The Himalayan region, including the Garhwal Himalayas, Kumaon Hills, the Kullu Valley, Kangra Valley, Lahaul & Spiti, Zanskar and Ladakh, or the Eastern Himalayas are ideal for trekking. You could combine trekking with other activities such as mountain-biking, river raftingand angling – or just do any of these activities separately. Treks canbe light through alpine meadows, or tough over high passes and difficult conditions. Various operators have set-up permanent camps with Swisstens in these areas and the itineraries are operated extremely professionally. The best time for such activities is May to October.

Mid-December to March, skiing is possible on the snow-slopes of Garhwalin Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir. Auli in Garhwal has become an important skiing centre, Gulmarg in Kashmir has opened upagain while Mandi, Solang and Narkanda in Himachal offer several natural slopes as well. Heli-skiing is operational in Solang valley andequipment of international standards is available.

There are various regions in India whose beauty compels one to take ajeep-safari in case you don’t want to get into any other adventurousmould. Trans-Himalayan jeep-safaris, particularly the Manali-Leh stretch (July-mid October) are particularly popular. Rajasthan is another favoured destination, with forts and palaces as the theme (October-April).

Camel Safaris. This is the way to experience the battle-fraught history of Rajsthan. If you are a keen rider, you’d love the trails where the Rajput armies moved, dotted with cenotaphs, rural villages, lakes, wild life sancturaies and impressive castles. Stay is usually in heritage hotelsor pitched tents. Horse safaris are also operated on certain trails in Himachal Pradesh. (October-March).

These safaris are usually operated in the desert region of Rajasthan around Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Bikaner. You re-live the fantasy of a 16th century caravan on the move on trading routes. A lonely desert, colourful people and welcoming villages are the highlights.