These Thrilling Adventure Activities in Uttarakhand Will Force You To Make Travel Plans Right Now

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Uttarakhand is one of the top adventure destinations in India. Every year thousands of thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies travel to various locations in the state to enjoy adventure sports such as trekking, white water rafting, camping etc. There is an endless list of Adventure Activities in Uttarakhand; you need to be brave enough and old enough to enjoy them.

Thanks to its unique topography and abundance of natural beauty Paragliding is among the most famous Adventure Activities in Uttarakhand. Auli often referred to as the skiing capital of India is a haven for skiers, snowboarders and is frequented by tourist from India and overseas.

There are numerous places to visit in Uttarakhand to enjoy adventure sports, but among them, Rishikesh is perhaps the most popular. Not only is Rishikesh breathtakingly beautiful it is a haven for adventure enthusiasts, nature lovers and those with a passion or photography.

April-October is when most activities are conducted in the region, so, make sure you memorise our list of Adventure Activities in Uttarakhand before you head of to test your limits and enjoy some truly memorable moments.

Here is a list of the top Adventure Activities in Uttarakhand:

1. Trekking in The Himalayas

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There are numerous thing’s to do in Uttarakhand. However, trekking in the Himalayas is perhaps the best amongst them all. Make sure trekking in these might mountain ranges are at the top of your list of Adventure Activities in Uttarakhand.

• Best Time to go: April-October
• Where to go: Valley of Flowers, Bedni Bugyal, Kauri pass, Ropp Kund etc.
• Duration: Treks range between 1 day and can last up to 10 Days at a time
• Ideal For: People with reasonably good health and endurance
• Average Cost PP: Costs vary depending on duration and inclusion/ Approx. INR 6000/- to INR 25,000 PP
• Things to carry: Camping Gear, Hiking Shoes, Water Bottles, Packaged Food, etc.

Read this: Five most exciting trekking trails in India

2. Paragliding

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The unique topography and breath-taking landscape of the Himalayas offer the perfect background for Paragliding; hence you must include this fun activity on your list of Adventure Activities in Uttarakhand. 

• Best Time to go: April-October
• Where to go: Bir-Billing, Manali, Mukteshwar and Ranikhet
• Duration: 1-2 hours
• Ideal For: Anyone who’s brave enough
• Average Cost PP: Approx. INR 1500/- PP, may vary depending on location
• Things to carry: Nothing, all gear is provided

3. Skiing

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Uttarakhand Tourism has been booming in the past ten years, thanks to a host of adventure activities that the region has to offer, including the likes of skiing and snowboarding in the beautiful Auli.

• Best Time to go: January-February
• Where to go: Auli
• Duration: As long as last
• Ideal For: Anyone, prior skiing experience is not required but is preferred
• Average Cost PP: Free unless you hire gear or book ski lessons
• Things to carry: Ski gear, although you can hire shoes, equipment, clothing etc.

4. White Water Rafting

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Rishikesh is among the top Uttarakhand attractions, and it’s also the adventure capital of Uttarakhand. Most if not all Adventure Activities in Uttarakhand are conducted in this small religious city with a big heart. Whitewater rafting is among the most famous activity in the region. Although you can enjoy it in other parts of the county, the experience in Rishikesh is surreal and 100% unmatched.

• Best Time to go: April-October
• Where to go: Rishikesh
• Duration: 3-4 Hours
• Ideal For: Anyone
• Average Cost PP: INR 1000/- PP onwards
• Things to carry: Extra pair of clothes

Must Try: 7 Reasons to Try River Rafting in Rishikesh at Least Once in Your Lifetime

 5.Camping

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If you are in the process of booking your Uttarakhand Tour Package, make sure you include a day or two of outdoor camping. Camping is a very safe and family-friendly activity. You can book a river rafting package in Rishikesh that may arise including camping by the banks of the holy river Ganges. In the evening, guests often gather around campfire and trade stories, experiences, play games and sing songs. It’s a remarkable and fun activity you can enjoy with the whole family.

