A hot winter adventure with Ice- Climbing.

Who don't desires to enjoy the melting ice, the snowballs in the snow way? One very thrilling, yet adventure winter sport comes with Ice climbing, a bit similar to what we had a talk about rock climbing in our blog. The task involves a challenging journey on the hard core snowy spots.

Know-how
Take the climbing venture with your three three limbs and one hand plying the ice-axe. The ice are hard and rough as rocks in the mountain and as such keep a strong hold on yourself and the equipments you are handling. No holds and anchors are accessible in the icy mountains and the climber themselves have to position them with pistons or screw. On thin ice, cat climbing is preferred with clawing up the ice walls and ice edges.

Adventure peaks
Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Garhwal, Sikkim and Kumaon

Tip-Top Tips
Take all the essentials of ice climbing like sticky-soled boots, ropes, single axe, one pick axe and one hammer model.
Wear a strong, light and comfortable Helmet.
Carry a headlamp, spare bulbs and extra batteries for more darker zones.
Pack a light, handles double ropes designed with icy cords for the purpose of belaying and rappelling in the ice.
In the early morning, the freezy ice are cold and brittle so climbing on those hours requires a cautious practice.
Ice grades are subtle and indistinct and as such climbers need to collect accurate information about the spot the are set to undergo.
Have a fitness certificate before you proceed for this breath-taking activity.
The climbs often involve long accessibility and halts at high altitudes so wrap yourself with comfy woolen garments.
Get going with other adventure sports like skiing, running, hiking, and cycling, specially on hilly areas and prepare yourself for ice climbing.

Plan a pleasure with Snowmobiling

Skim across the frozen water and feel like a sail through the cushy clouds at the sky. Its none other than the wonderful 'Snowmobiling' , a race worthy enough to take part during the days of winter.

Know-how:
Snowmobiling calls for a ride in snow mobile, a vehicle which moves over the snowy grounds and is impelled by a continuous track or tracks at the rear and guided by skies at the front. Snow mobiles are easy to drive and sharp enough to take you across the hillsides preventing you from sliding down slope. This slim and stylish vehicle can take you into the remote snow filled areas,which is other wise impossible by any normal automobile or motorcycle.

Tip-Top Tips for Amateurs:
Practice a good drive in roads and carry a permit to drive a snow mobile.

Have a precise control over Snowmobiles and make repeated attempt to move it over the snow balls.

Dress yourself with warm clothes, a helmet, goggles and avoid keeping loose piece of clothes which may be caught up in the vehicle.

Carry a First Aid kit and give a practical study to the different parts of the vehicle like the emergency off buttons,rear view mirror etc.

Take an experienced guide with you and avoid night ride.
Ride in low speed and be around your local limit.

Be a skilled snowmobiler with basic ways of turning,driving,reversing and stopping properly.

Carrying a map is the most important things to remember. Check the local area before going there and fill your dairy with a few address of the local amenities and some place of stay.

Before planning a ride its important to note the weather forecast of the particular area you are spotted to.

For a better guide,its apt to proceed for a course in snowmobile organizations and study the vacation guides of varying price.

So friends, lets have a safe ride in snow and squeeze our cold days.

A winter wonder with snowballs

When the evergreen nature wrap up itself into the snowy blanket, people all around covers themselves with wintry clothes. The cold weather then warms up with a number of sports and sprays its magic every now and then. The most common games are skating, snow-boarding,ice hockey, sledging and above all snow ball fight. Of all the mentioned adventure games, the most simple and interesting activity lies in Snow-ball fight suitable for both teens and elderly group of people.

Know-how:
Snowball fight is not restricted to any rules or regulation. One can enjoy to the fullest with a small group of people or a chain of members throwing freezy balls at each other. The game calls for atleast two members and can add more fun with more number of people. The basic funda lies in making two or more groups with each team comprising equal number of participants. The main idea is to hit the opponents with the snowballs and to conquer the enemies.

Fun Time:
Practicing snow ball fight is a great fun reliable to enjoy in almost any areas clogged with snows and peoples. One very important point lies in proper dressing and discipline while playing. Many Bollywood movies and various entertaining scenes have adorned the game and is still wondering around it. Its high time to tour a place of snow and store some of your good time.

Golf Tourism in India

Golf holidays in India are much in demand by tourists coming from different parts of the world. Though golfing is a part of adventure, it offers travellers a laid back holiday option with sophisticated charm. The luxury of the golfing adventure at ones reminds one of the glorious days of the colonial era. There are many travel agents in India selling golfing holiday packages in various locations of the country.

