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Major Sites :Gulmarg, Manali, Kufri, Narkanda, Auli |
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Best Time To Visit : January To March |
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Man likes to be at his best, but often nothing short of a Himalayan peak can extract it from him: Can compe l him to be fittest in body, a lei-test in mind and firmest in soul, so he is drawn to the mountain and the mountain makes a man out of him". Sir Francis Young husband, himself a great wanderer in the Himalayas, who conquered the Kamet peak.
The challenge of the snow covered terrain. And a streak of adventure in man. That is what combines together in the realm of skiing-the fastest and most fascinating winter sport. When the white mantle of snow covers the lush green meadows and the firs and pines are sprinkled with silver, its skiing time in the Himalayas. Some of the world's most popular winter playgrounds are here, known for their interesting undulations and fine gradients.
Over the period of time Skiing is one sport that has gained immense popularity all over the world and in the past decade have become quiet popular sport because of the Himalayas. The awesome height and spread of the snow clad Himalayas mountains, with the added advantage of powdered snow are tempting enough to magnetize the adventurous spirits of the avid skier, providing all the thrill and excitement attached to the sport.
The vast open spaces above the snowline have flung open to the skiing enthusiasts. What makes Skiing so adventurous in Himalayas is the, perennial presence of snow and the steep slope. Himalayas, with its vastness and ranges of different heights has added variety to the sport.
Important Places of Skiing in Himalayas
A plethora of ski locales is in Jammu and Kashmir, the hills of Kumaon, Himachal Pradesh and the North eastern states of India, have become the favorite ski hideouts of adventure lovers.
Gulmarg
52 kms. from Srinagar, at a height of 2730 meters (8750 ft), Gulmarg has been rightly described as a paradise for skiers. In winter it is a white wonderland offering some of the finest ski gradients anywhere in the world. Girdled by pinnacles of white, the air seems to sparkle against the snow and whisper, as skiers flash past. There is an intimate contact with nature in the grandeur of coniferous mountains.
Gulmarg in winter is a complete Himalayan experience. The resort has one T-bar lift, three very modern ski-lifts and a chair-lift. The beginners' slopes make learning easy, with perfect snow conditions and a gentle gradient. The Indian Institute of Skiing and mountaineering conducts training courses of 10 and 21 days duration. Trained instructors are available and equipment can be hired from govt. owned ski shop. Instructors are also available for casual skiers.
Now heli-skiing at Gulmarg has opened up new vistas for enthusiasts. Using some of the most advanced facilities for sports, helicopters lift the heli-skiers to the peak of their choice from where they weave their way down through what has been described as the best powder snow in the world.
Diversions :
For a change, you can enjoy a pony ride on any of the trails that lead out from this saucer-shaped valley. Or if you opt for a day out trekking, there are a number of picnic spots to choose from-all within a few kms. radius : Alpather lake and Ningal Nullah. (Basically for cross-country skiers). At the end of a fun-filled, thrill-packed day skiers can stretch out before a log fire in a variety of accommodation.
Pithoragarh in the Kumaon hills
The easternmost hill district of Uttar Pradesh, bordering Nepal in the east and Tibet in the north, Pi thoragarh, is often called 'Miniature Kashmir'. Nestling amongst the spectacular Kumaon Himalayas, at a height of 5412 ft., in a small valley, barely 5 km long and 2 km wide, Pithoragarh was an important centre, of the Chand kings of Kumaon. Apart from the excellent skiing slopes, Pithoragarh and its environs, are known for their profuse natural beauty, and fine temples.
Manali
In winter is a fairy-tale town holding out an irresistible invitation to the skiers and snow-lovers. Loca ted at a height of 6,000 ft. to 7000 ft., it offers breathtaking ski gradients at Solang Nala. Between December and May ski enthusiasts from all over the world are attracted to this Himalayan resort.
Its smooth-curved ridges and escarpments promise unmatched exhilaration both to expert skiers as well as beginners. Those on a maiden adventure can learn the exciting sport on some of the gentle slopes and gradients with the help of experts. A winter carnival held around the middle of February is a major attraction for the skiers.
Diversions :
If and when you feel like an outing of a different kind, there are many picnic spots. Solang valley, Rahia Falls, Vashisht springs and Bhrigu Lake-all within a few kilometers. Tramping into Manali town itself could be very interesting. The friendliness and hospitality of the people is really heart-warming.
Narkanda
Nestled in the picturesque ranges of Himachal, Narkanda at a height of 3143 Mts. is a quie t town, 64 kms from Shimla. In winter it coats itself with thick, soft snow turning its gentle slopes into an excellent playground. The pleasure of skiing makes Narkanda an attractive destination for many during the winter months. Some of the very steep and smooth slopes hereafter a different kind of skiing experience. These slopes especially appeal to the cross country skier for. Narkanda is set amid fine coniferous forests.
Kufri
At a height of 2501 ms, girdled by awesome pinnacles, Kufri is a scenic hill resort 16kms, from Shimla. From December to March it wears its white winter garb, with snow trimmings on its tall green pines and deodars. Its undulating slopes are fashioned by nature to exhilarate lovers of winter sports.
Rohtang
Skiing facilities and training for beginners are available during the best part of winter. Commands an a wesome height of 3978 Mts. and is 51 kms. from Manali, Recently a new ski terrain developed here has fired the imagination of ski lovers, as it offers a new challenge to their spirit of adventure. This is the only place in the country where the skiers can indulge in their favorite sport in summer as well as autumn. With the onset of summer, the skiers begin arriving here-dotting the silver-white backdrop with vibrant colors. The steep descents here are truly inspiring. The setting is just perfect both for the beginners and the seasoned. Skiing equipment is available and can be hired from the club
Auli, (Garhwal)
Snow capped slopes of Auli are flanked by all, dense deodar forest which cuts wind velocity to the minimum 16-kms from Joshimath on the Badrinath route, Auli offers a 180 panoramic view of Himalayan peaks like the Nanda Devi (7,817m) Kamet (7,756m) Mana Parvat (7,273) and Dunagiri (7,066m) seemingly only a snow ball thrown away. Seasonal skiers have a clean stretch of 10.20-kms of absolutely virgin slopes to sport on. These slopes provide excellent opportunities for cross country and downhill skiing events.
Dayara Bugyal, (Garhwal)
During winter Dayara Bugyal provides excellent ski slopes over an area of 28 sq. kms. Dayara bugyal affords a panoramic view of the breathtakingly beautiful Himalayas. There is a small lake in the area that provides an excellent camping site.
Munsiyari, (Kumaon)
Munsyari is situated at a distance of 66 kms. 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 of treks to Milam, Namik and Ralam glaciers. Khalia Top and Betulidhar are two high altitude places that offer excellent condirions for skiing.
Manali, Kufri & Narkanda in Himachal Pradesh
Who can forget the ultimate destinations such as Kufri, Narkanda, Manali in Himachal. The Ma nali Region in Himachal Pradesh also offers scope for winters as well as summer skiing. It has excellent natural slopes and in the summer months has limited skiing possibilities at Narkanda. Last but not the least is Kufri, which has always been a favorite among ski lovers who visit Shimla in winters. So prepare your skies and zoom through the snow.
Other Ski Locales
In Garhwal
Dayara Bugyal & Kush Kalyan in district Uttarkashi.
Panwali & Matya in district Tehri Garhwal
Mundali in district Dehradun
Bedni Budyal in Chamoli
In Kumaon
Khalia Top in Munsiyari in Pithoragarh
Chiplakot Valley in Pithoragarh |
| read more about Garhwal & Kumaon |
| Suggested Himalaya Adventure Tours |
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