Adventure Activities in Uttarakhand

Being situated at the foothills of the great Himalayas, Uttarakhand is a dream come true for adventure sports lovers. With more than half the area of Uttarakhand under a rugged and mountainous topography. 

Unquestionably, this state is an ideal destination for adventure sports and wildlife exploration. Apart from it, Uttarakhand is blessed with the glacial river Ganga and is counted amongst India’s top water sports destinations.The region is dotted with numerous streams which flow through rocky terrains and dense forests. Uttarakhand is renowned for water adventure activities like white water rafting, kayaking, canoeing, and water skiing. 

Besides the challenging streams, Uttarakhand also offers its tourists a rich blend of undulated terrains, rocky cliffs, and densely forested regions. These spots in Uttarakhand are very well suited for trekking, rock climbing, mountaineering, and skiing if one wishes to explore the snow-capped trenches during winters. Uttarakhand’s other popular adventure sports include paragliding, camping, and jeep safari. These adventure sports in Uttarakhand teach one the hardships of life, which coexist with the supreme beauty of nature.

List of Most Thrilling Adventure Sports Activities in Uttarakhand

Camping in Uttarakhand

Camping is a delightful experience and a hobby for adventure enthusiasts that comprise exciting challenges. Getting away from the clutches of civilization and enjoying natural beauty is the spice of camping. With rare and beautiful flora and fauna, Uttarakhand is a camping paradise. Unknown angles, physical fitness, and mental stability are the keywords for camping.  

Camping in Uttarakhand is a pleasant experience. However, the snowy hills and intermittent snowfall add a new dimension to the camping expedition. Tons Valley in Uttarakhand, located 3,600 feet above sea level, is ideal for family camping. But, on the other hand, Tons Valley is also the right place for a die-hard adventure seeker, where a delightful camping expedition brings a fresh lease of life. With its idyllic mountain resort, Uttarakhand offers outstanding camping facilities for a visitor. 

Summer Camping in Uttarakhand

Since tropical heat sometimes becomes intolerable, people gather in Uttarakhand for Summer Camping, where songs and dances echo their ecstasy. The mountains in the background and the pines seem to sway with these cheerful people, creating a scene beyond expression. Summer Camps are usually concentrated in Lunagad, Western Uttarakhand, but the principal attraction is Tons Valley in Uttarakhand. It is the leading site for camping expeditions, where people congregate when the summer heat becomes unbearable. 

Paragliding in Uttarakhand

For those who desire to fly like free birds to get a mind-blowing aerial view of the mountain peaks, paragliding is the best option that can fulfill such a wish. Paragliding in Uttarakhand will help tourists conquer the fear of heights and give tourists a wonderful experience. However, the most thrilling part of this adventure sport of Uttarakhand is the boundless freedom in the open sky.

The process of paragliding differs from parasailing. First, the gliders are taken to the gentle hillside to start the sport. The paragliding is not motorized, and the pilot is attached with a harness in a comfortable sitting position so that the glider can enjoy the ride. As a result, you can get a thrilling experience with lovely views of mountains. Paragliding is one of the most-attempted sports with stunning views of mountains. 

For learners, experienced trainers are available, and apart from that, the Uttarakhand paragliding clubs are the best places to enjoy the sport, learn it and polish your skill. The paragliding clubs in Uttarakhand provide the tourists with all kinds of equipment, and safety is of foremost importance in the list, so tourists can trust the clubs and enjoy the thrill of the sport. The standard and popular paragliding sites are Pithoragarh, Mussoorie, Ranikhet, Dayara, Dhanolti Ridge, and Nainital in Kumaon.

Skiing In Uttarakhand (Skiing in Auli)

Auli in Uttarakhand is what a winter wonderland looks like. Imagine snow, skiing, and the refreshing ambiance of mountains and Auli conjures up in your thoughts. Nestled in the Chamoli district at an elevation ranging from 2910 m to 3050 m, the landscape is blessed with high peaks, snow as far as the eye can see, and freshness typical of the mountains. As a result, Auli features as one of the top skiing destinations in the world. Heavy snow carpets and exciting slopes welcome adventure enthusiasts and skiing lovers as the winters arrive.

The beauty is unrivaled, and the adventures are something that you will cherish for your lifetime. Auli hosted the First SAF Winter Games in 2011. The access to the splendid mountain range of the Himalayas and the slopes of Auli provide thrills to professional skiers and novices alike. The conditions for skiing are perfect at Auli, and they have imported snow beater to maintain the slopes. Apart from enjoying the skiing, you can also check out the imposing spectacles like Nanda Devi, Mana Parvat, and Kamat presiding over the backdrop.

