, car or on motorcycle you can explore the variety
Himachal has to offer. 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 has an
extensive network of roads and treks 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.
MOUNTAINEERING AND ROCK CLIMBING
Rock climbing is often seen as the basic stage for mountain
climbing. It can also be treated as an independent sport,
since it is basically climbing a rock face, using only hands
and feet with 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 (5930 m), the Manali and
Shitidhar peaks around the source of river Beas and Deo Tibba
(6001 m) (Kullu) area are suggested for beginners with some
experience. The Chandra Bhaga ranges, the Pir Panjal and
Dhalaudhar ranges are existing. The State also has several
other areas where Institute of Mountaineering and Allied
Sports, Manali and its branch at Dharamsala (Kangra) offer
this activity. Courses are also available with the institute.
(Indian Mountaineering Association)
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Himachal also hosts a Winter Festival and Snow Carnival.
Tobogganing is possible in winter. Various water sports
competitions are also hosted. Especially during the monsoons
at Naldera, several golf tournaments are held. Angling and
para-gliding competitions are also hosted in the state. |
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