Adventures

The streams of Himachal Pradesh fall under two categories; General waters and Trout waters, with estimated length of 600 and 2400 km. respectively. The major State's streams include- Beas, Sutlej, Ravi, Tirthan, Sainj, Uhl, Baspa, Pabar, Lambadug, Giri, Rana, Nugal Gai, Baner, Bata, etc.The major fishes available in these streams are Trout, Mahseer, Nemacheilus spp, Barilus sp, Schizothoracids Crossocheilus sp. Glyptothorax spp. etc.

Camping in Himachal 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.

The state of Himachal Pradesh has emerged in the recent years as one of the favorite destinations with domestic and foreign tourists alike. Varied ranges of terrain and climate in far flung areas offer many options to experienced as well as uninitiated adventure sportsmen. And Golf is another sport that is becoming popular rapidly in Himachal Pradesh.

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.

Himachal Pradesh's snow-fed rivers offer tremendous opportunities for the challenging sport of rafting. The rivers Chandrabhaga (Chenab) in Lahaul, the Satluj near Shimla, the Ravi near Chamba and the Beas near Kullu offer immense whitewater rafting possibilities. There are tremendous river running expedition opportunities between Shamshi and Aut on the Beas.

The area around Manali presently forms the core of mountaineering in Himachal. The Beas Kund region and lower reaches of the Hanuman Tibba (5,930m), the Manali and Shitidhar peaks around the source of the river Beas, and the Deo Tibba (6,001m) area, are suggested for beginners with some experience. The Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports at Manali, and its branch at Dharamshala, offer the activity. Courses are also available with the Institute.

Kufri in district Shimla is the winter sports capital situated 13 kms. from the Ridge, at an altitude of 2,622 meters. It is ideal for skiing. In the past years it has become a big centre of attraction for the tourists during winter. From December to March it wears its white winter garb, with snow trimmings on its tall green pines and deodars trees.

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 meters and 6.000 meters. Basic and intermediate courses are available at Manali's Mountaineering Institute, and at its Regional Centres at Dharamshala and Bharmour.

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 (3980 m), and move through arid Lahaul to Leh and Ladakh. From Shimla, through picturesque Kinnaur, you drive through the haunting landscapes of Spiti and over the Kunzum Pass (4551 mt.) and then enter Lahaul.