Snow-clad mountain peaks and gushing waterfalls welcome you to the land where natural beauty bestows at its best. Uttarakhand in India, Reveals to its tourists the natural beauty of the place. The culture and customs followed by the residents of the state are rich and unique. The 14 hilly districts that earlier came under the state of Uttar Pradesh now fall under the newly constructed state of Uttarakhand. Uttarakhand has emerged to be one of the most popular places of tourist interest in India. The destination is just the perfect for anyone, be it an adventure enthusiast or a newlywed couple. Here we will discuss Most Popular Adventure Sports in Uttarakhand.
The nearest airport is located in the capital state of Uttarakhand – Dehradun. Dehradun is connected to all the major states and cities of India through regular flights. An efficient network of railways connects Uttarakhand to all the important places in India. Uttarakhand is connected to all the major cities and towns of India through a navigable network of roads.
If you are fed up with everyday routine life and not satisfy your thirst for adventure, come to Uttarakhand where several adventure sports are waiting to be explored. As a matter of fact, Uttarakhand is a paradise for adventure sports enthusiasts. Here you have several options to choose from such as below. Are you ready?
Most Popular Adventure Sports in Uttarakhand
Kayaking in Uttarakhand :
How adventurous the pleasure of canoeing or Kayaking on the calm waters on a lake is! Uttarakhand provides amazing opportunities for canoeing and kayaking. In Uttarakhand, the hot destinations for these water sports are Rishikesh, Dakpathar and the Ramganga in Corbett National Park. For the best experience, you must embark on your adventurous journey at the stage near the river’s entry into the plains.
If your thirst for adventure is more then go for kayaking rather than canoeing. But be careful as you might face some difficulty due to the river gradient and its rapids. Canoeing and kayaking both will bring you very close to nature. Come to Rishikesh and enjoy Kayaking from Most Popular Adventure Sports in Uttarakhand.
Rafting in Uttarakhand :
Uttarakhand, The land of Holy Rivers welcomes you to experience real adventure. The rivers in the state flow freely crossing the mountains, rocky cliffs, and snow-covered stretches. Because of the downslope are, the rivers in the region flow at quite a fast pace. The origin of most of the rivers from Uttarakhand makes it an ideal place for conducting White Water Rafting. These rivers, especially in Garhwal and Kumaon, offer the best rafting opportunities from across the globe. Uttarakhand offers challenges that you cannot look away from. This is most popular in Most Popular Adventure Sports in Uttarakhand.
Canoeing in Uttarakhand :
The rivers and lakes in the north and the sand beaches along the coastline offer an ideal opportunity for adventure lovers for conducting water sports. Canoeing is one of the most interesting water sport that combines excitement with exploration. While canoeing, you paddle the boat through offshore islands, marine stocks and bewildering sea caves.
It is an eco-friendly adventure sport. Canoes are designed with conical ends so that they can be easily glided through the river waters. The unique design that makes the operation of a canoe much easy in the waters has led to trying these on most of the types of water bodies. A canoe can accommodate a minimum of two people. Canoeing is generally done over rivers and lakes with still and flat waters.
One of the major canoeing destinations in India in Uttarakhand. It offers excellent quality canoes to those who dare to go for it. Those are entirely new to the sport are accompanied by expert instructors. Canoeing in Uttarakhand also combines moderate hiking with it.
Some of the best sites for canoeing in Uttarakhand include Lake Renuka along the Uttarakhand border, areas in Rishikesh and Dakpathar, lakes of Nainital and Saat Tal and Ramganga in Corbett National Park. Yet another place is the Tehri Dam of Tehri in Uttarakhand. This dam is pegged to be an ideal spot for canoeing not only in the country but in the entire sub-continent as a whole.
The excitement that follows shall increase manifold in case you figure out what you expect from the trip. Before you go out for canoeing to learn about water levels, water rapids and also about canoeists. The sport attracts several travelers from abroad as well as domestic holidaymakers to Uttarakhand who come to enjoy canoeing amidst the flat and serene rivers.
