18 Adventure Sports You Must Try In Himachal Pradesh

Himachal is one fabulous Indian State! Why? It’s so well known as the adventure capital of India! It offers some of the most thrilling adrenaline-pumping adventure sports that engage the mind and soul! If you’d like to visit an adventure wonderland and take in all the feels of a fairytale destination, add Himachal Pradesh to your travel plans!

The Himachal State has almost all year-round pleasant weather, making it a top place for enthralling adventure sports. Think skiing, paragliding, river crossing, trekking, camping, white water rafting and more. There is plenty to see and do in Himachal Pradesh. Whether you’re a thrill seeker looking for a fun adventure or perhaps you’re just looking for some activities to wind down with, there is plenty. And even if you’re not much of a sports enthusiast, countless leisure activities are sure to keep you entertained all year, winter or summer. All you have to do is take a break from your mundane lifestyle, book your Himachal holiday package, and explore the roads less travelled.

Here are some of Himachal Pradesh’s most popular adventure sports and activities.

1. Skiing

An action attraction that tops Himachal’s activities!

Himachal Pradesh is a skier’s paradise, with countless mountains and heavy snow in abundance. In fact, Skiing and Himachal go together just like Agra and Taj Mahal, Paris and Eiffel Tower, Thailand and shopping etc. Considered to be one of the best skiing spots in all of India, you would certainly regret being so close and not taking a chance to check out the slopes. HImachal claims to have arguably the best skiing conditions in India, with the sheer amount of choice of locations and almost-guaranteed good snow providing an irresistible holiday. And we can vouch on that!

Best Places for Skiing in Himachal Pradesh:

• Solang Valley
• Narkanda
• Kufri
• Hanuman Tibba

Best time to visit for Skiing: Running from December to February Himachal’s ski season sees Mountains come alive with skiers and snowboarders heading to the hills.

Difficulty Level: Easy to Difficult

Cost: Rs 500 onwards

Choose from our selection of Himachal tour packages, from budget to luxury and everything in between.

Also Read: Good News! Now Bungee Jump over the gorgeous Mayem Lake, in North Goa

2. River Rafting

Would you like to experience an adventure of a lifetime? White-river rafting is an incredible outdoor activity involving navigating through rough waters on an inflatable raft. The rapids of the river are relatively easy and the surrounding landscapes are breathtaking – dramatic waterfalls and mysterious caves, deep canyon and lush green jungle like vegetation along the gushing river. The river accommodates all rafting levels and gladly welcomes experienced paddlers, families, and newcomers alike. Rafting in Himachal Pradesh has not only been considered a fun activity by many adventurous & nature travelers but also an exciting amazing way to experience water exploration. It’s also a great bonding experience, and makes an exciting team building activity for travelers of any age.

Best Places for River Rafting in Himachal Pradesh:

• Gobind Sagar Lake (Bilaspur)
• River Chandrabhaga (Lahaul)
• River Sutlej (Shimla)
• Chamera Lake (Dalhousie)
• River Ravi (Chamba)
• River Beas (Kullu)
• Pandoh Lake (Kullu)
• River Spiti (Spiti Valley)

Best time to visit for River Rafting: Throughout the year, leaving the monsoon months of July and September and extreme winter months.

Levels: Beginner, Intermediate and Expert

Cost: INR 1000 onwards

If you are an adventure junkie, then Himachal Pradesh is the perfect holiday destination for you this summer.

3. Paragliding

If you are ready for an all-out, mind-blowing adventure, then tandem paragliding will take you to adrenaline junkie heaven!

Paragliding is one of Himachal Pradesh’s top-rated activities and with Akbar Travels, you’re in great hands! The Indian State has perfect flight conditions for paragliding and also possesses breathtaking scenery. To be true, Paragliding is an aircraft in a backpack and allows you to soar for hours like a bird.  If you are of the opinion that paragliding is only for daredevils, think again: paragliding is for all; men and women alike, and for the young as well as for the young at heart.

Treat yourself to an incredible paragliding experience and the sensational feeling of flying high, enjoy fantastic views on your paragliding flight of a lifetime and take in extraordinary views of the Mountain ranges, waterfalls and Lakes.  

Best Places for Paragliding in Himachal Pradesh:

• Bir Billing (Kangra Valley) *Best place for Paragliding in India; Height: 2400 m; Best time to visit: March to May and September to November

• Solang Nala (Manali); Height: 2560 m; Best time to visit: April to May and September to October

• Rohtang Pass (Manali); Height: 3978 m; Best time to visit: May to October

• Bandla Ridge (Bilaspur); Height: 2600 m; Best time to visit: May to June & September to October

• Bijli Mahadev (Kullu); Height: 2470 m; Best time to visit: February to June

• Indrunag (Dharamshala); Height: 2168 m; Best time to visit: October to December

Gliding time: 10-40 minutes

Cost: INR 2500 onwards

Booked our Shimla Manali tour package? Check! Paragliding? Bucket list. Check! Experienced postcard-picture perfect Himachal from an exclusive bird’s eye view? Check!  What an incredible experience!

