Sledging and Tobogganing in Gulmarg

Gulmarg is one of the finest winter adventure destinations in India. Located in the Northernmost state of Jammu and Kashmir in India, Gulmarg has all the facilities of winter sports like Skiing, Heli-Skiing, Snowboarding, Sledging and Tobogganing. Located at a distance of around 56 km from Srinagar, Gulmarg is known as 'Switzerland of India'. It covers 3.5 km long and 1 km wide area fully dedicated to winter sports.

Sledging is just like Skiing but in it one need not to stand and the person remains in seating position. A special equipment called Sledge is used for Sledging. In it one has to make a downhill maiden run with Sledge, which gives you a start and decides your Sledging speed. Though no special training is required to enjoy this sport but for the beginners Sledge pullers are also available. One can also try different style in Sledging like by sliding down in lying position. The superb snow terrains of Gulmarg make Sledging in Gulmarg a memorable experience.

Tobogganing is a sport in which a person climbs up the snow covered hill and slides down. The special kind of equipment called Toboggan is used in this sport. Toboggan is made of wood and is shaped in an arch style from the front so that it can have easy and fast movement on the snow. The best thing about the sport is that no special training is required and there is no such risk of life like skiing in India.

Snow crowned peaks offer the best facilities of Sledging and Tobogganing in Gulmarg and attract adventure loving crowds to this unmatchable winter sport destination. The best season to enjoy Sledging and Tobogganing in Gulmarg is from December to March.

Other destinations where Sledging and Tobogganing in India can be enjoyed :

Manali in Himachal Pradesh
Auli in Uttarakhand

White Water Rafting in Himalaya

White water rafting is one of the most exciting adventure sports to have the thrill of exploring rapids, big drops and riffles of mighty snow fed Himalayan rivers. With a number of rivers originating from the Himalayan mountain range, stretching 3,200 km, India is one of the sought after destinations for exploring water rafting wilderness.

Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh are the Himalayan states which offer ample opportunities to adventure enthusiasts crazy for exploring the unexplored wild waters throughout the year, except during the monsoon season in the months of July and August.

Indus and Zanskar rivers flowing through Jammu and Kashmir, Satluj and Beas rivers in Himachal Pradesh, Ganga, Alakhnanda, Bhagirathi and Tons (tributary of Yamuna) in Uttarakhand, Teesta and Rangit rivers in Sikkim and Tsiang and Subansari rivers in Arunachal Pradesh offer the unmatchable experience of deep gorges and remote parts of the region. White water rafting in Indian rivers gives you an adventure experience second to none.

More info on: Rafting sites, Best time to visit etc.

How to Pack Light for Winter Travel in India

If you are travelling to India in winters, here are a few tips that you can follow.

> For how many days are you going to stay in India? Select only one or two major outfits to be worn per day. Pack your clothes in a mix-and-match fashion, so you may wear anything and everything together.

> Roll small clothing items or the ones that are less bulky. T-shirts, vests and scarves can be easily rolled up and packed.

> Don't pack duplicates like three black sweaters. Use the space that you save to pack an extra scarf, broach or other similar accessories.

> In case you have too many bulky items to pack, go for a 'Space Saver' type bag. A large Space Saver can hold around 10 sweaters. And after you vacuum-remove the air, the total mass will reduce to almost half.

> Pack your socks and undergarments in outer compartments of the bag. You can also tuck them in between clothes you have already packed.

> Large things like the fluffy wool cardigan can be packed on top of the heap. Put the cardigan on top of the heap just before you close up the luggage.

In fact these winter travel tips are not just for India but for almost every place that you are planning to visit during winters.

Para Gliding in Bir-Billing, Himachal Pradesh

The land of Himachal Pradesh is most suitable for adventure activities. Then be it Skiing, Mountaineering, Camping, White Water Rafting, Trekking or Jeep Safari, Himachal is ready to pamper you like anything. But among all the adventure sports, which has attracted the attention of most of the adventure lovers across the world is Para Gliding.

Bir-Billing, in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, been a most favourable venue for conducting International Paragliding competitions in India since 2002. Located at an altitude of 2,290 meters above mean sea level, Billing is the take off site whereas Bir with an altitude of 1,400 meters serves as landing site. Bir, which is at a distance of about 14 km from Billing, is a small and beautiful village located amid the green tree gardens and habitated by Tibetans. Situated in the Dhauladhar mountain range and regarded amongst the best gliding sites in the world, it also got an opportunity to conduct Pre-World Cup competition of Paragliding in 2008. A total of 80 pilots from various countries participated in the competition, out of which 14 were women.

