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Situated in northern part of India, Uttaranchal is surrounded by Tibet & Nepal in the North. The sacred river of Hinduism, the Ganges flows through holy places in Uttaranchal. Uttaranchal is a scenic state, which has got many hill stations sprinkled along the foothills of the Himalaya. The place has many excellent trekking routes and countless other tourist destinations.
Adventure Sports In Uttranchal
Trekking
If you enjoy physical challenges, trekking in the Garhwal Himalayas will be right up your street. Few of the popular Trek in Uttranchal are:
Kedarnath Vasukital Trek
It covers Rishikesh, Gaurikund, Kedarnath, Vasukital and Gaurikund. Kedarnath, at an altitude of 3584 meters, has a magnificent temple built by the Pandavas. Millions of pilgrims come here to offer their prayers to Lord Shiva. The trek starts from Gaurikund, where there is a hot water sulphur spring. Approaching Kedarnath, you pass through stately forests with some beautiful waterfalls. Kedarnath to Vasukital Lake is a continuous ascent, and offers some wonderful views of Chaukhamba Peak and Mandakini Valley.
Panch Kedar Trek
It
covers Rishikesh, Kedarnath, Madmaheshwar, Tungnath, Rudranath and
Kalpeshwar. The Panch Kedar trek includes all the five shrines associated
with the legend. All of them are situated in the Kedar Valley. At Kedarnath,
which is situated at the head of Mandakini River, the Linga is a natural
rock that resembles the hump of a bull. Madhmaheshwar, situated at the base
of Chaukhamba Peak, is at an altitude of 3500 meters. Rudranath is where the
face of Shiva had appeared. Here there is a natural rock temple, in which
the Shiva Mukha is worshiped. To reach Rudranath, you have to trek through
alpine meadows and dense forests, crossing an altitude of more than 4000
meters. Kalpeshwar is situated in the beautiful valley of Urgam. Kalindikhal Trek
This trek is for the more adventurous and for those with some fundamental knowledge of mountaineering. It is an extension of the Nandanvan Trek, eastward to Ghastoli and then to Badrinath via Kalindikal pass (5967 metres). A special tariff applies to this trek.
Valley of Flowers Trek
Long known to the local villagers of Bhundar Valley as Nandankanan, this enchanting place was discovered by T. G. Longstaff and Frank Smythe, by sheer chance, in 1931. The locals had feared venturing into the valley because of the spirits that were thought to be haunting it - the villagers feared that the spirits would carry them away.
More than thousand varieties of flowers, ferns, and Himalayan herbs grow in the valley. The most beautiful of all Himalayan flowers, the Blue Primula, can be seen blooming in thousands. The best time to see the valley in full bloom is mid-July to mid-August.
Skiing
Best time to Visit: January to March Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skier, Auli has something for you. A 3 km long slope (ranging from 2519 meters to 3049 meters). A 500m long, state-of-the-art ski-lift which has been imported from France. An 800m long chair lift linking the lower slopes with the upper slopes. Two snow-beaters imported from Germany. A 1800 panoramic view of peaks like Nadadevi, Kamet, Mana Parvat and Dunagiri. Tall stately deodar forests. A 3.9 ms long ropeway linking Joshimath with the upper slopes of Auli. It covers a track distance of 4.5 kms.
Medical Facilities
These are available both at Joshimath, which has a well equipped hospital, and at Auli, where doctors are available 24 hours a day. However, visitors are advised to bring along their own First-Aid Kit, which should include Balm, Foot powder and OTC Medicines to take care of headaches, colds and sprains.
Mountaineering Peak Booking Fees, Inner line restrictions, Import of Equipment, Camera Permits, Insurance, Medical Attention and Evacuation Procedures have been laid down in detail by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation based in Delhi. This is the National apex body for the sport in India.
Rock-Climbing
It is conducted at George Everest House (Mussoorie), Buranskhanda (near Dhanaulti), Phoolchatti (near Rishikesh)
Aero Sports
Ever since man first looked up at the sky, he has yearned to glide and soar like an Eagle in the sky. Parasailing and Paragliding, are indeed, experiences that combine the wonder of smooth sailing in the air and the thrill of soaring high above the ground. Once in the air, you experience the ethereal serenity of the sport. It is an experience that is surprisingly, thrilling as well as becalming.
Para-gliding uses 'thermals' as the driving force, and is the closest one can get, to being a bird. In perfect weather conditions you can stay aloft for over three hours and can soar to heights more than 3000 metres.
Garhwal is a Paraglider's and Parasailor's paradise. In the north you have the huge ramparts of the Great Himalayas and in the south are the plains of the Terais. The unique geographical position of Garhwal provides excellent conditions for all grades of Paragliding and Parasailing, from beginners to intermediate and advance. The hot air coming from the Gangetic plains and the cold air from the hills creates excellent flying conditions. The climate of the region is also best suited for the purpose. The flying season spans September to December and then March to June.
