An adventure-filled trip to Uttarakhand
It is quite difficult for an adrenaline junkie to be locked inside. Unfortunately, that is what exactly happened during the Covid-19 pandemic. For more than a year, traveling was banned and sometimes it turned out to be quite risky for people who wanted to travel. It has been stressful for everyone to stay inside our homes and not being able to be in the outdoors.
However, the lockdown restrictions are being relaxed and travel is again possible for some parts of India. Once the monsoon season is over, the destination of Uttarakhand will be allowing tourists to visit the state. If you are an adventure traveler, then there are many enthralling adventure activities in Uttarakhand for you to experience.
Top 7 Adventure Sports in Uttarakhand
In recent years, the state of Uttarakhand has been developed many adventure tourism destinations to help tourism grow. Also, due to the pandemic, the tourism industry has suffered major losses. Once the tourism sector goes back to normal, the tourism businesses will see some revival.
Uttarakhand is popular among regular tourists as a religious pilgrimage destination where devotees from all over India visit the important temples that are spread throughout the state. On the other side, Uttarakhand has a huge number of adventure sports destinations that are very popular among tourists. The tour operators have plenty of Uttarakhand tour packages that cater to the adrenaline needs of the adventure seekers.
Among the travel destination in Uttarakhand, Auli and Rishikesh are probably the most famous places to visit for experiencing adventure sports. Many other destinations are underrated but are worth the visit.
Blessed with breathtaking views and natural beauty, Uttarakhand is a great place to experience the thrill of various adventure activities you can take part in. The summer and winter seasons are probably the best times to visit the state of Uttarakhand. It is best to avoid monsoon months because of the risk of landslides and flash floods.
We have compiled a list of the best adventure sports in Uttarakhand that you can experience with your friends and family. This list also includes some activities that can be experienced with your family with low risk. On the other hand, some of the adventure activities in this list are quite exciting and high-risk activities that might require a strong will.
Without further ado, these are some of the best adventure sports in Uttarakhand that you can consider experiencing during your vacation.
1. Paragliding
This exciting adventure is getting a lot famous among the young travelers who wish to experience flying like a bird. Paragliding gives you the thrill of flying along with the beautiful views of the landscape.
Although Bir and Billing in Himachal Pradesh are the most famous paragliding destinations because of the ‘World Paragliding Championship’ that is held every year. However, Paragliding in Uttarakhand is nothing less worth your time. The views of the mountains and lush green valleys are quite similar in both Himachal and Uttarakhand. The most popular destinations for paragliding in Uttarakhand are Ranikhet, Nainital, Bhimtal, and Mukteshwar. These sites have become quite popular in recent years and have attracted hundreds of adventure seekers from all over India.
Although, paragliding is not for everyone it is quite possible to do if you are not afraid of heights. Many people have tried this adventure for the first time and had the most exciting adventure of their lives. Paragliding is one of the most exciting adventure sports in Uttarakhand that is worth experiencing.
Best time to visit: January till March
Cost: 1500-3000 INR
Suggested Read: Best Must Visit Places in Uttarakhand
2. Trekking
Trekking is probably the most accessible adventure activity that is suitable for almost all kinds of tourists. Although, there are trekking trails that are quite challenging and require a good endurance level and physical fitness. But, many trekking trails are quite easy and can be done by any person.
If you are traveling with your family and if you are up for a challenge to trek for an hour or two, then there are many treks available that you can try. Trekking through the natural beauty of the Uttarakhand landscape can be quite a rewarding experience.
If you are an experienced trekker, then some of the best trekking trails that you can try are as follows:
- Valley of Flower Trek
- Trek to Hemkunt Sahib Gurudwara
- Trek to Naag Tibba
- Deoriatal to Chandrashila Trek
- Chopta Valley Trek
- Tungnath Trek
- Roop Kund Trek
- Kauri Pass Trek
- Bedni Bugyal
- Har Ki Dhun
Trekking is one of the most enthralling adventure activities in Uttarakhand if you are willing to challenge yourself. It can be a profound experience to breathe the fresh air of the mountains while trekking through the best nature has to offer.
Best Time to visit: April-October
Cost: Depending on the destination and package (adventure treks starting from 6000-25000 INR
Suggested Read: Famous Pilgrimage Sites in Uttarakhand
3. Rafting
Among all the adventure activities, the most famous activity to be included in almost all Uttarakhand travel packages is White-water Rafting. The best place in Uttarakhand to experience this exciting sport is Rishikesh. Some of the best water rapids are found in Rishikesh and that is why almost all Rafting activities are conducted here.
Rafting is moderately difficult and is quite possible to experience as a family. The tour operators provide you with all the protective equipment and guidance. You will also be riding along with 6-8 people rowing through the water rapids. Trained professional instructors will be riding along with you, so the risk factor is quite minimal.
