Uttarakhand, often known as “the land of gods”, is known for its rich spiritual and adventure culture. From river rafting and bungee jumping in Rishikesh to trekking in the Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand has something to offer for every kind of traveller. Whether you are a nature enthusiast looking to trek and explore the Himalayan state or you are up for some thrilling adventure, Uttarakhand has it all. Here is a list of the top 16 things to do in Uttarakhand for adventure lovers.
1. Rafting
River rafting attracts a lot of crowds to Uttarakhand’s Rishikesh town, famously known as the “Yoga Capital of the World”. It’s a great thing to do for adventure lovers. However, there are also some other places in Uttarakhand where you can enjoy the flow of water and raft around with your group of friends on a raft. It is one of the most popular adventure sports in Uttarakhand.
Best Time for Rafting: Rafting happens all year round, other than monsoon, but the best months to raft are March to May and September to November.
2. Trekking
If you love nature and exploring, trekking in Uttarakhand has numerous options for you. There are some famous treks like the Tungnath trek and Kedar Kantha, and you can go on exploring the Valley of Flowers for a thrill-seeking adventure in the Himalayas.
While trekking in Uttarakhand, you can explore waterfalls, spot majestic Himalayan peaks and small villages, and experience the untouched beauty of some known and some off-the-beaten paths.
Best Time For Trekking: Trekking should be avoided during the monsoon season. Other than that, the most suitable time for trekking is February to June and September to November, when the temperature is not that harsh.
3. Bungee Jumping
Bungee jumping should be on your bucket list if you’re into adventure. A trip to Uttarakhand would be incomplete if you missed the chance to jump over the rocky river and enjoy the freedom it gives you. Bungee jumping is a popular adventure in Rishikesh, and one needs to be courageous and carefree to indulge in this activity. Make sure to be mentally and physically well prepared to do bungee jumping.
Best Time for Bungee Jumping: September to June are the best months for bungee jumping as the sky is clear; avoid during monsoons as there would be no view.
4. Paragliding
A must-do activity in Uttarakhand is to witness the views of the Himalayas from a bird’s eye. Popular destinations for paragliding are Ranikhet, Mukteshwar, and Pithoragarh. Enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayas from these destinations and soar high in the clear sky.
Best Time for Paragliding: March to June and September to October are the best months for paragliding.
5. Camping
Camping is another adventure that can be done in Uttarakhand, and famous places for camping are Lansdowne, Chopta, Dhanaulti, and Rishikesh. Lie down on green meadows. Enjoy the lush greenery of the surroundings, and at night, indulge in activities like stargazing and bonfires and enjoy with your company.
Best Time for Camping: Summer and autumn are the best times for camping.
6. Skiing
Skiing is the most adventurous activity that can be done in Uttarakhand. Auli is the most famous place to go skiing in Uttarakhand, and Mundali is also there. In February and March, there is also a skiing festival that is organised every year in Auli. Plan accordingly to enjoy the adventure sports.
Best Time for Skiing: November to February.
7. Rappelling
Rappelling is another fun and thrilling activity to do in Uttarakhand. A very recent addition to Uttarakhand’s adventure sports. A fun and thrilling activity where you are harnessed to a rope and climb down the hard rock. Avoid planning during the rainy season. Rishikesh and Mussorie are the best places to do rappelling.
Best time for rappelling: March to October.
8. Zip Lining
Another popular adventure in Rishikesh. Get to experience this activity, witnessing the gorgeous views of the River Ganga and cherishing the beauty of the surroundings, and make unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
Best Time for Zip-Lining: All year round, except during monsoons.
9. Wildlife Safari
To experience the wild side of North India, visit the Jim Corbett National Park, where you can spot numerous types of wildlife. Here, you can book a jeep and take a tour of the national park, spotting different animals along the way.
Best Time for Wild Safari: October to February are considered the best months to visit Jim Corbett National Park, as during this time, animals are out of their shelter, and there are high chances of you spotting them.
10. Cable car ride
Enjoy a cable car ride offering majestic views of the great Himalayas. A must-do activity for an adrenaline rush and a perfect activity that is a blend of both adventure and its beauty. Famous places where you can try cable car rides are Auli and Nainital. Auli has a longer ropeway as compared to the Nainital one.
Best Time For Cable Car Ride: All year round except in monsoon, as there would be no view.
11. Mountain Biking
The mountains are best explored by bike, and biking is the most thrilling activity one can do in Uttarakhand. Enjoy and explore the hidden gems of Uttarakhand with your loved ones on two-wheelers. Some popular routes for biking are the
- Nainital – Bhawali – Ramgarh – Mukteshwar route.
- The Nainital – Bhawali – Sattal – Bhimtal – Naukuchiatal route.
- Thakurdwara to Ramnagar on the outskirts of Corbett Park.
- From Rudraprayag – Augustmuni – Ukhimath – Chopta – Gopeshwar.
- Srinagar – Pauri – Khirsu – Pawbo – Satpuli – Lansdowne – Kotdar route
- Haridwar – Dhaulkhand – Mohand – Dehradun route
Best Time for Mountain Biking: October to December are the best months.
12. Water Zorbing
Water zorbing is another fun activity to do, especially for kids. Imagine yourself zorbing around the water, pushing the ball, and playing with your company. It’s like spending 15 minutes of your time exercising and giggling around. The best place to try this activity is in Bhimtal Lake.
Best time for water zorbing: throughout the year.
13. Boating
Boating on Naini Lake in Uttarakhand’s Nainital is a must-do activity while you are there. The eye-shaped lake provides one with a stunning view of the surroundings. You can try boating at other smaller lakes like Bhimtal and Naukuchiatal as well, but the most famous is at Naini Lake, Nainital.
Best time for boating: Throughout the year except monsoon season.
14. Hot Air balloon Ride
If you want to experience the stunning views of the mountains from a bird’s eye, try out the hot air balloon ride in Uttarakhand’s Bhimtal. This high-end adventure is the best thing to do in Uttarakhand for adventure lovers. Get to experience this ride and make memories with your loved ones.
Best Time for a Hot Air Balloon Ride: March to June and September to November are the best months, as the sky is clear and the atmosphere is vibrant.
15. Sky Cycling
If you are looking to experience the beauty of nature from a thrilling perspective, sky cycling is the best activity and a perfect blend of thrill and nature’s beauty. In this, the cycle is harnessed around the rope, where you can cycle up high in the sky. Rishikesh and Mussorie offer the best sky cycling experience.
Best Time for Cycling: All year round.
16. Sky Walk
It could be an experience worth trying, perfect for adventure enthusiasts to test their balance on a rope and their confidence. Skywalking is a thrilling experience one can have while enjoying the views of the surrounding Himalayan landscapes. Sky walking can be experienced in Uttarakhand’s Dhanaulti, a place about 2-3 hours away from Mussorie.
Best time for sky walking: Throughout the year.
Conclusion: Top 16 Things to do in Uttarakhand for Adventure Lovers
A paradise for travellers, Uttarakhand is the perfect blend of adventure and nature. From experiencing rafting in Rishikesh to soaring up high in the sky while paragliding in Almora, Uttarakhand is home to various kinds of adventure sports. You name it, and Uttarakhand has it. So plan your trip to this stunning Himalayan state and get to experience the beauty of nature and the thrill of these adventure sports and make everlasting memories with your loved ones. For More such informative article related to Uttarakhand visit Uttarakhand Magazine!
