‘Run, run faster, run FASTER!’ shouted my instructor. I could feel a hint of panic rising as I pushed against the wind with all the strength I could muster. Then suddenly, before I knew it, I was airborne, sailing out into the Himalayan sky above Himachal Pradesh – the world’s second highest point for paragliding – clinging to my paragliding harness and completely dependent on my pilot to steer me safely back to the ground.
But my fears quickly vanished as I saw India’s mighty Dhauladhar mountain range from this breathtaking vantage point, with the sun rising behind me and the picturesque valley that I had just stepped out from sprawled below me like a topographic map. As I returned to the ground at the end of the flight, I was ecstatic, having just ticked off an adventure sport that I had never believed I would actually try.
Himachal Pradesh, India’s Adventure Playground
Tucked away in the western part of the Himalaya at the top end of India, Himachal Pradesh beckons to adventure seekers with a full basket of adrenaline-pumping experiences. From pine and deodar-covered mountain valleys to the high-altitude deserts of Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal’s towering mountains become a trekking playground in summer and ski slopes in winter, while gushing rivers challenge rafters to test their skills against some of the world’s most dramatic rapids.
Moreover, what gives every activity in Himachal Pradesh a special edge is the majestic views of snow-capped Himalayan ranges that unfold dramatically before you, whatever thrilling pursuit you sign up for. The hill resort of Manali in the north, nestled amid towering ranges, has emerged as the hub for adventure sports in the region. A string of smaller settlements have also bloomed as centers for specific thrills, contributing to Himachal Pradesh’s allure as an adventure destination.
Set Off on the Trails
Himachal Pradesh’s scenic mountain trails offer everything from easy day hikes to arduous multi-day expeditions. A good starting point for beginners is the three-day Beas Kund trek starting from the Solang Valley, 14 km due north from Manali. As you meander through grasslands and dense forests along the rivulet that feeds the Beas River, you can pluck wild strawberries and meet friendly villagers in remote mountain settlements, before reaching your final destination, the shimmering Beas Kund lake, nestled at 3,800 meters amid mountain peaks. Throughout this two- to three-day ascent, you’ll also bask in front of stunning views of snow-capped ranges such as Hanuman Tibba and the Pir Pinjal range.
To witness two contrasting faces of Himachal Pradesh, consider the more challenging five-day trek to the Hampta Pass, a corridor between the green Kullu valley and the barren high-altitude deserts of Lahaul and Spiti. Starting from Jobra, about two hours northeast of Manali, the trail climbs through pastures of grazing sheep and mules and pretty meadows dotted with colorful flowers, before overcoming icy streams and tongues of glacier to make a steep final ascent to the pass, perched at 4260 meters.
The views overlooking the desolate yet pristine landscape of western Spiti spread out beneath you, making every step taken to reach this lofty vantage point seem worthwhile. If you possess enough stamina after the arduous trek to the pass, continue north for an additional day to Spiti’s lone east-west highway, and take a three-hour vehicle ride to the moon-shaped Chandratal Lake. Only accessible when the roads are devoid of snow, its shimmering blue waters present a spectacular contrast to the white of the snow and the muddy brown of the mountains.
Practicalities: The best time for treks is from May to June and September to October. Numerous companies in Manali can arrange guides, porters, and necessary equipment.
Come Fly Himachal Pradesh’s Spectacular Skies
The slightly nondescript town of Bir (just south of Billing in the Kangra Valley) arrived on the global map after it hosted the paragliding world cup in 2015. Today, travelers flock here to soar over the Dhauladhar range from the launch site near Billing, poised at 2400m above sea level, solidifying Himachal Pradesh’s status in the global paragliding scene. In winter, the panoramic views of the glittering, snow-capped peaks are truly magnificent. Even in summer, when cloud or haze can obscure the peaks, the verdant Kangra Valley spreads out below like a blanket.
Practicalities: Pilots from the Billing Paragliding Association are experienced, ensuring even first-timers will have no issues. Tandem flights, consisting of a pilot and passenger, last for approximately 30 minutes. More experienced paragliders can enjoy solo flights that may extend for much longer, exploring areas as far as Manali or Dharamsala. Bir does not offer extensive hotel options, so you may choose to pitch a tent at a local campsite or stay in Dharamsala or McLeod Ganj, located a two-hour bus ride away.
Alternatively, Solang Nullah (2248m) north of Manali offers shorter flights. Paragliders ascend via the cable car up to Fatru and launch from there, landing back in Solang Nullah after approximately 15 minutes. Flights also launch from Dobhi, south of Manali in the Kullu Valley, and from Gulaba and Marhi on the precarious mountain road linking Manali and Lahaul. Be mindful that paragliding is unavailable during the monsoon season from July to September.
