–» Mountaineering in India
If
you're fired by the spirit of adventure, let the sparks in your heart fly......
in India, a land blessed with lofty snow-clad peaks, crystal glaciers, rolling
meadows, jagged rock faces, verdant valleys, meandering rivers, cascading waterfalls,
dense forests, and hospitable people, blessed with a rich culture - a land perfect
for mountaineering, trekking, and rock climbing.
While the mountaineering season tends to be concentrated around the April-November
period, a number of climbs are also attempted in winter (December-March) which,
though much colder, allows for clearer climbing days.
Mountaineering routes are graded, according to the degree of difficulty and
accessibility. Prior medical examination is essential. The permanent snowline,
generally being in the region of 5,200 m, the degree of difficulty of mountaineering
routes, can broadly be defined as : Requiring knowledge of basic mountaineering
techniques, such as those imparted by the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering
at Uttarkashi, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute at Darjeeling, and the
Western Himalayan Institute of Mountaineering at Manali.
For this category of peaks, it is necessary to be in top physical condition,
and to possess advanced mountaineering skills, either through the advanced
courses of mountaineering institutes, or through expedition experience. Within
this category, further demarcation is possible, till the highest degrees of
difficulty.
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–» Trekking in India
For
those fascinated by the unexplored, the mountain ranges of India offer breathtaking,
enthralling trekking routes. In the vast amphitheatre of the Indian Himalayas
and Karakorams, there are limitless possibilities for trekking, mountaineering,
skiing, and river rafting. Within this alluring arena, the Garhwal and Kumaon
regions, occupy the central place, with special points of interest for the trekker.
Spectacular views apart, the Himalayan foothills are just ideal for trekking,
offering energetic out-door people a different and exciting option for a holiday.
The Garhwal and Kumaon regions of Uttaranchal are the most popular destinations
for trekkers, though Chamba and Manali in Himachal Pradesh, and Ladakh and
Zanskar in Jammu and Kashmir, have interesting trekking routes as well.
Darjeeling and Sikkim in the east also have some trekking routes. While trekking
as a sporting activity does not require prior training or practice, except
that the trekker should be in good physical condition, there are certain dos
and don'ts which should be adhered to. Routes should be carefully chosen,
as some treks may be more difficult, or may involve high altitude trekking.
It is generally advisable to be accompanied by a local guide. Ensure that
the pace of the trek is not too rapid, since this could result in exhaustion,
and would in any case not be enjoyable.
The adventure season, which till recently, was confined to the summer months,
now covers almost the entire year, including winter. This has been made possible
by improved equipment and transportation, and the availability of year-round
bookings in areas, hitherto, considered inaccessible. Moreover, winter treks
are gaining popularity as a means of 'getting away' to relatively lower altitudes.
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–» Camping in India
Camping
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 one of the several camps that are pitched in various parts of the State.
These camps offer accomodation, catering and variety of activities like hiking,
fishing, nature-tours and rafting. Most of these offer quality facilities
and services.
Himachal has camps at Sarchu in Lahaul besides built accomodation, and tents
are available at Sangla and Kalpa in Kinnaur and Kaza in Spiti part of Lahaul
& Spiti district.
The Youth Hostel association of India, runs camps at Dalhousie (Chamba) and
at Kullu-Manali. Camps run by the private sector are at Barog in Solan district,
Baspa (Sangla) valley and Kalpa in Kinnaur, at Tabo in Spiti, at Al Hilal
(Taragarh) and Dharamsala in Kangra, at Shoja near Kullu and Mashobra and
Baldian near Shimla Adventure camps are likely to be available soon in the
Pabbar valley in the Jubbal - Hatkoti - Rohru area in Shimla district.
Boparais organisation is running a camping site at Barog in district Solan.
It is situated on Chandigarh- Shimla highway.
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–» River Rafting in India
The
challenge of the daunting, turbulent rivers is no less, than that of the rugged
mountains. The icy heights of the Himalayas, are the source of some of India's
mighty rivers.
Fed by innumerable streams, they race along tortuous boulder - strewn beds,
cutting deep gorges, and breaking into silvery white rapids.
An intricate network of thundering mountain rivers, flowing through an amazing
landscape of thrilling gorges, forests, and remote villages, the Garhwal and
Kumaon hills, in the state of Uttaranchal Pradesh, provide ideal settings for
some dramatic water adventure.
