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22 JANUARY, 2017 magazine@statetimes.in

25 Things to do in Jammu and Kashmir

The lush green views of Aru Valley; the colourful series of houseboats andshikaras; the holy shrines of Jammu City; the deserted motorable road ofLeh; and the tranquil ambience of Buddhist monasteries, Jammu and

Kashmir is all about never-fading beauty and allure. There is no place in the statethat is not blessed by Goddess Nature. But there is much more to J and K otherthan sightseeing and beautiful places. If you like to give your trip a distinct feel thenengage yourself in the varied activities offered by the state. There are several thingsto do in Jammu and Kashmir that make your holidays an unforgettable experienceto cherish. Listed below are some popular activities that travelers must do duringtheir trip to this pristine state of incredible India.

Shikara RideCapturing the beauty of Srinagar in lens on the slow movements of Dal and Nagin

Lakes through Shikara rides is one of the most relaxing aspects of holidays inJammu and Kashmir. The views of colourful houseboats and shikaras on the banksof lakes add hues to the surrounding charm and tranquility.

GolfingIf you want to enjoy your leisure time without exerting yourself too much, then

golfing is one activity that you must try your hands at. There are four world-classgolf courses in Kashmir with each ons of them having beautiful landscapes. Offeringfantastic views of snow-capped peaks, the golf course of Gulmarg is estimated to bethe most elevated golf course in the world.

TrekkingThere are many things to do and enjoy in J and K but nothing can be more chal-

lenging and exciting than trekking. From short duration walks to weeks-long trans-mountain treks- it is not wrong to call Jammu and Kashmir ‘the trekking capital ofIndia’. Casting a spell of magic are the trekking routes of Ladakh that give freak-ing trekkers multiple reasons to visit the place again and again.

SkiingOne of the main attractions in Jammu and Kashmir for adventure seekers is ski-

ing. With snow-covered peaks and slopes of Himalaya Mountain Range in the back-ground, the state is blessed with world-famous destinations like Gulmarg, Pahalgamand Thajiwas glacier in Sonamarg which are also great places for skiing. JammuKashmir government maintains a number of accommodations for skiers at Patnitop,Sanasar and Kud in Gulmarg.

Mountain Biking If the idea of exploring beautiful valleys, crystal clear lakes and snow-covered

mountains on a bicycle gives an adrenaline rush then J and K is your destination.Whether it is the gentle slopes of Kashmir Valley or the rugged terrain of Ladakh,mountain biking is a fantastic activity that travelers love to do during their holidaysin Jammu and Kashmir. There are various challenging cycling treks in Ladakh thatadd thrill to your mountain biking experience.

ParaglidingAmong the various adventure activities in J and K, paragliding is one of the most

popular ones. The view of the striking green meadows and the majestic valleys whilegliding over them is a totally different experience. And gliding is the best way to wit-ness this. Sonamarg, Gulmarg, Baderwah, Sanasar and Harwan (Srinagar) are thetop places where tourists can enjoy this aero sport.

MountaineeringSituated mainly in the Himalayan Mountain Range, Jammu and Kashmir is a

state of varied heights. From Kashmir Valley to Zanskar Range, there are severalmountains, low and high, easy and challenging, that offer mountaineers wonderfulopportunities of mountaineering. Harmukh, Tattakutti, Sunset and Kolahoi inKashmir Valley, White Needle, Z-1, Z-8, Bobang, Nun – Kun of Zanskar Range andStok Kangri, Gulap Kangri and Kang Yatsey in Ladakh are some of the well-knownpeaks in J and K.

Angling and FishingWith a network of rivers, lakes and streams, Jammu and Kashmir is a paradise for

angling and fishing. It is common to see people engaged in this interesting activityin the entire state. Fishing at Dal Lake is a popular activity; however, Pahalgamalong with Lidder River is considered as the best spot to enjoy angling. The waterbodies of the area are rich in both brown and rainbow trout. But you have to takepermits from Jammu Kashmir government before going for the activity.

Bird Watching If you think sightseeing in Jammu and Kashmir is limited to man-made marvels

then think again as there are many natural habitats the state that are heaven forbird watchers. There are about 24 wetlands dotted all across the state where birdwatchers can enjoy this activity l. Home to around 500 species of bird, bird watch-ing in J and K is an all-season activity. The eastern part of Ladakh region andGharana and Surinsar wetlands are the perfect places to spot a lot of local andmigratory birds. Black necked crane, bar headed geese, falcon, and European bluewhistling thrush vulture are the notable birds of the state.

ShoppingShopping is one of the favourite things to do in Jammu and Kashmir. The state is

known world-wide for its handicrafts, dry fruits and textiles, especially shawls andcarpets. The shopping itinerary also includes Kashmir silk, copper and silverwares.One can enjoy this leisure activity at numerous traditional shops and also at mod-ern shopping centres dotted all over the state.

DiningWhether you are a foodie or not, the rich flavors of Kashmiri cuisine will sure win

your hearts and appreciation. The Kashmiri people prefer non-vegetarian food, butthere are various vegetarian dishes too that are equally tasty. J and K state is alsoknown for its bakery products. The banks of Dal Lake are adorned with bakeryshops selling various types of delicious breads. Wazwan, a multi-course meal is thesignature dining treat of Kashmir.

