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Garhwal Division

• Skiing -

  Auli, 16 km from Joshimath is an ideal winter resort run by Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN). A 3 km long slope ranging from a height of 2519 to 3049 m is a major attraction. The Auli resort run by GMVN has snow beaters which beat the snow to keep the slopes fit for skiing at all times. A 500 m long ski-lift carries skiiers back to the slope top, thus saving them the trouble and time to bridge up wearing long skis.
  Season: End December to March.

  Bugyal in the local language means "high altitude meadow". The road to Dayara Bugyal branches off near Bhatwari a place on Uttarkashi-Gangotri road about 28 km from Uttarkashi. Vehicles can go up to the village of Barsu from where one has to trek a distance of about 8 km to reach Dayara and other route is via village Raithal, 10 km from Bhatwari, from where one has to trek about 6 km to Dayara Bugyal. Situated at an elevation of about 3048 m, this vast meadow is second to none in natural beauty. During winter it provides excellent ski slopes over an area of 28 sq km. The panoramic view of the Himalayas from here is breathtaking. Presently accommodation is available at Bhatwari and some villager's huts may also be used by professional skiers.

  Mundali is situated in district Dehradun, 129 km from Dehradun via Chakrata. Mandali offers an unforgettable view of the snow capped Himalayas. The place has vast ski slopes on which professionals can enjoy skiing. As accommodation facility is only available at Forest Rest House, therefore one has to ensure accommodation through the Forest Department.

  Besides Auli, numerous places in Garhwal and Kumaon are full of potential for skiing where an individual or a group can enjoy this winter sport on their own. In Garhwal, Kush Kalyan and Kedar Kantha in Distt. Uttarkashi; Panwali and Matya in Distt. Tehri Garhwal and Bedni Bugyal in Chamoli and Munsyari, Chiplakot Valley in Distt. Pithoragarh in Kumaon are well known potential skiing resorts where professionals can do skiing.

• White River Water Rafting -

  The challenge of the turbulent rivers is no less than that of the rugged mountains. The icy heights of the Himalayas are the source of some of India's mighty rivers. Fed by innumerable streams they race along tortuous boulder strewn beds, cutting deep gorges and breaking into silvery white rapids.

  With the intricate network of mountain rivers flowing through a myriad of different colours of rocky gorges, forests, flowers and high mountain villages, the Garhwal and Kumaon hills provide ideal locales for the perfect water adventure.

  The sport of white water river rafting calls for a triumph over the swift swirling river as it gushes past spectacular mountains. It is practised mainly in the upper reaches where the water is wild and white as it frothes and foams, crashing against narrow gorges, rocky outcrops and falls at deep gradients.

  As with trekking, mountaineering and other sports, river rafting too has been classified and graded in terms of degrees of difficulty.

  There is, firstly, the pleasure of a gentle canoe trip in a lightweight alloy-metal craft which holds two to three people. The gradient best suited for canoeing is the stage near the river's entry into the plains where the trip can be combined with moderate hiking and a naturalist holiday in the forest. For this, the suitable area are Rishikesh, Dakpathar and the Ramganga in Corbett National Park. For the slightly more adventurous, kayaking is appealing as it is tandem. The degree of difficulty would depend on the river gradient and its rapids.

  The suitable period for river running depends on the adequacy of water volume. Thus September-November and March-April-May are most appropriate. The equipment required is ordinary outdoor gear, goggles, antiseptic cream and a liking for getting wet!

  In Garhwal region the sacred river Ganga offers the professional as well as the amateur the exhilaration of white water rafting. The Alaknanda and Bhagirathi, are the main tributaries of the Ganga and meet at Devprayag, frothing from their racy descent. Their waters are of Grade IV to V, challenging the expert to savour the thrill.

  Down river from Devprayag, the Ganga changes into a pool drop river. This stretch of almost 70 km is perfect for amateur and the novice, for here the river offers some fine Grade III rapids and two Grade IV 'GOLF COURSE', 4 km below Shivpuri village; each followed by rapids, the 'WALL' at Byasi and the deep and placid pools.
  
  Sandy beaches line the river at intervals, allowing river rafters to pull up alongside. The slopes on either side are covered with oak, pine, spruce and fur, with the occasional village and its terraced fields dotting the landscape. Wildlife is visible at a distance, comprising mainly of spotted deer, monkey, leopard, while multi-hued butterflies fit among flowering bushes. Spiritual retreats and ashrams overlook the river and add to the spiritual experience.

• Still Water Sport - Assan Barrage Water Sports Resort

  Doon valley lies between the lesser Himalaya foothills to the northeast, and the shivaliks to the southwest, the river Yamuna to the northwest the river Ganga to its southeast. The Assan barrage , is situated near the confluence of two perennial rivers Assan and Yamuna 28 kms. southwestof the city of dehradun.

  The newest and best Water Ski Resort now with a state-of-art km, lake area. GMVN has the complete infrastructure to offer you a complete experience in Water Sking, Rowing, Paddle Boating, Kayaking, Double Water Skiing, Mono-Skiing and Motor Boating. The entire water ski equipment, paddle boats, kayaks, rowing boats, surfing boards and motorboats are available here for visitors, ona very nominal changes.

