Trekking in Darjeeling, West Bengal

Darjeeling is a beautiful small hill station in the foothills of Himalayas. It is located in the state of West Bengal, India. Located at a height of 2,134 meters, it is covered by lush green tea gardens. This region is inhabited by a mix population of Bhutias, Nepalis, Lepchas and Tibetans. It is also famous for its narrow gauge toy train and some of the beautiful trekking destinations in the lap of Himalayas.
Hills of Darjeeling attract trekking from all over India and abroad. Wild flowers, Rhododendrons, Orchids and Magnolias add glitter to the natural beauty of the hills of Darjeeling. Different trekking routes here promise you the enchanting views of some of the beautiful snow capped mountains in Himalayan range like Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu and Lhotse.

Best time to visit Darjeeling for Trekking

Trekking season in Darjeeling begins in the month of March and goes upto June. Since the region witnesses rain during monsoon season, in the months from July to August, the second season of trekking here starts from September and ends in the month of December. There is heavy snowfall in the months of January and February during winters, which makes trekking in Himalayas almost impossible.

Some of the most sought after Treks of Darjeeling

Sandakphu Trek

Sandakphu, which is located in West Bengal at an altitude of 3,636 meters above mean sea level, is culminating point of many trekking routes. From this point trekkers can have a look of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu peaks. Trekking in this region starts from a town near Darjeeling called Manaybhanjan, which is at an altitude of 2,134 meters. Varieties of flora and fauna can be spotted in this trek while passing through its Pine forests. Around 600 species of birds are believed to inhabit in this region in dense green forests.

Darjeeling-Phalut Trek

This is one of the famous treks, which is preferred by trekkers of all the ages. The route which runs from countryside amid Pine and Oak forests, leaves trekkers with an experience to be cherished life long. Trekkers can have a beautiful view of snow covered peaks of Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga from Pahlut. The trekking expedition starts from Manaybhanjan and passes from Tonglu, Kalapokhri and Sandakphu before culminating at Phalut. Phalut is located at the junction of West Bengal, Sikkim and Nepal. The best season to visit is from the month of April to May and October to November.

Neora Valley Nature Reserve Trek

Neora Valley is a home to some of the species of endangered animals, birds and plants. Located in Eastern Himalayas, Lava is the starting destination of the trek. Before reaching Rachela Pass, which is located at an altitude of 3,152 meters on Indo-Bhutan border, one has to pass from densely forested hills and valleys. Bird watchers from far away places flock to this area during Spring season in the months from Mach to June. One also gets an opportunity to experience the nature in its cascading streams and waterfalls amid Pine and Oak jungles. The trekkers have to move through the Neora Valley National Park, which is a habitat of various species of flora and fauna, apart from birds.

Darjeeling-Kalimpong Trek

This trekking expedition is considered one of the best treks in Kalimpong area, which starts from Darjeeling to reach the highest point Rochella, located at an altitude of 3,400 meters above sea level. One has to cover the areas of Relli, Pankhasari and Neora during trekking. The trek does not include tough terrains and can be enjoyed by healthy persons of any age group. During the trek, trekkers can spot exotic varieties of birds and plants.

Trekking expeditions in Darjeeling area depends on the taste, availability of time and physical fitness of the individual. There are some treks which can be covered in a single day and also some of the treks even need eight to ten days to complete.

How to reach Darjeeling

Air :Bagdogra is the nearest airport to Darjeeling. Located at a distance of about 90 km from Darjeeling, it is connected by domestic flights from major cities in India like Calcutta, Guwahati and Delhi.. From Bagdogra one can reach by taxi to Darjeeling.

Rail :As Darjeeling has a narrow gauge railway station, it is connected by toy train from New Jalpaiguri, which is the nearest broad gauge railway station.

Road :Darjeeling is well connected by roads and regular bus services are available from Siliguri (86 km), Gangtok (100 km) and Kalimpong(51 km).

Ski Resorts in India

India's ski resorts give adventurers an opportunity to soak up the picturesque beauty of the Himalayan massifs. Adventure lovers and travellers from all across the world arrive at these ski resorts to spend their holidays. Himachal Pradesh in northern India has the distinction of being one of the most frequented adventure destinations in the country. Equipped with all the modern facilities, the state of Himachal Pradesh features a number of ski resorts where advenbturers can have maximum fun during their skiing holidays.

Ski resorts of Himachal Pradesh are located in three major adventure zones – Kullu Valley, Rohtang and Narkanda. Whether a newbie or an adrenaline junkie, people of all abilities can indulge in the exciting sport of skiing in Himachal Pradesh. The slopes at these ski resorts cater to the requirement of adventurers of all capabilities.

Kullu Vally is situated at an easy striking distance Manali. The valley has become a favourite haunt of skiers from all across the globe. Not only that, the annual race competitions held at Solang in the Kullu Valley also attract a lot of travellers from far and wide.

Rohtang ski resort is also a much preferred destination for ski lovers. Adventurers can have a lot of fun sliding down these slopes while feating their eyes upon the Himalayan panorama at the same time.

