Uttarakhand: Destination next for winter sports

The picturesque setting of Uttarakhand has emerged as ‘Destination Next’ for domestic and foreign tourists who are keen to try adventure sports or enjoy the snowfall in winter. While Uttarakhand always attracted pilgrims and adventure travellers for its mountains and valleys, there has been a huge uptick on the winter tourism front.

If you are the type who like to venture in winter winds and brave snowfall in mountains, then trekking is the right adventure activity for you as you get to see diverse flora-fauna, see quaint villages and absorb local culture and cuisine.
When it comes to skiing, one of the most beautiful places in Uttarakhand, Auli—located in Garhwal region-- is known as the ‘star attraction’ for tourists. While skiing organized here during the winter months is quite popular. The state government is also looking to develop training slopes for children and infrastructure overhaul is underway. The government is also looking to encourage a skiing championship in Auli.

Given its popularity with tourists from all geographies of India, the Uttarakhand government has declared that Auli will be a year-round tourists destination and development work is underway to facilitate this goal. In fact, Auli will be hosting the national winter games soon.
Skiing is also popular in Betuidhar, Dayara Bugyal, Mundali and Khaliya top. The latter is located in Kumaon district and is 3,500 meters high and gives a spectacular view of Panchachuli, Rajrambha, Hardeol and Nanda Kot in Kumaoni district of Pithoragarh

Known for a wide variety of flora and fauna, Chaukori in Pithoragarh district has been winning the hearts of tourists for decades now. It also gives a great view of Nanda Devi, Panchachuli, Nanda Kot, Trishul, and Chaukhamba besides a breathtaking view of sunrise and sunset.

River rafting is a common winter sport that comes to mind when we talk about winter sports in Uttarakhand. As everyone is aware, Rishikesh is a world-renowned rafting destination where tourists from both inside and outside the country come to enjoy rafting in the cold & crystal Ganga water.
Additionally, river rafting has been introduced in the Sharda river, a tributary of Saryu flowing through Tanakpur in Champawat district. A rafting trip along this river takes tourists through 4 rapids between Charan Mandir in Tanakpur and Boom Tapasvi Baba Ashram, 13 km away. The best time for river rafting is from December to February, when the glacier-fed rivers gush with crystal clear water in full swing after the water level decreases post the rains. With river rafting, tourists can enjoy the beauty of the river valleys and gorges with comprisal of various experiences such as adrenaline rush, joy, fear, hilarity, and various emotions.

If you want to feel free to fly high in the open skies, try paragliding in Uttarakhand. When there is no ground under the feet at the height of the sky, then the thrill of seeing the mountains and valleys becomes a lifetime memory. The best thing about paragliding in Uttarakhand is that there is no prior notification required for paragliding here. The two most famous places for paragliding in Uttarakhand are Mukteshwar and Ranikhet; Pair paragliding flights are available here with experts.

In addition to the much preferred winter desination that offers scenic walks, adventure sports and sightseeing, the whole of Uttarkahand offers great opportunities for trekking and camping during the winter months with bright sun during the day and twinkling stars at night.

So, end the hours of waiting, give yourself a break from your busy life for a while, and pick your adventure gear and head to Uttarakhand.