Ski gears are available, but you should bring some essential things. 

• Heavy woolens, caps, and socks,

• Gloves, mufflers & pullovers

• Windproof Jackets, 

• Sunglasses and snow boots. 

Note: Snowfall in Auli is enjoyed from December end to March. However, summers bring out the fresh green beauty of the meadow and the slopes.

Trekking in Uttarakhand

Trekking has always been one of the most sought-after activities in Uttarakhand. Over time, this sport has become one of the very favorites for nature enthusiasts and lovers. However, it is not just the adrenaline-pumping activity that lures such a considerable tourist population. But the joy of exploring the beautiful valleys and terrains on foot, like a nomad, brings a lot of steps closer to nature. Trekking in Uttarakhand offers its tourists several trek routes through lakes, mountain parks, wildlife sanctuaries, milky-white glaciers, and lush green forests.

All the trekking routes differ in terms of geographies and difficulty level. Some choose to trek along the alpine meadows, while others have a zeal for mountainous terrains. 

Best Trekking Routes in Uttarakhand 

• Ninsar Trek
• Chopta-Tungnath Trek
• Deorital Trek
• Dadital Darwa Trek 
• Dodital Hanumanchatti Trek
• Gaumukh Tapovan Trek  
• Valley of Flowers Trek

White Water Rafting in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand is blessed with swift mountain rivers, which are perfect for white water rafting. In fact, river rafting is one of the most popular adventure sports in Uttarakhand. This sport can be enjoyed by amateurs and professionals as there are numerous rivers and tracks for all levels.

Gushing straight from its glacial origins, the rivers are perfect for the thrilling sport of rafting. These rivers flow through challenging terrain of rocky outcrops, mountains, forests, etc. Stretches of Ganga, Yamuna, Saryu, Kali, Gori Ganga, Kosi, and Ramganga are ideal for rafting in Uttarakhand. The velocity of flowing water is rated from I to VI, depending on the difficulty level. So you can choose between simple or expert levels to feel the thrill in Uttarakhand. 

On the banks of River Ganga, Rishikesh is the most popular site to try out this adventure sport. The Alaknanda and Bhagirathi are the main tributaries of the Ganga confluence at Devprayag. Their waters are of Grade IV to V.  Mori is where you go tossing in the turbulent Tons River. You can also raft from Barkot to Lakhamandal and Damta to Yamuna Bridge, near Mussoorie.

River Rafting in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand promotes the adventure sports of river rafting in a big way as it is home to numerous sites of it. River rafting sites in Uttarakhand are easy to spot as it is dotted with not very deep rivers, which is ideal for River Rafting.

The state of Uttarakhand is intersected by various rivers making it a hot spot for river rafting. Many rivers enjoy free-flowing courses throughout the state, crisscrossing the forests, covering the rocky terrains, mountains, and even snow-covered stretches. However, most shallow rivers following a downslope area are fast-paced, making it exciting for River Rafting lovers. These have facilitated adventure tours in Uttarakhand as well.

The rivers that offer the best river rafting sites in Uttarakhand are the Ganga, Alaknanda, Bhagirathi, and Yamuna. The river provides the excitement of rivers racing, surging, whirling, foam, and crashing over and around boulders, making the experience memorable. River rafting in Garhwal can be another option for the rafters, which allows them to challenge the courses at Kaudiyala.

Another exciting river rafting site in Uttarakhand that attracts the rafters is Kumaon, allowing the rafters to flow with the waters of the Kali Ganga (Sharda) that flows down from the Nepal border along the Kumaon hills. To know more about Rafting in Rishikesh!

The season for white River Rafting in Uttarakhand

The ideal season for rafting is basically throughout the year except for the monsoon. March to May is a perfect time as the weather is pleasant. However, adventure aficionados navigate the waters even in the chilly months of October to January.

Best Places for White Water Rafting in Uttarakhand

• On river Ganga from Kaudiyala – Rishikesh, a stretch of 36 km.
• On river Yamuna, 20 km. stretch from Nain Bag – Yamuna Bridge – Juddo.
• On river Kali / Sharda – Balwakot – Jauljibi -Pancheshwar – Ranakpur, stretch of 95 km.
• On river 30 km. stretch on river Tons, Mori to Tuni.
• On river Gori Ganga – Barhem to Jauljibi rafting stretch of 8 km.
• On river Kosi – Khairna to Mohan, 40 km. rafting and Kumheriya to Ramnagar : 25 Km.
• On river Saryu – Bageshwar to Rameshwar, a stretch of 70 km. and Rameshwar to Pancheswar a rating distance of 20 Km.
• On river Ramganga East – Thal – Nachani – Rameshwar, 80 km. rafting stretch
• On river Ramganga West – Chaukhutia – Bhikiyasain – Marchula, rafting stretch of 90 km.