White Water Rafting in Garhwal Region
The challenge of the turbulent rivers is no less than that of the rigged mountains.
The icy heights of the Himalayas are the source of some of India's mighty rivers.
Fed by innumerable streams they race along Tortuous boulder strewn beds, cutting
deep gorges and breaking into silvery white rapids.
With the intricate network of Mountain Rivers flowing through a myriad of different
colors of rocky gorges, forests, flowers and high mountain villages, the Garhwal
and Kumaon hills provide ideal locales for the perfect water adventure.
White Water Rafting in Kumaon Region
In Kumaon, the Kail Ganga (sharda) flows down from the Nepal border through
kumaon hills. The kail and Gori Rivers meet at Jauljibi where the water volume
increases. Offering adventure to professionals. For over 117 kms. from Jauljibi
to Tanakpur its rapids are grad iv and more, the tough 3 day of rafting should
be done by professionals Lower down among the frosted slopes.
The river become calmer offering the amateur a sporting the amateur a sporting
challenge before flowing out into the plains of Uttaranchal Mahakali Ganga
river flows along the border between India and Nepal a self contained river
journey as and Expedition or mega trip up to Tanakpur can be undertaken.
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–» Skiing in India
With
their vast open spaces, above the snowline, the Garhwal and Kumaon hills of
Uttaranchal, offer a plethora of ski locales. For the avid skier, cross - country
runs of 10-20 km are now available, with the added advantage of fresh powder
snow.
Due to their awesome height and spread, Garhwal and Kumaon, like other areas
in the Himalayas, offer the thrills of exploratory long distance skiing, round
the year. Winter skiing in Garhwal is, now, professionally conducted at the
Auli slopes.
The usual season is late December to early March, depending on the snow conditions.
With their vast open spaces, above the snowline, the Garhwal and Kumaon hills
of Uttaranchal, offer a plethora of ski locales. For the avid skier, cross -
country runs of 10-20 km are now available, with the added advantage of fresh
powder snow.
Due to their awesome height and spread, Garhwal and Kumaon, like other areas
in the Himalayas, offer the thrills of exploratory long distance skiing, round
the year. Winter skiing in Garhwal is, now, professionally conducted at the
Auli slopes.
The usual season is late December to early March, depending on the snow conditions.
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–» Rock Climbing India
Rock
Climbing in India, initially began as training for mountaineering and turned
into an exciting sport about 15 years ago. Rock-climbing is largely balance
and not strength. Balance also determines the value of strength by how much
energy you spend actually climbing
Sheer rock faces, ideal for rock climbing, can be found in many areas. The
Aravali hills have good climbing faces at Dumdama, Dhauj and Nuh, all situated
near Delhi. The Western Ghats have Mumbra and Dudha beyond Pune. Himachal
Pradesh offers the Manali Valley, Manikaran and the Rohtang Pass. Rajasthan
has Mount Abu and Sariska which have gentler rocks. In Karnataka there are
the Chamundi Hills.
High-altitude climbers will enjoy the rock faces at Sonmarg in Kashmir and
Gangotri in Garhwal, Uttaranchal. These trips are advisable in the summer
and autumn months. Certain climbs can often prove gruelling and tough, but
the magic of the beautiful landscape, the cool weather and pure air keeps
the climber's spirit up.
Most climbs are graded from 1 to the 30's. The highest grade climbed is currently
32. Serious climbing starts around 10. Beginners normally do the early tens
and then move upwards. Rock-climbing can become complex because it involves
the interplay of many elements: you, your gear, your skill and technique.
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–» Camel Safaris India
Deserts
have since long exerted an irresistible charm on the psyche of the humans, the
landscape inspiring different emotions in different people. And what better
way to explore this magical realm than on a camel back, for a camel safari is
one of the most adventurous of experiences, and indeed a novel way to 'discover'
the desert.
Camel safaris trace their origins to the time of trade between India and China,
when camel caravans would journey along established trade routes laden with
spices and herbs and jewels. They provide an opportunity to get a glimpse
of traditional Indian life in the desert, with all the hardships, the beauty
and the desolation.
The accommodation on the way consists of primitive thatched mud huts, and
the way of life-though hospitable-is entirely ethnic.
