Introduction
Himachal Pradesh is a beautiful state is a popular tourist destination for Indians, especially among the newlyweds and youngsters. This is the land of Gods that have been bestowed with snow capped mountains, fast flowing streams, and valleys, which has a tendency to sink on the ground. Along with the beautiful landscape and scenic beauty, the state also synonymous with adventure sports. Tourists flock in the state each year to enjoy the diversity of adventure sports in Himachal Pradesh.
Top 14 Adventure Sports In Himachal Pradesh
Let us look at some of the popular adventure sports in Himachal Pradesh that take the state by storm.
- Trekking
- River Rafting
- Camping
- Rock Climbing
- Rappelling
- Angling
- Ice Skiing
- Heli-Skiing
- Paragliding
- Zorbing
- Hiking
- Jeep Safari
- Mountain Biking
- Ice Skating
1. Trekking
Himachal Pradesh is blessed with gorgeous mountains and mesmerizing views that are to die for. The spectacular mountains have given rise to Trekking as a famous adventure activity practices in the land of mountains. Trekking is one of the adventure sports in Spiti Valley that you should not miss out on. There are numerous paths travelling through thick forests that are surrounded by snow clad mountains and rivulets. The beautiful scenic landscape is sure to offer you a wonderful trekking experience. There are 270 trails for trekking in Himachal for adventure enthusiasts to experience the most amazing time of their life.
Ideal for: Youth, friends, and family
Best time: June to September
Location: Bar to Bhangal, Pin Parvati, Kinnaur to Kailash, Spiti to Garwal, Bharmour to Padum
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2. River Rafting
Glacial rivers surrounding Himachal graciously while making it an ideal place for a multitude of water sports such as rowing, river rafting, canoeing, and water skiing, and so on. This is one among several of the best adventure sports in Himachal Pradesh that has been popular since ages, however in this white water; it offers a thrill that is beyond imaginable. While shooting through rough rapids where you are surrounded by tall pine forests, snow capped peaks, and blooming rhododendrons, adventure enthusiasts are going to have a memorable experience. This encounter is a prominent part of adventure tourism in Himachal Pradesh.
Ideal for: Youth, friends
Best Time: April to June
Location: Satluj river, Chenab, River Beas, Ravi
3. Camping
Camping in Himachal is a popular outdoor activity where the campers leave the urban regions and shift closer to nature. This is another adventurous sport that is in high demand in Himachal Pradesh. Tourists from all over the world gather here to experience camping while staying in a tent or base camp. It is a great way to feel and experience the charm of the beauty that the land has to offer. While staying among the peaceful surroundings, camping enthusiasts can feel one with nature. The individuals can experience a wide range of camping activities such as water activities, aqua zorbing, and various physical activities. There are several places to do adventure sports in Himachal Pradesh.
Ideal for: Youth, friends, kids, and family
Best Time: April to June
Location: Lahaul, Kinnaur, Spiti, Dalhousie, Manali, and Kulu
Stay options: Tent, base camp
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4. Rock Climbing
This is one of the most exciting of all adventure activities offered as it is not at all for the faint hearted. It requires a lot of physical stamina and fitness. Not everyone can do this successfully. The topography of Himachal Pradesh has been highly blessed with hills, rocks, and cliffs, which are ideal for performing this adventure sport. Most of the rock climbing is performed in Manali that also has an institute named Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports. This is where interested individuals can avail training of this beautiful sport.
Ideal for: Youth, friends
Best Time: April to June mid
Location: Patalsu Peak in Manali, Friendship Peak in Pir Panjal, Mount DeoTibba, Shitidharmountain (Beas)
5. Rappelling
Rappelling is one of the many adventure sports offered here and is perceived as one totally opposite of rock climbing. This involves descending down a cliff or steep incline with the help of a rope. It is a sport that can be performed by anyone as it is a much safer option that makes use of the usual strength, unlike rock climbing. Most of the places where rock climbing is performed, you can enjoy rappelling as well. Enjoy the scenic beauty while descending down a steep incline using a rope.
