Himachal > Adventure > Mountain Cycling - Vehicle Safaris - Rock Climbing

MOUNTAIN CYCLING

Gear yourself for high adventure with an expedition on cycles. You can pedal your way past high passes or simply make a day-adventure. Quite literally, the whole of Himachal is your playground. The tour can be coupled with camping and can be carried on for several weeks over diverse terrain. The lower regions of the state – Kangra, Una, Hamirpur and Bilaspur offer gentle routes. Or you can stretch your mind, muscle and stamina to reach out to the trans-Himalyan tract of Lahaul, Spiti and Kinnaur. Milder but no less interesting excursions can be undertaken at any holiday station. For mountain biking in the higher regions, summer and autumn months are suggested.

VEHICLE SAFARIS

You can explore the Himalayan spectrum on jeep, car or motorcycle for an exceptional experience. A sturdy jeep will take you through the trans-Himalyan tract – along one of the world's highest highways, you can drive out of Manali, cross the Rohtang Pass (3980 m) and move through arid Lahaul. You drive through the haunting landscapes of Spiti and over the Kunzum pass (4551 m), and enter Lahaul. Himachal has an extensive network of roads, treks, and apart from the route mentioned above, there are several others you can traverse on. By car, driving over the more demanding routes may not be possible, but in no way does this curtail the range of experience. And a motorcycle may impose some limitations, but is really a wonderful way to get to know the region. All you need is a route map, a plan and you are on your way.

MOUNTAINEERING AND ROCK CLIMBING

Rock climbing is often seen as the basic stage for mountain climbing. It can also be treated as an independent sport, since it is climbing a rock face, using only hands and feet with a safety rope.

The area around Manali, presently forms the core of mountaineering in Himachal. The Beas Kund region and lower reaches of the Hanuman Tibba (5930 m), the Manali and Shitidhar peaks around the source of river Beas and Deo Tibba (6001 m) (Kullu) area are suggested for amateurs. The Chandra Bhaga ranges, the Pir Panjal and Dhalaudhar ranges may be suitable for more experienced climbers. The Allied Sports Institute at Manali and its branch at Dharamsala (Kangra) conduct mountaineering tours. Courses are also available at the institute.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

Himachal also hosts a Winter Festival and Snow Carnival. Tobogganing is possible in winter. Various water sports competitions are also hosted. Several golf tournaments are held at Naldera, especially during the monsoon. Angling and para-gliding competitions are also hosted in the state.

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