Himachal Pradesh, the state with a lot to explore, lakes, rivers, forests, valleys and towering mountains, all abound here. The state has thoroughly been blessed by nature. And it has all the means to satisfy a tourist's wandering soul. Be it adventure sports, bird watching or just admiring nature's bounty. You'll find it all here in Himachal Pradesh.

The sport is immediately available in the area bound by Hanuman Tibba, Rohtang Pass, and the slalon run. Himachal Tourism offers ski courses with instructions, board and lodging and equipment at Narkanda. Day skiers may also hire equipment and use the slopes.

Encircles by some of the most stunning scenic landscapes in the world, the well established resort town of Manali is a major focus for the sport. The town is home to the Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports which conducts a series of courses at the picturesque Solang valley. It is one of the srea;s most beautiful spots. These courses start in the first half of January and carry on into March.

Ice- Skating

The Shimla ice-skating rink is now well past a venerable platinum jubilee. It still remains what may weel be largest open air rink in this part of the world. Skating normally starts in early December and continues into February. There are two sessions a day - one in the morning and another in the evening. Special events like the Fancy dress carnival and the Gymkhana enliven the season. Skates may be hired for the season and subject to availability for a single session or more. Membership is offered for the season, half a season and a fortnight. Single sessions may also be taken. Moves are also afoot to develop the rink and expand the length of the skating season.

Heli-Skiing

Himachal is considered to have among the best ' powder snows' available in the world and this gives the state a considerable edge of sport. For sheer high mountain thrills perhaps nothing can surpass the magic of heli-skiing. Under a deep blue skyyou are carried by a helicopter to a snow draped peak. And after that there seems to be nothing the steadily distancing whirr of the rotoe blades in the sky. The snow the hiss and the sand sorround you. It is a thrilling experience as you rapidly zoom into the slopes. The icy winds rush by your face and the slap and slither of the skis is there to remind you that you are racing away on your own steam.