Overview
Himachal Pradesh is wrapped in snow most of the time. Many parts of the
Himachal state have a distinctly Austrian look with conifer-clad
mountains, chalet-like huts with overhanging balconies and serene blue
valleys watered by snow-fed streams. Shimla, the capital of Himachal
Pradesh, is still very much a Raj township in appearance and atmosphere
Culture
Keeping alive their rich highland identity, they remain immersed in the
annual rounds of fairs and festivals full of music, song and dance. The
Shimla hills, the Kullu valley (including the town of Manali), and
Dalhousie are tourist attractions. Skiing, golfing, fishing, trekking,
and mountaineering are activities for which Himachal Pradesh is ideally
suited.
Climate
The State can be divided into two regions: the Southern part, which is
almost as hot as the plains and the northern region having a temperate
summer and a winter with extreme cold and heavy snowfall. The rainfall
is around 180 cms. Best time to visit Himachal is during the months
Mid-May to Mid-October.
Adventure Sports in Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh as a tourist destination for adventure sports is a
most sought after one. It stores numerous wonderful hill stations, which
are particularly cool in summers. Shimla, Dalhousie, Kullu , Kasauli,
Manali, Chail and Kufri are a few of the hill Stations in Himachal
Pradesh which offer breathtaking scenery.
Mountaineering Sites in
Himachal Pradesh
Rohtang Pass
Barely a few yards ahead of "Beas Kund" is the intricate
pattern of snowy spikes emanating from a huge glacier that had slided
down. And, here one is on the top of the world at the 13,500 feet high
and mighty Rohtang pass with its deadly aura. The top looks more like a
levelled barren sandy land. From here, the thick green forests look like
tiny grasslands. In fact, trekking to Rohtang Pass is an adventurous
journey that shows mountain scapes as beautiful as any in the world,
with breathtaking vistas of brooding cliffs threaded by silvered
waterfalls, pine-spiked ridges protruding out into the dizzying
distance, and stretches of blueing mountains- range upon receding range.
Manali
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 snow
line. It has a flourishing orchard industry, a popular honeymoon
destination and trailhead for numerous treks as well as a great
countryside ideal for adventure sport lovers.
Kothi
Kothi is a quiet but picturesque spot, at the foot of the 13,400 ft.
Rohtang Pass about 12 km away from Manali town, situated on the Lahaul
Spiti Leh highway. It used to be the camping place when the pass had to
be climbed on foot and it is now accessible by bus, jeep or pony. There
is a beautiful PWD rest house amidst open surrounding, offering a
magnificent view of the snow capped peaks and glaciers.
River
Rafting in Himachal Pradesh
Spiti
The wonderful adventure from Manali to Simla includes a 03 day run on
the scenic Spiti river, surrounded by mountains and vehicular sight
seeing trips and day hikes to historic monasteries and old villages.
Angling in Himachal Pradesh
Kullu
An angelers paradise, Kullu has several spots for both trout and
mahaseer as well as other fish. Acclaimed as the best sport fish in the
world, both brown and Raibow trout are found in Kullus Stream. The upper
reaches of the river Beas in Kullu valley, and its streams like the
Sarvari, Parbati, Saint, Hurla are excellent for the sport.
Camping in Himachal Pradesh
Chail
Enroute to the frontiers of civilisation in the Himalayas, the Banjara
camp at Chail is a welcome break. A picturesque, thickly forested tract
of land at 2000m, Chail was once the summer retreat of the Maharaja of
Patiala. With its carpet of lush green meadows and thick Deodar forests,
Chail offers a tranquillity simply unimaginable in today's fast paced
life.
The world's highest cricket pitch is located here at the famous "King
George Royal Indian Military College". While from one side of Chail
you can see the twinkling night lights of Shimla, you get a glimpse of
the Choor Chandani peak, the highest in this region of the Himalayas.
Ice Skating in Himachal Pradesh
Shimla
The Shimla ice skating rink has the largest open air area with
naturally frozen ice in this part of the world.
Kufri
At a height of 2501 ms, girdled by awesome pinnacles, Kufri is a scenic
hill resort 16kms, from Shimla. From December to March it wears its
white winter garb, with snow trimmings on its tall green pines and
deodars. Its undulating slopes are fashioned by nature to exhilarate
lovers of Ice Skating.
Rohtang
Ice Skiing facilities and training for beginners are available during
the best part of winter. Commands an awesome height of 3978 Mts. and is
51 kms. from Manali, Recently a new Ice ski terrain developed here has
fired the imagination of ski lovers, as it offers a new challenge to
their spirit of adventure. This is the only place in the country where
the Ice skiers can indulge in their favorite sport in summer as well as
autumn. With the onset of summer, the Ice skiers begin arriving
here-dotting the silver-white backdrop with vibrant colors. The steep
descents here are truly inspiring. The setting is just perfect both for
the beginners and the seasoned.
Heli-Skiing in Himachal Pradesh
Manali
The Manali heli skiing expeditions involve helicopters, which are going
to drop keen skiers onto peaks as high as 6,500m. The high peaks reduce
the wind speed at lower levels where one skis, resulting in consistent,
light and powdery snow. Powder skiing is easier to learn with the new
thick kind of skis, especially if you are new to skiing.
Kufri
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.
