Adrenaline kick in Jammu & Kashmir
Known for its natural beauty and panoramic landscapes, Jammu and Kashmir is moving from the obvious to promote adventure tourism in the state. Places like Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Pahalgam and Drass are brimming with opportunities for adventure and sports enthusiasts to explore.
Rafting
With the intricate network of Mountain Rivers flowing through myriad rocky gorges, forests, flowers and high mountain villages, the Lidder River, Pahalgam provides ideal locales for the perfect water adventure. The suitable period for river running depends on the adequacy of water volume. Thus, the period between April and September is most appropriate.
Skiing
Skiing is one of the prime attractions in Kashmir and is apt for adventure seekers. Gulmarg is considered to be the best ski resort in the Himalayas and is accredited as the highest cable car enabled ski resort in the world mainly due to a Gondola Cable Car Lift. For skiers visiting Gulmarg, accommodation is available at the JKTDC Huts situated at Patnitop, Sanasar and Kud apart from the several private hotels available for booking at Patnitop and Kud
Para Gliding
Aero sports are a rage among travellers in Kashmir. Amongst the numerous aero sports, paragliding is the most popular. Also, it is one of the latest adventure sports that is picking up fast in the Valley. Paragliding takes you on a tour of the green valleys and majestic mountains of Kashmir. Looking from above, you will find the breathtaking sight of the Valley below. The very best time for paragliding, specifically in Sanasar, will be the interval of May- June and September-October.
Mountaineering
Climbing in the Himalayas can be very stimulating. Rich in flora and fauna, the summits of most peaks are an exhilarating experience. More recently, peaks in the restricted area of the Nubra Valley in the Inaian Karakorams have also been opened to foreign and Indian tourists. The popular peaks of Ladakh and Kashmir where mountaineering expeditions are organised on a regular basis are Apsarasas, Chong Kumdan, Teram Kangri Group, Tughmo Zarpo and Saser Kangri. Places like Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Sonamarg serve as base camps for trekking tours to mountain peaks.
Golfing
Kashmir offers a unique opportunity to play golf in invigorating surroundings, where the wind whispers through enormous trees of chinar and stately pine. The golf course at Gulmarg, situated at an altitude of 2,650 m, is the highest green golf course in the world. The Kashmir Golf Club has all the luxuries fitted that make playing golf a memorable experience while the Royal Spring Golf Course has been voted as India’s best Golf course.