Hill Station

Fishing: The Lidder River has excellent fishing beats for brown trout. The fishing season stretches from April to September. Permits are issued, for a maximum of three days at a time, on a first-come - first-served basis and are charged on a per day per rod basis. Fishing equipment can be hired in Srinagar. Live baits and spinning are not allowed. For permits contact the Directorate of Fisheries, Tourist Reception Centre, Srinagar.

Trekking: Spell bounding natural setting, adventurous trekking trails, snow capped undulated hilly terrain and the pleasant climate during springs and summers make the trekking expedition in Pahalgam a wonderful experience. Formidable mountain ranges, amazing valleys and plateaus make the region of Pahalgam suitable for all types of trekking, mild to very challenging.

Pahalgam-Suru Valley, Boktal Pass, Lonvilad Gali are all perfect trekking trails connecting Pahalgam. Pahalgam serves as the base camp for many trekkers. Mountaineering routes and trekking trails are all challenging for the adventurous travelers. Day treks and hikes are usual tourist activity in this region.

Breathtaking Kolahoi Glacier which goes via Aru is one of the most popular trekking route. Trek from Pahalgam to Chandanwari and to Sheshnag lake, trek from Sonamarg to Pahalgam are all really worth experiencing.

Golf : Pahalgam has a fine golf course at a height of 2,400 mts above the sea level. Pahalgam Golf Club has 9-hole golf course, which is open for tourists. Golf equipments can be hired from the Pahalgam Tourist Office.

Horse Riding : Horse riding is one of the most interesting adventure options at Pahalgam. Tourists can hire ponies directly or through the Tourist Office. Tariff boards are displayed at all the important locations of Pahalgam.

Golfing Holidays: Gulmarg in summers - It is for golfing that Gulmarg has long been famous. The Gulmarg Golf Club has been in existence for over a hundred years and there are records, dating from that time, which make fascinating reading. The Clubhouse itself, reminiscent of a Swiss chalet with its quaintly sloping roof, has a rare old character. Temporary members are also welcome: the payment of a daily fee entitles one to play 18 holes on course maintained by the State Tourism Department. A limited supply of golfing equipment is available for hire.

Horse Riding: This is the best activity by which all the sites of Gulmarg can be seen. Horses can be hired directly or through the Tourist Office.

Skiing: Skiing and snowboarding are two main activities which can be carried out in Gulmarg and it has become the most popular spot for skiing in India. Winter comes here with all its majesty and snow falling makes the landscape covered with thick glossy smooth snow. Long run Skiing is the major attraction for all kinds of tourists in Gulmarg.

Many ski resorts with all kinds of facilities for skiing and also for enjoyable vacations are out there in Gulmarg attracting huge flow of domestic and foreign tourists. A tourist can get the help of skiing guides from the resorts or government shops. They offer all supports for an enthralling and exciting skiing vacation in Gulmarg.

Sledging: Sledging at Gulmarg - A flat wooden board is taken up the hilltop and, without a navigator, allowed to slide downhill on the snow-covered slopes. Sledges as well as sledge-pullers are always available on hire. . There are also snow scooters and snow bobbing, neither requiring special skills.

Trekking: Gulmarg is a very popular trekking base in the Himalayan regions. Many trekking trails offering medium to hard adventurous trekking originates from the hilly terrains of Gulmarg. There are many resorts offering all supports for trekking expeditions and also there are many skilled guides.

Gulmarg-Khilanmarg, Gulmarg-Apharwat and Gulmarg-Alapther trekking trails are very popular among the trekking enthusiasts. The trekking through the breathtaking undulated snow covered sloppy Himalayan ranges is really an adventurous experience to extol. Majestic views of Namga Parbat, enchanting snow covered valleys and dense forests make the trekking in Gulmarg a wonderful experience for any traveler.

Trekking
The trek towards the Valley begins at Govind Ghat. The crisscross mule trail uncurls all the way through mounting valley of lovely fields and shrubbery. After three kilometers of trek, there is a tiny locale by name, Pulna from where the ramble becomes much enticing with the views of glittering snowy peaks, gushing cascade and marvelous streams. The entire field looks as if painted with delicate colours. One can get some refreshments from the teashops on the sides of the way.

In between the flowery meadows, majestic Laxman Ganga topples down and unites with Alaknanda. Trek through the left bank of Lakshman Ganga needs much strength since trekking paths becomes sharper and stiffer. After two kilometers of tiresome trek, the trekkers would reach at the base camp, Ghanghria.

