ADVENTURE
IN UTTARAKHAND
Best in Adventure Tourism
ADVENTURE.
Uttarakhand is the ultimate adventure destination, offering thrilling activities for every adventurer. Enjoy snow-covered slopes for skiing, the Himalayan ranges for trekking and rock climbing, and gurgling rivers ideal for white-water rafting. Explore pristine lakes for canoeing and kayaking, and tackle challenging mountain paths for biking. Whether you seek extreme sports or serene outdoor experiences, Uttarakhand has it all.
Bungee Jumping
Jungle Safari
Mountain Biking
Bungee jumping is truly exhilarating, offering a chance to conquer fear and embrace courage like never before. With its stunning natural beauty and rolling hills, Rishikesh in Uttarakhand is the perfect backdrop for this adventure. Standing at an impressive 83 meters (about 272 feet), it boasts one of India’s highest bungee platforms—an experience that’s simply unforgettable!
Paragliding
Explore Gangotri National Park, a serene wilderness featuring lush forests, stunning meadows, and glaciers. Famous for the Gaumukh-Tapovan Trek, it offers breathtaking landscapes and the crystal-clear Ganga River. Established in 1989, the park spans 1,553 sq. km and is home to endangered species like blue sheep, black bear, brown bear, Himalayan Monal and snow leopards. Enjoy a peaceful retreat in this natural haven.
Driving through a dense forest in an open jeep and getting up close to wildlife is an exhilarating experience. Uttarakhand, known for its extensive forest cover, offers several safari options, including Corbett National Park and Rajaji National Park.
River Rafting
Uttarakhand is a premier destination for white-water rafting, with rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, and Alaknanda. Rishikesh is particularly famous for this adventure. For strong rapids, choose the Alaknanda, Dhauliganga, or Kali rivers. Beginners can enjoy routes like Barkot to Lakhamandal and Damta to Yamuna Bridge near Mussoorie. The rafting season runs from September to June, and cliff jumping is also available.
Star Gazing
There are few things in life as beautiful, romantic, serene, and calming as a clear night sky filled with hundreds of twinkling stars. In the state, several locations offer uninterrupted views of a star-studded sky, including Gurson Bugyal (near Auli), Jeolikot (near Bhowali), Kedarkantha (in the Uttarkashi district), Munsiyari (in the Pithoragarh district), Majhkhali (a small hamlet near Ranikhet), Chakrata, and Chaukori. Additionally, Kausani is home to the Stargate Observatory, which conducts astronomy workshops. Nainital features one of the largest telescopes, located at the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences.
Trekking
Uttarakhand's scenic hilly terrain makes it one of the top states for trekking in India, catering to both beginners and experienced trekkers. Popular routes include the Bageshwar to Sunderdhunga, Pindari, and Kafni Glacier trek in Pithoragarh, as well as trails around Munsiyari, Martoli, Milam, and Ralam Glacier. In the Garhwal region, the Panch Kedar trek is highly sought-after, alongside invigorating treks to Hemkund and Roopkund. The Valley of Flowers is also a favored destination for trekking enthusiasts.
Uttarakhand offers a variety of challenging mountain biking routes suitable for all skill levels. The annual Ultimate Mountain Terrain Biking Championship, Asia’s longest mountain bike race, attracts participants from around the globe. Read about a traveller's cycling experience here.
Skiing
Auli, located in Uttarakhand, is often referred to as the ski capital of India, catering to both beginners and experienced skiers. The area features slopes surrounded by coniferous trees and covered in thick snow during peak season, which runs from December to March. Auli is equipped with state-of-the-art skiing facilities. However, it is not the only destination for skiing in the region. Other lesser-known yet equally stunning locations include Daraya Bugyal, which offers a 28-square-kilometer slope, as well as Munsiyari and Mundali.
Water Sports
When it comes to water sports in India, no state offers more than Uttarakhand. With its frothy rivers and serene lakes, it is one of the country's top destinations for water-based activities, including rafting, canoeing, yachting, and kayaking. Canoeing and kayaking are particularly popular after rafting, and can be enjoyed at Nainital, Sattal, and Bhimtal lakes.nture tour operators generally conduct training courses on kayaking for the uninitiated before an unforgettable kayaking experience.