Himachal Pradesh is a beautiful state and a popular tourist destination for Indians, especially among the newlyweds and youngsters. This land of Gods has been bestowed with snow-capped mountains, fast-flowing streams, and valleys, which tend to sink on the ground. Along with the beautiful landscape and scenic beauty, the state is also synonymous with adventure sports. Tourists flock to the state yearly to enjoy the diversity of adventure sports in Himachal Pradesh.
Top 19 Adventure Sports In Himachal Pradesh
Let us look at some of the popular adventures in Himachal Pradesh that take the state by storm.
- Trekking
- River Rafting
- Camping
- Rock Climbing
- Rappelling
- Angling
- Ice Skiing
- Heli-Skiing
- Paragliding
- Zorbing
- Hiking
- Jeep Safari
- Mountain Biking
- Ice Skating
- Canoeing
- Golfing
- Swimming
- Rowing
- Kayaking
1. Trekking
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Himachal Pradesh is blessed with gorgeous mountains and mesmerizing views that are to die for. The spectacular mountains have given rise to Trekking as a famous adventure activity practiced in the land of mountains. Trekking is one of the adventure sports in Spiti Valley that you should not miss out on. Numerous paths travel through thick forests that are surrounded by snow-clad mountains and rivulets. The beautiful scenic landscape is sure to offer you a wonderful trekking experience. There are 270 trails for trekking in Himachal for adventure enthusiasts to experience the most amazing time of their lives.
Ideal for: Youth, friends, and family
Best time: June to September
Location: Bar to Bhangal, Pin Parvati, Kinnaur to Kailash, Spiti to Garwal, Bharmour to Padum
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2. River Rafting
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Glacial rivers surround Himachal graciously while making it an ideal place for a multitude of water sports such as rowing, river rafting, canoeing, water skiing, and so on. This is one among several of the best adventure places in Himachal Pradesh that has been popular for ages, however in this white water; it offers a thrill that is beyond imaginable. While shooting through rough rapids where you are surrounded by tall pine forests, snow-capped peaks, and blooming rhododendrons, adventure enthusiasts are going to have a memorable experience. This encounter is a prominent part of adventure tourism in Himachal Pradesh.
Ideal for: Youth, friends
Best Time: April to June
Location: Satluj River, Chenab, River Beas, Ravi
3. Camping
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Camping in Himachal is a popular outdoor activity where the campers leave the urban regions and shift closer to nature. This is another adventurous sport that is in high demand in Himachal Pradesh. Tourists from all over the world gather here to experience camping while staying in a tent or base camp. It is a great way to feel and experience the charm of the beauty that the land has to offer. While staying among the peaceful surroundings, camping enthusiasts can feel one with nature. The individuals can experience a wide range of camping activities such as water activities, aqua zorbing, and various physical activities. There are several places to do adventure sports in Himachal Pradesh.
Ideal for: Youth, friends, kids, and family
Best Time: April to June
Location: Lahaul, Kinnaur, Spiti, Dalhousie, Manali, and Kulu
Suggested Read: Snowfall Places In Himachal Pradesh
4. Rock Climbing
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This is one of the most exciting of all adventure activities offered as it is not at all for the faint-hearted. It requires a lot of physical stamina and fitness. Not everyone can do this successfully. The topography of Himachal Pradesh has been highly blessed with hills, rocks, and cliffs, which are ideal for performing this adventure sport. Most of the rock climbing is performed in Manali which also has an institute named Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports. This is where interested individuals can avail training of in this beautiful sport.
Ideal for: Youth, friends
Best Time: April to June mid
Location: Patalsu Peak in Manali, Friendship Peak in Pir Panjal, Mount DeoTibba, Shitidharmountain (Beas)
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5. Rappelling
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Rappelling is one of the many adventure sports offered here and is perceived as the opposite of rock climbing. This involves descending a cliff or steep incline with the help of a rope. It is a sport that can be performed by anyone as it is a much safer option that makes use of the usual strength, unlike rock climbing. In most of the places where rock climbing is performed, you can enjoy rappelling as well. Enjoy the scenic beauty while descending a steep incline using a rope.