Bir-Billing offers an opportunity to the fliers to fly upto 180 kms. The sport is based on the prevailing weather conditions and if the weather is favourable, considering wind speed and direction, one can make a cross country and landing either in Dharamshala or Manali. Other than Paragliding, Hang Gliding and Para Sailing can also be enjoyed here. The annual Hang Gliding Rally is organised, by the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation, every year in the month of May at Bir-Billing.

Aero Sports Complex at Bir and Adventure Sports Hostel at Dharamshala conducts training courses every year for freshers as well as trained pilots. Bir is located at a distance of 12 km from Baijnath and 70 km from Dharamshala. The best season to visit Bir-Billing is from March to May and from September to November.

Get detailed information about Gliding in India here.

Famous Winter Destinations in India

If you are planning to spend your winter vacations in India, where should you go? During wintertime, you can head towards a number of winter destinations in India. If you are coming to India around December, you can decide to enjoy a snowy Christmas or enjoy a gala carnival. You can also choose to explore the Thar Desert by way of a camel safari in Rajasthan. Another wonderful option is to escape to the Himalayan destinations to meditate and respond to the tranquility of the mountains. Given below are some of the most visited winter destinations in the country. Read on.

Auli
Perched at a height of 9,500-10,500 ft above sea level in Uttarakhand, Auli is known for being a premier ski destination in India. The pine scented mountain slopes of Auli have become a favourite of skiers from all across the globe. You can also enroll yourself in skiing courses. It would be wonderful to combine your adventure trip to Auli with a sightseeing tour.

Shimla
As snow sets in December, its keeps whole of Shimla blanketed till January. You have an excellent opportunity to reconnect with nature. Besides, you can also plan to visit the temples, churches, colonial mansions and markets of Shimla during your tour to the hill station.

Mcleodganj
The place is famous both for being the headquarters of the Tibetan Government in exile and for being the residing place of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. During your trip to Mcleodganj, do remember to explore Buddhist meditation centres, health clubs and Buddhist gompas among others. The tourist destination lies in close proximity to Dharamshala.

Halflong
Between October and February, Halflong in Assam is a place to be. You have the opportunity to explore during winters orange orchards, pineapple gardens and the wildlife species in the surrounding forests. Spend some quality time amidst blue hills, green rivers and cascading waterfalls.

Mount Abu
Whether you are a pilgrims, a trekking enthusiast, a boating lover or a bird watching freak, all your wishes can be fulfilled at this uniquely wonderful winter destination in Rajasthan. During winters, you can also participate in the Winter Festival of Mount Abu. Dilwara Jain temples are also a big draw for tourists arriving at Mount Abu.

Jaisalmer
During summers, Jaisalmer experiences scorching heat. However, the temperature during winters vary between 10 degrees and 14 degrees centigrade, making it much loved among other winter destinations in India. The labyrinthine streets, handicraft-laden bazaars, temples and havelis are major tourist attractions in this desert city. The Annual Desert Festival (February) is the biggest attraction for travellers arriving here during winters.

Lake Chilka
If you are an avid bird watcher, you should head straight to the Chilka Lake in Orissa. During winters, migratory birds come here from as far as Siberia and Iran. Lake Chilka also has the eminence of sheltering the largest population of aquatic bird in Asia.

Corbett National Park
Having the eminence of being India's National Park, Corbett National Park is home to around 50 species of mammals, 580 species of birds and 25 species of reptiles. Leopards, jungle cats, fishing cats, sloth bears, Himalayan bears, black bears, jackals, yellow throated martens, Himalayan civets, mongoose, otters, hares and elephants are some of the most commonly wildlife species sighted here.

Backwaters of Kerala
The 900-km long intricate network of backwaters make Kerala one of the most coveted destinations on earth. It can be a wonderful winter destination because here you will enjoy tropical winter (good for those who want to avoid winter chill). Kottayam, Kollam, Alappuzha, Kumarakom and Kochi are popular backwater destinations in Kerala

Goa
Whether to celebrate Christmas or New Year, Goa is a winter destination which is second to none in India. A number of festivals are organised in Goa during the wintertime. These include Feast of the Three Kings, the Goa Heritage Festival, the Konkani Drama Festival and the Feast of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. For party freaks, travelling to Goa is undoubtedly an experience of a lifetime.

