Heli Skiing in Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh has got enormous opportunities to explore for the adventure lovers, be it white water rafting, para gliding, rock climbing or mountaineering. But being nestled in the Himalayan mountain ranges, nothing can surpass the onset of winters covering its virgin peaks with white snow flakes. This is the season which sets a platform for one of the most daring winter sports i.e. Heli Skiing.

Manali is blessed with the slopes which are favourable for conducting Heli Skiing in Himachal Pradesh. There are various mesmerising slopes near Manali which are perfect for organising Heli Skiing like Deo Tibba, Hanuman Tibba, Chanderkhani and Rohtang Pass.

Heli Skiing is a sport in which skiers are dropped by a helicopter on the top of a peak shrouded by snow, where nothing comes in between the skier and challenging snow-capped mountain peak except for the blue sky, perceiving the daring moves of the skier. This is where the thrill starts and skier starts zooming his way down the slopes on ski boards making his way sometimes amid woods.

Though Heli Skiing is an expensive winter sport because of the involvement of helicopter but then nothing comes without paying price in this world and that too a sport which leaves everlasting memories in your mind. Heli Skiing is almost same like normal Snow-skiing but it is carried out on more higher peaks with around 14,000 ft altitude above sea level. It is also a tough affair than normal Skiing as the snow at higher peaks is soft and thus making the sport more risky. For a 10 minutes journey down the snow slopes you really need to have a heart of a tiger.

Skiing courses are also conducted by the Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports, located in Manali. Solang Nalla is a place nearby Manali where such courses are conducted every year. All the required equipments for the sport like ski boards, jackets, helmets, socks and googles are available with Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation office.

In the recent past, Heli Skiing has acquired a prominent place and immense popularity in the tourism sector of Himachal Pradesh. It has not only been successful in attracting adventure enthusiasts from different parts of India but from across the globe.

Narkanda in Himachal Pradesh

When we talk about the winter tourism destinations in India, Himachal Pradesh boasts of its long list of such spots. The state itself derives its name from the Hindi word 'Him' meaning snow. Narkanda is one of such destinations catching visitors attraction.

Spectacular view of Narkanda's snow capped peaks attract sports enthusiasts from all around the world. Located at an elevation of 8,100 feet above the sea level in Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh, Narkanda is a two hour drive from Shimla. The thrill of moving down undulating ski slopes here provide winter sports lovers with the motivation to fight against all odds in life.

The best season to visit Narkanda for enjoying winter sports is from mid December to February, when its slopes wear white winter garb. Whereas, it attracts tourists through out the year. As isotherms of Shimla match with that of London, one can find the British tourists flocking here every year in large numbers.

Criss-crossing your way downward on the snowcapped and wooded slopes, gives you the never forgettable moments of your life. The neighbouring Hatu peak, at a distance of 8 km away from Narkanda is also famous for its marvellous sking slopes in Himachal Pradesh.

During winters Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation conducts skiing courses every year since 1980, when it was developed as the skiing paradise for the first time. Narkanda, gateway to apple country of Himachal Pradesh, is an awe inspiring stopover while moving on the Hindustan-Tibet Highway(NH-22). It promises its visitors the serene view of pine and deodar forests in Shivalik range, apple orchards and above all with the choice of skiing slopes. Be it beginners, have a desire to explore slalom slopes or challenge its sharper descents being an experienced skier, Narkanda is a must visit for hiking and ski lovers. Besides skiing. its wonderful hilly track also motivates the visitors to move on trekking expeditions amidst beautiful apple orchards and groves of hill cherries.

SDWGA, to introduce Skiing in the glaciers of Kargil

After a grand success of the adventure winter sports in the Kashmir valley, Srinagar District Winter Games Association (SDWGA) is all set to warm up the Kargil district of Ladakh in Jammu & Kashmir . Ever been in the history of SDWGA, that this affiliated unit of Winter Games Association of the State , would be organizing the breath-taking skiing in the second coolest place of the world- Machoi glacier in Drass region of Kargil District.

The possibility of exploring the glaciers was the dream desire of the SDWGA Secretary Mohammed Yusuf. Report confirmed that, the association has organized similar challenges in the Mt. Mahadev, Mt. Kolahoi and Thajewas glaciers in the past and for which they have decided to make a proposal of the upcoming winter games in Srinagar.

As per the approved sport theme, a team of 15 highly trained skiers would leave for Drass enroute Leh and would further move on towards the divine Amaranth Cave over the Machoi glacier. And, the most interesting part of this announcement, is that, Mr. Yusuf, has decided to assign three male and three female, Cross-Country skiers to Delhi, for the special Cross-Country training camp. The participant would be guided by the foreign trainers and also special roller boards have been designed for the session.

The presided meeting by Director Tourism Farooq Shah, has also decided to set up offices in Srinagar and Gulmarg, so that interested candidates can find relevant information about the winter sports in Kashmir.

Winter Trekking in Himachal Pradesh

Adventure beckons in the snow-swept mountains of Himachal Pradesh . The undulating hill tops gets frozen with the onset of winter season, leaving the snowy roads before you. The rough terrain or the slippery slopes challenges you to achieve a new height with the blessed natural heights. So, come across the hills in the heart of Himalayas and bet, you can't avoid the time of winter trekking. Himachal, drags your way to the numerous trekking routes and offers the splendid beauty of nature.

Winter trekking routes in Himachal Pradesh

Manali- Thumber– Solang Nallah– Vashisht– Manali

Solang Valley(Manali)- Shivling- Bakkar Thach– Kothi- Patalsu-Manali

While performing this breath-taking task, trekkers can have fun in snow, stay overnight at the tourist rest camp or can built a temporary winter camps. At night, its better to have a camp fire, bake yourself and chat with the fellow travelers, while in the day time, feel free to enjoy the must-do sightseeing. One who have a knack to enjoy the mountain wilderness, can schedule a jungle walk into the dense backyards.

The mentioned itinerary is not a cup of coffee for novices. High risky activity is exclusive for professional, who are able to undertake any obstacles ahead. Depending upon the natural factors, the best season to enjoy the adventure of trekking lies between the winter days from November to February.