A wonderful experience awaits you as you set off on your golfing adventure in India. Golf tourism in India has now more meaning as more and more advanced and well maintained golf courses have come up, many of them being world renowned. While you choose to embark on a golf tour in India, you can also visit places like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Pune, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Gulmarg , Srinagar etc. There are a number of other places where golf tours will take you.

What attracts travellers for a golfing tour to India is the variety of locales in the country. One can choose to enjoy the game across mountains, plains, deserts and at beach resorts among others. As you visit the Indian golf courses, you are sure to be spellbound by the variety of landscape in the country.

The golf courses of India are quite well compatible with other state-of-the-art golf courses across the Asian continent. Whether in terms of facilities or environment, travellers can really look forward to a great golfing holiday in India. Facilities at these golf courses include club houses, changing facilities, caddies, pro shops, post-tournament function rooms etc.

Popular Winter Festivals in India

India is a country of fairs and festivals. Even during the winters, the country celebrates a number of festivals attracting a good number of visitors from all
festivals in India are as follows :

Lohri
A popular festival of the Punjabis, Lohri is celebrated mainly in the state of Punjab on the 13th day of January. Festivities of Lohri include the very famous Bhangra dance. It marks the beginning of a new financial year for people engaged in agriculture and farming. The Lohri festival of Punjab is celebrated all across the world the Punjabis with great pomp and show.

Pongal
The festival of Pongal is also celebrated around the same time as Lorhi. It is the most popular festival of the Tamil people or Tamilians. Pongal is also a harvest festival and is celebrated on a large scale in Tamil Nadu. The Pongal festival continues for five days.

Makar Sankranthi
Also referred to as Uttarayan Sankranthi, Makar Sankranthi festival is the day when devotees and pilgrims take a holy dip in the divine Ganges and other streams. It is also the day of giving alms to the poor.

Vasant Panchami
Vasant Panchami or Sri Panchami is considered to be the prince of all seasons. The festival of Vasant Panchami is dedicated to Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom and learning. It is celebrated on the 5th day of Magh (Jan-Feb) every year.

Maghi Poornima
It is the full moon day of the Hindu month of Magh (Jan-Feb). On this day, people pay homage to their dead ancestors and give alms to the poor. The Magh Mela is organised on the day of Maghi Poornima in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh.

Mahashivratri
The popular Hindu festival falls in the month of Phalgun. It symbolises the mythological marriage of Parvati and Lord Shiva. On this day, the married women pray for the long life and the prosperity of their husbands. Bhajans and devotional songs are a part of this festival.

Diwali
Goddes Lakshmi is worshipped on the day of Diwali, the festival of lights. Houses are cleaned and given a fresh paint of coat. People wear new clothes and send gifts to one another. The young in the family also enjoy bursting crackers.

Winter Tourism in India

Winter tourism in India is being promoted through exciting adventure sports and winter festivals. Major states that are playing a vital role in attracting travellers to India during winters include Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Sikkim. To promote this concept, the state governments are taking measures to meet the upcoming challenges, implementing new strategies and marketing latest and advanced winter gear.

Jammu & Kashmir
Picturesque mountains and beautiful lakes make Jammu & Kashmir a favourite of adventure lovers from all across the world. Gulmarg proves to the biggest draw for visitors during winters. Apart from this, Patnitop and Ladakh are also great winter destinations in the state of Jammu & Kashmir.

Himachal Pradesh
The state of Himachal Pradesh is mainly visited for skiing during winters. Popular skiing destinations in the state include Kufri, Narkanda and Solang Nala. The hill station of Manali also offers adventurers a number of winter activities to indulge in. Ice skating in Shimla is also much liked by adventure lovers.

Uttaranchal
The Garhwal Himalayas in the state of Uttarakhand are a wonderful resource of adventure activities during winters. Auli is a great destination for travellers who love skiing. The 270 degrees view of the Himalayas add much to the joy of skiers in Auli.

Sikkim
Phuni in Lachung region of Sikkim is a newly introduced winter tourism destination. The ski slopes of Phuni are located at a height of 3,500 m above sea level. Introduced in March 2008, the ski slopes are Phuni are now counted among the highest in the world.

Mountain Biking In India

This is something that is really new. This adventure sports of mountain biking involves some amount of physical toughness. Generally every biking tour in India takes about 8 – 10 days to complete. You are given sports bikes and are made to go through the mountains. In the interim period you also get to do stuff like camping and group co ordination. Let us some good mountain biking places in India.

1- Sikkim
2- Himachal
3- Kumaon
4- Ladakh
5- Garwhal

Hiking places in India

Hiking is one sport that is light and a lot of fun. It is meant for those who have aliking for adventure but don't wish to be a part of highly physically demanding activities. Here are some place of hiking in India.