Skiing Himachal Pradesh’s Powdered Slopes
In winter, Himachal Pradesh transforms into a winter wonderland, blanketed in thick snow, making the foothills of the Himalaya one of India’s favorite destinations for ski enthusiasts. The Solang Valley above Manali boasts some of the most accessible skiing slopes; however, the infrastructure here is not well-developed. There’s one cable car that takes you up 800m to the top of the valley, but the slopes are not well-groomed.
More accomplished (and deep-pocketed skiers) can opt for heli-skiing on pristine powder on the flanks of some of the state’s highest mountains. Northwest of Manali, Hanuman Tibba (5982m) offers stunning slopes at around 4300m, reached via a helicopter ride that affords breathtaking views from mid-air. Consequently, you’ll find yourself gliding down smooth, powder-covered slopes, whizzing from giddy heights in blissful peace and isolation – truly exhilarating!
Practicalities: Heli-ski operators run trips from Manali, but ideal weather conditions are essential for helicopters to fly and for ski slopes to be stable and safe. You may encounter disappointment if the wind is not favorable. Therefore, allow time for cancellations (there’s plenty else to do in the area) and make sure you book with a professional operator such as Himalayan Heli Adventures.
There’s also a smaller, low-key skiing scene at Narkanda, located 60km northeast of Shimla. Here, the infrastructure is limited compared to Solang Nullah, making it more suitable for expert skiers who have their own gear.
The Himalaya on Two Wheels
Traversing Himachal Pradesh’s high-altitude roads is thrilling even in a bus. However, on a motorcycle, it becomes an adrenaline rush — particularly when you challenge yourself against the 3978m Rohtang La, the most famous pass on the epic mountain road journey from Manali to Leh, the mountain-ringed capital of Ladakh.
Motorcycle hire companies in Manali rent out classic Enfield motorcycles for experienced bikers, and motorcycle tour agencies arrange guided Enfield tours for less confident riders who prefer companionship while crossing five mountain passes and navigating many hairpin bends during the two-day crossing to Ladakh. Rudimentary tented camps offer overnight accommodations to break the journey, or you may choose to stop in Keylong, the capital of Lahaul.
Along the 490km route, you’ll have desolate peaks and glaciers, pristine lakes, and ancient Buddhist monasteries perched on stark, wind-scoured mountain slopes for company. You will have to scramble across some of the world’s highest mountain passes, each adorned with multi-colored prayer flags by passing Buddhist devotees.
If you possess strong legs, mountain biking from Manali to Leh takes 9 to 10 days, camping along the route. Alternatively, a more accessible way to experience Himachal Pradesh’s gravity-defying downhill slopes is on one of the many mountain bike trails around Manali. Operators such as Himalayan Bike Bar can rent out sturdy bikes and help arrange transport to the top of the trails and pick-up services at the bottom.
Practicalities: Based in Manali, Himalayan Inder Motors has a long history of renting motorcycles for trips over the Rohtang La. If you prefer the comfort of a guide, Motorcycle Expeditions, Hardev Motors, and Himalayan Raiders all organize trips from Manali.
Start early from Manali to tackle the first obstacle along the road – the Rohtang La can become gridlocked with traffic by late morning (even mountain passes can experience traffic snarls in India!). Moreover, take it slow to give your body ample time to acclimatize, as the road climbs to a height where altitude sickness can become an issue. The prime time for road trips is mid-June to mid-October; at other times, the road may be snowed under and closed to traffic.
Wet and Wild in the Kullu Valley
If you can momentarily divert your attention from the towering mountains on all sides, the rivers streaming down from the Himalaya provide ample opportunities for exhilarating rafting. Himachal Pradesh’s favorite rafting river, the Beas, traces a path through the Kullu Valley south of Manali, offering abundant white water ranging from Grade 2 to Grade 4 between Pirdi and Jhiri, about 14km downstream.
Practicalities: The longest ride lasts around an hour and 20 minutes; however, rafting is unavailable during the monsoon from July to August, and few trips operate in the depths of winter. Agents in Manali and along the Kullu Valley, as well as at the take-out point at Jhiri, offer daily rafting experiences during the season. Don your safety gear, take the plunge, and prepare to be soaked with plenty of icy mountain water. You’ll be so thrilled that you’ll hardly complain, and changing rooms are available at Jhiri.
Driving Off the Map in Himachal Pradesh
You’ll need to venture off the highway, and sometimes even completely off the road, to properly explore Lahaul and Spiti. These linked valley systems north of Manali are essential stops on the journey north to Ladakh; however, a detour east leads into a rugged moonscape whose allure is its sheer starkness. As green valleys give way to raw rock, the path becomes little more than a dirt track, crossing stream beds lined with rough boulders. Long stretches on either side of the tiny district capital, Kaza, may reveal only the tiniest traces of civilization.
Practicalities: This expedition is popular among rally drivers – and hopefuls – yet few overseas visitors rent cars for self-driving in India. Fortunately, the adventure remains thrilling even with someone else at the wheel. Jeep operators in Manali and Keylong possess extensive experience running trips through the Spiti Valley and onward to Kinnaur in eastern Himachal Pradesh.
