WHITE WATER RIVER RAFTING
The
challenge of the turbulent rivers is no less than that of the rigged
mountains. The icy heights of the Himalayas are the source of some
of india's mighty rivers. Fed by innumerable streams they race along
Tortuous boulder strewn beds, cutting deep gorges and breaking into
silvery white rapids. With the intricate network of Mountain Rivers
flowing through a myriad of different colors of rocky gorges, forests,
flowers and high mountain villages, the Garhwal and Kumaon hills
provide ideal locales for the perfect water adventure.
The sport of White Water River rafting calls for a triumph over
the swift swirling river as it gushes past spectacular mountains.
It is practiced mainly in the upper reaches where the water is wild
and white as it froths & foams, crashing against narrow gorges,
rocky out-crops and falls at deep gradients. As with trekking, mountaineering
and other sports, river rafting too has been classified and graded
in terms of degrees of difficulty. There is, firstly, the pleasure
of a gentle canoe trip in a lightweight alloy-metal craft, which
holds two to three people. The gradient best suited for canoeing
is the stage near the river's entry into the plains where the trip
can be combined with moderate hiking and a naturalist' holiday in
the forest. For this, the suitable areas are Rishikesh, dakpathar
and the Ramganga in Corbett national park.
Skiing at Auli:
Auli
, 16km from joshimath is an ideal winter resort. The natural advantages
of auli 's slopes, coupled with state - of the -art facilities provided
by gmvn have made it comparable to the best in the world. The snow
capped slopes of auli are flanked by stately coniferous and oak
forests which cut wind velocity to the minimum .
Auli offers a panoramic view of Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi
(7817 mts.), Kamet (7756 mts), Mana Parvat (7273 mts.) and Dunagiri
(7066 mts.) Seemingly only a snowballs throw away, Auli offers perfect
skiing conditions. Seasonal skiiers have clean streches of absolutely
virgin slopes to sport on . These slopes provide excellent opportunities
for cross country, slalom and downhill skiing events. Winter skiing
in Garhwal is now being professionally run at the Auli slopes.
A 3 kms. long slope ranging from a height of 2519 mts. to 3049 mts.
is a major attraction. The Auli resort has snow beaters which beat
the snow to keep the slopes fit for skiing at all times. A 500 mts.
long ski-lift carries skiiers back to the slope top, thus saving
them the trouble and time to bridge up wearing long skis. Apart
from annual skiing festivals, three official National Championships
have also been held here.