This is not all. You can really look forward to visiting some more Indian winter destinations. However, you can never afford to miss the destinations mentioned above during your winter holidays in India.

Ice Hockey in Leh-Ladakh

In the past Skiing, Heli-Skiing, Ice Skating and Snow Climbing have been the main attraction of winter sports in India. But now Ice Hockey is also growing with a pace because of the interests shown by the localites.

Leh-Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir, located in the Northernmost part of India, has now become one of the famous winter sports destination with the popularity of Ice Hockey. Taking the help from Army men posted in Leh, localites have shown great interest in learning the game with very less support from the government.

The famous Karzoo Ice Hockey Rink has become the most sought after destination in Leh during winters for the localites as well as tourists having a passion for Ice Hockey. It is the highest Ice Hockey rink in the country, which is situated at an altitude of 3483 meters above sea level. 2009 has been an year of achievement for the local players from Ladakh, where they got an opportunity to represent their county in International Ice Hockey Federation Challenge Cup of Asia held at Abu Dhabi.

Ice Hockey was introduced by army men in the region in 1970's as a pleasure activity on frozen lakes. The sport gained popularity in Leh-Ladakh region in 1980's when localites started forming Ice Hockey Clubs and started conducting tournaments. At present Ice Hockey can only be practiced during winter season, when there is snowfall, but efforts are in progress to build modern all weather Ice Hockey stadium in Leh, meeting international standards.

Though Leh-Ladakh is famous for its safaris and Buddhist monasteries, it is the highest plateau in India bounded by two mightiest mountain ranges, Himalayas and Karakoram. It lies at an altitude ranging from 9000 feet to 25,170 feet above sea level and is also known by the name of cold desert of India. Tourism is the mainstay of economy of the people habitating in Leh-Ladakh. Hence, winter sports are being promoted by the government to help in boosting the tourism activities in the picturesque region of Jammu and Kashmir.

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.

Winter Olympics '2010'

With the sprouting of a number of adventure game, all the year round, the winter sports like Alpine skiing, figure skating, ice-hockey and cross-country skiing has gained a distinct position in the world of sports. The winter Olympics games held after every four years is soon to knock the door of the winter sport lovers. The most recent Olympics flame at Turin in 2006 has hardly been forgotten by viewers that it has made its way to burn the winter weather this 2010 in Vancouver, Canada. The festival like sports will start from 12th February'09 to 28th February'09.

Winter Olympics Games has its history way back since 1924 and was held first in Chaminox, France. The event continues to fire the world in full spirit until 1940, when suddenly it was interrupted by the World War II. After a long break of 8 years, the game stood up to wave its flag.

It has been reported that the upcoming event will showcase the talented Indian Olympics lugist Shiva Keshavan (27 year-old). He has been into the Olympics since 1998 in Nagano, Japan and now has developed a passion for participating in the competitive adventure sport organized in any corner of the world. He is now practicing out the winter sports in the North India of Himachal Pradesh, the ultimate home of winter sport in India.

Snow Park in India

A memorable freezing experience can be achieved with a visit to Snow parks in India. The happening place for individual of all age group, is a gamut of fun, packed with an array of amusement rides, snow-view pubs, snow-play area, skating ring and many more. The park, constructed on a sprawling acre of land, also features the artificial alpine huts and animals which completes the snowy atmosphere. Games like skiing, sledging, snow boarding, tubing and tobogganing are guided by the professional coaches assigned to train the entire group.

The temperature within the park are arranged in such a way that visitors can feel the decreasing temperature before being introduced in the snow-dome area (cryozone), which maintains a chilly temperature of -5 degree centigrade.
Visitors, in order to enjoy a comfy time, are provided a set of special suits; while some of the park administration also serve the hot soup during their move from one zone to another.