Rishikesh and the nearby Shivpuri area is one of the most famous destinations to experience rafting. Camping and transportation facilities to the campsite are also provided in your tour package.
Best time to visit: April-October
Cost: 1000-3000 INR
Suggested Read: Famous Sky Diving Destinations in India
4. Skiing
The feeling of skiing through the cover of ice with the expansive views of the majestic snow-covered mountains cannot easily be expressed in words. One has to experience the thrill of Skiing to know it. Skiing is one of the top adventure sports in Uttarakhand which brings in hundreds of tourists every year.
Auli in Uttarakhand is the best place to experience the thrill of Skiing. Auli is known as the Skiing capital of India and many winter sports events take place in Auli. Even if you have never skied before, you can easily learn the required skills by taking any of the available classes.
During the winter months, Auli is a great place to visit and to learn skiing. Once you try it, you will be surprised that you can do it within a day of practice. Along with Skiing, another popular adventure activity is snowboarding that is quite popular.
Best Time to visit: January-February
Cost: Free to do (except for courses and renting cost of ski equipment)
Suggested Read: Best Trekking Places to visit in India
5. Camping
Camping is one of the easiest and accessible adventures that anyone can take part in. It is a great adventure activity for the families who wish to have an adventure together. Tourists visiting the mountains to get away from the anxiety of city life, particularly find camping to be an enriching experience.
Many Uttarakhand tour packages usually include a camping destination with all the amenities that a modern traveler might need. The tour operators provide the camping enthusiasts with modern toilet facilities, good restaurant-like food, and comfortable beds installed in modern Swiss tents. It is great for families and couples who want to experience camping with modern facilities.
However, if you are hoping to experience the more raw feeling of being in the wild, then like many backpackers you can pitch your tent and prepare your food. However, this kind of experience requires you to be quite familiar with the terrain and your surroundings. It is not for everyone and a few people get to experience this adventure because of the high-risk factor and isolation.
Something about being in nature is quite a profound feeling that brings you back to your being. Some of the best camping sites in Uttarakhand are Deoria Tal, Bhimtal, Pangot, Jim Corbett National Park, Kanatal, Seoria Tal, and Chopta valley. You will be fascinated with the nature that blooms around you and will bring a sense of tranquility within you.
Best Time to visit: All year round (except for monsoon months)
Cost: Approximately 2500 INR
Suggested Read: UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India
6. Bungee Jumping
For the adrenaline-junkies, bungee-jumping is one of the most thrilling and exciting sports they can experience. Even if you are someone who wants to try this activity, then it is a great way to experience the rush like no other. Bunjee-jumping comes quite close to the experience of sky-diving and is a very popular activity in Uttarakhand.
Mohan Chatti in Rishikesh is one of the best destinations for adventure sports in Uttarakhand. However, you can find several other destinations in Uttarakhand that provide bungee-jumping facilities. These destinations are not permanent places for bungee-jumping and the operators keep changing locations according to the conditions in the area.
More and more young tourists find bungee-jumping as a thrilling experience that is worth trying. If you are not scared of heights can if you are quite comfortable in the big roller-coaster rides, then bungee-jumping might be something you can try.
Best Time to visit: March-April and October-November
Cost: 3000-4000 INR
Suggested Read: Best Paragliding Destinations in India
7. Ziplining
Ziplining is a very popular adventure activity in Uttarakhand that is included in a lot of Uttarakhand travel packages. People from the cities usually visit Uttarakhand for Ziplining and rappelling. Both these activities are clubbed together and are sold as a package for the visiting tourists.
Ziplining is moderately difficult and have a low-risk factor. Even if you are on a honeymoon vacation or traveling with your family, you can easily try this activity under the careful guidance of experienced personnel. Both these activities are popular adventure sports in Uttarakhand and are gaining popularity because of the ease with which you can experience these.
You can feel the rush of Ziplining from one point of the river bank to another by hooking yourself with the Zipline. The speed with which you can zipline is usually 150 kilometers per hour and it is quite an exciting experience.
Rishikesh is one of the best destinations for adventure sports in Uttarakhand and Ziplining and Rappelling is quite famous here. Young travelers and especially children enjoy this experience the most.
Best Time to visit: March & April, October to Mid-November
Cost: approximately 2000 INR
Suggested Read: Top Things to do in Rishikesh
Conclusion
These were the top 7 adventure sports activities in Uttarakhand. One thing to remember is that you can always customize any of your existing Uttarakhand tour packages to include exciting adventure activities that suit your needs. You will not be disappointed with the natural setting and the serene atmosphere in which you experience the thrill of your adventures.
In the coming years, more and more adventure activities are expected to be included in the list of adventure sports in Uttarakhand. The state of Uttarakhand has made significant plans for promoting tourism and attracting tourists. With new avenues opening up for adventure sports and national sports events, Uttarakhand is on its way to becoming one of the best destinations in India.