Ideal for: Youth, friends, family
Best Time: January to December
Location: Kothi, Shuru, Aleo, Nehru Kund, Kasol, Chhatru, Tirthan Valley and Dalhousie
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6. Angling
Although the list of adventure sports in Himachal Pradesh is unending, however angling, better known as fishing is one of the most popular ones. It is perceived not only as an essential adventurous sport in Himachal Pradesh but also as a vital means of living. The wide abundance of fresh river water makes the sport an ideal activity to perform. There are varied fishing farms that are constructed over rivers performing angling. The fish which you can easily get here are mahaseer and trout fish. This is the perfect recreation for a wide array of naturists who love practicing the sport as an outdoor hobby. The famous places where you can enjoy this sport are Sarvari, Sainj, Parbati, Tirthan, and Hurla.
Ideal for: Youth, friends, and family
Best Time: April to October, mid December to February
Location: Rohru, Saandhsu, Mandil, Tikri, Seema, Largi, Kuru Village, Chamba Oattan, Sari Marog, Dehra and Pong Dam Reservoir
7. Ice Skiing
Skiing in Himachal is one among other famous adventure sports, drawing tourist sand adventure seekers to the state of Himachal Pradesh. There are two kinds of skiing performed here, one being Alpine kin and the other being Nordic kind. The Alpine kind involves skiing down steeply inclined slopes while the Nordic type is a bit more challenging and comprises jumping and cross country skiing. The Slopes of the Himalayas, including Pir Panjal, Shivalik are ideal for performing this sport. The best time to practice the sport is winters, especially mid December to February. Skiing enthusiasts are sure to satiate themselves and find what they are looking for.
Ideal for: Youth, friends, and family
Best Time: Mid December to February
Location: Pir Panjal, Shivalik
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8. Heli Skiing
This is a more exigent kind of skiing and is performed in higher altitudes on mountain slopes, which are not explored well. If you need to take the sport to a higher level, it is essential to test the skills well. The sport is performed on the slopes around Rohtang Pass, Deo Tibba, Chandrakhani Pass, and Hanuman Tibba. This is offered by a private operator based in Manali. This is the perfect adventurous sport for tourists to explore greater heights and breathtaking glaciers. Tourists love the adrenaline rush while flying above 6000m.
Ideal for: Youth, friends
Best Time: December to February
Location: Rohtang Pass, Deo Tibba, Chandrakhani Pass and Hanuman Tibba
9. Paragliding
This is one of the most thrilling adventure activities in Solang Valley that make you feel alive. It makes you feel like a carefree bird who has the freedom to fly anywhere with the help of its wings. Soak in the fresh air with this adventurous sport and wander around the mystical mountains. There is also a training institute in Himachal Pradesh, namely Himachal Aero Institute, situated in Bilaspur that offers you the right training to start your paragliding career. The state has plenty of popular sites where you can try paragliding. Its breathtaking scenes are going to offer you a lifetime experience. This sport, too, is not for the faint hearted and has expert guidance who guide you through the entire experience. Solang Valley is undoubtedly one of the best places for paragliding in Himachal Pradesh.
Ideal for: Youth, friends, and family
Best Time: Mid December to February
Entry fee/ticket cost: 1000 INR -1500 INR
Location: Bijli Mahadeo, Bir or Billing, Solang, Manali, Pabbar Valley
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10. Zorbing
Zorbing is rather a new adventurous sport in India and is practiced widely in Himachal Pradesh. It is an extremely fun and exciting sport that involves rolling down the slope of a hill in a light ball, which is known as a zorb. This recreational sport activity has a few other names, such as sphering and globe riding. Individuals trying it can experience a complete 360 degree view of the entire place while thriving inside the zorb. It is a widely popular adventure sport that lets you experience the beauty and all activities very well. The person herein rolls the hill downwards in the zorb. It is widely preferred by individuals of all ages and especially kids.
