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Water Skiing
Water skiing is considered
to be one of the major extreme sports in the sport, but water
skiing is something that gives a water sport lover the
opportunity to make a splash at the watery depths of th e
sea world. Similar to surfing in many ways, you do get to
balance on the ski board in here too, but a strong a sensory
power is also required over here too.
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!
Water Sports Beaches
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.
A Natural Treasure Located In Isolation
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 an overnight getaway.
River Rafting
River Rafting in Ladakh
River rafting in Ladakh is quite unlike anywhere else in the
world. It provides the best opportunity to enjoy and experience
the natural beauty of the spectacular landscape
 with
deep gorges, towering snow-capped peaks, hilltop monasteries,
hillside villages, and glimpses of the unique wildlife. Ladakh
offers a range of rafting options on the Indus and its major
tributaries. The best stretch for professionally guided runs in
white water is on the Indus between Spituk and Nimu or Saspol,
which rates 2 to 3 in the international river grading scale of 1
to 6. Upstream of Spituk, the Indus has the easiest stretch up
to Karu, which is ideal for basic training or "scenic floating".
In recent years, running the Indus has become an attractive
option to complement with sightseeing, and features on the
itinerary of most visitors. Several travel agencies offer
all-inclusive rafting packages. Ask for details at the Tourist
Office at Leh.
The most difficult but exciting rafting option is available on
the Zanskar River, along its spectacular course through a gorge
in the Zanskar Mountains, between Padum and Nimu. This is
suitable only for well-organized white-water expeditions,
prepared for about a week of rafting and camping in absolute
wilderness. Participants are required to be trained rafters
themselves while the arrangements should be assigned to a
dependable professional agency. Adequate arrangement for rescue
back-up is an essential prerequisite for embarking upon this
white-water expedition.
River rafting in Pahalgam
River rafting in
Pahalgam is one of the latest attractions
for modern tourists. This and other outdoor activities such as
trekking, para gliding, skiing, mountain climbing are now being
added as recreational activities in many adventure camps in
mountain side hill resorts. Pahalgam is one such place in
Kashmir which houses the Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and
Winter Sports located at Aru near Pahalgam.
This institute has courses in rock climbing, winter sports such
as skiing and others. |