4. Zorbing

You’ve probably heard about Zorbing – rolling down a steep hill in a giant, clear round ball. A fun, family-friendly recreational activity, zorbing is a bizarre experience where you get to roll inside an inflated, transparent plastic ball. It’s a thrilling activity that will surely have you smiling for the rest of the day.

It is definitely an experience that not many people can say they’ve encountered.

Best Places for Zorbing in Himachal Pradesh:

• Solang Valley (Manali)
• Khajjiar (Dalhousie)

Best time to visit for Zorbing: January to May and October to December

Cost: INR 350 onwards

5. Camping

With its brilliant mountain scenery, an abundance of sparkling lakes and scattering of impressive waterfalls, Himachal Pradesh has a lot to offer the adventure enthusiasts. One of the best ways to truly immerse yourself in this delightful State is by camping and making the most of its gorgeous landscapes.

Himachal is one of the best places in India to camp offering remarkable but clean and equally well organized campsites. Here, you’ll camp on picturesque mountainsides and in green meadows, with your gaze resting on yawning valleys and glittering glaciers. Spend time in the Himalayas hiking or skiing, or relax and enjoy the view of Himachal’s crystal-clear lakes and rivers.

Best Places for Camping in Himachal Pradesh:

• Bhrigu Lake, Manali; Best time to visit: April to June and September to October

• Kheer Ganga, Kullu; Best time to visit: May to June and September to October

• Triund, Dharamshala; Best time to visit: April to May and September to Mid-November

• Chandertal, Lahaul-Spiti; Best time to visit: May to September

• Khajjiar, Dalhousie; Best time to visit: March to May and September to November

• Malana, Kasol; Best time to visit: March to November

• Hampta Pass, Kullu; Best time to visit: March to May and September to November

• Bijli Mahadev, Kullu; Best time to visit: March to May and September to November

Cost: INR 1500 onwards

Best Camps in Himachal Pradesh: Himalayan Eco Lodges & Camps, Camp Oak View Bir, Camp Nature Trails Shimla, Antrek Camp Sarchu, Jungle Livinn Camps And Retreat, Camp Exotica,  Boparai Camping Site Chail, Banjara Retreat Kaza,  Camp Chrysalid Dharamshala, Camp Roxx Gunjara Put, Snow Trails Camp Shimla

In short, Himachal Pradesh is nothing short of a camping paradise!

Also Read: The Adrenaline Junkie’s Guide to Skydiving in Dubai

6. Ice Skating

There’s nothing like skating in the beautiful Himachal city Shimla for a blast of wintry fun.

Ice Skating is a thrill wherein the whole family can get involved in. It’s easy and fun! Even if you don’t know how to skate, it’s still worth a try. Shimla’s iconic Ice rink is one of the oldest open-air natural rinks in India as well as the largest rink in South Asia. Skating through the early morning winter mist or the afternoon sunshine provides great exercise for the soul, as well as the body.

Best Place for Ice skating in Himachal Pradesh:

• Shimla
• Narkanda
• Manali (Solang Valley)

Best time to visit: December to February

Ice Skating Festival in Shimla: January

Cost: INR 200 – INR 500

Ice skating in Shimla on South East Asia’s largest ice skating rink is a fun way to celebrate the holidays and stay active outdoors! With its abundance of snow, Shimla’s wintery landscape is a paradise for ice skaters.

Intrigued? Explore our Shimla tour packages

7. Hiking & Trekking

Himachal is without doubt one of the best trekking destinations in the world. A place incredibly rich in natural beauty and ample opportunities for adventure, and home to some of the most gorgeous cities, it’s a must-do destination for anyone who loves to hike and trek. The breathtaking scenery and snowy landscapes make exploring these trails a unique winter experience.

The Himalayan Mountains are certainly an adventurer’s playground, a traveler’s paradise, and a wonderland for eager hikers. Towering peaks, antique glaciers, hilly meadows, virgin lakes and rivers, unique wildlife, charming towns, luxurious mountain lodgings, and gourmet cafes combine to make the Himachal trekking tours truly unforgettable! And you don’t have to be an athlete to enjoy a beautiful hike. Because of the varied landscape here, there are plenty of shorter hikes that include level ground if you just want to take it at a leisurely pace. If you’re not into big climbs, don’t sweat it; there are loads of lower-impact walks and iconic treks you’ll love, too. Be it summer or winter, there are lots of incredible hikes waiting to be explored no matter the season.

