If you are venturing to Indian side of Himalayas, you must check out this awesome list of things to do in Himalayas. Himalayas, which in Hindi means ‘abode of the snow’; attract tourists from across the globe for different reasons. For some it is an ideal tourist destination or an adventure hot spot and for some, a place of spiritual awakening; but no one is left untouched by the beauty and magnificence of this mysterious paradise.
If you are planning a trip to Himalayan region of India, then here’s a comprehensive guide to help you figure out some of the best activities to enjoy in Indian Himalayas.
Adventure Activities to do in Himalayas
Who seek a thrill in life reach out to the hills, to stir their senses. Out of many mountain ranges, Indian Himalayas provide better opportunities to the adventure seekers.
Bungee jumping in Rishikesh
One of the craziest adventure sports of the world, bungee jumping enlivens every inch of your body and your senses. The adventure involves jumping off a cliff or helicopter from a great height. Dump your concerns about getting hurt or something as you are always taught safety measures and a thick string is clasped in your back to ensure you don’t fall off. If you want to try this adventure in Indian Himalayas then Rishikesh is a perfect destination to indulge in bungee jumping and some other adventurous activities.
Helli Skiing in Gulmarg
You ride a snowboard, head downhill and a helicopter accesses you. Heli-skiing can be enjoyed on selected destinations of India and Gulmarg in Kashmir valley is one of the best destination to enjoy Helli Skiing in northern region of Indian Himalayas. There are unspoiled mountains, highest mountains peaks and a ideal environment to go for Helli Skiing.
Mountain Biking in Ladakh
Your beloved bike deserves to skim on the Land of High Passes, Ladakh. A biker loves challenges, and that’s what Biking in Ladakh is all about; but in the end it is all downright rewarding. The restless breezes, blue sky, rugged mountains, miles of serenity are what combine to make Ladakh a heaven for mountain bike lovers.
Paragliding in Bir Billing (Himachal Pradesh)
Bir Billing in Himachal Pradesh is a second most popular destination for paragliding in the world (first being Lake Como in Italy). The ridge in Bir Billing is located at an elevation of 7874 ft; this is the launch point of the same. The para gliders land in the fields of a Tibetan colony, at the western edge, in Chowgan. So yea! You can now talk to the wind with a colorful parachute to guard you from falling. If it excites you! We can make all the arrangements for your paragliding trip to Bir Billing, Himachal Pradesh.
Skiing in Manali (Himachal Pradesh)
Skiing is yet another sports adventure that is loved by a great number of adventure-enthusiasts. The skier drifts through the snow as he stands on a board and handles his moves with one stick in each hand. Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh get thronged every year as people coming from different parts of the world indulge in this enthralling affair. So why to wait? Checkout our Himachal tour packages to get one-stop solution for your all travel needs.
Spa and Ayurveda in Himalayas
The combination of Himalayas and Ayurveda is refreshing and to give the best experience of the same, many spas and Ayurveda resorts were built here. Some of the best spa and Ayurveda resorts in Indian Himalayas put great effort to please the customer with perfection and luxury. Below are the list for some of them
Wildflower Hall Shimla
One of the best luxurious spa resort in Himachal Pradesh, Wildflower Hall, Shimla hosts exclusive yoga, massage and Ayurvedic treatments. Indoor as well as outdoor sessions are topped up with exotic backdrop. This beautiful resort offers massage therapies, revitalizing body therapies, skin & nail care, signature indigenous rituals, specialty baths and Ayurvedic therapies.
JW Marriot Mussoorie
With a rejuvenating spa and a soulful location, JW Marriot an amazing spa resort in Mussoorie. Jw Marriot Mussoorie specializes in body scrub, eye treatments, facials, hair & scalp treatments, body wraps, makeup services, manicure/pedicure, therapy baths, couple’s massage and men’s services.
Khyber Himalayan Resort Gulmarg
Not just the treatment, but the locations are par-excellence; making your way to rejuvenation even easier. Followed by the “Welcome Ritual”, Khyber Spa resort in Gulmarg gets you into indulgence of a luxurious and holistic well-being experience.
Ananda in Rishikesh
Located in lap of Himalayas, Ananda Resort in Rishikesh is a world famous resort for it’s spa & Ayurveda treatments.
If you are searching about best spa and Ayurveda resorts in Indian Himalayas, then you can checkout the details of Ananda resort, which is just 250 km and 5 hour drive from Delhi.