Camel safaris generally cover the area around Jaisalmer, Bikaner or Jodhpur,
popularly known as the desert circuit. The duration can vary between one day
and two weeks. Big towns are not usually on the route though there is no definite
route that you have to adopt.
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–» Desert Safaris India
One
of the most popular deserts in India, the Thar region was once ruled by the
Rapjuts. These strong and powerful rulers built magnificent fortress palaces,
of which the ruins are still visited.
The Thar is best experienced by camel safaris. These leave from Khuri village.
There are also, day treks that leave in the morning and return at night, as
well as overnight trips.
All travelers and tourists are required to make this journey along with an
experienced guide.
Fort Rajwada - A historic building, now turned hotel
Hotel Rang Mahal - A modern day hotel. Also has a swimming pool.
Safari Tours - Offering camel safaris, desert safaris staying at the camp
Rawala Canoi, and other local tours.
Thar Safari - Offering camel, jeep, and horse safaris, accommodation in tents.
Also desert safaris staying at camp in Pushkar.
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–» Polo India
One
of the legacies left behind by the British -much like cricket and hockey - is
Polo. Much like these two games. Polo owes its origin to the British, even though
it was first played in India. An erstwhile passion of the royal families - some,
like the former ruler of Udaipur, still patronise it - the game is now largely
a preserve of the men in uniform, played in metres and cantonment lawns.
Matches are usually organised in the winter season, details of which can be
obtained from local dailies or race courses. India is considered the cradle
of modern polo. It is here that this game of kings was rediscovered and nurtured
since the medieval times. Babar, the founder of the Mughal dynasty in the 15th
century, firmly established its popularity.
The period between the decline of the Mughal dynasty and the upsurgence of
the British Imperial rule, Polo almost vanished from the mainland India. Fortunately
for the world, the game survived in a few remote mountainous enclaves of the
subcontinent, notably Gilgit, Chitral, Ladakh and Manipur.
Far removed from the tumult and political turmoil of the plains and secure in
their mountain fastness, life continued much the same as it ever had. Polo continued
to be played in the traditional manner in these areas. It is to the survival
of the game in the remote north-eastern state of Manipur, that the world owes
the genesis of modern polo, as it is universally played today.
In India, the popularity of polo has waned and risen many time. However, it
has never lost its regal status. In the last few decades, the emergence of
privately owned teams has ensured a renaissance in Indian polo.
Today, polo is not just restricted to the royalty and the Indian Army, many
companies and firms too patronise the sport. Polo facilities are on the rise
and polo holidays in India too are in vogue.
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–» Motor Rallying India
To
experience that rush of blood and the pump of the adrenalin, get behind a wheel.
For those interested, India is a major venue on the international rally circuit,
with quite a few rallies now established as annual events, attracting not only
national level participation but also from the international level.
The terrain that India provides -from the deserts to the beaches, to the mountains
-tests not only the skills of the rallyists but also their mettle. One of the
more well known rallies, till about a few years back, was the Himalayan car
rally, which has since been discontinued.
Of recent origin are the vintage car rallies in which some very rare, collector
cars are not only displayed but also run in the rally. If you're lucky, you
might just spot a 1935 Jaguar convertible'or even an 1898 Humbrette.
With a terrain that shifts from hill roads to forest tracks, desert trails
to beach routes, India tests the mettle of both man and machine in motor rallies.
Several championship rallies are held in India every year. Picturesque vintage
car rallies are also held in some of the metros like Kolkata's Annual Statesman
Vintage Car Rally. One of the most challenging Motor rallies is the Himalayan
Car rally.
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–» Hang Gliding in India
A hang-glider is quite heavy (almost 55 kg in weight), bulky, and much complicated
object. It takes around half of an hour to open the glider and almost the
same time to pack it. The technicalities are more complex than, say, a para-glider
and the risks more. But, then, what is in adventure if some element of risk
is not involved? This is the only reason that this game is still quite popular
despite so many new versions coming out. The joy of flying in the sky just
like a bird is unparalleled and enormous.
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—›
Trekking in India —›
Camping in India —›
River Rafting in India —›
Skiing in India —›
Rock Climbing India —›
Camel Safaris India —›
Desert Safaris India —›
Polo India 
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