Popular Snow parks in India

Snow world
Address: Lower Tank Bund Road, Behind Indira Park, Hyderabad

Fun N Food village (indoor snow park)
Address: Gurgaon Border, Old Delhi Gurgaon Road, Kapashera, Delhi

Concorde Mist Valley
Address: Devaram Complex, Sarjapura Road, Bangalore

Aapnu Amdavad
Address: Shantipura village on the Ahmedabad-Sanand highway

Snow Park Enterprise
Address: Arangappan Street, West Mambalam, Chennai

Winter wings the cable-car ride in Kashmir.

Winter Spots in India bangs with snow-skiing, ice-skating, snow-boarding and with many adventure games. The winter wonderland beckons not only the adult beings, but lays down the some exciting path for kids and old members too. Kashmir India, is the mainland of winter sports and the Gulmarg located in this paradise is meant exclusively for enthusiast travelers. The high sloping adjoining zig-zag snowy-ways is the getaway to skiing. Winter sports are not an easy deal for all and your kids and old fellow-beings may be left with gazing the enchanting surrounding. But now, the place has caught the new adventure of the cable-car ride. Gondola cable car has been installed to provide a joyful ride from Gulmarg to Kongdoori, which is at 13,000 feet (3,930 meters).

The cable-car affixed in Kashmir winter spot has two sections of 2.5 Km each. The first section will follow an hilarious ride from 8000 feet to 10500 feet at Kongdori and the second section takes the travelers from 13500 feet to Apharwat onto the high snow-capped mountain. During the process, visitors can enjoy the eye-catching meadows at Kongdori and capture the various bird's eye view shots of the Gulmarg. Non-skiers can resume their return journey, whereas skiers can get set to explore the thick-snowy slopes from Apharwat down to Kongdori.

So, while you schedule a Gulmarg travel with your family, always plan a ride in cable-car. Let yourself and your family behold the fun of flying in between the sky and the land.

Winter Jeep Safari from Shimla to Manali

India is a getaway to several adventure sports which rolls on the several adventure individuals all round the year. The very fact lies in the seasonal change specifying the sporty lands and water sports. Himachal Pradesh with capital district Shimla and other major town such as Kangra, Mandi, Kullu, Chamba and Manali calls for the adventure of Jeep Safari during winter season. The thrill and excitement while traveling via Jeep is simple unexplainable. One who has a knack to grab the hot winter climate of Himachal Pradesh can opt this option and stand aside from the common way of spending the winter vacation.

After relishing the exotic hills in Shimla, get set to for an winter adventure. The narrow roads in the midst of the romantic hillock and connecting the beautiful town of Manali , is an excellent route to make an adventure Jeep Safari. On the way, travelers can collect the infinite scenes of tribal village- Kinnaur, nestled in 235 Km from the capital Shimla, in Himachal Pradesh. This tribal district also offers the enthusiast lovers, several area to enjoy the winter sports like exploring the snow-capped mountain ranges of Zanskar, Greater Himalayas and Dhauladhar. While many individual kick of the winter season with trekking, ice-mountaineering and snow-skiing, some can play adventure with enclosing the valley of Sutlej, Spiti, Baspa and their tributaries.
Route map from Shimla to Manali:
Simla-Sarhan (176 km)-Sangla (94 km)- Pooh (152 km) - Tabo (70 km)- Kaza(70 km)- Manali (196 km)

Winter Trekking in Arunachal Pradesh

Popularly known as the land of rising Sun, Arunachal Pradesh nestled in the North-eastern part of India is among the best winter spot in the country. We have encased our winter sport skill in the great Himalaya, Leh, Ladak, Shimla and many breathing taking places. But one hinterland 'Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh' is yet left to be explored. It is the district headquarter of the lower Subansiri district and is located at an altitude ranging from 1688 meters to 2438 meters.

Arunachal Pradesh proudly holds this beautiful Apatani plateau where cool whether reigns the climate all throughout the year. During winter days the lofty hilly areas receives the white snowy showers and calls for winter adventure sports like winter-trekking and hiking. The best season to holds the adventure moment between October to February. The pine bamboo grove surrounding the area wrapped with the icy blanket and sightseers from all over the country hanker after to capture a glimpse of the natural scene.

Ziro is 150 Km away from the Itanagar and is also a popular spot for organizing a winter tent or camp. Government, in order to enhance the popularity of this winter destination in India has developed some well equipped places of stay for the visitors. The Inspection Bungalow and Government Circuit Houses controlled by the Reservation Authority Deputy Commissioner, serves the purpose of making a suitable stay.