Best Treks and Hiking Spots in Himachal Pradesh:

• Triund Trek (Best Trek); Best time to go: May to June and September to October; Grade: Easy to moderate

• Beas Kund Trek; Best time to go: May to October; Grade: Moderate

• Tosh Valley trek; Best time to go: March to May; Grade: Easy to moderate

• Bhrigu Lake Trek; Best to go: May to October; Grade: Moderate difficulty

• Chandrakhani Pass trek; Best time to go: March to August; Grade: Easy to moderate

• Malana village Trek; Best time to go: April to July and September to November; Grade: Easy

• Kareri Lake Trek; Best time to go: May to July and September to November; Grade: Easy to difficult

• Sar Pass Trek; Best time to go: April to June; Grade: Easy to Moderate

• Hampta Pass Trek; Best time to go: July to October; Grade: Moderate

• Pin Parvati Trek; Best time to go: July to August; Grade: Difficult

• Deo Tibba base camp Trek; Best time to go: June to September; Grade: Moderate

• Burani Ghati Trek; Best time to go: May to June and Mid-September to Mid-October; Grade: Easy to moderately difficult

• Friendship Peak; Best time to visit: June to October; Grade Moderate to difficult

• Shepherd Trail Gaddi Trek; Best time to visit: September to October; Grade: Moderate

• Indrahar Pass Trek; Best time to go: September to October; Grade: Easy to Moderate

Cost: Depends upon the type of trek

Explore the outstanding and astonishingly diverse hiking and trekking in India’s rich Himachal State. From beginning to end, these Trek tours have evolved into some of the most sought-after Himachal Pradesh holiday itineraries!

8. Quad Biking

The maximum fun you can have on four wheels!

Put yourself in control of a four-wheel easy-to-ride quad bike. Zip along the terrains, dirt trails and authentic villages, with river crossings, hill climbs, humps, bumps, mud, dust, dirt, excitement and much more.

Best Places for Quad Biking in Himachal Pradesh:

• Manali (Solang Valley)
• Kullu
• Dharamshala
• Shimla (Mashobra)

Cost: INR 1500 onwards

Book our Shimla Kullu Manali tour packages and join us on a quad biking adventure in search of an adrenalin rush with epic views.

Need help discovering your next adventure? Ask our Travel Experts.

9. Mountain Biking (Off-Road Cycling)

Is there anywhere you’d rather ride the bikes than deep in the Himalayan Mountains?

Mountain biking offers you the chance to immerse yourself in the exquisite landscape and unspoiled nature of the Indian State. Dramatic mountains, enthralling valleys, picturesque lakes, rugged roads, quiet trails, sunshine and quaint villages, these are all what you will experience on a Mountain biking tour in Himachal Pradesh. There is an infinity of mountain bike trails in Himachal Pradesh that are well worth discovering, which are a huge attraction for serious mountain bikers – you can choose from very easy ones to extreme downhill adventures. Also, Mountain biking is very challenging in itself both physically and mentally, so trying this sport will definitely give one an ego boost as well as a lifetime memory.

Best Places for Mountain Biking in Himachal Pradesh:

• Manali
• Bir Billing
• Shimla
• Spiti Valley

Cost: INR 900 onwards

Best time to go: All year round

Want to ride exhilarating, natural trails with astounding mountains, vistas and lakes? Explore our affordable Himachal tour packages to begin your adventure.

10. Snowboarding

Combine snowboarding with the natural virgin slopes of Himachal Pradesh, and you cannot go wrong!!!

Snowboarding is a much younger sport than skiing, which allows easy floating on soft virgin snow. This winter sport involves riding on a board that is attached to the feet of the rider by snowboarding boot. Snowboarding was inspired from wave surfing.

It is no secret that Himachal Pradesh is home to some of the best slopes in the skiing and snowboarding world. Some of these slopes are ranked the best in offering excellent skiing experience and others for their breathtaking views and beauty. While not boasting the mega-resorts of New Zealand or Europe, Himachal Pradesh offers you a unique snowboarding experience. Snowboarders will find plenty of good rides at all the ski areas.

Best Places for Snowboarding in Himachal Pradesh:

• Solang Valley
• Rohtang Pass
• Narkanda
• Kufri

Best time to visit for Snowboarding: Running from December to February Himachal’s ski season sees Mountains come alive with skiers and snowboarders heading to the hills.

