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In winters, when snow carpets the
mountains, there is skiing, tobogganing, sledge-riding, etc.
along the gentle slopes in Kashmir. In summers and spring,
golfing, water-skiing, trekking, fishing and angling can be
done in Kashmir. |
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strikingly
different from other golf courses – the land slopes and
inclines along the complete area of the course, which has a
par of 72. The golf club first opened its doors in 1904.Since
then it has seen over four score years of tournaments of both
amateurs and professionals, of men, women and children. The
golf set, balls and other golfing equipments are available on
rent from the pro-shops at Gulmarg. The layout of both the
golf courses, too, will delight the golfers.
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Trekking
The trekking in Kashmir is very different from the trekking in
Nepal. Before the recent disturbances, no special permission
was required to visit Kashmir or Ladakh. But today, it is
impossible to trek from the Vale of Kashmir, though it is
still possible to get into Ladakh. While trekking, you will be
moving through the countryside that is used for grazing. Some
of the famous trekking points in Kashmir are Kishtawar to
Kashmir, Kishtawar to Chamba, Kishtawar to Zanskar, Sindh and
Lidder valleys, Lidder to Sindh valley trek via the Yemhar
Pass, Sonamarg to Haramukh and Kashmir to Ladakh. Sonamarg
also offers various trekking and hiking trails, which attract
the adventure lovers. The adventure seekers may opt for
trekking trails from Sonamarg to lakes of Vishansar,
Krishansar and Gangabal. In particular, trekking trips into
the mountains should be undertaken only after consulting the
Tourist Office at Srinagar or Sonamarg for safety and
feasibility. The environment in Pahalgam offers various
trekking opportunities. The best time to take the trekking in
Pahalgam is from April to June. Trekking in the high altitude
area of Himalayas is not without hazards and must be done in
the company of trained guides. One of the best known trekking
route is from Pahalgam to Amarnath which covers Chandanwari,
Sheshnag and Panchtarni. Tents and pack ponies can also be
hired in Pahalgam for a trek to the 11,800 feet high Kolahoi
Glacier. The trek can be done in three days. On the way to
Kolahoi glacier, you can also share your camping grounds with
nomadic Bakarwals. The Bakarwals are the shepherds who move
into higher grounds to let their sheep, goats and buffaloes
graze. The men are tall, sturdy and handsome. Their women
plait their hair into hundreds of tiny braids. They move with
families, children tied on the back of ponies with pots and
pans. On the way to the glacier is a beautiful resting spot,
known as Lidderwat. Lidderwat is a beautiful camping site set
among dense forests. Although the sun shines brightly here,
yet the tall encircling pines keep the shades very dark. After
moving from Lidderwat, you will reach at the Kalahoi glacier.
This is the great frozen river that stands motionless. And, if
you drink a little bit of the melted water, you feel great
relief.
Skiing
Skiing is one of the major attractions for the adventure
loving tourists. Skiing is done on open slope, off trail
through the pine forests. Gulmarg is the best ski resort in
the Himalayas. Gulmarg is the main place for all the ski
lovers, with good snow conditions from December to March. It
is the only ski resort which offers a magnificent view of the
Karokaram, K2, Nanga Parbat and Nunkun. Gulmarg's atmosphere
can be identified with the 1940 and 1950's European skiing -
the Alps of good old days. It has good sunshine and snow.
Heliskiing is also possible at Gulmarg. Modern facilities such
as T bars, ski lifts, chair cable cars and ropeways are also
available in Gulmarg.
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Fishing
The Sindh River that flows through the Sonamarg is bountiful
with Trout and Mahseer. So here, one can enjoy the trout and
mahseer fishing. In the Krishnasar Lake also you can enjoy the
trout fishing. |