Trekking the valley of flowers uncurls the pictorial beauty of nature and trekkers are expected to keep up the serenity of the surroundings.

Head for Trekking!
Trekking is best enjoyed in a group of friends. Chit-chatting, admiring scenic beauty, clicking pictures, etc, are just few reasons which always tempt people to go on trips. Trekking is also the best leisure activity that can be enjoyed by all age groups in Ranikhet. Amongst the popular trekking trails in the area, the one from Chaubatia Orchards to Holm Farm is quite popular. Then, there are trails from Chaubatia to Bhalu Dam, Ranikhet Club to Chevron Rosemount, Meghdoot to Jhula Devi Temple, and Chaubatia to the artificial lake - Bhalu Dam.

Nature Walks
When in Ranikhet, do not forget to indulge in nature walks, which will help you explore the beauty of the place in the best possible way. The best walking trails includes those from Nar Singh Ground to Meghdoot Hotel (via Ranikhet Club), from Meghdoot Hotel to Chaubatia, from Army Holiday Home to the AMU Guest House, from the Mall to the AMU Guest House, and from Jhula Devi Temple to the orchards of Chaubatia.

Explore Flora!
The beautiful plants and flowers, seen in Chaubattia orchards, make another good reason to visit this place. Originally known for growing apples, pears, peaches, apricots, plums, cherries, sweet chestnuts, quince, currants, gooseberries, figs, mulberries, strawberries and blackberries, these orchards now house the region’s first Horticulture Research Institute. Here, you can see a variety of amazing flowers, in different colors.

Try Fishing!
Bhalu Dam on Kosi River, a few kilometers from Chaubattia, is the place where anglers can enjoy fishing. But before this, you have to take prior permission from the Chief Wildlife Warden Dehradun.

Go Golfing!
Upat is just a few kilometers from Ranikhet, and offers great opportunity for golfing at high altitude. This 9-hole golf course is among the highest in the world. From here, it's always a pleasure to savor the spectacular view of snow peaks. However, you have to take permission for admission as well as playing, from the army, beforehand.

Boating
If you are one of the water enthusiasts coming to Mussoorie, do not forget to explore the joys of boating in the hill resort. Mussoorie Lake, one of the most popular picnic spots in the area, offers you boating facility, with marvelous view of surrounding valleys forming the backdrop. Then, you can also go for boating in Lake Mist, a newly developed picnic spot that is situated about 5 km before the Kempty falls, on the Mussoorie-Kempty road.

Nature Walks
If you go to Mussoorie and do not indulge in nature walks, consider your trip incomplete. From the Mall area of the hill station, you will find diversions to several interesting walks, bringing you right into the lap of nature. Some of the most popular options are:
Along the road below Savoy Hotel, from the Library head to Happy Valley
From Valley view to Clouds End
Towards Kapurthala Chateau and Waverly Convent, on to Company Bagh
In the hillsides of Landour
The Barlowganj area

Paragliding
Want to soar high in the sky and look at earth from miles above it? If yes, then on your next trip to Mussoorie, do make sure to indulge in paragliding. Mussoorie Lake, apart from boating and picnics, offers you the opportunity to go paragliding as well (if the weather and air permit).

Roller Skating
The youngsters will love to explore the numerous skating rinks in Mussoorie. The resort Jaypee Residency Manor houses an open air skating rink. Then, there is ‘The Rink’ in Kulri Bazaar and ‘Disco Skating Rink’ behind the Tourist Office in Mussoorie.

Trekking
Mussoorie serves as the base for a number of interesting treks, to the nearby areas. For instance, you can trek up to the Gangotri, Yamunotri, the Black Peak, Har-ki-Doon and other treks in the Garhwal Himalayas. Then, there is the option of explore the trekking trails in the nearby Himachal Pradesh as well. The closest place from Mussoorie, for indulging in trekking expeditions, is Barlowgunj, approximately two and a half kilometers away.

Mussoorie is the ideal place for adventure lovers and trekkers. Being surrounded by hills, there is a lot of scope for trekking in Mussoorie. You can comb the hills out through adventurous treks to various spots like Aglar river which is a trek from Lal Tibba, Park Estate, Bhadraj forest, Nag Tibba, to name a few.

The Himalayan Adventure Institute, along with various other activities like rock climbing, nature camps and river crossings, arranges the treks for those interested. Tourist bungalows or cottages can be arranged for the trekkers depending on the route taken. Try to avoid Rangan Gaon as the trek to this area could be dangerous.