• Best Time to go: April-October
• Where to go: Kanatal, Seoria Tal, Corbet National Park, Pangot, Bhimtal etc.
• Duration: 1-2 days, longer if you are on a trek
• Ideal For: Anyone, but avoid if you have young children
• Average Cost PP: INR 2500/- Per Person, Per Night onwards
• Things to carry: Personal items, everything else is provided

6. Elephants Safaris

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Perhaps the most children friendly and family friendly Adventure Activities in Uttarakhand is a fun and thrilling Elephant Safari. These gentle giants can be found in Jim Corbet and Rajaji National Park. And don’t worry about the unethical treatment of animals and they are given the very best of care and allowed to thrive in their natural environment.

• Best Time to go: December- February
• Where to go: Corbet National Park, Rajaji National Park
• Duration: 1-2 Hours
• Ideal For: Photography and nature enthusiast
• Average Cost PP: INR 500/ – PP onwards
• Things to carry: Cameras

7. Bungee Jumping

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One of the most Adventure Activities in Uttarakhand, Bungee Jumping, can be enjoyed at Mohan Chatti near Rishikesh. The bungee is operated by a retired army officer, and the operations are overseen by train individuals from New Zealand, the Kiwis are notoriously famous for their insane bungee experiences and safety standards.

• Best Time to go: March-April, October-Mid-November
• Where to go: Mohan Chatti near Rishikesh
• Duration: 1-2 Hours
• Ideal For: Anyone above the age of 12
• Average Cost PP: Approx. INR 3550/- PP
• Things to carry: Nothing, all gear is provided

Also read: Uttarakhand – A heady concoction of travel indulgences

8. Ziplining

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Ziplining aka Flying fox is one of the few adventure activities that can be enjoyed by young children. The activity is very safe with little to risk factor. You can do it multiple times; there are varying lengths of the zip cord and an unlimited guarantee of fun.

• Best Time to go: March-April, October-Mid-November
• Where to go: Mohan Chatti near Rishikesh
• Duration: 1-2 Hours
• Ideal For: Anyone above the age of 12
• Average Cost PP: Approx. INR 1800/- PP
• Things to carry: Nothing, all gear is provided

9. Canoeing and Paddling

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Another family and age-friendly activity would be canoeing and paddling. If you have experience and are brave enough, then you can hire your boat or else have an experienced rower on board, hence significantly minimising any risk factor. Knowing how to swim is not a pre-requisite, although knowing how to swim is always helpful.

• Best Time to go: Early March-April
• Where to go: Rishikesh
• Duration: 2 hours
• Ideal For: Anyone
• Average Cost PP: Approx. INR 1000/- PP onwards, lessons may cost extra
• Things to carry: Change of clothing, everything else is provided

10. Cable Car Rides

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Not exactly an adventure activity but being propelled several thousand feet above sea level can be quite thrilling and adventurous for many. If you want to enjoy some spectacular and stunning view of Uttarakhand’s landscape, we suggest you ride the cable car in Nainital. Bear in mind; visitors have restricted access once at the viewing point, this is to ensure that all visitors get a chance to enjoy the scenic beauty of the region.

• Best Time to go: All year round
• Where to go: Auli, Nainital
• Duration: 1-2 hours (Visitors have restricted access to up to 1 hour at the viewing point)
• Ideal For: Anyone
• Average Cost PP: Approx. INR 150 Per Adult Both Ways; Approx. INR 100 Per Child (3 to 12 years) Both Ways
• Things to carry: Cameras

11. Cliff Jumping

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Cliff jumping is an add-on activity when you book a river rafting tour. You can book the activity separately, but it can be expensive and time-consuming. You can cliff jump from varying heights and choose depending on whatever you are comfortable with.