Cost: INR 900 onwards

Journey across Himachal’s snowy peaks with an adrenaline-pumping snowboarding tour as part of our Himachal Pradesh tour package.

11. River Crossing

If you haven’t heard of River Crossing before, we guarantee – once you have experienced it – you will be recommending this adventure thrill ride to everyone. River crossing is synonymous with fun! This adrenaline-pumped watersport is one of the most daring and thrilling adventure activities in Himachal, wherein a rope is tied across a river on the two river banks and you have to cross the river using a safety harness that is attached to the rope. This water activity can get challenging as water flows in full force underneath and demands great balancing skills. River crossing is one of the most loved activities in Himachal Pradesh that draw tourists from all over the world.

Best Place for River Crossing in Himachal Pradesh:

• Tirthan Valley (Kullu)
• Manali Club

Best time to visit: Any time of the year excluding the monsoon season

Cost: INR 300 onwards

If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush on holiday, then our adventure-packed Himachal tour packages are for you!

12. Mountaineering

A breathtaking adventure in itself, Mountaineering in the Himalayan ranges presents a selection of classic routes that have forged Himachal’s reputation as a mountaineering paradise. There are numerous climbs, ranging from relatively easy normal routes to more challenging itineraries. All are within the capabilities of most mountaineers and provide an excellent introduction to the wide variety of climbing that Himachal has to offer.

Best Places for Mountaineering in Himachal Pradesh:

• Reo Purgyil 6,816 m
• Rangrik Rang 6,553 m
• Gyagar 6,400 m
• Manimahesh Kailash 5,653 m
• Jorkanden 6,473 m
• Shilla, 6,132 m
• Parilungbi 6,166 m
• Gya 6,794 m
• Hansbeshan 5,240 m
• Manirang 6,593 m
• Central Peak 6,285 m

Best time to visit for Mountaineering: June to October

Enjoy all the wondrous beauty of nature while challenging yourself to climb through a variety of mountain terrains.

If your mind is stuck on mountaineering for your next holiday, we have you covered!

13. Angling (Fishing)

Himachal is India’s perfect place for angling. With its many rivers and streams, the State offers massive opportunities for the sport of fishing and angling. The Beas River in the Kullu valley along with its side streams Sarvari, Parbati, Sainj, Hurla and Tirthan are excellent spots for angling, having abundance in different types of trouts, mahaseer and other fishes. Acclaimed as the best sport fishes in the world, both brown and rainbow trout are to be found in Himachal`s streams.

Best Places for Angling in Himachal Pradesh:

Major Streams: Beas, Sutlej, Ravi, Tirthan, Sainj, Uhl, Baspa, Pabar, Lambadug, Giri, Rana, Nugal Gai, Baner, Bata, etc

• For Trout Fishing: Rohru, Chirgaon, Tattapani, Katrain, Largi, Banjar and Kasol
• For Mahseer Fishing: Dehra, Nadaun, Pong Dam and Barot.

Fishes found: Trout, Mahseer, Barilus sp, Schizothoracids Crossocheilus sp, Glyptothorax spp, Nemacheilus spp etc

Best time to visit: Trout Fishing (April to October), Mahseer Fishing (February to April and September to December)

Plan a Himachal holiday and fish the most scenic waters in the Himalayan Mountains.

14. Jeep Safari

Taking a jeep safari through the stunning landscapes to see all beautiful sceneries is a must when you’re in Himachal! Travelling on the wheels, on the off roads of the Himalayan ranges, is a lifetime opportunity to drive on the world’s highest roads for an adventure seeker. Roads here are unexpected and give you goose bumps with many twists and turns.

Catch the thrill of maneuvering the rugged and beguiling terrains of Himachal Pradesh! Join adrenaline-charged Jeep Safaris in Kullu Manali, Shimla etc; drive through the snow-clad peaks, along the sparkling rivers, through pictorial valleys, authentic villages, soaring mountain passes, and lot more.

15. Ziplining

There is no shortage of reasons to visit Himachal whatever time of year you choose to go and zip lining is just one more reason to visit this amazing State. A zipline – similar to a flying fox – is a pulley suspended on a cable above the trees. Basically, you are zipping down the mountains from tree to tree in one awesome adventure. While you are up there on the decks, you’ll have the chance to enjoy marvelous Himachal from up high, with striking views of the mighty Mountain Ranges and lakes.

The highest Zip Line in India can be found in Manali. Most of Himachal cities offer a huge variety of adrenaline-pumping zip lining activities to get your heart beating faster. So whether you want to fly like a plane or superman, or just have some near-misses with trees, get ready to feel the air rush past as you zip through these super-fast, super-high zip slides.

