Adventure Activities in Uttarakhand

Owing to the numerous Hindu temples and pilgrim centres located here, Uttarakhand, also referred to as Devbhumi (Land of Gods), is not only a destination for religious devotees but also for adventure seekers. White water rafting, trekking, mountain biking, bungee jumping are just a few of the popular Uttarakhand adventure activities you can indulge in.

The mountains, rivers, undefeated roads, the vast alpine meadows and the snow-clad gradients in the glorious state of Uttarakhand are 'Calling Out' to the adventure aficionados.

The rugged topography and the roaring glacial rivers turn the state into India's finest adventure destination. The unpredictable climate which locks horns with the explorers only to make the experience even more memorable is further enhancing the charm of the challenges in Uttarakhand. 

The state is certainly a perfect destination for adventure tourism in India as it awakens some adventure activities that deliver spine-chilling and distinct experiences seldom found elsewhere.

Uttarakhand is popularly regarded as India's White Water Rafting Spot. In Uttarakhand, river rafting will cost you mostly from as low as ₹600 to as high as ₹2000 per person depending on the place and the rapid you choose. 

The most famous among all is River Ganga, which in Rishikesh creates exciting rapids that compel adventure lovers to offer a shot to rafting action. In Uttarakhand, the grades of rafting range from I to V, with Tons River having some truly great rapids to face. The Alaknanda and Bhagirathi, which are the major Ganga tributaries where one can enjoy rapids from Grade IV to V.

Rishikesh: India's Finest Spot 

Ranikhet: An adventure-filled town 

Nainital: A Paradise for a Thrill Seeker 

Pithoragarh: To Raft at the most Serene Place

Best time:  1st September to 30th June 

Good to Know: To go rafting in Uttarakhand is perfectly safe for the non-swimmers. There's nothing to fear so long as you've got a life jacket on. 

 

Uttarakhand hosts some stunning sites ideal for enjoying the camping activity. Imagine staying in a tent or pitching yourself in a picturesque place with lofty snow-clad mountains in the backdrop, the soft turfs of the meadow beneath your feet, the meandering river on one side and the star-studded sky above, well, Uttarakhand offers such a camping experience. 

In reality, the State is nothing less than a campers' paradise. There are a plethora of places in the foothills of Uttarakhand's Himalayan Mountains that offer a great opportunity to camp and enjoy nature's serenity and wilderness. Camping in the foothills of Uttarakhand is without a doubt the perfect way to appreciate nature 's rich essence with the company of your friends and family. 

Rishikesh

Nainital

Mussoorie

Almora

Kanatal

Best time: All round the year except Monsoons

 

Uttarakhand has some popular and beautifully kept sanctuaries and national parks where Jeep Safari activity can be thoroughly enjoyed. 

Nonetheless, the state is gaining popularity slowly and steadily as the favourite hub for adventure and wildlife enthusiasts who would take a chance in the wild and take a jeep safari on mostly dense forest-covered undulating terrain. 

Indeed Jeep Safari is one of the most enjoyed adventure activities in Uttarakhand, where wildlife opulence can attract anyone.

Corbett National Park, Ramnagar

Rajaji National Park, Dehradun

Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary, Tanakpur

Best Time: October to June

 

Uttarakhand is a paradise for trekkers with the number of treks. 

The treks here are among the best and range from easy to moderate to demanding ones. Whether you're a first-timer or a frequent hiker, Uttarakhand is a perfect place to hike. The ride will take you through some of nature 's finest scenic beauty and offers landscapes ranging from tiny villages, meadows, alpine mountains, lakes, lush greenery and rivers. Nature's wealth is at its finest in Uttarakhand and one of the finest ways to discover it is to find it on foot as you trek ahead.

Kedarkantha Trek

Har Ki Dun Trek

Valley of Flowers Trek

Brahmatal Trek

Kedartal Trek

Rupin Pass Trek

Satopanth Lake Trek

Kalindi Khal Trek

Auden’s Col Trek

Bali Pass Trek

Best Time: April to October

 

Along with many other adventure sports, Uttarakhand also opens doors for the thrilling mountain biking activity. The trails that are still unspoiled are better explored on mountain bikes that can even pave their way through their rugged terrain, sometimes leading to some incredible destinations. And while mountain biking tour activity could look daunting in Uttarakhand, there's such an unforgettable experience attached to it that can make an adventurist forget all the hardships.

The paths cross beautiful hamlets in these adventure destinations, pass through meandering rivers and mountain chains. And the chance to see some of the lofty Himalayan peaks is something that an adventurist can never miss while riding on these biking trails.

The predetermined trails often carry one to the unexplored side of the area covering Emerald mountains, picturesque villages, terrace farming and the thick Deodar and Pine forests.

Rudraprayag

Chopta

Pauri

Lansdowne

Nainital

Sattal

Bhimtal

Best Time: March to May and October to December

 

If something comes close like a bird to fly, it's paragliding. The sport provides a breathtaking view of the hills, the lake and the valley and is also an unforgettable experience. With your legs dangling in the air and the pilot carrying you to heights of more than 6,000 feet in the sky, you can be sure that you will have the time of life.

Paragliding Destinations in Uttarakhand: Ranikhet, Naukuchiatal, Mukteshwar, Pithoragarh, Bhimtal, Mussoorie

Best Time: May to September. However, depending on the environmental conditions, it can differ greatly from location to location.

 

Known as the most exciting adventure sport in the Uttarakhand state, bungee jumping has its own charisma. This adventure activity is in full swing in Rishikesh and is very popular not only among domestic tourists but also foreign tourists as anyone over the age of 12 can enjoy a free fall experience here. It is one of the most enlivening diving experience from a great 83-meter height. 

Bungee Jumping in Uttarakhand is an incredible activity, where the fall is from a ramp over the Ganges River with just 2 feet of depth. The feeling of a free fall and then the body's bounce back into the air is beyond explanation and one can experience it only in person.

Destination: Rishikesh

Best Time: All round the year except Monsoons

 

With the majestic Himalayan mountain range within its walls, Uttarakhand winters turn the landscape into a giant ski slope, where one can slide down the snow-capped peaks with beautiful views of the valleys below. 

Strap on your ski boots and head for a lifetime adventure up the mountains, as skiing is something you don't want to miss. 

Auli

Dayara Bugyal

Munsiyari

Kush Kalyan

Kedar Kantha

Panwali

Matya

Bedni Bugyal

Pithoragarh

Best Time: December to February