Ideal for: Youth, friends, family
Best Time: January to December
Location: Kothi, Shuru, Aleo, Nehru Kund, Kasol, Chhatru, Tirthan Valley and Dalhousie
Suggested Read: Monuments In Himachal Pradesh
6. Angling
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Although the list of adventure sports in Himachal Pradesh is unending, however angling, better known as fishing is one of the most popular ones. It is perceived not only as an essential adventurous sport in Himachal Pradesh but also as a vital means of living. The wide abundance of fresh river water makes the sport an ideal activity to perform. There are varied fishing farms that are constructed over rivers performing angling. The fish which you can easily get here are mahaseer and trout fish. This is the perfect recreation for a wide array of naturists who love practicing the sport as an outdoor hobby. The famous places where you can enjoy this sport are Sarvari, Sainj, Parbati, Tirthan, and Hurla.
Ideal for: Youth, friends, and family
Best Time: April to October, mid-December to February
Location: Rohru, Saandhsu, Mandil, Tikri, Seema, Largi, Kuru Village, Chamba Oattan, Sari Marog, Dehra and Pong Dam Reservoir
7. Ice Skiing
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Skiing in Himachal is one among other famous adventure sports, drawing tourists and adventure seekers to the state of Himachal Pradesh. There are two kinds of skiing performed here, one being Alpine kin and the other being Nordic kind. The Alpine kind involves skiing down steeply inclined slopes while the Nordic type is a bit more challenging and comprises jumping and cross-country skiing. The Slopes of the Himalayas, including Pir Panjal, and Shivalik are ideal for performing this sport. The best time to practice the sport is winter, especially from mid-December to February. Skiing enthusiasts are sure to satiate themselves and find what they are looking for.
Ideal for: Youth, friends, and family
Best Time: Mid-December to February
Location: Pir Panjal, Shivalik
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh In Monsoon
8. Heli Skiing
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This is a more exigent kind of skiing and is performed in higher altitudes on mountain slopes, which are not explored well. If you need to take the sport to a higher level, it is essential to test the skills well. The sport is performed on the slopes around Rohtang Pass, Deo Tibba, Chandrakhani Pass, and Hanuman Tibba. This is offered by a private operator based in Manali. This is the perfect adventurous sport for tourists to explore greater heights and breathtaking glaciers. Tourists love the adrenaline rush while flying above 6000m.
Ideal for: Youth, friends
Best Time: December to February
Location: Rohtang Pass, Deo Tibba, Chandrakhani Pass and Hanuman Tibba
9. Paragliding
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This is one of the most thrilling adventure sports in Shimla and Solang Valley that makes you feel alive. It makes you feel like a carefree bird who has the freedom to fly anywhere with the help of its wings. Soak in the fresh air with this adventurous sport and wander around the mystical mountains. There is also a training institute in Himachal Pradesh, namely Himachal Aero Institute, situated in Bilaspur that offers you the right training to start your paragliding career. The state has plenty of popular sites where you can try paragliding. Its breathtaking scenes are going to offer you a lifetime experience. This sport, too, is not for the faint-hearted and has expert guidance that guides you through the entire experience. Solang Valley is undoubtedly one of the best places for paragliding in Himachal Pradesh.
Ideal for: Youth, friends, and family
Best Time: Mid-December to February
Location: Bijli Mahadeo, Bir or Billing, Solang, Manali, Pabbar Valley
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10. Zorbing
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Zorbing is rather a new and adventurous sport in India and is practiced widely in Himachal Pradesh. It is an extremely fun and exciting sport that involves rolling down the slope of a hill in a light ball, which is known as a zorb. This recreational sport activity has a few other names, such as sphering and globe riding. Individuals trying it can experience a complete 360-degree view of the entire place while thriving inside the zorb. It is a widely popular adventure sport that lets you experience the beauty and all activities very well. The person herein rolls the hill downwards in the zorb. It is widely preferred by individuals of all ages, especially kids.