Trout Fishing
If you are willing to drive to a few kilometers from Mussoorie, in the search of adventure, then Aglar River and Yamuna River would provide you with ample opportunities for trout fishing. However, you will have to take permits from the Divisional Forest Officer of Mussoorie beforehand.

Wildlife Sighting
The areas in and around Mussoorie are home to a rich and varied wildlife. If you are a nature lover, do not forget to visit Van Chetna Kendra, situated amidst pine forest and flowering shrubs, and have a look at the Ghurar, Kakar, Himalayan Peacock, Monal etc. Benog Mountain Quail Sanctuary is another place that you must visit on a trip to Mussoorie. Apart from the usual birds and animals, it also boasts of extinct bird species like Mountain Quail.

Explore Tea Gardens
A trip to Kausani will be considered incomplete if you do not plan a visit to the tea garden in the area. Amongst the most famous tea estates of Uttarakhand, Giria Uttaranchal Tea Estate is located about 5 km from the town, on the Bageshwar Road. With an altitude of about 1200 to 1800 m above sea level, this tea garden provides you with some of the most spellbinding views of the valley below. Do not forget to take some tea from here, on your way back.

Nature Walks
If you love communing with the nature, Kausani will provide you many options to indulge in long, lazy walks, which take you across some of the most scenic vistas and let you explore the natural beauty of the hill resort at your own pace. You can stroll through tea garden herein or even take the trail to Lakshmi Ashram, behind the market (though not much explored, it is surely worth a visit). So, go ahead, enjoy the beauty of nature, while moving from one trail to the other.

Trekking
You name any hill station in India and it will provide you wonderful opportunities of trekking. Kausani is no exception to this rule. The hills around the place, covered with pine and oak trees, have many trails on which you will enjoy trekking with your companions. For instance, Kausani serves as the starting point for treks like Adi Kailash Trek, Base Kausani Trek and Bageshwar Sunderdhanga Trek. You can also trek to Kafni Glacier, which is situated at an altitude of 3853 m. On the way, you will witness several breathtaking views of the mighty Himalayan ranges.

Trekking
Being a hill station, Nainital offers its visitors a large number of trekking options, amidst the scenic beauty of nature. The most popular trails include Nainital Betalghat Trek, Nainital Binayak Trek, Nainital Kainchi Trek, Nainital Kilbury Trek, Nainital Kunjkharak Trek, and Snow View Trek. The trek to Naina Peak is yet another one that is frequented by adventure lovers.

Trekking is the best way to take a tour of Nainital. All adventure enthusiasts and the exercise freaks will agree to the fact that there is nothing to beat a good walk, especially in the aura of Mother Nature. One can arrange a trek to Tiffin’s Top or Dorothy’s Seat, Naina/China Peak amongst the other hill tops present in Nainital.

A trek to the China Peak may take you around one hour depending upon your capacity to cover distances. Customized packages for trekking and camping can be arranged by the tour operators or the hotel travel desk, as per your convenience.

Boating & Yachting
Naini Lake, a natural freshwater lake in Nainital, provides the tourists opportunities of boating and yachting. A lunar-shaped lake, it is one of the four lakes in the Kumaon hills, with the others being Sattal Lake, Bhimtal Lake and Naukuchiyatal Lake. As you go boating and/ or yachting on the lake, the vistas of the three surrounding mountain peaks - Naina Peak, Tiffin Top and Snow View, simply take your breath away.

Wildlife Sighting
Located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, near Ramnagar-Kashipur highway, Jim Corbett National Park offers tourists the perfect opportunity to explore the wild creations of nature. The rich wildlife of the place includes tigers, leopards, sloth bear, Himalayan black bear, dhole, jackal, yellow throated marten, Himalayan palm civet, Indian grey mongoose, common otter, porcupine, and black naped hare, elephants, spotted deer, etc.

Nature Walks
When in Nainital, do not miss out on the opportunity of going on nature walks, with your loved ones. As you take a right turn just before Tiffin Top, you will find an excellent trail along the McDonald’s Circular Road. If you are lucky, you might even spot the shy barking deer, plumaged khaleej pheasant and beautiful ‘pyura’ along the way. Other trails that are worth exploring include the one from Tiffin Top to Land’s End and the other from Land’s End to the Stables.

Horse Riding
A visit to Nainital cannot be complete unless and until you get a taste of horse riding, especially in the Mall area. Apart from that, you can also hire a horse or pony for going to Snow View Point, Tiffin Top, and Kilburi, from the Mallital area. Many people love to ride a horse to the Naina Peak as well, enjoying the views of the majestic Himalayas, covered with snow, and Nainital city, on the way.