Kashmir's two major natural advantages are its mountains on the one hand, and lakes and rivers on the other. These waterways enhance the beauty of the land and are one of the chief sources that attract tourists to its verdant valleys. But more than just a means of pleasure, the water-ways are an activity oriented way of discovering new lei-sure sports.

To those of you who are by nature passive, there is little more needed than a wining nod to a passing shikara-wala before you are invited on board these narrow boats with their sprung-cushion seats and chintz curtains. A variation on this can be the hiring of a motor boat so you travel faster over water. Or better still, when the summer days are balmy, go water skiing.

The two rivers, Indus and Lidder, are essentially mountain streams and are suitable for white water rafting on some stretches. The Indus in Ladakh, in particular has three portions that are ideal for this sport. Due to a low volume of water and a wide river bed, it can be navigated only in pairs. Options offered are a half day run for amateurs from Phey to Niemo, or a two day exciting run from Phey to Alchi (day one) and Nurla (day two) with a choice of going further to Khalsi. The Zanskar River, also in Ladakh, can offer professionals six days on rapids that begin at Padum and and through the picturesque Zanskar valley. The best season is August-September.

and goes on to Vishansar, Kishansar, Satsar, Gadsar and Gangabal, all alpine lakes. When their surface is frozen over during the winter, the fish (mainly brown trout) keep close to the bottom of the lake, rising nearer the surface as the ice melts. In these lakes, the use of spoons and spinners is allowed.

While our capital city, Srinagar, is too sprawling to be explored on foot, taxis may be thought a trifle 'insulated' for some. Cycling, therefore, remains a popular, not to say inexpensive, way of experiencing the flavor of the city.

The Zanskar Range encompasses the famous massif of Nun-Kun. This group of mountains has been explored since 1898 by Bruce, Sillem, the Bullock-Workmans, Piacenza, Harrison and Waller. Kun (7,077 m) was first climbed by the Italian climber Pia-cenza in 1913 and Nun (7,135 m) by the Swiss climber, late Madame Claude Kogan, in 1953. This is the only climbing group accessible by a day's trekking from the road head. One can reach the base camp of Nun in two days from the airport in Srinagar. The other significant peaks in this range are the White Needle (6,500 m); Pinnacle (6,930 m); Z-1 (6,400 m); Z-2 (6,175 m); Z-3 (6,270 m); Z-8 (6,050 m); D-41 (5,813 m); N-8 (6,392 m); Bien Guapa (6,006 m); Bobang (5,971 m). In addition, the range has many unnamed peaks over-looking the Durung Drung glacier.

The Ladakh range comprises the peaks of Stok area - Stok Kangri 6,135 m, Parcha Kangri 6,065 m, Gulap Kangri 5,900 m; and some peaks of Nimaling area such as the famous Kang Yissay-6,400 m.


Recently, the Karakorams have also been thrown open to selected joint expeditions. Three expeditions are allowed every year to three groups - Saser Group, Rimo Group and Momostong Group in Nubra Valley. Some of these peaks overlook the Siachin glacier, among the longest in the world. The climbing period extends from mid May till mid October. The monsoons do not affect the Ladakh peaks and the main climbing season is July/August when most of the Himalayas remain closed.

One need not worry about emergencies in the mountains. The Army and the Air Force are authorized to assist climbers and trekkers in distress. Most of the climbing regions are linked by high-frequency radio to Srinagar - the base of rescue operations. Some very daring and dramatic helicopter evacuations have been undertaken by the pilots of the Indian Air Force in recent years.

All foreign mountaineering expeditions to India have to obtain permission in writing from the Indian Mountaineering Foundation who charges a booking fee depending upon the height of the peak. A Liaison Officer is provided with each team.

The season is mid-December to mid-April and the road is kept open to Gulmarg throughout the winter with the help of powerful German machines. Apart from downhill skiing, one can also enjoy cross-country runs. An excursion to the shrine of Baba Reshi through the ‘powder chute’ is an experience to treasure.

Gulmarg is not the only place to challenge your courage. Ski tours from Pahalgam to Sonmarg through high mountain passes are not only arduous but also exciting. Some people have even gone on skis to Ladakh through the Wardwan Valley. Adventure here has no limits.

Though some trials for hang gliding have been held in the valley, the sport still continues to be rare. The location of a flat valley surrounded by high mountains is an ideal terrain for hang-gliding. Higher up, the meadows at the foot of mountains such as Yousmarg, Gulmarg and Sonmarg are idyllic spots to try hang-gliding. Hot air ballooning along the valleys of Suru and Zanskar can prove very challenging.

For tougher treks, Ladakh offers the true rugged Himalayas adventure amid high mountains, lofty peaks and endless glaciers. Treks range from four days to two weeks. In fact, if one combines some of the trails, one can go on exploring the mountains for months together. But one has to be cautious while trekking in Ladakh. The climate and terrain are more demanding, being almost a high-altitude desert with extreme temperature. One has to be self-sufficient in food as the local population has very little food to spare. In some places one may not see any life for days together. The trekking season extends from mid May till mid Oct.

No permits are required for trekking anywhere in Kashmir or Ladakh in open areas. However, certain areas close to the border are restricted zones. Entry into these areas delineated by an imaginary line drawn one mile north of Zojila-Kargil-Leh road and one mile west of Leh-Upshi-Manali road is forbidden. Violation may result in arrest and prosecution. Should one be going for very long treks in these high mountains, it is advisable to register with tourist authorities and also inform them on return.