River Rafting in Himachal
Himachal Pradesh's snow-fed rivers offer tremendous opportunities for the challenging sport of rafting. The rivers Chandrabhaga (Chenab) in Lahaul, the Satluj near Shimla, the Ravi near Chamba and the Beas near Kullu offer immense whitewater rafting possibilities. There are tremendous river running expedition oppurtunities between Shamshi and Aut on the Beas. The 20-km stretch has exciting and extreme whitewater rapids.River-rafting or white-water rafting, as it is also called - is swiftly making Himachal a focus for the sport. For a torrent of adrenaline to gush through every vein and surge over every muscle, you can race over the State's river rapids in an inflatable rubber dinghy. The sport is now being held on the Sutlej near Shimla, on the Beas near Kullu, the Ravi near Chamba and the Chandra in Lahaul. Possibilities are also being explored on the river Spiti. Non swimmers and novices can also experience this on some of the gentler rapids. The sport takes a break during winter and in portions of the monsoons.
The magic behind River Rafting also referred, as Whitewater River Rafting is the extreme and never-ending thrills in the untamed rivers. The rivers in the upper Himalayas are among the best in the world for river rafting sports, with many staircase rapids that challenge the body and spirit of the river runner. The river cuts against the rocky banks, crash into rocks, crevices and breaking into white water rapids, foaming, swirling, and falling in a thunderous din.
Water Sports in Himachal
The Maharan Pratap Sagar ( formerly known as Pong Dam ) reservoir in Kangra, and its 42 km length and 2 km breadth, offer a variety of activities in close collaboration with the Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports. Year-long activities include swimming, water-skiing, surfing, kayaking, rowing, canoeing and sailing. Three levels of courses are also conducted - beginner, intermediate and advanced. Similar activities are also available on the waters of the Gobind Sagar near Bilaspur, the Chamera Lake near Dalhousie and the Pandoh Lake on the Mandi-Kullu National Highway.