Water Skiing (Kashmir)
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-skiis and trained instructor.

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. Manasbal Lake, approachable from Srinagar by road, is secluded from the rest of the world by the hills that surround it.

Serene, with a mirror like sheen on its surface makes Manasbal an attractive water sports resort. Not only one can hire the latest water-skiing equipment but also specially trained instructors impart lessons to the initiated. Throughout the summer season in Kashmir - from May to the end of August - the water of the lakes is pleasant for water sports. The Tourist's huts and bungalows are available on all the above resorts to make it a overnight getaway.

Heli Skiing
Gulmarg, Kashmir is Asia's only heli-skiing resort. The bets time is December when the verdant green slopes of Gulmarg are blanketed with snow, forming some of the finest natural slopes for ski runs of all levels.

The gentle slopes, having runs of upto 200 meters, are the best for beginners while the steeper runs of 500 meters for intermediate level skiers, and yet other stretches of over 2,000 meters, precipitously steep, for top level skiers. T-bars and chair lifts, on five runs for beginners and intermediates, are operated throughout the day.

Gulmarg also offers heli-skiing, being the first destination in Asia to do so. A helicopter takes you upto the Apherwat peak from where you choose your own descent route. Also in Gulmarg during winter are toboggans, sledges and snow cycles. Requiring little, if any, skills, they are perfect way to enter the spirit of fun and excitement that snow generate.

The winter sports season in Gulmarg lasts for as long as the snow does - normally December through March. The State Tourism has winterized huts including some privately owned hotels, mainly in the upper bracket, remain open during this season. Forts & Monuments | Temples & Sacred Places | Holiday & Beach Resorts.

Trekking
At an altitude of more than 9000 ft, Ladakh offers adventure amidst beauty which surpasses any other mountain range. Tucked between two of the world's greatest mountain ranges, the Himalayas and the Karakoram, this forbidden valley lay hidden from the outside world-- inaccessible at first because of its hostile terrain and then banned to tourists due to its strategic geographic position. Its snow-clad peaks, translucent lakes, barren terrain and mystic culture has attracted tourists and explorers from all over the world.

Trekkers in the Ladakh region The main hindrance in trekking in this region is due to cold waves and snow i.e extreme wintry conditions. For trekking in Ladakh, one has to be physically fit and prepared to face the rigors of back country travel as well. The fluctuations in the day and night temperature takes its toll. The best season to go on trekking expeditions in this region is between July and September.

Trekking possibilities include short, day-long walks or long mountain treks involving weeks of walking and camping in the wilderness. Depending upon the time and budget, tourist offices at Leh, Kargil or Padum can design trekking programmes for you. But the easiest way to go on trek is through a travel agency, which will take care of all arrangements including camping gear, provisions, porterage, staff and all other matters. As the terrain is inhospitable and ecology very fragile, it is advisable to take as much provision and fuel as possible from the base camp.

Ladakh is a virtual paradise for Adventure sports
Mountaineering, trekking White water rafting / canoeing etc. For mountaineering the Zanskar Range, the Ladakh range and recently opened Karakoram range offer some of the finest challenges and schedule for reservation is available with Indian Mountaineering Foundation, Banito Juaraz marg, New Delhi, Tel: 671211.For Trekkers, Ladakh has immense possibilities.

Some well known treks around Leh are :
1. Leh-Lamayuru-Wanla-Ursi-Tar La-Mangyur-Saspol-Leh (7 days)
2. Leh-Stok-Zachan-Runbagh Pass-Shingo-Skiu-Shaluk-Markha-Nimaling-Longmaru-La-Churkirmo-Shang-Hemis-Leh (14 days)
3. Padam-Tongde-Zangla-Sher Sher La-Chup Cha-Shang Kong Ma-Kurna Sumdo-Nari Narsa-Lang Tan-Hankar-Nima Ling-Shakdo-Hemis (14 days)

Trekking equipment can be hired from Leh Tourist Office, on nominal charges and its recommended that they should be consulted for information & guidance. Indus and its tributaries provide exciting opportunities for rafting/caneoing.