• Best Time to go: April-October
• Where to go: Rishikesh
• Duration: Usually done after the completion of your rafting tour
• Ideal For: Anyone
• Average Cost PP: Included in the cost of your river rafting
• Things to carry: Nothing, all gear is provided

12. Rappelling

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If you are not in the mood to scale the steep mountains, you could perhaps rappel of off one. In fact, in Rishikesh, you can even rappel down a waterfall, now that sounds like fun and something we are sure you would want to try.

• Best Time to go: April-October
• Where to go: Rishikesh
• Duration: 1-2 Hours
• Ideal For: Anyone
• Average Cost PP: Approx. INR 600/- PP onwards
• Things to carry: Nothing, all gear is provided. But if you are rappelling down a waterfall, you may want to carry a change of clothing.

Most Recommended: Top 50 Hill Stations In India

13. Giant Swing

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Conducted alongside the bungee, the giant swing is another thrilling activity, if you have never tried bungee before, perhaps try out the swing first as it’s a little less intimidating.

• Best Time to go: March-April, October-Mid-November
• Where to go: Mohan Chatti near Rishikesh
• Duration: 1-2 Hours
• Ideal For: Anyone above the age of 12
• Average Cost PP: Approx. INR 3550/- PP
• Things to carry: Nothing, all gear is provided

14. Mountain Biking

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A very popular activity in Rishikesh. Tourists often rent bikes for the day and explore the city and its surrounding area by themselves. Make sure you are safe, know where you are going and try sticking to a group. This is a fun activity for families, couples and solo travellers.

• Best Time to go: April-October
• Where to go: Rishikesh
• Duration: 1-2 hours
• Ideal For: Anyone with previous biking experience, this is not for the amateurs or the faint-hearted.
• Bike Rentals: Approx. INR 400/- Per Bike for 12 hours
• Things to carry: Safety Helmets and water bottles

15. Waterfall Trekking

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There are three waterfalls in Rishikesh, all located close to one another. This is a fun activity and doesn’t require a lot of physical agility. Young children with especially enjoy this one, as there will be numerous chances to get wet. Trekking is virtually free, you don’t need any assistance or guidance, and there are always people around just in case you need help.

• Best Time to go: April-October, although you may want to avoid heavy monsoon season
• Where to go: Neer Garh Waterfall, Garud Chatti Waterfall and Phool Chatti Waterfall, all located in Rishikesh
• Duration: As long as you like
• Ideal For: Anyone
• Average Cost PP: Entry Ticket of approx. 30/- PP, you can also book a trekking tour that may cost extra
• Things to carry: Change of clothing, footwear, water, food, cameras etc.

Adventure Travel Tips:

1. Make sure you inform someone about your trip, leave behind a detailed itinerary and emergency contact number.
2. Don’t wander off on your own, don’t interact with strangers unless they are a part of your travel group and always stay within reach of people.
3. Make sure you pack all your personal effects such as medications, clothing’s, torch lights, sleeping bags/mats, insect repellent etc.
4. Pay attention to all safety instructions and follow them down to the last word. Adventure activities as thrilling as they maybe can be quite dangerous and sometimes life-threatening.
5. Make sure you book through a reliable and trusted source and ensure they quote you the best price for each activity.
6. Last but not least, the minimum age of all these activities in 12 years, so no matter how much you children insist, please don’t have them attempt these activities.

Suggested: Amazing Trekking Routes of India

So, now that you are familiar with all the Adventure Activities in Uttarakhand, you can choose which ones you would like to try. Make sure you are safe and well prepared. As fun as these activities may be, careless attitude can prove quite fatal.

And don’t worry Adventure Activities in Uttarakhand, is not the only thing you can enjoy in the region. The beauty of Uttarakhand is unparalleled there are many luxury resorts and hotels where you can enjoy a comfortable stay, spa session, natures delight and overall memorable vacation.

Our Uttarakhand holiday packages will acquaint you with the quaint beauty of Uttarakhand.