Skiing in Uttarakhand :
Can you think of thrill and speed without the presence of any motor? Skiing is one such adventure sport that can make this thought possible. The thrill you experience while skiing can only be felt and not explained. Skiing is not in India for a long time now but it is a new adventure sport. Some sincere efforts have been made in recent years to make the people in India aware of this ice-sport. It has an international reputation in Most Popular Adventure Sports in Uttarakhand.
All across Uttarakhand, numerous skiing resorts have been established by the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN). Mountain peaks and valleys that dominate the landscape of Garhwal when covered snow serves to be ideal for performing skiing. The best season for conducting skiing in Uttarakhand lies between November to February. Auli, Dayara Bugyal and Mundali are some of the best places for Skiing.
Camping in Uttarakhand :
The best way to enjoy the serene nature with family and friends in Uttarakhand is Camping. Come to Uttarakhand to spend some quality time within the lap of nature, far away from the hustle-bustle of city life. A fantastic range of camping options is offered by the Himalayan area in Uttarakhand, India. Uttarakhand is like heaven for camping so has to be in Most Popular Adventure Sports in Uttarakhand.
Thanks to the diverse Indian topography that makes it possible for India to offer adventure seekers options ranging from simple camping to wildlife camping. This recreational activity does not restrict itself to a particular age group. All those who love nature can go for this expedition. Some of the popular sights that serve as a base for camping in Uttarakhand are namely the Tons Valley in Garhwal, Jharipani in Mussoorie and other high altitude camping places.
Biking in Uttarakhand :
If you are looking for an extra bit of adventure, Uttarakhand is the perfect destination for you. Uttarakhand is a haven for paddlers and trekkers alike. From introductory biking to difficult challenges, the regions of Uttarakhand have something to offer for everyone. The Garhwal and Kumaon regions are ideal places for exploring exotic sights while biking.
On your biking adventure trip to Garhwal, you will come across some best biking escapades that will make your biking trip more interesting than ever. Biking over the rugged terrains is not as easy as it seems. You need to be really fit in case you want to indulge in the sport. Your balancing act should also be good so that you can easily climb the steep pitches. Climbing uphill is more thrilling than riding downhill. Mountain biking in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand is fun. Hope you are amazed to read Most Popular Adventure Sports in Uttarakhand.
The flat valleys situated in the Almora district of the Kumaon region are perfect biking tracks. While you bike observe the open valleys, the serene rivers, small towns, and some rural areas. Begin your trip from Bageshwar that houses a temple dedicated to Lord Baijnath. Also, bike through the Binsar wildlife sanctuary covered by a dense forest cover of Oak trees. Watch animals in their natural habitat. The breath-taking views of the place will bowl you over.
Para Gliding in Uttarakhand :
Natural beauty co-exists with spirituality only in one Indian state – Uttarakhand. A blend of high snow-clad mountains with a rich tradition and customs catapults a horde of tourists to this state. Adventure activities like paragliding, skiing, and rafting can ideally be conducted amidst the high peaks and valleys of Uttarakhand. An adventure tour to Uttarakhand will definitely be an interesting holiday that will keep the adventure seekers on their toes.
If you are one of those who dream to fly high in the sky like a free bird, you can fulfill your dream by paragliding in Uttarakhand. Paragliding in Uttarakhand will enable you to get a beautiful aerial view of the state. Get over the fear of height and get ready for paragliding. It will be an experience that you will cherish all through your life. The limitless freedom observed in the open sky is the most thrilling aspect of the aero sport.
All the necessary equipment and safety measures are provided by the officials of the paragliding clubs. This enables you to enjoy the sport thoroughly. Some of the popular sites for paragliding in Uttaranchal include Naukutchhiyatal in Nainital, Bedni Bugyal in Kumaon, Pratap Nagar, Dayar Bugyal and Dhanolti Ridge in Garhwal. Paragliding is one of the emergings in Most Popular Adventure Sports in Uttarakhand.
