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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.