.. Trekking

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-Himalyan regions of Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti. Most trekking areas are between 1500 metres and 6000 metres. With well over two hundred and seventy defined trails, the variation in terrain is also enormous. Low scrub-land and paths through paddy fields, give way to trails strewn with pine needles. Then come woods of oak and flowering rhododendron, which merge into forest of Himalyan cedar - 'deodar' - and spruce. On most trails, small pastoral hamlets dot the way.

Cunningly hidden between the high mountains are passes which were once known only to migrant shepherds and dare all traders. These lead to the fabulous wastes and swift rivers of the arid Trans-Himalya. A host of combinations and variations take the trails through changing countryside. The degree of physical output can also be changed to suit your requirements. For example, the same trek can be developed from a week to last longer. Or, the two ends of a trek can be the same, but the trails can be designed to be taxing, or gentle. There are several agencies that conduct treks. Guides, equipment, porters, pack animals and maps are available at major starting points.

The old Forest 'dak bunglows' that are strategically placed along many trek routes, add a considerable measure of nostalgic charm and convenience for trekkers. Practically all have an aura of the past, and lie nestled in deep woods. In addition, the State Electricity Board and the PWD also have rest houses. Most of these are marked out on trekking maps and advance booking is possible.

.. Water & River Sports

The Maharana Pratap Sagar reservoir in Kangra with its 42 km length and 2 km breadth, offers a variety of activities in close collabration with the Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports. Year long activities include swimming, water-skiing, surfing, kayaking, rowing, canoeing and sailing. Three levels of courses are conducted - beginner, intermediate and advanced. Similar activities are also available on the waters of Gobind Sagar near Bilaspur, the Chamera lake near Dalhousie (Chamba) and the Pandoh lake on the Mandi-Kullu National Highway.

River-rafting or white-water rafting as it is also called is swiftly making Himachal a focus for the sport. For a torrent of adrenalin to gush through every vein and surge over every muscle you can race over the State's river rapids in an inflatable rubber dinghy. Sport is now being held on the Sutlej near Shimla on the Beas near Kullu, the Ravi near Chamba and Chandra in Lahaul. Possibilities are also being explored on the river Spiti. This sport takes a break during winter and during the monsons. Himachal Tourism sponsors courses in river rafting and there are operators in the private sector also that offer this experience

.. Mountain Cycling

Gear yourself for high adventure with an expedition on cycles. You can pedal your way past high passes or simply make a day-adventure. Quite literally the whole of Himachal is your playground. The tour can be coupled with camping and can be carried on for several weeks over diverse terrain. The lower regions of the State - Kangra, Una, Hamirpur and Bilaspur offer gentle routes.

Or you can streach your mind, muscle and stamina to reach out to the Trans Himalyan tract of Lahaul, Spiti and Kinnaur. Milder but no less interesting excursions can be done out at any holiday station. For the higher regions the summer and automn months are suggested.

.. Para-Gliding

Riding the warm thermal currents of the air is perhaps the closest man has ever come to sailingthe skies as free as a bird. Almost at will, you dip and wheel high over the hills and valleys. 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.

Places where para-gliding is done regularly are - Bundla Dhar near Bilaspur, in the kullu valley and at Intkali in the Pabbar valley near Rohru in Shimla district. Himachal Tourism sponsors training programmes and events at various times of the year, in different places. There is an Adventure Sports Hostel at Dharamsala (Kangra) and an Aero Sports Complex at Bir. For details of training facilities, contact sports associations or Divisional Tourism Development Officers of Himachal Tourism.

.. Skiing

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. Above Kufri, the Mahasu ridge also has good slopes. Comprehensive facilities exist at Narkanda, 64 km from Shimla. There is a range of slopes, including a beginer's run, an advanced slope and a slalom run. Himachal Tourism offers ski courses, instruction and has equipment on hire at Narkanda.

At Manali (Kullu), the Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports offers a variety of courses and facilities for skiing are possible in the Solang area near Manali. There are also some companies in the private sector that offer ski courses and allied facilities.