Being blessed to be in the foothills of Himalayas, Uttarakhand is an adventure heaven for with its rugged and mountainous topography. Uttarakhand is a Himalayan state in the north of India. Apart from being popular as a holy land, this state is also known for being home to World Heritage Sites, which include Corbett National Park, Valley of Flowers and Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. Undoubtedly, the state is an ideal adventure tourism destination in India as it beckons some adventure activities that offer spine-chilling and distinct experiences rarely found anywhere else.
The state is the home to some of the interesting and picturesque treks in India. The enigmatic trekking trails that mostly are flower-strewn offer unprecedented surreal views and further enhance the charm of choosing an adventure activity here. The state gives complete liberty to pick the trek of one’s choice as there are all kinds of treks (Easy, Moderate, Difficult and Tough) available. Each category of treks has its challenges and rewards. There are some treks that require mountain climbing and rope walking, and there are treks that offer a majestic view of peaks like Nanda Devi and Trishul and also a chance to visit some of the best places in Uttarakhand.
The glacial-fed rivers in Uttarakhand are ideal for pursuing the finest white water rafting adventures in India. River Ganga, which is also reckoned to be the holiest river in the country, can be seen in a dual role in Rishikesh. Where, on one hand, the river is the soul cleanser of the believers who take a dip of faith in it; on one hand, it is a wild and whimsical river that is capable of offering a spine-chilling experience while rafting. Tons River, which is the main tributary of River Yamuna, is equivalent of Ganga at Rishikesh. It takes courage and heart to raft over its water that is accompanied with Grade IV rapids.
Other popular adventure sports in Uttarakhand include paragliding, camping and jeep safari. In recent times, bungee jumping, zip flying and cable car ride too have become a new rage among the thrill seekers. Go trekking through the verdant valley of Rupin pass and pass by hilly villages in the foothills of the Himalayas.
Activities Available in Uttarakhand
- Trekking
The hilly terrain of Uttarakhand provides plenty of opportunities for mountaineering, trekking and rock climbing. The easternmost hill district Pithoragarh, often dubbed as ‘Miniature Kashmir’, is abundant in natural beauty, making it the perfect base for many an exciting trek. Several interesting treks interlace the Gori Valley with some of the well-traversed trekking routes running along the Munsiyari – Martoli – Milam – Ralam Glacier. The Bageshwar – Sunderdhunga – Pindari – Kafni Glacier trek is another highly preferred trekking route in the area.
The World Heritage trail of Valley of Flowers joined with otherworldly Hemkund Sahib is prominent during the storm. While the snow loaded Nag Tibba summit is well known during winters, there all-season treks to Deoriatal – Chopta – Tungnath – Chandrashila. Truth be told, there is no lack of trekking courses in Uttarakhand for those anticipating experience joined with delight.
- Paragliding
The lofty mountain peaks of Uttarakhand make ideal location for the dare devil sport of paragliding. The unique topography of the state with magnificent himalayas in the north and the plaoins of Terai in the South. promise an unforgettable paragliding experience over dense forests, lush green deep valleys and the snow covered peaks of the Himalayas.
No big surprise taking off high like a falcon is a fixation among the experience which is unique. Even though not one of the most prevalent spots for paragliding in India, Uttarakhand offers abundant operations for paragliding for those looking for the rush of flying. The best thing about paragliding in Uttarakhand is that you don’t require earlier information on paragliding as pair paragliding flights are offered via prepared specialists at Mukteshwar and Ranikhet, are the two most famous spots for paragliding in Uttarakhand.
- Zipline
Zip-line is one more experience sports action that is gaining popularity among guests from abroad. Uttarakhand with its reasonable geology and wonderful characteristic magnificence offers the absolute best options. The rush of hop which will make you fly at a speed of 140-160 kilometers for each hour. It is an exciting encounter also seeing moving slopes, falling water streams, and thick backwoods.
Sitlakhet is an excellent destination for enjoying zip-lining. Gliding over a spectacular landscape while being tucked to the harness presents a panoramic view of the snow clad mountains of Nanda Devi. Probably the best spot for flying fox exercises is in Rishikesh where you could embrace a couple flying over the zipline traversing over the length of 1 kilometer.
- Bungee Jumping
The adrenaline rushes to the utmost level by opting for bungee jumping. It is one of the best adventure sports in Uttarakhand. Feel the blood hurrying to your face and beating of the heart. Bungee Jumping is so to state mother of all experience sports. Probably the best spot to go Bungee Jumping in India is Rishikesh in Uttarakhand. At 83 feet, Jumpin Statues – with bounce aces from New Zealand in India’s most noteworthy Bungy. This is one of the top adventure sports in Uttarakhand which provides a scintillating feel. Moreover, bungee jumping is getting its share of popularity as it provides extreme sense relief by giving a unique experience. This is getting very popular among the tourist.This is an adventure sport preferred by strong hearts.
