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Uttarakhand has a wide array of outdoor activities that include angling, para sailing, skiing, trekking rafting etc.
Angling
Uttarakhand is an angler’s paradise. There are immense angling opportunities for those looking forward to fishing in freshwater lakes and streams around. Brown and Rainbow trout are found in large numbers in Dodital, a beautiful alpine lake perched at an altitude of 10,850 feet in the mountains. Fishing in the Dodital will cost you around Rs. 150. Sat tal is another lake for fishing in the Kumaon region and one can find Mahseer and Rohu in abundance here with a nominal fishing charge of Rs. 25 per day. Freshwater fish- mahseer lurks under the still waters of Naukuchiatal. There is also plenty of trout in the Tons River. Mahseer and Trout fishing has also delighted a number of tourists over generations.
Tips: You can either get your own fishing equipments like fishing rod and bait or can hire them on rent from the resorts and camps nearby. Charges will be calculated on per hour basis.
Canoeing and Kayaking
River Ganga and River Tons are the major rivers supporting the activity of canoeing in Uttarakhand. The best season for canoeing in these rivers are from September to May and April to July respectively. The per head charges for canoeing on the River Ganga ranges from Rs. 2000 to Rs. 7500 and on the Tons, it ranges from Rs. 4000 to Rs. 6000. The Shivpuri River also offers canoeing. Canoeing is particularly done in the backwaters or rivers and the season best suited for this activity is all year round except during the monsoons. Apart from canoeing there is also kayaking in the lakes and rivers of Himalayas. Some of the famous spots are Rishikesh, Dakpathar and Ramganga in Corbett National Park. Necessary equipments like lifejackets, helmets, sunglasses and sunscreen can be carried along with the travellers or can be hired on rent by the nearby camps.
Tips: The Tons River is challenging with high and rapid tides so venture in only with expert guides and life-jackets. Also do not carry extra stuff along with you on the boat as it tends to get overloaded.
Hang gliding and Paragliding
Famous destinations for aerial sports like hang-gliding and paragliding are Pithorgarh, Pauri and Mussoorie. Chandak Resort is a well- known resort in Pithorgah that offers hang-gliding as an adventurous activity for the travellers.
Para- Sailing
Naukuchiatal in Nainital, Dayara Bugyal and Dhanolti Ridge in Garhwal and Bedni Bugyal in Kumaun region are the famous hot spots for Para-sailing.
Rock Climbing
Go rock climbing in the picturesque regions of Uttarakhand. Travellers can climb onto the lofty peaks, snow covered mountains and rocky hills of the Garhwal and Kumaon Regions. Well known climbing areas include Bhagirathi, Gangotri Glacier, Khatling Glacier- Mayoli pass, Neelkanth Peak. Admire the serene beauty around you while climbing the snow capped peaks of Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba Peak and Trishul Peak with altitudes of 7817 meters, 7138 meters and 7120 meters respectively.
Tips: Carry comfortable walking shoes, backpacks and sun tan lotion.
Skiing
Skiing is a thrilling experience for tourists in Uttarakhand. The main sites for skiing lie in the Garhwal and the Kumaon regions with snow covered slopes in Auli, Dayara Bugyal, Mundali and Munsyari. Auli is the most sought after destination for skiing with a skiing area of about 5-7 kms and lies at an altitude between 9,500 and 10,500 feet, commanding excellent views of the surrounding peaks. Skiers are provided with all the necessary equipments. Tourists are charged on per person basis for this activity whereas children might avail a discount.
Tips: Travellers must not forget heavy woollen clothing with mufflers, sun block, caps and a pair of woollen gloves since it gets extremely cold. Also you must carry along a water container and drink plenty of water and never try eating snow as it could contain harmful bacteria.
Trekking
Trek through the challenging mountains and lush forests of Uttarakhand. Difficult, medium and easy treks can be experienced during any time of the year. There are ample trekking options in the Garhwal and Kumaon Himalayas. Some of the popular routes in the Garhwal region are as follows- Gangotri- Nandavan-Tapovan Trek, Panch-Kedar Trek, Kuari pass Trek, Kalindi Khal Trek, Roopkund Trek, Khatling- Sahastra Tal Trek, Dodital- Darwatop- Seema- Yamunotri- Hanumanchatti Trek, Bhunarkhal-Kanarikhal Trek and Chopta Chandrashila Trek.
Some of the prominent trekking trails in the Kumaon Region are Pindari Glacier Trek, Kafini Glacier Trek, Sunderdhunga Glacier Trek, Namik Glacier Trek and Nanda Devi East Base Camp Trek.
Tips: Sometimes the trekking routes remain closed due to heavy snowfall or landslides, so do enquire about the routes before you set out.
White Water Rafting
Sport enthusiasts can also enjoy water activities on the thrilling Ganges River and Gangotri River in Garhwal Himalyas. Other exciting rafting routes include Jaulibi River in Kumaon Hills, Lake Paradise in Nainital, Assan Barrange River in the Dehradun district and Kudiyala Rafter’s Club in Kudiyala.
Some other well known stretches are Kaudiyala – Shivpuri, Shivpuri - Rishikesh, Chandrapuri - Rugraprayag, Tehri Gharwal Rafting and Kumaon River Stretch. Experts and trainers will provide you with all the necessary equipments like life jackets etc. For fun rafting experience, you have to adhere to safety standards set by the campsites
Tips: Carry along prescription medicine and water proof camera. In case you get hurt you must have your first aid kit.
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