If lush green mountains, pristine rivers, and the thrill of adventure are what drives you, then Himachal Pradesh is the place for you! This beautiful state in northern India is not just about scenic beauty; it’s also a whole playground for adventure enthusiasts. Whether you’re a travel freak or looking to try something new, Himachal has something for everyone.
Moving ahead, this blog will guide you with the top 10 adventure sports in Himachal Pradesh that will leave you wanting for more.
Must-Try Adventurous Activities in Himachal Pradesh
10. River Rafting
If you want to experience something truly fun and thrilling then you must try river rafting! River rafting is an incredible outdoor sport wherein you are provided with an inflatable raft, navigating through the unbeatable water currents. But as you paddle through your raft, you’ll find yourself surrounded by breathtaking views, gushing waterfalls, mysterious caves, and lush green vegetation.
However, if this sounds a bit scary to you, then don’t worry – you won’t be thrown into the water to face the high currents. River rafting has different sets of levels made for newbies, families, and experienced paddlers alike. Plus, there’s also a guide accompanying you especially if you are completely new to this experience. Hence, you can always choose a level based on your experience with this water-based activity. Just make sure you get to have fun all throughout.
Cost: Starts from INR 1000
Best Places for River Rafting: River Sutlej, Gobind Sagar Lake, Pandoh Lake, River Ravi, Chamera Lake, River Beas
Best time for River Rafting: All around the year, except extreme winters and monsoon season i.e., from July to September
9. Paragliding
To all the adrenaline junkies, this one is for you!
If you want to witness Himachal from a bird’s eye view, then you must try Paragliding. It is one of the most famous adventure activities that’s sure to send a chill down your spine. So basically it’s like an aircraft packed in a backpack that lets you soar through the sky for hours whereupon you can enjoy exotic views. Also, if you think that paragliding is only for the young and fearless, then think again: paragliding is for all, at least everyone should give it a shot once.
Cost: Starts from INR 2500
Best Places for Paragliding: Bandla Ridge (Bilaspur), Indrunag (Dharamshala), Solang Nala (Manali), Rohtang Pass (Manali), Bijli Mahadev (Kullu)
Best time for Paragliding: Time may vary from place to place. However, the ideal time is usually between April to June and September to November
8. Skiing
Himachal Pradesh and Skiing go hand in hand. The endless mountain slopes and heavy snow make Himachal is India’s best hiking spot and you might regret being here and not enjoying this one-of-a-time experience here.
Meanwhile, you can perform two types of skiing here. First is Alpine kin which involves skiing down steeply inclined slopes. This is perfect if it’s you are a newbie to this sport. The second is the Nordic Kind which is a bit challenging as it involves jumping and cross-country skiing. You can try this if you are an experienced skier or love to take challenges.
Cost: Starts from INR 500
Best Places for Skiing: Narkanda, Hanuman Tibba, Solang Valley, Kufri
Best time for Skiing: December to February
7. Zorbing
Zorbing is an amazing or we’d rather say a bizarre activity that will leave you with memories to remember for a lifetime. Here you are packed inside an inflated, transparent plastic ball and allowed to roll down a steep hill. Sounds fun, right? You can enjoy it along with your family or friends. And don’t worry, the guides here follow all the safety precautions to ensure you get to have the best experience without any problems.
Cost: Starts from INR 350
Best Places for Zorbing: Khajjar (Dalhousie), Solang Valley (Manali)
Best time for Zorbing: January to May and October to December
6. Quad Biking
Experience the ultimate thrill on four wheels with a quad bike that’s both fun and easy to handle.
Get yourself to take charge of your easy-peasy four-wheeler bike ride to drive through diverse landscapes, from rugged terrains and dirt trails to quaint villages. Herein you will come across river crossings, quaint villages, and tackle various obstacles like humps, bumps, mud, and dust. Trust us, you are going to enjoy every bit of this exhilarating adventure filled with excitement and more surprises along the way.
Cost: Starts from INR 1500
Best Places Quad Biking: Kullu, Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala
Best time for Quad Biking: All through the year except monsoon season
5. Ice Skating
Skating in Shimla is an absolute treat for winter enthusiasts!
Ice skating is something that you can enjoy with your whole family. And the best part is that it’s easy to learn and incredibly fun, even if you’re a complete beginner. Shimla is also home to iconic Ice rink is also home to India’s oldest open-air natural rinks but also the largest in South Asia.
Imagine gliding through the winter mist in the morning or basking in the afternoon sunshine while skating—it’s not just great exercise for your body but also a fantastic way to lift your spirits!
Cost: Starts from INR 200 – INR 500
Best Places for Ice Skating: Narkanda, Shimla, Solang Valley (Manali)
Best time for Ice Skating: December to February
4. Hiking and Trekking
Himachal Pradesh is undoubtedly one of the world’s top destinations for trekking. With its stunning natural beauty and endless opportunities for adventure, it’s a must-visit for hiking enthusiasts. From picturesque cities to breathtaking landscapes, Himachal offers a winter wonderland experience like no other.
