Sunday 26 April 2015

S - Sports for tourists in Himachal


This post is written for A to Z Challenge.



S - Sports for tourists in Himachal

Tourism in Himachal is not only about Pilgrim visit, Snow fall or sight-seeing. It is also the hub of some interesting sports – esp. adventure sports. If you are young, energetic and love to test your nerves, don’t miss them.


Rafting
The diverse landscape and difficult terrain, the high altitude and the gorges intermingled with ranges is a delight for sports lovers eager to engage in land and water adventure and thus becomes the hub for Trekking, Angling and Paragliding etc. We know the breath taking landscape is obvious choice for the romantic rendezvous, but it also presents some thrilling opportunities for heli-skiing, biking, angling or water rafting on the River Beas.

Let’s take a look at the options:

1. Trekking: Himachal offers all type of trekking routes. Easy ones like … is available for family trekking or the starters while the moderate to In the lower ranges of Kangra Valley and Kullu, there are exclusive campgrounds for trekkers. In the higher altitudes Kinnaur, Lahaul, Spiti and Chail are popular trekking regions. The best season for Trekking is May to October.

Trekking

2. Paragliding: As already discussed the world’s second best Paragliding site is in Himachal in Bir-Billing. A number of tour operators provide paragliding support to tourist in that area. Aside from Bir – Billing, Paragliding is available in Dharamshala where one takes a jump from Indru Nag area and lands at Dharamshala paragliding is also available at Marhi on the way from Manali to Rohtang.
Paragliding


3. River Rafting: This water sport is available in Kullu in the river Beas. One must not miss if you are travelling with family or in a group. It’s no second to Rishikesh.





Rafting


4. Angling: Himachal Pradesh the abode of gods the land of snows a tourists dream and delight, is also an anglers paradise. It has some of the finest trout streams in the north. The Pabbar in the Rohru valley, the Baspa in the Sangla valley, the Uhl in the Barot valley, and river Beas and its tributaries in the Kullu valley, abound in both brown and rainbow trout, while many rivers and streams in the Kangra valley are well-known for mahseer fishing. Each of these rivers has 32 to 40 km of angling reserve area, where one can fish with joy. Angling rules are liberal and the fee nominal. Angler is permitted to catch six trout a day on each license; however a trout should not be less than 40 cm in size. Trout fishing close season lasts from 1st November to last day of February each year.


Angling


5. Camping: Camping in the Deodar forest is available through out Himachal readily offered by tour operators engaged in adventure sport and eco-tourism. Some of the best areas are the kasol belt in Kullu, The Naggar region near Manali, The trekking route from Triund to Chamba etc.

Camping at Kasol


6. Cycling: Cycling on mountains is a real tough sport which needs high level stamina and endurance. Cross country and Himalayan Cycling are some of the annual sports in which cyclist engaged in this sport wait for. This is flagged of from Shimla.

cycling

7. Motor Rally: Himalayan Car rally is also one of the annual sport event that is flagged off from Shimla and goes all the way to Leh and then Laddakh. If you love driving, do try to take part in this once.
Himalayan car Rally

8. Skiing : Solang valley some 10 kms from Manali offers one of the best Skiing slopes. So in the snow season you can always plan for some fun here.

Skiing in Solang


9. Hiking: Himachal offers  so many choices  that one might probably end up getting confused. Kullu entices with wooded forests and rivers gurgling their way around rocks. Manali beckons with its enchanting natural scenery. Picturesque Kangra with the imposing Dhauladhar range beckon you to explore them. Mystic Dharamshala with its deodar and pine forests, tea gardens and beautiful hills seem to be made for hiking. Palampur, with its fascinating pine forests and tea gardens can lure you to linger longer than you may want to. Magnificent Kinnaur in the North East and Lahaul Spiti can work their magic on you. One can always take support of tourist guides while Hiking who would make it more enjoyable by handling all support services like taking care of your baggage, accommodation, meals and providing you knowledgeable guides for the hiking trip. At the end of the day, you can choose tented accommodation or hotels where available. 

Hiking


10. Mountaineering & Rock Climbing : Naturally Himachal would be the abode for Mountaineering . However, 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. Situated at the northern end of the kullu valley, Manali has spectacular views of snowcapped peaks and is Surrounded by towering peaks from all around. Manali's major asset is its proximity to the snowline and trailhead for numerous treks. The best season is around the April-November period, however a number of climbs are also attempted in winter (December-March) which, though much colder, allows for clearer climbing days.


Mountaineering


Rock climbing is also gaining popularity in India. Now several mountaineering clubs and institutes have launched courses for novices, amateurs and professionals who are interested in rock climbing.  Himachal Pradesh is blessed with both gentle and steep terrain; ideal for an amateur and professional respectively. The most popular rock climbing sites in Himachal Pradesh are located in Manali like Beas Kund Region, Hanuman Tibba, Shitidhar Peaks (Origin of River Beas), Deo Tibba.


Rock Climbing


11. Golfing - Shimla is home to some of the oldest golf courses in the state. Around 23 km from Shimla, there is the nine-hole 68-par golf course in Naldehra. Other popular courses are the Annandale in Shimla and one in Khajjar. Golf resorts in this state also appeal to tourists for their privacy and facilities.



Naldhera Golf Course
This is all from S. Tomorrow T.

For other posts on Himachal written as part of Ato Z Challenge : List of post on Himachal Pradesh written as part of A to Z challenge.

Aditya Sinha

For other participants in the challenge visit : A to Z Challenge


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