Kashmir Trekking - Kashmir

For trekkers, Kashmir is the ultimate paradise. The terrain from the Shivalik hills of Jammu to the rugged mountains of Ladakh is a geographer's delight. Nowhere in the world can one see so much change in geography in such a small distance: flora and fauna; Alpine pastures saddled among snow clad peaks with pure oxygenated air; high-altitude lakes of Kishensar, Vishensar and Gangabal full of trout. Your constant companions would be the nomadic shepherds - the Gujjars - the tough and sturdy mountain folk who can carry you on their back and still complete the trek in half the time and who claim to be descendants of Moses. One can go back-packing on one's own or take on a 'five star' trek in the Mughal fashion with camp cots, tables and chairs and bearers in waiting For those who want to do it in real Alpine style, equipment is readily available in Srinagar, Pahalgam and Sonmarg, the main take off points. Choice provisions can be purchased in Srinagar.One can hike for a day, or disappear in the mountains for a week, enjoy the tranquility and serenity, becoming one with the surroundings in a rare communion with nature.

For tougher treks, Ladakh offers the true rugged Himalayan adventure amid high mountains, lofty peaks and endless glaciers. Treks range from four days to two weeks. In fact, if one combines some of the trails, one can go on exploring the mountains for months together. But one has to be cautious while trekking in Ladakh. The climate and terrain are more demanding, being almost a high-altitude desert with extreme temperature. One has to be self-sufficient in food as the local population has very little food to spare. In some places one may not see any life for days together. The trekking season extends from mid May till mid Oct.

No permits are required for trekking anywhere in Kashmir or Ladakh in open areas. However, certain areas close to the border are restricted zones. Entry into these areas delineated by an imaginary line drawn one mile north of Zojila-Kargil-Leh road and one mile west of Leh-Upshi-Manali road is forbidden. Violation may result in arrest and prosecution. Should one be going for very long treks in these high mountains, it is advisable to register with tourist authorities and also inform them on return.

Peak Season for Trekking in Kashmir: Before Monsoons
Location: Gulmarg, Kashmir Region, J&K
Trekking Places in Kashmir: Amarnath, Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Pahalgam

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River Rafting in Kashmir Valleys - Kashmir

Kashmir's two major natural advantages are its mountains on the one hand, and lakes and rivers on the other. These waterways enhance the beauty of the land and are one of the chief sources that attract tourists to its verdant valleys. But more than just a means of pleasure, the water-ways are an activity oriented way of discovering new lei-sure sports.

To those of you who are by nature passive, there is little more needed than a wining nod to a passing shikara-wala before you are invited on board these narrow boats with their sprung-cushion seats and chintz curtains. A variation on this can be the hiring of a motor boat so you travel faster over water. Or better still, when the summer days are balmy, go water skiing.

The two rivers, Indus and Lidder, are essentially mountain streams and are suitable for white water rafting on some stretches. The Indus in Ladakh, in particular. has three portions that are ideal for this sport Due to a low volume of water and a wide river bed, it can be navigated only in pares. Options offered are a half day run for amateurs from Phey to Niemo, or a two day exciting run from Phey to Alchi (day one) and Nurla (day two) with a choice of going further to Khalsi. The Zanskar River, also in Ladakh, can offer professionals six days on rapids that begin at Padum and And through the picturesque Zanskar valley. The best season is August-September.

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Jeep Safari Tours

The Manali-Leh road is open only for 2-3 months, between July and September, every year before the snows cover it up or wash away the road. This overland route had become an increasingly popular way to go to Leh. The advantage of the road route is that one sees an amazing panorama of nature 's beauty and also gets gradually acclimatized to breathing in the high altitude atmosphere, which is a pre-requisite to staying at Leh. An unforgettable experience as the road traverses a variety of landscapes and one can hardly put the camera away. Along the way nature impresses with awesome mountain passes of 17-18,000 ft., long stretches of flat, cold desert without a trace of vegetation, amazing natural rock formations and deep gorges of the rivers Beas, Chandra, Bhaga and finally Indus. From the Snowclad Mountains , when the snows melt, one sees beautiful waterfalls and gurgling crystal clear mountain streams. Along the streams and rivers are human habitations with pockets of rich cultivated green fields, fruit orchards and wild exotic plants used for preparing herbal medications.

Day 1 : Eve Departure for Manali

Departure in the evening by 2x2 deluxe coach for Manali. Overnight journey.

Day 2 : Manali

Arrive Manali in the morning and transfer to hotel. Full Day leisure to explore the Himalayan town of Manali . Overnight in hotel.

Day 3 : Manali - Keylong / Jispa [115 kms, 6 hrs drive]

After breakfast, drive to Keylong / Jispa over the Rohtang Pass (3980 M). Reach Keylong / Jispa and check into hotel. Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 4 : Keylong / Jispa - Sarchu [114 kms, 6 hrs drive]

After breakfast, drive to Sarchu over Baralacha Pass (4830 m). Arrive Sarchu and check into tents. Evening at leisure & overnight in tents.

Day 5 : Sarchu - Leh (245 kms, 7 hrs drive)

After breakfast, drive to Leh over Lachungla (5019 m) and Tanglang La (5360 m) to reach in the evening. Check into hotel. Overnight.

Day 6 : In Leh

After breakfast, full Day at leisure to explore Leh. Overnight in hotel.

Day 7 : Leh - Khardungla - Leh [140 kms, 6 hrs drive]

After breakfast, drive to the highest motorable read in the world- Khardungla Pass (5360m) to return back by noon. Evening at leisure. Overnight in hotel.

Day 8 : Leh - Delhi

After breakfast, transfer to airport for flight at 0735 hrs. Arrive Delhi at 0850hrs.

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