Yet another popular ski resort, Narkanda is at 64 km from Shimla. While you slide down the wonderful slopes of Narkanda, you can also enjoy unforgettable glimpses of coniferous forests that remain distributed all around. Annual skiing competitions at Narkanda also attract a lot of crowd, including both locals as well as foreign nationals.

So if you are planning a skiing holiday in India, all you need to do is head straight to the state of Himachal Pradesh. Whichever ski resort in Himachal Pradesh you choose to go, it's a surety that you will have the time of your life.

Naldehra Golf Course

Naldehra Golf Course boasts of being one of the oldest golf courses in India, which was laid during the British Era in 1905. Golf Course at Naldehra was earlier known by the name of 'The British Old Golf Course', which was laid here by the then Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon. The Viceroy was so much fascinated by the place that he named his daughter as Alexander Naldehra and used to come here to spend his leisure time. Golf Course at Naldehra is located at a distance of 22 km from Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh.

Naldehra Golf Course is considered as one of the most challenging golf courses in the country because of undulations and treacherous slopes. Every hole on the golf course tests different facets of the player and Golfing at Naldehra is not an easy task. Golf Course at Naldehra is perched at an altitude of 2,200 meters above mean sea level. It has been laid on vast sloping glades covered by evergreen Deodar trees. It has been laid on 4,285 yard area on both sides of the road, which is used by the commuters to travel to Shimla. This golf course is par 68 with 18 holes having 16 Greens and 18 Tees. But initially it was designed as 9 hole golf course. As the need of adding diversity to the golf course was felt, it was relaid by adding few more Greens and Tees on the same natural topography of the site.

Naldehra Golf Course not only offers golfing lovers with various challenges but at the same time its location in the lap of nature, away from the hustle bustle of the city atmosphere, makes it more sought after destination.

Administration and maintenance of Naldehra Golf Course is taken care of by Himachal Tourism. Golf equipments are available here on hiring basis and golfing experience can be enjoyed here by paying fees. Every year golf tournaments are conducted here and participants from Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab and Delhi participate in the events. Golfing at Naldehra can be enjoyed throughout the year except in monsoon season and in the months of January and February, when it is covered with snow.

Hot Air Ballooning in India

Hot Air Ballooning is the best sport to have a bird's eye view of the world from a height where the birds usually fly. It also serves as one of the mediums to quench the thirst of touching the sky that too outside the steel frames.

The Balloon Club of India, which is located at Safdarjung Airport in New Delhi, is the main hub for hot air ballooning in India. Apart from New Delhi, Ballooning can also be enjoyed in Jaipur, Pushkar, Ranthambore in Rajasthan and in Bangalore, Guwahati, Manali and Dehradun. Ballooning season runs in the winter months from October to March in India.

Hot Air Ballooning is all about flying like a feather in the sky and experiencing the breathtaking view of the world from a peaceful and calm atmosphere away from the maddening crowds of the city. It is almost an unforgettable once in a lifetime experience, which is unmatchable. Ballooning in India offers the mesmerising views of both, hill stations of India as well as the golden deserts of Rajasthan. Though Ballooning is a new sport in India but it is attracting a number of adventure lovers from India and abroad alike.

The balloon is made up of rip stop Nylon with an average width of 50 feet and height of 70 feet, which is attached to a basket, made up of steel and resilient wicker, by steel ropes. Propane and Butane gas cylinders help the balloon to get airborne. Special permission is required before taking a balloon flight from Balloon Club of India, New Delhi.

Every year Balloon Mela or Balloon Festival is organised by The Balloon Club of India in the month of November. A large number of participants take part in various events of this Festival from India and abroad.

Raid-de-Himalaya Motor Rally

If you want to test your nerves in the rugged terrains of Himalayas, there is nothing better than Raid-de-Himalaya. It is considered as the world's most toughest motor rally passing from the harsh regions of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. Raid-de-Himalaya is an adventure event in which both cars and motor cycles can participate.

The motor rally covers around 2,400 km distance in eight days and is organised every year generally in the month of October. Raid-de-Himalaya is flagged off from Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh passes through Manali, Kaza, Kargil, Patseo, Leh and Zanskar regions before culminating at Manali, the final destination. Participants have to pass through some of the highest mountain passes of the world like Tanglang La, which is 17,582 feet above sea level, Baralacha La, Nakee La and Kunjum La.

There are a total of two categories in this motor rally. The first one is 'X-treme Category', in which only the experienced professionals are allowed to participate because of the dangers on the route. The second category is 'Adventure Trail', which is for those participants who want to explore the beauty of the Himalayan region along with the family members or friends.

Magnificent view of snow-capped mountain peaks, glaciers, rivers and gurgling streams really makes this sport an everlasting experience. Raid-de-Himalaya is India's most arduous and adventurous motor sports event, which is conducted by Maruti Suzuki. Participating in this motor sports event is not a cake walk as the icy cold temperature of the Himalayan region in the month of October makes this sport more challenging.

One cannot imagine in dreams even of the terrains from where this rally passes until he visits the sights physically. Dirt and rocky roads, very sharp hairpin bends, steep climbs and weather conditions test the driving skills of the participants and the mechanical capability of the vehicles to the fullest.

Raid-de-Himalaya attracts huge number of motor sports adventure lovers from different parts of India and abroad. One can also find women participants in the motor rally.

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.