Trekking forms an integral part of the adventure
sports flourishing in the hilly tracts of Jammu and Kashmir.
However, Ladakh takes away the prize of being a trekker's paradise
despite of its harsh weather conditions and snowfall. It is only
recently that adventure tourism has got its long-due attention from
the tourism industry but now, a considerable part of the tourists
who visit Kashmir like to trek, if just to glimpse at its matchless
natural beauty.
Skiing in Jammu and Kashmir is a thrilling and
exciting experience for any adventure enthusiast. The Ski Club of
India was established in Gulmarg in 1927, which is now considered as
the ski paradise of India. Just 50 km from Srinagar, situated at an
altitude of 2,730 m, Gulmarg changes its scenery from a flowery
meadow to that pf a small ski resort in winters.
India is fast emerging as a major aero-sports
destination because of its long Himalayan range that offers
opportunities for activities like Para Sailing, Para Gliding, Hot
Air Ballooning, and Para Jumping. Though, it will still take some
time for the state of Jammu and Kashmir to gain popularity as a
hand-gliding landmark, yet the location of a flat valley surrounded
by high mountains is an ideal terrain for hang-gliding.
Kashmir Valley offers verdant golf courses at
Srinagar and Gulmarg, where one can play golf all through the
summer, stretching from April to November. Bordered by trees of
Chinar and Pine, one may play for longer hours here than in the
plains because of the lower temperatures and invigorating climate.
The valley of Kashmir is as famous for its rivers
and lakes as it is for its beautiful mountains. More than just an
object of beauty, the waterways offer activity-oriented leisure
sports too. While the more sedentary ones may opt for a Shikara boat
ride, which have sprung-cushion seats and chintz curtains, on the
Dal and Nagin lakes in Srinagar, the others may opt for motorboats
or go for water skiing.
Mountain climbing is one of the most popular
adventure sports of Jammu and Kashmir. Boasting of some of the best
peaks of Himalayan and Alpine mountain ranges, the four regions into
which the mountains can be grouped are - Kashmir, Kishtwar, Zanskar
and Ladakh.