  Assessibilty
  
  Assan Barrage is connected to Dehradun -38 kms. on the highway to Pontha Sahib. Dehradun is well connected by rail, road and air. The nearest Airport is at Jolly Grant, 70 kms. from Assan. State Transport & local buses ply regularly between Assan and Dehradun (45 kms.) Haridwar (100 kms.), Delhi (275 kms. via Dehradun), nearest railway station Dehra Dun / Saharanpur. Regular bus and private - taxi service is also available from the Dehradun Roadways bus stand.

• Trakking

Kumaon Division

• White Water Rafting - The rivers of Kumaon, Uttaranchal are inviting enough for both the amateur as well as the die-hard professional. One can opt for canoeing, kayaking or rafting, depending upon the nature of the water. Pit your will and skill against nature as you negotiate the rapids, manoeuvre the bends, speed along gorges and break into sparkling surf. After all, water sports are for those adventure seekers for whom land is not enough.
  
  The challenge of the turbulent rivers is no less than that of the rugged mountains. The icy heights of the Himalayas are the source of some of India’s mighty rivers. Fed by innumerable streams they race along tortuous boulder strewn beds, cutting deep gorges and breaking into silvery white rapids. With the intricate network of moutain rivers flowing through a myriad of different colours of rocky gorges, forests, flowers and high mountain villages, the Kumaon hills provide ideal locales for the perfect water adventure. 
  
  The sport of white water rafting calls for a triumph over the swift swirling river as it gushes past spectacular mountains. It is practiced mainly in the upper reaches where the water is wild and white as it forthes & foams, crashing against narrow gorges, rocky outcrops and falls at deep gradients. 
  The degree of difficulty would depend on the river gradient and its rapids. The suitable period for river running depends on the adequacy of water volume. Thus. September-November and March-April-May are most appropriate. The equipment required is ordinary outdoor gear, goggles, antiseptic cream and a liking for getting wet!

• Ice Skiing - The hills of Kumaon have all the ingredients for adventure packed with excitement and thrills — an unexplored valley, towering peaks, flowing rivers, snow capped mountains, a splendid combination of flora & fauna and vast tracts of virgin snow. The region also provides immense opportunities for adventure sports like skiing and the thrilling water sports which make Kumaon an ideal venue for adventure seekers.
  
  The large slopes of Kumaon covered with seasonal snow become an ideal place for skiing in the winter months. One can feel the adrenaline levels rising as one negotiates the challenges of the step gradients and traverses unimaginable distances. Quite truly, the thrill of skiing remains unparalleled. As the elements are defeated exhilaration swells up. In skiing, the use of only the simplest forms of implements adds to the adventure. With their wide open spaces above the snowline, Kumaon offer yet another exciting possibility — sky touring amongst the glaciers. 
  For the avid skier, cross country runs of 10-20 kms are now available, with the added advantage of fresh powder snow, away from criss-crossing streams of skiers that overtake the slopes of the European Alps. Because of their height and spread, Kumaon, like other sectors of the Himalayas, are in a position to offer the thrills of exploratory long distance skiing round the year.. 

  The easternmost hill district of Uttranchal bordering Nepal in the east and Tibet in the north, Pithoragarh is often called ‘Miniature Kashmir’. Nestling amidst spectacular Kumaon Himalayas at a height of 1645 mts is a small valley barely 5 kms. long and 2 kms. wide. The town was an important landmark of the Chand Kings of Kumaon. The ancient trade route to eastern Nepal passed through this area. Pithoragarh and its environs are known for their abundant natural beauty and fine temples that are important points of pilgrimages. 

  Locaed at an altitude of 2135 mts., Munsyari is situated at a distance of 66 kms. and from Jauljibi and 127 kms. from Pithoragarh via Thal. Munsyari is the center as well as the gateway of the Johar Region. Munsyari is the base for treks to Milam, Namik and Ralam Glaciers. There is a tourist Rest House and a small town. Khalia top and Betulidhar are two high altitude places, ideal for skiing.

• Water Skiing - In district Udhamsingh Nagar of Uttranchal. Hills is a place known as Nanaksagar. The total area of the reservoir is approximately 18 sq. mtr. A 30 bedded Tourist Rest House is available at Nanaksagar for accommodation. The place is suitable for water sports activities. The various activities for water sports which can be organized in this reservoir are Water skiing, yatching, Boating, Canoing, Kyaking, Wet parasailing etc. The large size of the reservoir is thus suitable for water sports activities throughout the year, particularly in the winter months. The place being nearer to the Nainital, Almora, Pithoragarh etc. attract large number of water sports loving tourists also.

• Angling - Incidently, for angling enthusuasts, Pancheshawr us El-Dorado. The Kali is home to the famous Golden Mahaaseer and promise excillent fish game. The only catch: you have to leave the big catches back where they belong !
  
  In pre-Independence times anging was a very popular pastime of the Britishers and was called the 'Great Game'. The Golden Mahasheer, a sporting fish, is found in large numbers in the rivers and lakes of Kumaon. Fishing is allowed in Ghat (Saryu River), Pancheshwar (confluence of kali and saryu), Jauljivi ( Confluence of Gori & Kali), Chuka ( Confluence of Ladhiya abd kali) and Boom (Sarda River) after due permission from the officer in charge of the area concerned.

• Paragliding