Indian Veteran Operated Adventure Sports at Bir, Himachal Pradesh

It is only in adventure that some people succeed in knowing themselves – in finding themselves.
– Andre Gide, French Novelist

When I do channel surfing on the TV, invariably I stop at the travel channel or NatGeo if there is something on about adventure sports…and I go, “someday, sometime…”. I think most avid travellers have an urge to go hiking, gliding, rafting etc. But we don’t know how to go about it. Well, this post will point you to an excellent adventure sporting location in Bir, Himachal Pradesh, which is owned and operated by an Indian Army veteran – so your comfort and safety is guaranteed! Meet Colonel Neeraj Rana (Retired) of the Indian Army, who has to his credit expeditions to over 19 mountain peaks including the Mt Everest (twice). You can read more about him at this page.

Colonel Rana runs Ocean to Sky, an adventure company in Himachal Pradesh. Besides trekking in the wonderful Himalayas and other locations, Ocean to Sky also offers mountain biking, paragliding and river rafting on the Ganges. Since the good Colonel has had ample experience in the field of adventure sports as also has been at the helm of renowned mountaineering institutes like the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling and Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Uttarkashi, you can be sure of a thrilling, safe and comfortable experience. So whether you are a group of friends, a corporate team or an adventurous family, head over to Ocean to Sky for a lifetime experience. The website provides more information on the various activities as well as their rates.

For lodging and boarding at location (Bir), there is a hotel called Sagarmatha, also run by Colonel Rana’s company. The hotel has nice centrally heated cosy rooms and all the basic amenities required for you and family / friends to be comfortable. There is wifi and TV, which I don’t think one needs to use at such beautiful place. They also offer motorbikes and bicycles on hire.

Most adventure companies charge a premium, since their clients are usually Westerners. However, the prices of Ocean to Sky as well the hotel are very reasonable considering the location. Further, for Defence officers and their families, Ocean to Sky offers discounted rates. The tariff (including taxes) is Rs 2500/ per person including all meals for Captain and Majors (equivalent in Navy & Air Force), whereas for Lt Cols and Above, the rates are Rs 4500 per person including all three meals. For serving Lt Cols and above ladies stay is complimentary. For Veterans Rs 3500 per couple Breakfast and Dinner all taxes included.

So go ahead and satisfy your spirit of adventure.