Sports Tourism Destination - Jammu & Kashmir

Sports Tourism Destination - Jammu & Kashmir Welcome to the paradise on the earth - Kashmir which throughout the ages has remained another name for Paradise. Cradled in the lap of majestic snow-clad mountains of the Himalayas, Kashmir is the most beautiful place on earth. On visiting the Valley of Kashmir, Jehangir, one of the Mughal emperors, is said to have exclaimed: "If there is paradise anywhere on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here."   As we are looking out for sports adventures for the people in India, this time we will have a look at what Kashmir has to offer to us as a sporting destination. One thing that Kashmir has in unique is that it has been nutured with natural floura and fauna along with picturesque scene which is something beckons tourist to natural beauty of Jammu and Kashmir, it is definitely the adventure possibility that prevails in these mystical lands by the foot of Himalayas. The presence of Himalayas is the greatest asset that made J&K, arguably the best destination for adventure sport in India. The one thing one might feel is the absence of long coastlines and sea, which had been overshadowed by the natural, pristine Dal Lake giving more adventure sports options besides adding the glow to the panoramic vista of this sceneric splendor.  The fast flowing rivers gives an amazing opportunity for water sports like white water rafting, fishing, cruising, and staying in houseboats. Being situated at high altitudes, amidst the snow capped mountains, the state has got the privilege of both land adventure like trekking, mountaineering, skiing and facilities of aero-sports like Para gliding and hot air ballooning. The place is perfect for tyro as well as veteran adventurers as there are spots of minimal difficulties for learners and areas that are hard nut to crack even for the professionals. Adventure in J&K is an experience that nothing else can compare up to. So don't let this opportunity go by and grab it with both hands. Land Adventure Sports - Mountaineering & Trekking Land adventures are probably the most indulged sports in the state. The possibilities here are immense starting from trekking in the high mountains to skiing down the snowy slopes. Gulmarg has become world famous for the skiing facilities all over the world for its thick snow covers during the month of December, Januarray, ranging from 2600 m to 3200 m hosting the skiing lovers at all levels. Mountaineering and trekking in the steep hills of Himalaya and Karakoram range is quite challenging and gives an edge to climbing enthusiast. Zanskar and Ladakh are the best place where you can take up monutaineering sports.    The area most frequented by foreign climbers is the Nun-Kun Massif in the Great Himalayan Range. Its easy accessibility from the Kargil-Pudum road and the shortest possible approach march to the base camps makes this massif the most attractive climbing destination in the Great Himalayas. Trekking possibilities include short, daylong walks up and down mountain slopes to visit isolated villages or monastic settlements, or across a ridge to enjoy the sheer beauty of the lunar mountainscape. Or long, trans-mountain treks involving weeks of walking and camping in the wilderness. For example, the trek from Lamayuru in the Indus valley to Darcha in Lahaul across Zanskar takes nearly three weeks. Most of the established routes traverse the Zanskar range, which separates the Indus valley from Zanskar.    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. Aero Sports 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.    Jammu is the best place in the state where you can look for aero-sports like hot air ballooning, Para gliding, famous activities that attracts many adventure lovers here. There are many training camps that are set up here for Para gliding. These camps also provide tourists with all the equipment's required. You can experience hot air ballooning in Sanasar valley and Zanskar, which have become really popular.  Water Sports Jammu and Kashmir is home to some of the most fast paced rivers in the world. Crushing the high rises, these water giants make their way through the moonscape lands of Zanskar and Ladakh making the perfect setting for white water rafting. The main rivers in the region that are used for adventure activities are River Indus and River Zanskar.  These rivers are fed by melting glaciers making the water permanently ice cold. So it is better that you wear wet jackets before you indulge in white water rafting. Although not very famous, but angling is fast catching up as a popular sport in Jammu and Kashmir. There are many lakes that provide the facility of angling especially in Pahalgam. A permit is required to participate in the activity but the efforts are really worth it. A range of rafting options is available on the Indus and its major tributaries. The best stretch for professionally guided runs in white water is on the Indus between Spituk and Saspol. Beyond Saspol, the river becomes difficult and funning it requires technically skilled participants and careful organisation. Upward of Spituk, the Indus has the easiest stretch up to Karu, ideal for basic training and for day-return "scenic floating" for amateurs. Water Skiing Water sports are the 'fun' aspect of Kashmir. The Dal and Nagin lakes in Srinagar and the Manasbal Lake, 32-km from Srinagar are the best places for water-skiing. The largest expanse of the Dal, the Boddal, has privately owned 'bathing boats' which hire out motor launches, water-skies and trained instructors. There are more bathing boats at the Nagin Lake and also a government run Institute of Water Sports. The Nagin lake too has trained instructors and is more popular because of its clean water. Ice Skiing Skiing in Jammu and Kashmir is a thrilling and exciting experience for any adventure enthusiast. The Ski Club of India was 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. All seasons are permissible to take up any adventurer activity in Jammu and Kashmir. Be it winters or summers, there is always something that will keep you engage. Summers are quite pleasant and provide with perfect conditions for trekking and mountaineering through the steep mountains. Come winters, and all is set for you to take up your skiing gear and hit the snowy ramps. Come to Jammu and Kashmir to explore the many marvels that you can see and many adventure wonders that you can do.