Himalaya Heading News

Still Water Sports

1/4/2010 11:55:43 PM

Assan Barrage is fast turning into a Birdwatchers Paradise. It serves as a winter passage halt for trans Himalayan migratory birds. These birds are spotted here on their way to south india i.e. in October-November and again on their way back i.e. late February-March. The bird profile at Assan Barrage changes every fortnight during winters.

White Water River Rafting

1/4/2010 11:54:47 PM

The challenge of the 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.

With the intricate network of mountain rivers flowing through a myriad of different colours of rocky gorges, forests, flowers and high mountain villages, the Garhwal and Kumaon hills provide ideal locales for the perfect water adventure.

The sport of white water river rafting calls for a triumph over the swift swirling river as it gushes past spectacular mountains. It is practised mainly in the upper reaches where the water is wild and white as it frothes and foams, crashing against narrow gorges, rocky outcrops and falls at deep gradients.

As with trekking, mountaineering and other sports, river rafting too has been classified and graded in terms of degrees of difficulty.

There is, firstly, the pleasure of a gentle canoe trip in a lightweight alloy-metal craft which holds two to three people. The gradient best suited for canoeing is the stage near the river`s entry into the plains where the trip can be combined with moderate hiking and a naturalist holiday in the forest. For this, the suitable area are Rishikesh, Dakpathar and the Ramganga in Corbett National Park. For the slightly more adventurous, kayaking is appealing as it is tandem. The degree of difficulty would depend on the river gradient and its rapids.

The suitable period for river running depends on the adequacy of water volume. Thus September-November and March-April-May are most appropriate. The equipment required is ordinary outdoor gear, goggles, antiseptic cream and a liking for getting wet!

Skiing Adventure

1/4/2010 11:51:30 PM

The region provides immense opportunities for adventure sports like skiing and thrilling water sports which make Uttarakhand an ideal venue for adventure seekers.
The large slopes of Garhwal and Kumaon covered with seasonal snow becomes an ideal place for skiing in the winter months. With their wide open spaces above the snowline, Garhwal and Kumaon offer yet another exciting possibility - ski touring amongst the glaciers. For the avid skier, cross-country runs of 10-20 km are now available, with the added advantage of fresh powder snow, away from criss-crossing streams of skiers that overtake the slopes of the European Alps. Because of their height and spread, Garhwal and Kumaon, like other sectors of the Himalayas, are in position to offer the thrills of exploratory long distance skiing round the year.

Adventure Sports

1/4/2010 11:49:09 PM

The hills of Uttaranchal have all the ingredients for adventure, packed with excitement and thrill - an unexplored valley, towering peaks, flowing rivers, snow-capped mountains, a splendid combination of flora and fauna and vast tracts of virgin snow. It offers some of the best venues for adventure sports such as skiing, river rafting, canoeing, para glidng and rock climbing.

wild life

10/23/2009 6:17:51 AM

Travel to Uttaranchal, the land abundant with some of the rare species of flora and fauna. Uttaranchal boasts of quite a few national parks and sanctuaries. flora and fauna. Uttaranchal boasts of quite a few national parks and sanctuaries. All of them have been bestowed by nature with its bounty. Come, explore the exquisite forest life of Uttaranchal with us. The range of animal species found here are just immense. One can find here species from the plains, alpine region, aquatic region, etc. all at the same place.