Best Adventure Activities To Do In North India

A very diverse topography and good existing tourism profile puts India on the list of top places amongst adventure tourism. From mountains to plains, beaches to deserts, gushing waterfalls and rivers to placid lakes; India almost has everything to offer to tickle your adventure buds.

In addition, North India holds some of the best adventure tourism sites that are super promising for thrill seekers on the go. If you too are one for adventure, leave behind the mundane life and get the adrenaline rushing, for here we list some popular and crazy things you can do in North India, this summer to satiate your thirst for adventure:

1. White Water River Rafting

The northern terrains have gushing rivers to add that thrill element to your river rafting experiences. River Indus in Ladakh and Ganga in Uttarakhand are the ones to head for. AquaTerra Adventures and Mercury Himalaya Explorations are two of the top companies handling rafting and kayaking here. They also arrange for quiet night camping by riverside for added fun. However, there are plenty more companies providing similar services.

2. Trekking And Mountaineering

The great Himalayan peaks are just the right choice for trekkers and avid mountaineers. Many expedition companies provide equipment, support and training for the same. Trekkers can choose their own level of difficulty. Companies like Himalayan Frontiers, Ibex expeditions, Peak Adventure tours, etc take you from Ladakh to Uttrakhand to give you best experience possible. Walking on completely frozen Zanskar River in Ladakh valley is challenging yet mesmerizing at the same time.

3. Paragliding

From serious lessons to casual rides; paragliding thrills many. There are professional instructors for dedicated learners too. Paragliding in India is conducted by the Billing Paragliding Association. One of the best paragliding places, Billing is situated in Kangra valley of Himachal Pradesh, with Bir being the landing ground. Manali is another place that offers tandem paragliding with its breathtaking views of the pleasant valleys. Tandem rides and professional lessons are available at few reputed paragliding companies.

4. Camel Or Jeep Safaris

Riding on the camel’s hump can be so exciting; especially when the ride ends with camping under the starlit sky. Not to be missed on your list; make sure to sign-up for a Camel safari or Jeep safari while in Jaisalmer and Bikaner. Similarly Yak safari in Nubra valley of Ladakh lets you explore the raw mountain beauty.

Jeep safaris in Jim Corbett national park, Uttarakhand or Ranthambore national park too are memorable. Walking with a camera through the Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary in Bharatpur, Rajasthan is a unique experience by itself. It gives your muscles a break from high-energy sports but engages the mind and eyes instead.

5. Heli Skiing

A relatively new sport, it helps you to leave your mark at some very inaccessible but awesome snow lands. Helicopters from the Himalayan Heli Adventures, airlift adventurers to slopes in Manali (Himachal Pradesh) and Srinagar(J&K) where they can skii and enjoy; and so it is a very expensive sport. Ideal season for doing this would be January until April after which melting snow would make skiing impossible. It is the new in-thing amongst adventure tourism in India.

6. Hot Air Ballooning

Like Heli skiing, this one is quite new too but as exciting as paragliding. Here there is no rush just great views and no chaos. Rajasthan has many places like Pushkar, Jaipur, Ranthambore National park where the sport is conducted. However, lately Manali too has started hot air ballooning.

7. Biking Tours

The man and the machine is always an interesting combination. The northern parts provide a very challenging terrain for mountain biking. Biking expeditions are carried by Peak Adventure Tours and Ecosphere Spiti in the Himalayan Mountains. They also organize timely rallies. One has to enquire for proper biking season through them however. Biking tours across the country let you explore the cultural fabric. Mountain biking packs that extra kick as compared to plain biking.