RaftingAmid the breathtaking natural allure of the state lies a treasure of adventure in its

many forms. One such thrilling form is rafting. The famous rivers where adventureseekers can try this challenging activity are Indus, Lidder and Zanskar. Cuttingthrough various mesmerizing landscapes, deep gorges and mountains, these roaring

rivers give ample thrill to rafting lovers.CampingIf you want to enjoy the natural allure of Jammu and Kashmir in its full bloom

then camping is a must-do activity for you. There is no shortage of beautiful campsites in the state where one can come close to nature. Pahalgam, Aru Valley,Yusmarg, Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, Gulmarg and Sonamarg are wonderfulplaces to enjoy camping during summers because of their pleasing weather condi-tions. If you want to turn this leisure activity into an adventure activity then winteris recommended. Also, go for high-altitude treks as they are more conducive tocamping activities.

Snowboarding When we talk about the best places to enjoy winter sports in India, Jammu and

Kashmir invariably makes its way to the top. Apart from skiing and heli-skiing,snowboarding is another favourite activity to do in the state during winters. Andundoubtedly Gulmarg emerges as the best place as it has the world’s best slopinghills.

Water SkiingLike winter sports, water sports are also a major attraction for travelers wishing

to spend their holidays in Jammu and Kashmir. Water skiing is the most loved ofall water sports in the region and has a legion of followers. The thrill attached withsurfing on powerful water currents is something that makes the activity so exciting.The iconic Dal Lake along with Nagin Lake and Manasbal Lake are the popularspots to enjoy water skiing. Manasbal Lake is located about 32 km from Srinagarand is the deepest lake in Kashmir Valley.

Monastery TourHidden amid the hilly mountains away from the rest of the world, Ladakh monas-

teries are the rare gems of Jammu Kashmir tourism. These Buddhist peace housesare legacies of the Indo-Tibetan culture. Dotted all across Ladakh, an exploration ofthese gompas (the local name of a monastery) can do wonders to our knowledge.

Wildlife TourWith over seven national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in its kitty, Jammu

Kashmir has an exciting panorama of flora and fauna that awaits nature lovers andwildlife enthusiasts. It will bring you great pleasure to watch many rare, indigenousanimals and birds during a wildlife tour in the state. Snow leopard, brown bear,Himalayan black bear, Marmot, red fox, musk deer, golden eagles, griffon vultures,lammergeyers and Monal pheasants are some of the natives of the region.

Road TripsIt may not click many travelers who look Jammu and Kashmir trip as refreshing

honeymoon break or as a family holiday. But for travel junkies, especially for bikelovers, road trips are one of the most captivating and exciting things to do in J&K.The winding ways, sometimes passing across scenic meadows and sometimes cuttingacross hills are too strong a temptation to be missed. And when these trips arethrough broken and deserted roads of Ladakh, the sense of adventure only ampli-fies. A drive on Khardung La, one of the highest motorable roads in the world, is aunique way to experience the beauty of the region.

Horse RidingBlessed with several breathtaking tourist places, Jammu and Kashmir is the des-

tination that needs exploration by every inch. And for doing this, horse riding is apreferred choice as one can enjoy it at any time of the year. The views of rolling hillsand lush meadows from the back of a horse will make the trip more memorable.Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Ladakh, and especially Zanskar Valley are major places toenjoy horse riding in Jammu and Kashmir.

PhotographyEndowed with picturesque settings and natural beauty, this northern-most state of

India is a paradise for photographers. It doesn’t matter whether you are in Jammuor the brightly coloured mask dancers of Ladakh urge you to capture the beauty inyour lens, every corner of the state is full of beautiful shots.

CanoeingIt is another major water sports that is gaining in popularity among the locals and

tourists in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Even Jammu Kashmir government hasintroduced a Kayaking & Canoeing tournament to promote the sport. Indus, Lidder,Drass, Suru, Sindh, Zanskar and Chenab rivers offer wonderful bases to enjoy whitewater canoeing.

Hot Air BallooningWhen it comes to different types of leisure and adventure activities in Jammu and

Kashmir, the fun is not limited only to land or water activities. Aero sports are alsoin great demand among tourists visiting the state and that’s why hot air ballooningis very quickly making its mark among things to do in J and K. Panoramic views ofthe lush meadows, crisscrossing streams and deep valleys while floating in the opensky like a bird give a very distinct feel, one that is to be cherished.

Jeep SafarisUnrevealed the spectacular natural allure of Jammu and Kashmir through jeep

safaris! Whether it is the breathtaking location of Srinagar or the rocky terrain ofLadakh, jeeps are considered as the best companions of travelers while exploring thestate.

Camel SafarisGive your holidays in Jammu and Kashmir a distinct colour this time with camel

safaris. If you link camel safaris with Rajasthan only then think again. Camelsafaris are a major attraction in the cold and barren Ladakh region. Offering com-manding views of valleys, local villages and gompas, camel safaris prove itself to bea safe bet for exploring the region. These safaris can be enjoyed during the periodof July- September. Deskit and Hunder sand dunes in Nubra Valley are the twomain locations for the activity.

Ice-sskatingIt is well-known that Jammu and Kashmir is one of the most favourite destina-

tions for winter sports in India. And there are various pristine locations likeGulmarg, Pahalgam, Yusmarg and Patnitop that are known for their white carpetlook. Tourists can enjoy ice-skating during winters when the frozen surfaces arecommon sights in the state.

Shikara Ride

Golfing

Skiing

Road Trips

Paragliding

Camel Safaris