Golf - Trekking - Heli Skiing

GOLF

At Naldera, 23 km beyond Shimla is one of the oldest golf courses in India. The course,whose topography is absolutely natural, was originally created by the British Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon, at the turn of the century. He was so enchanted by the spot that he named one of his daughters 'Naldera' after the spot. This is a par 68, nine-hole course, regarded as one of the most challenging in the country. In the repeat nine, the yardage somewhat increases. Himachal Tourism maintains the links and accommodation is available at Hotel Golf Glade. There are other hotels in the private sector near Naldera.

Annandale, in Shimla also has a nine-hole course managed by the army and there is another golf course at the exquisite glade of Khajjiar, 22 km from Dalhousie and 24 km from Chamba. Putting greens are available at several resorts and hotels.

TREKKING

The main trekking areas in Himachal are the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges, routes over the passes between the Shimla region and the Kullu valley, the numerous treks out of Kullu and select tracks in the trans-Himalyan regions of Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti. Most trekking areas are between 1500 metres and 6000 metres.

With well over 270 defined trails, the variation in terrain is also enormous. Low scrubland and paths through paddy fields give way to trails strewn with pine needles. Then come woods of oak and flowering rhododendron, which merge into forests of Himalyan cedar – 'deodar' – and spruce. On most trails, small pastoral hamlets dot the way. Cunningly hidden between the high mountains are passes, which were once known only to migrant shepherds, and dare all trekkers. These lead to the fabulous wastes and swift rivers of the arid Trans-Himalya. A host of combinations and variations take the trails through a changing countryside. The degree of physical output can also be changed to suit your requirements. For example, the same trek can be developed from a week to last longer. Or, the two ends of a trek can be the same, but the trails can be designed to be taxing, or gentle.

Several agencies conduct treks. Guides, equipment, porters, pack animals and maps are available at major starting points. The old forest 'dak bungalows' that are strategically placed along many trek routes add a considerable measure of nostalgic charm and convenience for trekkers. Practically, all have an aura of the past, and lie nestled in deep woods. In addition, the State Electricity Board and the PWD also have rest houses. Most of these are marked out on trekking maps and advance booking is possible. The Forest Rest Houses are booked by the area's Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) and the PWD and Electricity Board rest houses are booked by the concerned Executive Engineer.

Training facilities, with basic and intermediate courses are available at Manali's (Kullu) Mountaineering Institute and at its regional centres at Dharamsala (Kangra) and Bharmour (Chamba). Excellent camping facilities exist at these points.

HELI-SKIING

For high mountain thrills, perhaps nothing can surpass the magic of heli-skiing. Under a deep blue sky, you are carried by a helicopter to a snow-draped peak. And after that, there is nothing except steadily distancing whirr of rotor blades, the sky and the snow. It is a thrilling experience as you rapidly zoom down the slopes. The icy winds slap your face and the swiftly slithering hiss of the sky reminds you that you are racing away on your own steam.

The sport is available in the area bound by Hanuman Tibba, Rohtang Pass, Deo Tibba and Chanderkhani Pass near the resort town of Manali (Kullu). A major feature is the compactness of the heli skiing area. A sortie of ten minutes can carry the skiers to the top of a 14,000 feet high slope.

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