MUMBAI: One can hardly resist the charm and adrenaline rush of winter sports whether it is skiing or river rafting, paragliding or camping and with all that, Uttarakhand boasts of the most picturesque setting for both domestic and foreign tourists. The state has emerged as the 'Destination Next' for those with an insatiable craving for snow, scenic beauty and starry skies.

One of the most well-known trekking and camping destinations in the country, the breathtaking mountain resorts are the ideal way to enjoy dreamy mornings. Amid the diverse flora and fauna, the Himalayan trails will take you to remote, untouched villages where you can appreciate the local cuisine and culture.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, KK Koshi, Public Relations Officer at Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, revealed the ideal destinations in Uttarakhand for winter sports:

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1. Chaukori in the Pithoragarh district is ideal for mountain biking and trekking. Shaped like a bowl, it is nestled among the massive snow-capped peaks of the mighty Himalayas and gives a panoramic view of Nanda Devi, Panchachuli, Nanda Kot, Trishul, and Chaukhamba. For decades, tourists have been thronging this colorful town for its thick woodlands and the heavenly sunrise and sunset.

2. If it is skiing that enthralls you, Auli, Garhwal, is your one-stop answer. Famous as the 'star attraction' of tourists, the valley is also slated to host the national winter games. For this, infrastructure is being revamped. Construction work is also underway for training slopes for children. Uttrakhand government is soon to announce a skiing championship in this valley as well.

3. Other places you can hit for skiing are Betuidhar, Dayara Bugyal, Mundali, and Khaliya top. The latter is located in the Kumaon district and is 3,500 meters high and gives a spectacular view of Panchachuli, Rajrambha, Hardeol, and Nanda Kot in the Kumaoni district of Pithoragarh.

4. December to February is the best time for river rafting in Uttarakhand when the glacier-fed rivers gush in full swing. Tourists can enjoy the water sport while glimpsing through the beautiful river valleys and gorges. The sport is synonymous with Rishikesh, the world-famous rafting hotspot in Uttarakhand where the crystal-clear Ganga river beckons an influx of globe trotters. Sharda river, a tributary of Saryu flowing through Tanakpur in Champawat district is another place that boasts of river rafting recently. A rafting trip along this river takes tourists through 4 rapids between Charan Mandir in Tanakpur and Boom Tapasvi Baba Ashram, 13 km away.

5. Paragliding is another sport that you can enjoy in Uttarakhand. Mukteshwar, Rishikesh, Pittorgarh and Ranikhet are four of the most famous paragliding destinations here where you can savor the thrill of flying high in the sky like an eagle with the mountains and valleys below you. And the best part is you are not required to make any prior notification here. Pair paragliding flights with experts are also available here.

6. Along with all of the aforementioned sports, there's also ziplining, canoeing, and kayaking one can enjoy at various places. The whole of Uttarakhand also offers the best opportunities for both trekking and camping during the winter months with the bright sun during the day and twinkling stars at night.

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Credits - Hindustan Times

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