Moksha Spa Parwanoo
Located in the Shivalik Hills of Himalaya, Moksha Spa Parwanoo is a heaven for Ayurveda and Yoga activities in Himachal Pradesh. The Moksha Spa offers treatments that focus on seven energy centers that refresh your entity.
Wildlife in Himalayas
As most of Himalayan region is covered with dense forest, there is no doubt that this fantasy is home to expansive number of wildlife species.
Great Himalayan National Park Kullu
With 365 fauna species, 31 mammals, 181 birds, and indeed an expansive ecosystem, Great Himalayan National Park in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh declared world heritage sites in 2014 and one of the best wildlife park in Himachal Pradesh. The national park has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its “exceptional natural beauty and conservation of biological diversity”.
Jim Corbett National Park (Nainital)
One of the most visited national park in Himalayan region of India, Jim Corbett National Park is located in Naintal district of Uttarakhand. It is home to the endangered Bengal Tiger and was the first park to come under the Project Tiger Initiative. The park is also home to a wide variety of flora, fauna, avifauna, amphibians, mammals and insects.
Chail Sanctuary Solan
Spread over an area of 110 km sq, Chail wildlife Sanctuary is popular for rich flora and fauna like sambar, leopard, wild boar, Indian muntjac and rhesus macaque etc.
Pilgrimage sites in Himalayas
India is a diversified country. Every religion has its own way of bonding with the Holy Spirit. There are thousands of sacred shrines that bind the faith of pilgrims around the world belonging to different religions. There are many temples, churches, mosques and Gurudwaras in the Himalayas that are ancient and hold huge significance; it’s time now to know more about them.
Char Dham
Char dham means four destinations. In Hindu mythology, these four destinations are considered the abode of god. Visiting these four spots at least once in lifetime is believed to be one of the major life goals for a Hindu. There are two chardham circuits; Chota Char Dham and Bada Char Dham (Small and Big). The four spots of Chota Char Dham of Himalayas are located in Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. You can explore all these holy destinations with our Char Dham yatra packages.
Amarnath Cave
One of the most significant shrines of Lord Shiva, Amarnath cave is located in the mountains of Jammu and Kashmir, at an altitude of 3888 m. Pilgrims can take a tour on foot and walk few miles to reach the temple and offer their sincere prayers. If anyone need of Helicopter to do this yatra then we have a great collection of tour packages to reach Amarnath cave by Helicopter.
Vaishno Devi Temple
Dedicated to Hindu Goddess Vaishno Mata, the temple is located in Jammu region. Vaishno Devi Temple is one of the 108 Shakti Peethas and it is located at a high altitude where thousands of pilgrims visit it every day by trekking or taking a helicopter ride. If you are interested in any of them! Then you can checkout our travel packages for Mata Vaishno Devi.
Baijnath temple
Baijnath Temple is one of the twelve jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Located on 50 Km from Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh), the temple dates back to 13th century and have many legends that elevate its importance.
Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara
Located at a height of 15000 m above sea level, is an important Sikh pilgrimage site in Himalaya. According to Bachitra Natak, it is believed that the tenth Sikh Guru Gobind Singh spent time here meditating amid seven peaks adorned with snow. If you wish to visit this holy shrine then you should check out a package that takes you to the valley of flower and to Hemkund sahib Gurudwara.
Manikaran Gurudwara
Located near Kullu Manali, Manikaran Gurudwara is perched at an altitude of 1760 m above sea level. The Gurudwara is of equal importance for Hindus and Sikhs alike. The Gurudwara was built to commemorate the visit of Guru Nanak here.
Shankracharya Temple Srinagar
Also known as Jyesteshwara Temple or Pas-Pahar, Shankaracharya Temple is located in Srinagar and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is situated on a ridge at a height of 1000 ft above sea level. Its history dates back to 200 BC and sits on a solid rock. Pilgrims heading to Amarnath stop here for darshans.
Neelam Talreja
Neelam Talreja is a Travel Writer with a keen interest in writing about incredible destinations. Her write-ups are detailed and comprising of all relevant details that could accommodate. All write-ups are written after thorough research with a blend of creative writing that will make you travel along.
Nice post…! most needed tips and guides…thanks for sharing..the pictures are amazing….Loved it…..I like those colourful small flags that hangs through out the mountain regions…..The gong and the bell sounds from the monasteries and the breezy wind flow by you will surely lift your spirit to the next level.
This is so helpful!
I really loved the picture you have edited for showing the full path of a para glider.