Best Places for Ziplining in Himachal Pradesh:

• Manali (Highest and best Zipline in India)
• Shimla
• Bir Billing

Best time to visit: April to July and September to December

Cost: INR 1,000 onwards

Trust us; Ziplining guarantees zip-tastic fun for the whole family, or for anyone who loves the outdoors, nature and excitement.

16. Rock Climbing

If you are searching for an adventure activity that pushes you out of your comfort zone and boosts your confidence – this is the one!

Rock and mountains always pose an exciting challenge to the human sense of adventure and rock climbing is mastering the techniques of climbing on exposed rocks of any height and gradient.

Whatever your level of climbing is, Himachal offers a series of climbing based activities that provide healthy, challenging fun for everyone. Whether it is your first time at rock climbing or your hundredth, there are plenty of great spots to explore all around the Himachal State. One constant that you will experience regardless of where you go is incredible scenery.

Since Himachal Pradesh is surrounded by mountains on all sides, there are plentiful opportunities to head on a rock climbing adventure.

Best Places for Rock Climbing in Himachal Pradesh:

• Kasol
• Manali
• Tirthan Valley
• Shimla
• Dharmashala

Best time to visit for Rock Climbing: Mid-April to End-June and Mid-September to End-October

Cost: INR 1,400 onwards

Rock climbing in Himachal is real fun, and there are routes for both amateurs and skilled climbers! So, think no more and add rock climbing to your list of things to do in Himachal! Book a Himachal trip with Akbar Travels and have a thrilling time trying this epic adventure sport.

17. Snow Scooter

If you like to feel the speed, are into driving a motorized vehicle and ready to venture into the snowy wilderness, then Snow scooting is the adventure for you. Snowscoots are non-motorised snow scooters – a bit like a ski version of a child’s scooter, with the wheels replaced by large skis! These are now available in most Himachal towns across the Himalayan Mountains and have become a popular activity among the youth, although Snowmobiling is suitable for families as well as adventurous adults. Explore many of Himachal’s highlights in a fun and playful way with a Snow-Scooter tour.

Best Places for Snow Scooting in Himachal Pradesh:

• Manali

Best time to visit: October to February

Cost: INR 1,300 onwards

If you want a change from skiing or snowboarding, this funny tool could be what you are looking for! Try out a snow scooter on a winter activity holiday in the Mountains with our Shimla Manali tour packages.

18. Rappelling

Rappelling is a thrilling adventure activity that involves descending from the mountains with the help of ropes and equipment and is also known as Abseiling. This sport is just the opposite of rock climbing, wherein instead of climbing up you come down with a rope support. Himachal offers a TON of opportunities for climbing and rappelling with its wide array of Mountain ranges. Many travelers enjoy this activity as it allows you to test your stamina, strength and overcome your fear. So, if you want to overcome your fear of heights, this is the best adventure sport to try.

Best Places for Rappelling in Himachal Pradesh: Manali, Chandhrabhag range, Dhaluadhar range, Pir Panjal, Beas Kund, Hanuman Tibba foothills, De Tibba

Best time to visit for Rappelling: Throughout the year

Cost: INR 1,200 onwards

Explore our Himachal tour packages and have a thrilling experience rappelling across adventurous terrains in some of the best locations in and around Himachal Pradesh.

* All the above adventurous activities are conducted in the supervision of highly trained professionals wherein all the necessary safety precautions are taken care of at utmost priority.

There’s something for everybody

Did we inspire you to take up your next holiday? After all these adventure sports we’ve listed above, we’re sure the answer is yes. The best thing about adventure activities in Himachal is that whatever your type of adventure is, there’ll be a destination to suit. So, if you haven’t yet been, Himachal Pradesh should be well up there on your bucket list! Whether you’re an adventure, nature, food, or animal lover, Himachal Pradesh is a perfect destination to have a good time and create unforgettable memories.

Once you’ve chosen the perfect destination for your ability and style of adventure, you need to organise your flights, accommodation, airport transfers, adventure activities and sightseeing. We’ve got your back.

So what do you say? Explore our adventure-packed Himachal tour packages and spice up your next visit to the Himachal cities!

Have fun and when you come back; tell us how your adventures went.

You may also be interested in:

• Top 11 Places to Visit in Himachal Pradesh
• The Best and the Cheapest Places to Visit in India in Summer 2020
• Why Kerala? The 12 Best Places To Visit In Kerala
• 20 Places In India That Are Way Better Than Foreign Destinations
• 17 Best Places To Visit In India In 2020
• The Best Indian Destinations to Visit in 2020: Month by Month Inspiration

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