Ideal for: Youth, friends, kids, and family
Best Time: March to June
Location: Solang Valley
11. Hiking
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Trekkers love practicing this sport in Himachal Pradesh, and it is complete heaven for trekkers. A large number of tourists visit here every year for trekking. Trekkers can lose themselves to nature with the scenic hiking trails that are surrounded by spectacular paths and views. You can even carry your own equipment or hire them from the trekking organizers nearby. Pir Panjal, Dhauladhar, and Spiti Valley are the popular spots for hiking. The state has a lot to offer to hiking lovers who love the mystical forests and hill stations.
Ideal for: Youth, friends, and family
Best Time: Mid-December to February
Location: Pir Panjal, Shivalik
Suggested Read: Restaurants In Himachal Pradesh
12. Jeep Safari
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Jeep Safari is another enthralling manner of experience of the Himalayas and running through the ups and downs of the track of Himachal Pradesh countryside. Trans Himalayan Jeep safari is something that is on the top priority bucket list of every adventure enthusiast. The track commences from Shimla and passes through Kinnaur, Spiti, and goes up to Lahaul while passing through the Kunzum pass. This is preferred among adventure sports in Himachal Pradesh for couples.
Ideal for: Youth, friends, and family
Best Time: May to October
Location: Kalka, Spiti, Nalagarh
13. Mountain Biking
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Mountain Biking is one of the relatively new adventure activities in Himachal Pradesh. It includes cycling on unmetalled, rugged trails of the state or sometimes even cross country. This adventure sport amalgamates the excitement and is slowly gaining popularity among thrill seekers. The uneven and challenging terrain mixed with the breathtaking beauty it offers is simply awe-inspiring.
Ideal for: Youth, friends
Best time: All year long
Location: Leh-Manali highway, Kaza-Losar, Manali-Damp Hug, Shimla-Rampur, Tabo-Kaza
Suggested Read: Camping In Manali
14. Ice Skating
Ice Skating is one of the offbeat adventures in Himachal Pradesh. This adventure sport is much more elegant and safer as compared to other thrilling ones in this destination. Ice Skating can be enjoyed in Himachal along with two other interesting activities including figure skating and ice hockey. There is Asia’s oldest skating rink that you can find in Himachal which is built naturally of snow. Make sure you travel to the city during the winter season to take part in this activity.
Ideal for: Youth, friends
Best time: December to February
Location: Shimla, Kalpa
15. Canoeing
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Canoeing is an activity that is relatively low stakes (make sure to don proper canoeing gear) but very pleasant nonetheless. This activity can be done solo or with a friend or a partner. It is a lovely water sport that you can engage in the river Beas in Manali or Satluj in Shimla. If done with a partner, it is a careful balancing act that requires teamwork and understanding. Canoeing together can be a beautiful bonding experience.
Ideal for: Friends, Partners, Families
Best time: October to December
Location: Shimla, Kullu, Manali, Dalhousie
Suggested Read: Adventure Sports In Manali
16. Golfing
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Golfing might not be the most adventurous sport, but it’s one that a place like Himachal is perfect for with its picturesque hills, valleys, and great outdoors. It is a relaxing activity that many tourists engage in. Many golf courses are maintained by the state tourism department, which provides basic training courses for newbies as well as serves tourists who have expertise in the game. Many golfing competitions are also held year-round, making this one of the best if not strictly adventure sports in Himachal Pradesh.
Ideal for: Friends, Colleagues, Youth
Best time: All year long
Location: Naldehra Golf Course, Country Rover, Dream Tour N Travels, and Welstays.
17. Swimming
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Swimming is fun, is it not? It is also one of the most physically exerting workouts that one can do. Only swimming in your community pools is not anywhere as fun or exciting as swimming in natural water bodies like lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and natural pools and ponds. A big water body and a group of friends can make for the perfect adventure. So when you visit Himachal Pradesh, do not miss out on visiting its rivers, lakes, and waterfalls.
