“I see my path. But I don’t know where it leads,” said a traveller, revealing the beauty and uncertainty of travel, the experience of which is further distilled in adventure tour. Be it water rafting, skiing or mountaineering, adventure tour destinations in India provide the traveller with a thrill that will spice up their outlook of life. From snow capped mountains to frothing seas, the country will provide you the ‘fear’ of nature which is only a soothing sensation to the adventurer.
Auli
The snowy mountain region, Auli will bring to you the experience of skiing on wintry days bringing you the experience any skier would want to have. One can ski freely on the clean smooth stretches of 10-20 km of snow-covered mountain slopes. The place fringed with woods on the slopes would reduce the wind velocity making the experience even better for those who really love the sport.
While the place situated in Uttaranchal state brings the choicest of thrills to an experienced skier, there are special trainers available on the spot for those who want to start learning this adventurous sport. Interestingly, evenings are Auli is as fun as the mornings. The tourists can relax at Bukhari warmed huts and resorts and to add to the experience of the night, they can listen to folk tales or enjoy the local ‘Garhwali’ music, by the campfire.
The closest airport for Auli is at Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand. The airport is at a distance of 298 km. The nearest railhead is at Rishikesh, about 235 km from Auli.
Arunachal Pradesh
A place where a simple trek could give to the sight of valleys in full bloom, gurgling fresh water streams, frothing waterfalls and just almost anything and everything under the sun that is beautiful is what the state Arunachal Pradesh would mean to an adventurer. While the capital city Itanagar will be the right place for one to set out on a trekking trip, there are other spots for adventure including river rafting and angling.
A ten day expedition through the river Brahmaputra, taking a look at the dense rainforests which borders it at different spots could awaken the wild side in you. What one could witness during such an adventurous rafting through these tranquil waters would be the tribal inhabitation on its either sides which is authentic native to the core. The river Subansari, the biggest tributary of the Brahmaputra also offers a spectacular 4-5 day expedition through deep gorges and some of the remote areas of Arunachal Pradesh. The main rivers of the state are the mighty Brahmaputra and its tributaries, the Lohit and the Subansari.
Billing
The tranquil place, Billing located in the state of Himachal Pradesh where the wind is soothing to body and soul is known as a famous gliding destination. Located at an altitude of 8, 500 feet in Kangra valley, Billing offers 100 km of gliding space where one will be able to witness the best landscape down below even while sailing across the sky.
The place which remains cool throughout the year is known for yet another adventure sport, Para sailing which is very similar to gliding through the sky. Billing also has the distinction of holding the first ever paragliding competition according to the rule of the Federation Aeronautic International and hence local clubs conduct more such festivals all through the year.
Billing is only 14 kms from Bir and it is roughly an hour ride on a jeep or van from Bir. The closest airport is in Kangra, at Guggal. The nearest railhead is at Pathankot.
Leh
A magnificent trekking spot in the foothills of Himalayas, Leh offers an experience of a life time for the most adventurous among you. Since the climb through this glass-ice area is dangerous even for the most experienced of trekkers only permission is required to undergo the trip. Going through the paper work of getting permission is worth it when one imagines the adventure trip one will be able to undertake after it.
One could take adventurous treks to Markha Valley, Spituk, from Lamayuru gompa to Chilling and from Likir to Temisgam. But before you decide to explore the barren beauty of Leh, it is necessary to acclimatize to high altitude. Situated at an altitude of about 3,505 metres above sea level, Leh has a number of tourist places to visit while on a trek. Shanti Stupa, built by Ladakhis in association with Japanese has relics of the Buddha.
While in Leh one should also visit Zanskar an ideal destination for adventure travellers. Rafting, mountaineering and trekking are some of the adventure sports that you can enjoy on your tour to Zanskar. Remala and Karsha Gompa near Padum offer excellent opportunity for river rafting. You can also take various trekking trails in Zanskar. Leh can be reached by air from Delhi and it takes about 65 minutes to reach the place. Jammu is the nearest railhead. One can then take the Srinagar route to Leh.
Manali
Manali, a mountaineering destination located in Himachal Pradesh is also known to give the traveller the experience of climbing tall peaks with expert help. Located at a height of 1926 m above the sea level, the place is known to have a cool climate where the mountain lovers can sweat it is out while enjoying their climb.
One can take Mountaineering lessons at the Mountaineering Institute at Solang Nullah. Kayaking can be enjoyed at the Beas River. The mountaineering Institute and Allied Sports, which is almost 3 km from the Mall, offers Mountaineering and Kayaking lessons. There are also spots for hiking in the area including a 12 km hike up the western banks of the Beas to the Solang valley. Lama Dugh meadow is a 6 km hike up to the Manalsu Nala. While visiting the place in summers one can enjoy paragliding on the slopes of the Solang Nullah.
Nearest airport is at Bhuntar, which is at a distance of 52 km. The nearest narrow-gauge railhead is at Jogindernagar which is 135 km away.
The post is by Devendra Singh Farswan a traveler & blogger who loves traveling, rafting, mountaineering and making new friends. Currently working with NamasteIndiaTrip.com, a leading travel company that offers various tour packages for India and International.
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