Mountaineering in Uttarakhand :
Uttarakhand is one of those picturesque states of India that catapults hordes of tourists and adventure lovers throughout the year. Over the years, Uttarakhand has become quite a popular center for adventure tourism. The options for various adventures available in Uttarakhand are enough to spice up your tour to the state. Out of all the adventure sports in Uttarakhand, mountaineering tops the popularity charts. Mountaineering in Uttarakhand is a wonderful experience.
The Himalayan ranges of Uttarakhand are just the perfect ones to go for a mountaineering expedition. Since the Himalayas offer several ranges for the purpose of mountaineering, the mountaineer can take their pick depending on their choice. Almost all sorts of mountaineering expeditions ranging from simpler to the difficult ones are offered by the Himalayan ranges. You can accomplish mountaineering outings ranging from an altitude of 3000 meters to 7000 meters out here in Uttarakhand. almost every destination in Uttarakhand gives you a chance of mountaineering so you can not ignore it in Most Popular Adventure Sports in Uttarakhand.
Apart from the Himalayan range, several places that fall in regions of Kumaon and Garhwal are ideal for conducting mountaineering. While you are in the Garhwal region, opt for the route that leads to Panch Kedar. Catch a glimpse of the rich flora and fauna of this trek and experience the warm hospitality of the residents. You can also get some lessons on mountaineering here.
Yet another popular is the one that leads to Kedarnath – Vasuki. Talking of the region of Kumaon, Pithoragarh is a famous place that offers some ideal sites for mountaineering. Nainital is also one of the most famous hill stations for lakes of Nainital.
Trekking in Uttarakhand :
The River Ganges or the Ganga is the most sacred river in the Hindu religion and its source at Gaumukh on the Gangotri glacier is one of the holiest destinations for Hindu pilgrims who come here to witness the birth of Mother Ganga. Our trek takes us to Gaumukh (translates to cows mouth), the mythological source of the River Ganges, which is at the snout of the Gangotri glacier. At Gaumukh, blocks of the glacier fall into the river and pilgrims ‘cleanse themselves of their sins’ in freezing water. Treks are most popular in Most Popular Adventure Sports in Uttarakhand.
Well trekking and kayaking are my favorite outdoor activities, but I’ve wanted to go paragliding for some time. Would love to save it for a special place like this! 🙂
Brooke hope to see u soon here…
These look like so much fun, definitely things to add to the to-do-list! ?
Hayley thanks for your review. I would like to inform you that all the adventure activities are quite cheaper in uttarakhand if compare to other countries.
What an awesome place! Seems like you will never get bored there with such a large variety of activities to do. Especially great for active people. Whenever I will plan my next sportive trip I will keep this in mind 🙂
I’d definitely go for camping and mountainbiking, this looks like just the perfect adventure. Amazing what thorough overview you got over all the activities – never thought India to be such a diverse adventurous place!
This looks like such an outdoorsy paradise! I feel like everyone I have been meeting over the last few months while on the road tells me I have to head to India, ASAP. I had no idea that there were so many wonderful activities to do!
I love adventure travel & the outdoors, so Uttarakhand looks like a perfect place for me. It’s interesting that you can both ski & camp there too, love locations that offer summer & winter activities, it would be great to live around here! I’ll keep it in mind when I’m planning my next trip to India, hopefully next year
Wow! There is obviosly plenty of things to do outdoors in Uttarakhand!
10 years ago this would have been my dream holiday! What an amazing experience! I havens been rock climbing is so many years and reading about your adventure makes me want to go dust off the old equipment! The Uttarakhand seems like an amazing place to visit for the adventurer at heart. Would love to do the kayaking!
Uttarakhand is a veritable treasure trove of natural beauty and spiritual places, It has also now become a hub of adventure sports. Though I have been there a couple of times I have not tried out these activities. i look forward to skiing and river rafting when i get there next time.
where is the canoeing situated?
You can do it in Rishikesh…
Totally agree with you Danish. Rafting and skiing is one of the best you can do in Uttarakhand. I too wrote an article about top 5 hot shot destinations to travel in Uttarakhand and Auli and Rishikesh is on that list as well
Hope you will like it too.
Uttarakhand is full of adventurous and unseen places and lovely weather give it an extra hipe in tourism. Thanks for sharing