Introduction
Some
people don't follow the beaten track. They explore new ones, even if they
have to suffer a lot during this stride. They don't 'have to' bear the pain,
they 'choose' it willingly with smile. If you are one of these crazy
revelers, India beckons you. Doesn't matter in which part of the country you
are, you are going to have numberless thrilling adventure activities. Either
choose the highest peaks in the world - The Himalayas, or one of the biggest
deserts in Rajasthan, or endless sprawling forests or longest rivers in the
world, you are going to experience the uncommon thrill for sure.
Adventure Options in India
Mountaineering in India
If you're fired by the spirit of adventure, let the sparks in your heart
fly...... in India, a land blessed with lofty snow-clad peaks, crystal
glaciers, rolling meadows, jagged rock faces, verdant valleys, meandering
rivers, cascading waterfalls, dense forests, and hospitable people, blessed
with a rich culture - a land perfect for mountaineering, trekking, and rock
climbing.
While the mountaineering season tends to be concentrated around the
April-November period, a number of climbs are also attempted in winter
(December-March) which, though much colder, allows for clearer climbing
days.
Mountaineering routes are graded, according to the
degree of difficulty and accessibility. Prior medical examination is
essential. The permanent snowline, generally being in the region of 5,200 m,
the degree of difficulty of mountaineering routes, can broadly be defined as
: Requiring knowledge of basic mountaineering techniques, such as those
imparted by the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering at Uttarkashi, the
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute at Darjeeling, and the Western Himalayan
Institute of Mountaineering at Manali.
Trekking in India
For those fascinated by the unexplored, the mountain ranges of India offer
breathtaking, enthralling trekking routes. In the vast amphitheatre of the
Indian Himalayas and Karakorams, there are limitless possibilities for
trekking, mountaineering, skiing, and river rafting. The Garhwal and Kumaon
regions of Uttaranchal are the most popular destinations for trekkers,
though Chamba and Manali in Himachal Pradesh, and Ladakh and Zanskar in
Jammu and Kashmir, have interesting trekking routes as well. Darjeeling and
Sikkim in the east also have some trekking routes. While trekking as a
sporting activity does not require prior training or practice, except that
the trekker should be in good physical condition. Routes should be carefully
chosen, as some treks may be more difficult, or may involve high altitude
trekking. It is generally advisable to be accompanied by a local guide.
River Rafting in India
The challenge of the daunting, turbulent rivers is no less, than that of
the rugged mountains. The icy heights of the Himalayas, are the source of
some of India's mighty rivers.
Fed by innumerable streams, they race along tortuous boulder - strewn beds,
cutting deep gorges, and breaking into silvery white rapids.
An intricate network of thundering mountain rivers, flowing through an
amazing landscape of thrilling gorges, forests, and remote villages, the
Garhwal and Kumaon hills, in the state of Uttaranchal Pradesh, provide ideal
settings for some dramatic water adventure.
Skiing in India
With their vast open spaces, above the snowline, the Garhwal and Kumaon
hills of Uttaranchal, offer a plethora of ski locales. For the avid skier,
cross - country runs of 10-20 km are now available, with the added advantage
of fresh powder snow.
Due to their awesome height and spread, Garhwal and Kumaon, like other
areas in the Himalayas, offer the thrills of exploratory long distance
skiing, round the year. Winter skiing in Garhwal is, now, professionally
conducted at the Auli slopes.
The usual season is late December to early March, depending on the snow
conditions. With their vast open spaces, above the snowline, the Garhwal and
Kumaon hills of Uttaranchal, offer a plethora of ski locales. For the avid
skier, cross - country runs of 10-20 km are now available, with the added
advantage of fresh powder snow.
Camel Safaris India
Deserts have since long exerted an irresistible charm on the psyche of the
humans, the landscape inspiring different emotions in different people. And
what better way to explore this magical realm than on a camel back, for a
camel safari is one of the most adventurous of experiences, and indeed a
novel way to 'discover' the desert. The accommodation on the way consists of
primitive thatched mud huts, and the way of life-though hospitable-is
entirely ethnic.
Camel safaris generally cover the area around Jaisalmer, Bikaner or
Jodhpur, popularly known as the desert circuit. The duration can vary
between one day and two weeks. Big towns are not usually on the route though
there is no definite route that you have to adopt.
Desert Safaris India
One of the most popular deserts in India, the Thar region was once ruled by
the Rapjuts. These strong and powerful rulers built magnificent fortress
palaces, of which the ruins are still visited. The Thar is best experienced
by camel safaris. These leave from Khuri village. There are also, day treks
that leave in the morning and return at night, as well as overnight trips.
All travelers and tourists are required to make this journey along with an
experienced guide.
Fort Rajwada - A historic building,
now turned hotel
Hotel Rang Mahal - A modern day hotel. Also has a
swimming pool.
Safari Tours - Offering camel safaris, desert safaris
staying at the camp, and other local tours.
Thar Safari - Offering camel, jeep, and horse safaris,
accommodation in tents. Also desert safaris staying at camp in Pushkar.