Golfing in Uttarakhand

Golf, a favored sport of men across the globe, finds a strong existence in Uttarakhand. For someone who loves Golf, Uttarakhand is nothing short of a paradise. The Golf courses at this place are carved out of the green meadows. 

Enclosed by fruit orchards, mountains, and snow-capped hills, Uttarakhand’s golf courses boast unrivaled beauty. These Golf courses are highly rated as tourist spots, apart from attracting many professional players. The Golf courses of Uttarakhand are a visual delight. However, a golfer may have a tough time concentrating on the play, thereby ignoring the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Some significant golfing sites in Uttarakhand

• Upat Golf Course in Ranikhet 
• Raj Bhawan Golf Course in Nainital. 
• The 9 holes Upat Golf course, 6 km away from Ranikhet

Jungle Safari in Uttarakhand

The picturesque state of Uttarakhand in India, positioned at a desirable height above sea level, draws many tourists throughout the year. As a result, it has gained massive popularity as an adventure tourism center. Out of the various adventurous bouquet of activities on offer, a popular choice seems to be the well-organized Jungle Safari. Jungle Safari in Uttarakhand is truly an experience of a lifetime, which should not be missed at any cost!

Two important Uttarakhand wildlife sanctuaries are Corbett National Park and Nanda Devi National Park for Jungle Safari.

The star attraction of these parks is the tiger, sure to make you skip a few heartbeats with its majestic moves. Some other carnivores that you may spot here include the elephant, sambar deer, leopard, bear, muntac, fox, and hog. In the category of reptiles, the gharial and mugger could be spotted.

Anglers are likely to have a great time fishing at the place, thanks to the availability of fishes like malee and mahseer in the river and the lake. This park is also the home to more than 300 classes of birds. Common birds you can see are woodpecker, herons, snipe, egrets, spotted eagle, harrier, cormorants, darter, and thrushes. If you are lucky, you may also spot some categories of tortoises and turtles in the vicinity of the lake.

Mountaineering in Uttarakhand

Mountaineering in Uttarakhand is truly an experience of a lifetime. The various Himalayan ranges of Uttarakhand offer a wide range of mountaineering experiences. From which tourists may have their pick based on their individual choice and preference. The Greater, Lesser, and Middle Himalayas readily provide almost all types of mountaineering experiences, ranging from easier to arduous. All sorts of mountaineering outings, within around 3000 m to 7000 m, can be accomplished at this place.

In Uttarakhand, some famous places for mountaineering lie in the regions of Garhwal and Kumaon. The Garhwal region’s route to Panch Kedar gives tourists invaluable lessons in mountaineering. Besides, it will also provide a glimpse of the hospitality of local people and the rich flora and fauna of the place. Another popular trail is the one leading to Kedarnath – Vasuki. Under the region of Kumaon, Pithoragarh is a popular place that offers some good sites for mountain climbing.

Sledging in Uttarakhand

Sledging in Uttarakhand is an incredible experience consisting of a snow ride down the white surface, emitting snow dust at the back, with the friction of the sled car. This smooth drive on the snow-covered mountains offers the next level of fun. 

The tremendous popularity of sledging in Uttarakhand makes for an excessive tourist accumulation with the advent of winter in the state.

In Uttarakhand Sledging is also known as Tobogganing, with the Toboggan being a tiny flat-based vehicle containing few people. Eager travelers are hoping for an exciting journey down the hoary hill-slope flock in great numbers. Measuring 1.5 feet in length and 6-8 feet in breadth, this Toboggan is arched up in its frontier to allow easy movement through the snow. Special iced slides with raised sides are constructed to eliminate steering problems. In recent times, bobsledding is followed by sledging, the former being the same as the latter, with just a new name.

Best Time for Sledging– Since snow gathers on the hills during winter, it is the best time for this game. So tourists can come and experience the charm of sledging in Uttarakhand with their friends and family while the achromatic-snow reflecting sunlight beckons you earnestly.

For any other information, you can contact our travel experts. We also provide the fully customizable Uttarakhand adventure tour packages to give you a fantastic holiday.