Himachal is known as the land of snow capped hills. Nestled in the Western Himalayas, the State offers many tourist spots. Being the land of snow-clad mountains, peaks, cascading water falls, alpine meadows and lush fruit laden valleys. Himachal pradesh tourism development corporation has a fleet of air conditioned and luxury coaches and cars, ambassadors cars and Jeep in transport wing for individual and group excursions, conducted and packaged tour. The tourism corporation also arranges sports activities like skiing, para-gliding, river-rafting, trekking, ice-skating and golf. Besides camping and tenting facilities in far flung tribal areas.

Rivers in deep gorges and placid mountains lakes, thick forest and acres of spree, mountain sides draped in snow, and green alpine meadows, all form a part of this immense spectrum. And the possibilities for a wide range of adventure activities is enormous. There is skiing, heliskiing and ice-skating. There is the thrill of paragliding and the test of stamina with mountain-cycling. You can go camping and fishing and play golf or take a safari by car, jeep or on motorcycle. Then there is mountaineering and rock climbing. All you have to do is make up your mind and select your own activity. No special training is required for most things, age is no consideration and all you need is reasonable level of fitness. Equipment, training and instructors are available. And then, all this comes at a fraction of what it would cost elsewhere in the world.

Golf:

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

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 two hundred and seventy defined trails, the variation in terrain is also enormous. Low scrub-land and paths through paddy fields, give way to trails strewn with pine needles. Then come woods of oak and flowering rhododendron, which merge into forest of Himalyan cedar - 'deodar' - and spruce. A host of combinations and variations take the trails through changing countryside. The degree of physical output can also be changed to suit your requirements.

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).

Skiing:

Kufri, near Shimla is one of the oldest places in India to be associated with skiing and the slopes are still in use during winter. Above Kufri, the Mahasu ridge also has good slopes. Comprehensive facilities exist at Narkanda, 64 km from Shimla. There is a range of slopes, including a beginer's run, an advanced slope and a slalom run. Himachal Tourism offers ski courses, instruction and has equipment on hire at Narkanda.

At Manali (Kullu), the Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports offers a variety of courses and facilities for skiing are possible in the Solang area near Manali. There are also some companies in the private sector that offer ski courses and allied facilities.

Ice - Skating:

The Shimla ice-skating rink has the largest open-air area with naturally frozen ice in this part of the world. Ice-skating normally begins in early December and carries on to February. Clear skies and low temperatures provide series of uninterrupted sessions. There are two sessions every day, in the morning and in the evening.

Para-Gliding:

Riding the warm thermal currents of the air is perhaps the closest man has ever come to sailingthe skies as free as a bird. Almost at will, you dip and wheel high over the hills and valleys.
,br> The bald peak of Billing, above the Buddhist monastery of Bir in Kangra, has been the venue for five national and three international hang-gliding rallies since 1984. The site is perfect for para-gliding too. And this sport is a mix of sky-diving and hang-gliding. A fairly recent sport that is steadily gaining popularity, para-gliding is possible at various places in the state. Places where para-gliding is done regularly are - Bundla Dhar near Bilaspur, in the kullu valley and at Intkali in the Pabbar valley near Rohru in Shimla district.

Himachal Tourism sponsors training programmes and events at various times of the year, in different places. There is an Adventure Sports Hostel at Dharamsala (Kangra) and an Aero Sports Complex at Bir. For details of training facilities, contact sports associations or Divisional Tourism Development Officers of Himachal Tourism.

Water And River Sports:

The Gobind Sagar reservoir in Bilaspur, offers a variety of activities in close collabration with the Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports. Year long activities include swimming, water-skiing, surfing, kayaking, rowing, canoeing and sailing. Three levels of courses are conducted - beginner, intermediate and advanced. Similar activities are also available on the waters of Chamera lake near Dalhousie (Chamba) and the Pandoh lake on the Mandi-Kullu National Highway.

River-rafting is also called is swiftly making Himachal a focus for the sport. Sport is now being held on the Sutlej near Shimla on the Beas near Kullu, the Ravi near Chamba and Chandra in Lahaul. Possibilities are also being explored on the river Spiti. This sport takes a break during winter and during the monsons.

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 streach 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 done out at any holiday station.

Vehicle Safaries:

By jeep, car or on motorcycle you can explore the variety Himachal has to offer. By jeep, the Trans Himalyan tract can steadily unfold their natural and man made wonders. 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), enter Lahaul. Himachal has an extensive network of roads and treks and apart from the routes 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 motorcycles may impose some limitations, but are again a wonderful way of sharing the wonders of Himachal. All you have to do is buy a route map, plan your trip and you are on your way.

OTHER ACTIVITIES:

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

Trekking - An Equipment Checklist:

Comfortable walking boots with good grip on ankles. Waterproof warm jacket. Woollen/tennis socks and stockings. Personal toileteries and clothes. Sunglasses, Headgear, Rucksack other bags too if you plan to hire ponies and porters. Water bottle, Swiss army knife, Sleeping bag and foam ground sheet. Gloves, Umbrella, Rope, Medical and first aid equipment