Seeking Adventure? 5 Activities To Try in Uttarakhand

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Uttarakhand is one state in India offering adventure to adrenaline junkies. Also called the ”Abode of Gods’ this Indian state draws adventure fanatics of all kinds throughout the year.

The beautiful state of Uttarakhand is a bundle of joy that is packed with mountains, rivers, meadows, snow-clad gradients, and mysterious paths. It’s an ideal destination offering adventurous activities that can rarely be found elsewhere.

Uttarakhand is home to picturesque treks in the country. The hikes offer unprecedented views that boost the place’s charm a lot more!

If you are someone wanting to experience the thrills of life along with maintaining spiritual contact with the almighty, Uttarakhand is the place that’s calling you!

Let’s take you through the adventure that you are missing out on! 

1.Trekking

Uttarakhand has some famous Himalayan peaks and trails from easy, moderate, difficult, and tough. This Indian state boasts several picturesque and enchanting trekking routes. On your way, you will come across lush forests, snow-capped peaks, and water streams that are sure to put your mind and body at ease.

The snow-lad Nag Tibba summit is popular in winter, and the World Heritage trail of Valley of Flowers with spiritual Hemkund Sahib is popular in monsoon. While Deoriatal – Chopta – Tungnath – Chandrashila are famous for all-season.

Popular treks: Nag Tibba Trek, Kedarkantha Trek, Har Ki Dun Trek, Valley of Flowers Trek, Kuari Pass Trek, Roopkund Trek, Rupin Pass Trek, Dayara Bugyal Trek, Bagini Glacier Trek, Panchachuli Base Camp Trek, and more.

Best time to visit: April – October

Duration: Ranges between 1 day to 10 days

Average Cost: Costs vary, but tour operator costs could be somewhere around INR 6000 to INR 25,000 per person.

2. Paragliding

Fly like a bird because once you are in Uttarakhand, it’s time to go paragliding!

Rishikesh offers a jaw-dropping experience where you can glide with a parachute thrust by a motor fan. You can go for three types of jumps:

Valley expedition (30 mins)

Explorer (22 mins)

Kitty Hawk (10 mins)

Cost: INR 4400+ per person

In Mussoorie, adventure enthusiasts can witness the unparalleled beauty of the mountains from a height of 10,000 ft. above!

Cost: Between INR 1500 to INR 4500 per person

Nainital is another great location for paragliding. Nanital offers three types of experience:

Long flying – 30+ mins

High flying – 15+ mins

Medium – 3+ mins

Cost: Between INR 1300 to 6500 per person

Last on our list is Naukuchiatal, the ‘lake of nine corners.’ It offers a beautiful view, where you can feel your adrenaline rush from a certain height. You can fly for about 20 to 30 minutes.

Cost: INR 5000 per person

3. Whitewater Rafting

Uttarakhand, the land of sacred as well as turbulent rivers, offers one of the best whitewater rafting experiences in India. River Ganga creates thrilling rapids in Rishikesh, attracting adventure freaks from all parts of the country and beyond.

The rafting grades in Uttarakhand vary from I and VI, depending on the velocity of the flowing water. There are several locations in this state to enjoy river rafting, and major rivers flowing through Uttarakhand have some popular sections:

Ganga – The most popular section is on the River Ganga. It starts from Kaudiyala and goes 36 km to Rama Jhula in Rishikesh.

Yamuna – There’s a 20 km stretch of river between Nainbagh and Juddo. While Kali and River Sharda between Balwakot and Tanakpur section is also exciting. This stretch is about 95 km long and the longest stretch to enjoy river rafting.

Tons – River rafting can be enjoyed in the 30 km long stretch between Mori and Tuni.

Kosi – This has two stretches – one is a 40 km course between Khairna and Mohan, other is a 25 km between Kumheriya and Ramnagar.

Saryu – This has two sections as well – one is a 70 km stretch between Bageshwar and Rameshwar, and 20 km from here to Pancheshwar.

Ramganga – Raft for about 80 km between Thal and Rameshwar on the eastern stretch, and the western stretch for around 90 km between Chaukhutia and Marchula.

The best time to go river rafting in Uttarakhand is during March and June and after rainfall between September to December. Make sure you tick off this once in a lifetime kind of experience!

4. Ziplining

Ziplining is another experience that has gained popularity among tourists. Fly at a speed of 140-160 km/hr and feel the air gushing past. It is exciting to look down and witness moving slopes, gorgeous water streams, and greenery.

Ziplining in Rishikesh is a very enriching experience. In Rishikesh, ziplining can be done in Shivpuri, situated on the banks of the River Ganga. This activity is over 500 meters long.

The activity is conducted sometime between 9:30 am to 4:30 pm on all days. Other places where you can enjoy ziplining in Uttarakhand are Mussoorie and Nainital.

Cost: Ziplining in Rishikesh varies between INR 1000 to INR 1500.

5. Skiing

While skiing is not as popular as in some other regions in India, there are a few places in Uttarakhand where you can enjoy this winter sport, and one such destination is Auli.

Auli in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand is referred to as the “Skiing Capital of India.” It offers excellent skiing opportunities with its long stretches of snow-covered slopes and breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks.

Apart from Auli, other places in Uttarakhand where skiing is possible, include Dayara Bugyal, Munsiyari, and Khaliya Top. These places have fewer crowds compared to Auli.

Please note that the availability of skiing facilities and conditions may vary, and it’s always a good idea to do thorough research or consult with local tourism authorities before planning your trip.

Best time to visit for skiing: December to February

Concluding Note

Uttarakhand is called the “Abode of Gods,” offering a plethora of enthralling adventures for adrenaline junkies. From trekking to paragliding over picturesque landscapes, whitewater rafting in the roaring rivers, ziplining through lush forests, and skiing down snow-covered slopes, there’s something for everyone seeking an adventure in Uttarakhand.

With its unmatched natural beauty and a range of adventure activities, Uttarakhand truly captivates the hearts of adventure seekers. So, pack your bags and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey filled with excitement, adrenaline, and memories that will last a lifetime!

Banner Image by Jayesh Joshi on Unsplash

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