For sheer geographical diversity, few places in the world are as richly endowed as Himachal Pradesh. Low rolling hills, just a couple of hundred meters above sea level, climb on to touch the core of the Himalaya mountains. Here lie peaks that are several thousand meters high and never lose their perennial snows. Then, past these forbidding heights, lie the visually stunning cold deserts of the Trans Himalaya.

Rivers in deep gorges and placid mountains lakes, thick forest and acres of spree, mountain sides draped in snow, and green alpine meadows, all form a part of this immense spectrum. And the possibilities for a wide range of adventure activities is enormous. There are day-hikes by the thousand, and trek routes follow trails that last couple of days or can even extend over few weeks. These vary from gentle walks over easy terrain, to grueling expeditions. There is skiing, heliskiing and ice-skating. there is the thrill of paragliding and the test of stamina with mountain-cycling. You can go camping and fishing and play golf or take a safari by car, jeep or on motorcycle. Then there is mountaineering and rock climbing. All you have to do is make up your mind and select your own activity. No special training is required for most things, age is no consideration and all you need is reasonable level of fitness. Equipment, training and instructors are available. And then, all this comes at a fraction of what it would cost elsewhere in the world.

Golf

At Naldera, 23 km. from beyond Shimla is one of the oldest golf courses in India. The course, whose topography is absolutely natural, was originally placed by the British Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon, at the turn of the centuary. He was so enhanted by the spot that he named one of his daughters 'Naldera' after the spot. This is a par 68, nine hole course which is regarded as one of the most challenging in the country. In the repeat nine, the yardage some - what increases. The links are maintained by Himachal Tourism and accomodation is available at Hotel Golf Glade. There are other hotels in the private sector near Naldera.

Annandale, in Shimla has nine hole course managed by the army and there is another at the exquisite glade of Khajjiar, 22 km from Dalhousie and 24 km from Chamba. Putting greens are available at several resorts and hotels. Golf courses are also coming up elsewhere in the state.

Trekking

The main trekking areas in Himachal are the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges, routes over the passes between the Shimla region and the Kullu valley, the numerous treks out of Kullu and select tracks in the Trans-Himalyan regions of Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti. Most trekking areas are between 1500 metres and 6000 metres.
With well over two hundred and seventy defined trails, the variation in terrain is also enormous.
Low scrub-land and paths through paddy fields, give way to trails strewn with pine needles. Then come woods of oak and flowering rhododendron, which merge into forest of Himalyan cedar - 'deodar' - and spruce. On most trails, small pastoral hamlets dot the way. Cunningly hidden between the high mountains are passes which were once known only to migrant shepherds and dare all traders. These lead to the fabulous wastes and swift rivers of the arid Trans-Himalya. A host of combinations and variations take the trails through changing countryside. The degree of physical output can also be changed to suit your requirements. For example, the same trek can be developed from a week to last longer. Or, the two ends of a trek can be the same, but the trails can be designed to be taxing, or gentle.
There are several agencies that conduct treks. Guides, equipment, porters, pack animals and maps are available at major starting points. The old Forest 'dak bunglows' that are strategically placed along many trek routes, add a considerable measure of nostalgic charm and convenience for trekkers. Practically all have an aura of the past, and lie nestled in deep woods. In addition, the State Electricity Board and the PWD also have rest houses. Most of these are marked out on trekking maps and advance booking is possible. The Forest Rest Houses are booked by the area's Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) and the PWD and Electricity Board ones are booked by the concerned Executive Engineer.
Training facilities, with basic and intermediate courses are available at Manali's (Kullu) Mountaineering Institute and at its Regional centres at Dharamsala (Kangra) and Bharmour (Chamba). Excellent camping facilities exists at these points.

Heli Skiing

For high mountain thrills perhaps nothing can surpass the magic of heli-skiing. Under a deep blue sky, you are carried by a helicopter to a snow-draped peak. And after that there is nothing except steadiely distancing whirr of rotor blades, the sky and the snow. It is a thrilling experience as you rapidly zoom down the slopes. The icy winds slaps your face and the swiftly slithering hiss of skies remindes you that you are racing away on your own steam.

The sport is available in the area bound by Hanuman Tibba, Rohtang Pass, Deo Tibba and Chanderkhani Pass near the resort town of Manali (Kullu). A major feature is the compactness of heli skiing area. A sortie of ten minutes can carry the skiers to the top of a 14000 feet high slope.

Skiing

Kufri, near Shimla is one of the oldest places in India to be associated with skiing and the slopes are still in use during winter. Above Kufri, the Mahasu ridge also has good slopes.
Comprehensive facilities exist at Narkanda, 64 km from Shimla. There is a range of slopes, including a beginer's run, an advanced slope and a slalom run. Himachal Tourism offers ski courses, instruction and has equipment on hire at Narkanda.

At Manali (Kullu), the Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports offers a variety of courses and facilities for skiing are possible in the Solang area near Manali. There are also some companies in the private sector that offer ski courses and allied facilities.

Ice Skating

The Shimla ice-skating rink has the largest open-air area with naturally frozen ice in this part of the world. The Ice Skating Club has already celebrated its Diamond Jubilee.

Ice-skating normally begins in early December and carries on to February. Clear skies and low temperatures provide series of uninterrupted sessions. There are two sessions every day, in the morning and in the evening.

Membership is available for the season as well as for shorter terms and even for single sessions. Skates are available at the rink.

Fancy dress carnivals, 'gymkhanas' ice-hockey and dances enliven every season.