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River-Rafting
or white-water rafting, as it is also called is swiftly making Himachal a
focus for the sport. For a torrent of adrenalin to gush through every vein
and surge over every muscle, one can race over the State's river rapids in
an inflatable rubber dinghy.
The Chandrabhaga in Lahaul, the
Sutlej near Shimla
, the Ravi near Chamba and the
Beas near
Kullu rivers offer immense white water
rafting possibilities. The exhilaration of shooting through rapids amidst
the lingering fragrance of pines, an outbrust of rhododendrons, magic of
the afternoon sun setting the distant peaks ablaze.
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 Pong Dam reservoir in Kangra, and
its 42-km length and 2-km breadth, offers 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. Himachal Tourism
sponsors courses in river rafting, and there are operators in the private
sector also that offers this experience.
CLOTHING
Preferably shorts, track suit trousers, cotton trouser ( loose fitting).
T-shirt and salwar kameez. Sarees and skirts are strictly to be avoided.
High heels, leather shoes and chappals are taboo.
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