Ideal for: Youth, friends, kids, and family
Best Time: March to June
Entry fee/ticket cost: 1000 INR to 5000 INR
Location: Solang Valley
11. Hiking
Trekkers absolutely love practising this sport in Himachal Pradesh, and it is complete heaven for trekkers. A large number of tourists visit here every year for the purpose of trekking. Trekkers can lose themselves to nature with the scenic hiking trails that are surrounded by spectacular paths and views. You can even carry your own equipment or hire them from the trekking organizers nearby. Pir Panjal, Dhauladhar, and Spiti Valley are the popular spots for hiking. The state has a lot to offer to the hiking lovers who love the mystical forests and hill stations.
Ideal for: Youth, friends, and family
Best Time: Mid December to February
Location: Pir Panjal, Shivalik
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12. Jeep Safari
Jeep Safari is another enthralling manner of experience of Himalayas and running through the ups and downs of the track of Himachal Pradesh countryside. Trans Himalayan Jeep safari is something that is on the top priority bucket list of every adventure enthusiast. The track commences from Shimla and passes through Kinnaur, Spiti, and goes up till Lahaul while passing through the Kunzum pass. This is preferred among adventure sports in Himachal Pradesh for couples.
Ideal for: Youth, friends, and family
Best Time: May to October
Location: Kalka, Spiti, Nalagarh
13. Mountain Biking
Mountain Biking is one of the relatively new adventure activities in Himachal Pradesh. It includes cycling on unmetalled, rugged trails of the state or sometimes even cross country. This adventure sport amalgamates the excitement and is slowly gaining popularity among thrill seekers. The uneven and challenging terrain mixed with the breathtaking beauty it offers is simply awe-inspiring.
Ideal for: Youth, friends
Best time: All year long
Location: Leh-Manali highway, Kaza-Losar, Manali-Damp Hug, Shimla-Rampur, Tabo-Kaza
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14. Ice Skating
Ice Skating is one of the offbeat adventure activities in Himachal Pradesh. This adventure sport is much elegant and safer as compared to other thrilling ones in this destination. Ice Skating can be enjoyed in Himachal along with two other interesting activities including figure skating and ice hockey. There is Asia’s oldest skating rink that you can find in Himachal that is built naturally of snow. Make sure you travel to the city during the winter season to take part in this activity.
Ideal for: Youth, friends
Best time: December to February
Location: Shimla, Kalpa
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Frequently Asked Questions About Adventure Sports In Himachal Pradesh
Are adventure sports done in Himachal Pradesh?
Yes, there is a wide array of adventure sports done in Himachal Pradesh. You can make your choice from a diverse variety available.
Is paragliding done in Himachal Pradesh?
Yes, paragliding is done in various regions of Himachal Pradesh. There are supervised trainers who are equipped with proper knowledge and training of the adventure sport.
Is it safe to do adventure sports in Himachal Pradesh?
Yes, it is completely safe to perform, and it is usually done under the guidance of expert professionals who are equipped with safety measures and equipment.
What is the best time to do adventure sports in Himachal Pradesh?
Distinct adventure sports have distinct seasons; however, the best time usually ranges from April to June.
Is adventure sports in Himachal Pradesh expensive?
The adventure sports have a wide array of price ranges that vary depending on the sport kind. The majority of them are affordable and can be accessed by anyone, and everyone as the price range starts from 800 and goes up till 5000.
Is there bungee jumping in Manali?
No, unfortunately, this is one adventure sport that is not practiced in Manali. Other than this, there are a large number of adventure sports, including paragliding, river rafting, hiking, trekking, and rock climbing and so on.
Is Himachal Pradesh a good place to try out adventure sports?
Himachal Pradesh is one of the best places to try out adventure sports because of the diverse scenic beauty and snow-capped mountains the place has to offer.
How to reach Himachal Pradesh?
You can reach Himachal Pradesh through air and train. Reach Chandigarh and take a local bus or car. The state has two narrow gauge railway lines, where one connects Kalka with Shimla while the other one connects Pathankot to Kangra.