The Himalayan Mountains in Himachal Pradesh are no less than a haven for adventurers and travelers alike. With towering peaks, ancient glaciers, rolling meadows, pristine lakes and rivers, diverse wildlife, charming towns, cozy mountain accommodations, and delightful cafes, every trekking tour here is bound to be unforgettable.
Plus, you don’t need to be a professional athlete to enjoy the beauty of these trails. There are plenty of shorter, easier hikes that offer level paths, perfect for a leisurely stroll. So no matter whether you prefer challenging climbs or gentle walks, Himachal has something for everyone, regardless of the season. So, whether it’s summer or winter, there are countless incredible hikes just waiting to be explored.
Cost: Depends upon the type of trek
Best Places for Hiking and Trekking: Burani Ghati Trek, Pin Parvati Trek, Friendship Trek, Deo Tibba base camp Trek, Shepherd Trail Gaddi Trek, Triund Trek, Tosh Valley, Chandrakhani Pass Trek
Best time for Hiking and Trekking: April to October
3. Camping
Himachal Pradesh, with its breathtaking mountain vistas, serene lakes, and cascading waterfalls, is a paradise for adventure seekers. Camping is the perfect way to experience the beauty of this state up close.
Himachal offers some of India’s best camping spots, known for their cleanliness and organization. Imagine camping on lush mountainsides and verdant meadows, overlooking expansive valleys and shimmering glaciers. You can explore the Himalayas through hikes or skiing adventures, or simply unwind while taking in the stunning views of Himachal’s pristine lakes and rivers.
Cost: Starts from INR 1500
Best Places for Camping: Hampta Pass (Kullu), Bhrigu Lake (Manali), Triund (Dharamshala), Malana (Kasol), Chandertal (Lahaul-Spiti), Khajjiar (Dalhousie)
Best time for Camping: October to February
2. Snowboarding
When you combine snowboarding with the untouched, natural slopes of Himachal Pradesh, you’re in for an amazing experience!
Snowboarding, is a relatively newer sport compared to skiing, which allows you to smoothly glide on fresh, untouched snow. This winter activity involves riding on a board attached to the rider’s feet with snowboarding boots and was inspired by wave surfing.
Himachal Pradesh is known for having some of the best slopes in the skiing and snowboarding world. While it may not have the massive resorts of New Zealand or Europe, it still offers a one-of-a-kind snowboarding experience. As a snowboarder, you will find plenty of exciting runs at all the ski areas here.
Cost: Starts from INR 900
Best Places for Snowboarding: Narkanda, Solang Valley, Kufri, Rohtang Pass
Best time for Snowboarding: December to February
Also Read :Â Top 5 Haunted Places in Uttarakhand
1. Ziplining
Himachal Pradesh is a place worth visiting any time of the year, and if you’re looking for adventure, zip lining is a must-try activity. How you’d feel; soaring through the air, suspended on a pulley, moving from tree to tree with the mountains and lakes of Himachal Pradesh stretching out below you. It’s an exhilarating experience that offers breathtaking views of the majestic mountain ranges.
Manali has got the highest zip line in India, but many other cities in Himachal Pradesh also offer a variety of thrilling zip-lining activities. Whether you want to feel like a superhero or simply enjoy the rush of speeding through the air, these zip slides will get your heart racing and leave you with unforgettable memories.
Cost: Starts from INR 1,000
Best Places for Mountain Riding: Bir Billing, Spiti Valley, Manali, Shimla
Best time for Mountain Riding: April to July and September to December
Takeaway
Himachal Pradesh is a treasure trove of adventure sports, offering a perfect blend of excitement and natural beauty. Whether you’re trekking, paragliding, or rafting, there’s no shortage of thrills here. So, pack your bags, gather your courage, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime in Himachal Pradesh!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) :
Q. What are the famous sports of Himachal Pradesh?
A. Golfing is one of the oldest and most famous sports in Himachal Pradesh, especially in Shimla and Kullu districts. Besides this, biking, paragliding, rafting, and angling are some of the other famous sports.
Q. What are the adventure activities in hill stations?
A. Trekking, River Rafting, Horse Riding, and Skiing are some of the adventure activities to enjoy in hill stations.
Q. Why does HP have 2 capitals?
A. Himachal Pradesh (HP) has two capitals, Shimla and Dharamshala. Dharamshala was declared the second capital in order to improve the lower-lying areas like Chamba, Una, Kangra, and Hamirpur. It is even said that Dharamshala is the winter capital wherein Vidhan Sabha is held during the winter and Shimla is the summer capital due to its cool and pleasant climatic setting.
Q. Which God is famous in Himachal Pradesh?
A. Mahasu Devta is highly worshipped in the Himachal region. He is regarded as the chief deity of the Mahasu region which includes certain parts of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