Har Ki Doon Valley, Uttaranchal
Mussoorie, Uttaranchal
Kullu to Manikaran. HP
Shimla via Narkanda, HP
Sutlej-Beas Watershed, HP
Darjeeling to Kurseong through the Old Military Road
Darjeeling to Singla
Darjeeling to Bijabbari
Darjeeling to Tiger Hill

Upcoming trekking events in India

Here is the list of some upcomimg trekking events in India. For more information please visit: India Tour Guide


One Day Trek to Kalwarbetta (Skandagiri) - [Saturday 10th January 2009]
Bouldering, Rock Climbing & Rappelling at Ramnagaram - [11th January 2009]
Trek to Kudremukha [10th-11th January 2009
Mullyangiri Bababudangiri Kemmangundi Trek [17-18th Jan 2009]
Adventure Camp at Bheemeshwari [24-25th January 2009]
Paragliding Training Program in Bangalore [24-25th Jan 2009]
One Day Trek and Cave Exploring at Antargange - [31st Jan 2009]
Day Trek to Madhugiri - [1st Feb 2009]

Ice Skating carnival in Shimla

The hill station of Shimla is full of fun and frolic throughout the year. But, the excitement doubles up in the winter season as the place turns out to be a winter sport destination in India.

The ice skating rink of Shimla is located in Dalhousie. This mega carnival takes place between December to February. Two sessions for skating are arranged every day. Moreover The Shimla ice-skating rink has got the largest open-air frozen ice in this belt. You can easily avail membership of the club and be a part of this thrilling event.

This is not all. Along with ice skating adventure activities like fancy dress competition, ice hockey and dance performances are also conducted. Tourists from all over world come in large numbers to be a part of this carnival.

All arrangements are put in place for the carnival. From ice skating shoes to the dress gear, you get it readily available at this place.

Technical Equipments for Ski Tours and Safaris

When to decide to do some skiing. It is important that you also get aware of some technical know how about skiing. There are certain very simple technicalities involved for any ski freek. Here are some of them.

1 Ski skins and ski crampons are a must.
2 Boot crampons - These should be ideally light weight with quick fit clip on binding.
3 Climbing Harness - It is indispensable that it should have fully adjustable leg loops.
4 Carabiners - 2 screw gates.

Their are other technical equipments involved, but discussing them further would do nothing but confuse you. So it is advisable that minute technicalities be left with you skiing expert and travel guide.

Skiing Clothing

Skiing is one adventure activity that requires an all together proper clothing. As the game is a part of adventure sports, it is imperative that you are properly gazetted in order to enjoy it to the extreme. Although travel agents who arrange for adventure activities in India like skiing and trekking provide all the relevant stuff. But it is important that as a tourist you should also be upbeat with all the requirements of skiing. Let us discuss the clothing part in a bit more details.



The most important thing is the Ski trousers. Your trousers should have good features like bib side front with braces, stretch knee pads and integral snow gaiters. Next on the list is the breathable jacket preferably made of Gore tex. Try to use a padded jacket as it ensures a bit more safety. Always make sure that you use roll neck rather than scarf. “Buff”, a light and stretchable tube is recommended. Headwear preferably a skiing helmet is a must. Silk inner gloves and face mask may also be used to be on a safer side.

If these things can be kept in mind then skiing can really be a joyful experience.

Skiing Equipments (Part 1)

In winters skiing is one sports that is followed with lot of craze and enthusiasm. But, it does not come easy. As a skiing lover you have to follow certain patterns and protocols to make sure you enjoy it to the fullest. This is a first of the eight part series to provide you with all the useful information about skiing equipments. Let us take a general view as to what actually falls in the category of skiing equipments.

List of skiing equipments
1 Clothing
2 Ski General
3 Ski accessories
4 Safety Equipments
5 Technical Equipments (Off piste courses)
6 Technical Equipments (Ski tours and Safaris)

These topics will be discussed in more depth in the posts to follow.

Ice Skating In Himachal Pradesh, India

Himachal Pradesh, situated in the foothills of the Great Himalayas has become an important center for adventure sports in India. The surrounding snow covered mountain ranges of Dhauladar, Shivalik and Pir Pinjal together contribute in making Himachal Pradesh an ideal location for performing the innumerable winter sports. These sports are full of thrill an excitement. One of the most sought after sport that Himachal offers to the adventure lovers and the holiday makers is Ice-Skating. Not only in the entire Himachal Pradesh but in the country as a whole, Shimla offers the best opportunities to try out ice skating.

