River rafting or white-water rafting as it is also called is swiftly making Himachal a focus for the sport. For a torrent of adrenalin to gush through every vein and surge over every muscle you can race over the state's river rapids in an inflatable rubber dinghy. Sport is now being held on the Sutlej at Tattapani near Shimla on the Beas near Kullu, the Ravi near Chamba and Chandra in Lahaul. Possibilities are also being explored on the river Spiti. This sport takes a break during summer & winter. Himachal Tourism sponsors courses in river rafting and there are operators in the private sector also that offer this experience.

Year-long activities include swimming, water-skiing, surfing, kayaking, rowing, canoeing and sailing. The three levels of courses are also conducted as beginner, intermediate and advanced. Facilities and services at the Maharana Pratap Sagar have been expanded in the past few years and now there are substantial buildings that also hold a cafeteria, accommodation and other support services.

Gear yourself for high adventure with an expedition on cycles. You can pedal your way past high passes or simply make a day-adventure. Quite literally the whole of Himachal is your playground. The tour can be coupled with camping and can be carried on for several weeks over diverse terrain. The lower regions of the state -Kangra, Una, Hamirpur and Bilaspur offer gentle routes. Or you can stretch your mind, muscle and stamina to reach out to the trans Himalayan tract of Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. Milder but no less interesting excursions can be done out at any holiday station.

The Shimla ice-skating rink has the largest open-air area with naturally frozen ice in this part of the world. The Ice Skating Club has already celebrated its Diamond Jubilee. Ice-skating normally begins in early December and carries on to February. Ice skating under clear skies, Shimla temperatures provide series of uninterrupted sessions. There are two sessions every day, in the morning and in the evening.

Riding the warm thermal currents of the air is perhaps the closest man has ever come to sailing Para-Gliding the skies as free as a bird. Almost at will, you dip and wheel high over the hills and valleys. Bir-Billing in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh is one of the best paragliding site. para-gliding is also possible at other places in the state. Places where para-gliding is done are - Bundla Dhar near Bilaspur, Solang valley near Manali in the Kullu district.

Acclaimed as the best sport fish in the world, both Brown and Rainbow Trout are to be found in Himachal's streams. Upstreams of Rohru in the Pabbar valley (Shimla), there are several spots ideal for fishing. Chirgaon has a trout hatchery and other sites are - Seema, Mandil, Sandsu, Tikri and Dhamvari all are within 5 to 25 Km of Rohru (Shimla). Kinnaur's Baspa river in the Sangla valley also holds trout. Fish also abounds in Uhl river near Barot. Good spots on this beat are - Luhandi, Puran hatchery, Tikkar and Kamand. The upper reaches of the river Beas in the Kullu valley and its side streams like the Sarvari, Parbati, Sainj, Hurla and Tirthan, especially the areas around Aut, Patlikuhl, Katrain, Raison and Largi are excellent for the sport. These are all upstream of the Pandoh reservoir and are close to, or on the Mandi-Manali highway.

The main trekking areas in Himachal are the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges, routes over the passes between the Shimla region and the Kullu valley, the numerous treks out of Kullu and select treks in the trans-Himalayan regions of Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti. Most trekking areas are between 1,500 metres and 6,000 metres.

Kufri, near Shimla is one of the oldest places in India to be associated with skiing and the slopes are still in use during winter. Above Kufri, the Mahasu ridge also has good slopes. Comprehensive facilities exist at Narkanda, 64 Km from Shimla. There is a range of slopes, including a beginner’s run, an advanced slope and a slalom run.

For high mountain thrills perhaps nothing can surpass the magic of heli-skiing. Under a deep blue sky, you are carried by a helicopter to a snow-draped peak. And after that there is nothing except steadily distancing whirr of rotor blades, the sky and the snow. It is a thrilling experience as you rapidly zoom down the slopes. The icy winds slap your face and the swiftly slithering hiss of skies remind you that you are racing away on your own steam.

At Naldera, 23 Km from Shimla city is one of the oldest golf courses in India. The course, whose topography is absolutely natural, was originally placed by the British Viceroy of India, Golf Lord Curzon, at the turn of the century. He was so enchanted by the spot that he named one of his daughters 'Naldera' after the spot. This is a par 68, nine hole course which is regarded as one of the most challenging in the country. In the repeat nine, the yardage somewhat increases. The links are maintained by Himachal Tourism and accommodation is available at Hotel Golf Glade. There are other hotels in the private sector near Naldera. Annandale, in Shimla has nine hole course managed by the army.

Rock climbing is often seen as the basic stage for mountain climbing. It can also be treated as an independent sport, since it is basically climbing a rock face, using only hands and feet with a safety rope. The area around Manali, presently forms the core of mountaineering in Himachal. The Beas Kund region and lower reaches of the Hanuman Tibba (5,930 m), the Manali and Shitidhar peaks around the source of river Beas and Deo Tibba (6,001 m) (Kullu) area are suggested for beginners with some experience. The Chandra Bhaga ranges, the Pir Panjal and Dhalaudhar ranges are existing.

By jeep, car or on motorcycle, you can explore the enormous variety Himachal has on offer. By jeep, the Trans Himalayan tracts can steadily unfold their natural and manmade wonders. Along one of the highest highways in the world, you can drive out of Manali, cross the Rohtang Pass (3,980 m), and move through arid Lahaul to Leh and Ladakh. From Shimla, through picturesque Kinnaur, you drive through the haunting landscapes of Spiti and over the Kunzam Pass (4551 m), enter Lahaul. Himachal has an extensive network of roads and tracks.

Camping is perhaps the best way of enjoying the wonders of nature given to Himachal and sharing the warmth of its people. You can carry your own gear along or opt for any one of the several organised camps such as the Boparais Camping Site at Barog, that are pitched in various parts of the State. These camps offer accommodation, catering and variety of activities like hiking, fishing, nature-tours and rafting. Most of these offer quality facilities and services.

Just about every destination in Himachal offers the possibility of day hikes where you may leave in the morning and return by evening. Shorter walks are also possible in practically every place. These may not require the elaborate gear of longer treks but certain basic things may be kept in mind—wear a comfortable pair of shoes and if you are taking one of the more rugged paths, then something with a good grip on the ankles is recommended. Carry some water and a little snack. An umbrella or raincoat should also be carried -especially during the monsoons. Also be prepared for little drop in temperature after sundown and wear or carry suitable clothes. Sunscreen lotion, dark glasses and headgear are optional.