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Adventures in Himachal
Pradesh
Golf
At
Naldhera, 23 kms beyond Shimla is one of the oldest golf courses in
India. The course, whose topography is absolutely natural, was
originally placed by the british Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon. This
is a par 68, nine hole course which is regarded as one of the most
challenging in the country. In the repeat nine, the yardage somewhat
increases. The links are maintained by Himachal tourism.
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-Himalayan regions of Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti. Most
trekking areas are between 1,500 metres and 6,000 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 forests of
Himalayan 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-Himalaya.
Skiing
Kufri,
near Shimla is one of the oldest places in India to be Associated
with skiing during winter. Above Kufri, the Mahasu ridge also has
good slopes. Comprehensive facilities exist at Narkanda, 64 kms from
Shimla. There is a range of slopes, including a beginners run, an
advanced slope and a slalom run. Winter and summer skiing are
possible in the Solang area near Manali.
Camping
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 of the several camps that are pitched
in various parts of the state. These camps offer accommodation,
catering and a variety of activities like hikes, fishing,
nature-tours and rafting. Most of these offer quality facilities and
services. Himachal tourism has camps at Sarchu in Lahaul and in
addition to built-accommodation, tents are available at Sangla and
Kalpa in Kinnaur and at Kaza in Spiti.
Para-Gliding
Riding
the warm thermal currents of the air, is perhaps the closest man has
ever come to sailing the 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. 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.
Mountaineering
Rock
climbing is often seen as the basic stage for mountain climbing. Yet
it may also be treated as an independent sport, where its most basic
level is climbing a rock face, using only hands and feet and a
safety rope. The area around Manali, presently forms the core of
mountaineering in Himachal. The Beas Kund region and lower reaches
of the Hanuman Tibba, the Manali and Shitidhar peaks around the
source of the river Beas, and the Deo Tibba area, are suggested for
beginners with some experience. The Chandra Bhaga ranges, the Pir
Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges are an exsiting focus. The state also
has several other areas where mountaineering is possible.
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