The winter sports festival organized each year in December in the capital city – Shimla has ice skating as one of the major attractions. The ice skating rink in Shimla covers a large area. You will be amazed to see the natural frozen ice here that enables you to indulge in ice skating. Not only those who are fond of adventure sports but all the tourists who come over to Himachal will surely have a great time ice skating in the oldest skating rink of Asia.

Ice skating is somewhat similar to another ice sport, skiing. Instead of sliding down the snow-clad mountain slopes, you are required to put on the ice skates and glide in a skating rink. You can do it alone or with a partner. But keep the fact in mind that ice skating is not as simple as ordinary skating. You will to balance extremely well in order to skate on ice.

Ice-skating in Himachal begins during the early December and continues till the month of February. Low temperature and clear sky make these months the ideal time for continuing uninterrupted skating. You can choose to skate either during the morning hours or evening hours. Ice skates are available on rent in the rink only. In case you are experienced in the sport, you can go for figure skating or ice hockey that are much more adventurous. So, what are you still waiting for? Plan a visit to Shimla in Himachal Pradesh to enjoy ice skating.

Winter Camping In India

Winter camping is one of the toughest types of camping but at the same time it is the most adventurous and exciting one. Winter camping is only meant for young people, who are full of adventures and have a strong determination. Winter camping is much enjoyable and comfortable as compared to the summer camping. Winter camping can be done anywhere outdoors, but it is mainly linked with camping on high altitudes. Camping on high altitudes is not an easy task and thus requires a lot of planning & preparation. Winter Camping activity is not any more traits of an extreme adventure where lives are at stake, like any other outdoor venture, winter camping is also full of wonderment and prudence and provides adventure- enthusiast a brimming gratification. On a winter camping tour, one has to plan a little more cautiously since the temperatures are lower and the weather is unpredictable. Do not underrate the whimsicality of the winter weather, anticipate the worst so you will not have any repellent stupefaction.

Gears and Clothing:

One always have to prepare beforehand, before going on any such winter camp,. The most significant thing is the tent as one has to spend most of the time within it. The tent should be large enough to hold an individual and should be strong enough so as to bear the winter winds, which blow very strongly. The tents should be made of nylon and the frame should be of aluminum. One should also carry an air mattress, which is self-inflating. One should be fully clothed so as to avoid the rough winter condition. One should always dress in layers as it maintains the body temperature and moisture.

Camping Destinations In India:

Auli

Andaman

Darjeeling

Gir

Goa

Gulmarg

Himalayas

Jim Corbett

Kerala

Kangra Valley

Kovalam

Kumaon

Ladakh

Lakshadweep

Manali

North East India

Periyar

Rajasthan

Rishikesh

Ranthambore

Shimla

Sikkim

Uttaranchal

Camping Tips and Precautions:

• Everything takes longer and moves slower in cold and snow. Equipment is more bulky and heavy. The days are shorter and much of your camp activities will take place In the dark. Patience is not simply a virtue at this point, it is fundamental.

• Keep your camera inside your shirt or your jacket so it stays warm enough to operate, Film should also be carried close to your body because it tens to get brittle when cold. Wind film slowly to avoid tearing.

• Keep flashlight batteries inside a pocket. What may seem like dead batteries could be just cold batteries.

• Carry a small whiskbroom to brush off boots and gaiters, and a sponge to mop up damp spots.

• Keep clothing in stuff sacks so they don't accumulate snow while opening and closing your pack.

• If you can, tie a string to your flashlight and keep around your neck. Headlamps are best as they allow your hands to be free.

• Whenever you take off hats and mittens, always stow them in a secure place. Things will dry out in the winter, believe it or not. It's a process called sublimation. The dampness turns to ice and evaporates from ice. So damp things should be hung on dry surfaces such as tarp lines.

• Personal organization is crucial during the winter. You must know exactly where each and every single bit of your gear is at all times.

• Never set things in the snow. It is possible to drop a lit flashlight in the snow and never find it again.

• Avoid cotton like the plaque. It becomes a frozen lump by the second morning.

• Avoid metal cups (except for double-wall thermal), metal whistles etc. which will adhere to warm mouth tissue when cooled to winter's subzero temperatures.

• Practice working with all of your equipment with mittens on and modify any equipment that can only operated with bare hands.

• In winter camping there is very little margin for mistakes. If you forget to waterproof your boots and get wet feet, you will need to take action immediately to prevent frozen toes or feet.

• Be careful around an open fire. Winter clothes and boots which provide good insulation from the cold, will also stop you from feeling the heat until the boots. mittens etc. are burning or melted.

• Cotton kills because once it gets wet, it takes forever to dry in winter, leaving the door wide open for hypothermia. This is an essentially useless winter fabric, so leave the jeans at home. One caveat: bring a cotton bandana to clean your sunglasses.