- Wildlife Safari
Uttarakhand happens to be perhaps the best spot for Elephant safaris in India. One could enjoy the experience of these rides at either Corbett National Park close Ramgarh or Rajaji National Park close Haridwar. Riding on the strongest animal offers an incredible vantage point to watch the excellence just as spot natural life very close. This provides a sense of wildlife while sitting on the elephant. This safari is just a mesmerizing virtual treat of the wildlife.
- Camping
Camping is possibly the finest way to spend time in the lap of nature and forget the mundane affairs of an otherwise hectic life. It also provides an opportunity to spend quality time with the loved ones and understand them better. It also likewise gives you a chance to acknowledge the compelling force of nature. Seeing and valuing the magnificence of outside. Uttarakhand tucks the absolute best normal campgrounds in its chest. Be it the mysterious Deoria Tal with its thickly forested greenery perspective on in excess of 5 Himalayan pinnacles or the lavish knolls of Chopta spotted with pine, deodar and rhododendron backwoods filled by transcending Himalayas, there are some out of the world and enchanted places in Uttarakhand that makes it one of the top goals for outdoors in India.
The Uttarakhand Himalayan region in India is one such place that offers fantastic range of camping. Whether it is wildlife camping or normal camping, Indian topography offers everything for the adventure enthusiasts. It can prove to be very beneficial for the growing and budding mind of the children. Camping is a recreational activity and there is no age limit. Anyone who likes to explore nature can take up this camping expedition.
- Skiing
Skiing is one of the most enthralling adventure activities in Uttarakhand which one can enjoy. That passion for sliding over the land of snow is a different experience entirely. Skiing has gained popularity as an alternative sport in the winter months. At an elevation of 2,915 – 3,049 meters with five kilometers expanse of snow, Auli is offers perfect grounds for beginners and seasoned skiers alike. Coniferous and oak forests line the slopes. The peaks of Nanda Devi, Kamet, Mana Parvat and Dunagiri can be seen from the location. Its importance as a venue of adventure sports lies in its natural advantages enhanced by state-of-the-art facilities. The adventurous skier can go for cross country runs covering 10 – 20 kilometers. For the less adventurous, ski touring the glaciers is another enjoyable option. Besides Auli, other ski spots include Dayara Bugyal, Munsiyari and Mundali.
- White Water Rafting
This is considered to be one of the most adventurous sports to indulge in India which gives an adrenaline rush. Stretches along Alaknanda, Dhauliganga and Kali rivers have several challenging rapids. Choose between simple or expert levels – whether you choose to negotiate fast and furious river currents or to gently float along the hillside.The Alaknanda and Bhagirathi, are the main tributaries of the Ganga confluence at Devprayag. Their waters are of Grade IV to V. Mori is where you go tossing in the turbulent Tons River.
You can also raft from Barkot to Lakhamandal and Damta to Yamuna Bridge, near Mussoorie. Over the years, many rafting camps have come up in these locations. The two stretches are absolutely safe for beginners. Whereas the white water rafting and camping near rapids from Shivpuri to Rishikesh have become the most popular weekend getaways activities of denizens of Delhi, visitors and thrill seekers from around the globe head to Uttarakhand for river rafting in India.
- Cable Ride
These are those adventure sports which bring something new to experience. By opting for this, you will get one of its kind experiences which will soothe your mind. While riding you can view the surrounding which looks very beautiful. .Cable ride from one mountain vantage point to another; with sweeping view of the densely forested valleys and snowcapped mountain peaks of Himalayas, makes cable car ride exciting. It is one of the thrilling adventure activities to undertake when you are touring Uttarakhand. The best place for cable car ride in Uttarakhand unarguably is Auli. Moreover, on a clear day, the view of Himalayan peaks especially Bandarpunch, Trishul and Om Parvat is a sight to behold. Mussoorie and Nainital are not far behind.
- Mountain Biking
Mountain biking is all about speed, control and thrill and is one of the latest ways of exploring and discovering new vistas of the Himalayan landscape. The rugged terrain and steep slopes, though risky at times, provide great mountain biking experience in Uttarakhand.
Blessed with rare and diverse flora and fauna, Uttarakhand is an ideal place to develop adventure sports and eco-tourism. After paragliding, mountain biking is the second most popular adventure sport in the state.