Ideal for: Youth, friends, family
Best time: Post-monsoon months
Location: Gobind Sagar, Chamera Lake, River Ravi, Beas, and Chandrabhaga in Lahaul.
Suggested Read: Homestays In Bir
18. Rowing
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Talk about teamwork, huh? This is one of the best adventure sports in Himachal Pradesh to enjoy with friends who are so close to you that even your movements are in sync with each other. Still-water sports are organized in Himachal in many places like the Gobind Sagar Lake, which is a man-made reservoir built in the Bilaspur district. While it might take a little bit to get the hang of rowing if you’re inexperienced at it, it is an extremely thrilling and exciting adventure sport.
Ideal for: Youth, friends
Best time: August to January
Location: Gobind Sagar Lake, Chamera Lake, River Ravi, and Beas
19. Kayaking
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Kayaking might look very similar to canoeing but there are a few instrumental differences between the two. The primary difference lies in the kind of boats and paddles being used for the two sports. Kayaks are less comfortable, but more swift, easy to paddle, and very responsive to turns and steers. In canoeing, the participant typically uses a single-bladed paddle, while in kayaking, a double-ended paddle is used. Kayaking could be said to be a bit more extreme than canoeing.
Ideal for: Youth, friends, sportspersons, and enthusiasts
Best time: August to January
Location: Gobind Sagar Lake, Chamera Lake, River Ravi, and Beas
Further Read: Secret Places In Himachal
Embrace the scenic beauty of the snow-capped peaks in Himachal Pradesh that will win your heart and satiate it like never before. If you are seeking a thrilling adventure, try out adventure sports in Himachal Pradesh to experience a memory for a lifetime. All you have to do is plan your trip to Himachal Pradesh with TravelTriangle and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Adventure Sports In Himachal Pradesh
What are the adventure sports in Himachal Pradesh?
There is a wide array of adventure sports done in Himachal Pradesh including trekking, river rafting, rock climbing, rappelling, angling, ice skiing, paragliding, and more.
What is the state sport of Himachal Pradesh?
Although there is no official state sport of Himachal Pradesh, paragliding in Bir Billing is considered to be a hallmark of adventure sports in Himachal Pradesh. There are supervised trainers who are equipped with proper knowledge and training of the adventure sport.
Which adventure activity is famous in Manali?
Paragliding, hiking, and rafting are the most popular adventure activities available in Manali.
What is the best time to do adventure sports in Himachal Pradesh?
Distinct adventure sports have distinct seasons; however, the best time usually ranges from April to June.
What are the examples of adventure sports?
Sports that are perceived as involving a high degree of risk are called adventure or extreme sports. These include Mountaineering, Trekking, Rock Climbing, Sport Climbing, Camping, Snow Skiing, Mountain Biking, Zipline, Paragliding, Powered Hang gliding, Parasailing, Sky Diving/Parachuting, Hot Air Ballooning, Rafting, Kayaking, and Canoeing.
Is there bungee jumping in Himachal Pradesh?
Yes, one can engage in bungee jumping in Himachal Pradesh. There are many such services available for tourists and enthusiasts in places like Bir Billing.
Is Himachal Pradesh a good place to try out adventure sports?
Himachal Pradesh is one of the best places to try out adventure sports because of the diverse scenic beauty and snow-capped mountains the place has to offer.
How to reach Himachal Pradesh?
You can reach Himachal Pradesh through air and train. Reach Chandigarh and take a local bus or car. The state has two narrow gauge railway lines, where one connects Kalka with Shimla while the other one connects Pathankot to Kangra.
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Abhay Kumar is a graduate of English Literature. Writing is both his hobby and his passion. He writes academic research articles as well as poetry and short fiction. He loves reading science fiction, fantasy, literary fiction, and translated fiction. He also loves traveling and writing about himself in the third person.
