Introducing
Kashmir
Kashmir is one of the provinces of the northern most state of India, the
other two being Jammu and Ladakh. Kashmir is the central most region,
largely formed of low lying plains surrounded by some amazing mountains. The
valleys astounding beauty have long been attracting tourists and in large
numbers. Mountains, hills, lakes and gardens constitute the beauty and
elegance about it. With many of the favorite tourist hot spots untouched and
un sophisticated Kashmir promises an exciting and adventurous vacations. The
winter sports, far and wide popular in the valley, include Skiing, Heli
Skiing, Ice Skating and Snow Boarding.
Skiing at Gulmarg
Gulmarg is one of the best ski resorts of Himalayas. The slopes here are of
international standards and due to this reason alone skiers from all over
the world flock in the winters. Much to the surprise the first National
Winter Games were held at Gulmarg, in the year 1998. Khilanmarg, one more
skiing resort in the valley, complements the popular one. The ski resort at
Gulmarg was established back in 1927 by two army officers and since then
things have been coming to surface. The resort is one of the highest lift
served ski resort in India. The approximate 2.5 kms slope run with soft
powdery surface fuels up the acceleration and the excitement.
Heli Skiing
Now we mean business when we say that Kashmir is the only place that offers
the extreme sport heli skiing in India. In fact it is the second destination
in the world, after Canada, that gives you this unique experience. Heli
skiing gives you an opportunity to be lifted by a chopper/helicopter and
dropped on an inaccessible summit. All that follows is the thrill of sliding
down the slope. It is one extreme sport and requires a great skill and
experience.
Ice Skating
Winters in Kashmir are exhilarating as the temperature drops to zero and
below zero degrees. Lakes and pools transform into mere sheets of ice and
with your skates on nobody is going to tell you what to do. Ice skating is
one more popular adventure sport hosted in the valley. Ice skating rinks are
set up at many places and tourists from all over places assemble to
participate in the competitions and sometimes for fun. Gulamarg and Pahalgam
are two popular destinations for ice skating.
Snow Boarding
Snow boarding, like skiing can be best enjoyed at Gulamarg and Khilan Marg.
The slopes are excellent, weather is fine and facilities are available. The
tourists however need to bring their snow boards with them.
There are good reason for the tourists and sports lovers to come to
Kashmir. First and foremost the slopes and summits are the best in the
country and among the best in the world. Second that inevitably secures the
choice is the expenditure. In Europe and North America one has to spend
handsome and hefty amounts for going for such activities. At Kashmir they
get it all at an affordable and much cheaper price compared to places
already mentioned.
How to Reach Kashmir
Srinagar is the summer capital of Kashmir and the base station to reach the
adventure places in Kashmir. The city is better accessible by roads and
airways. Road, rail and airway services are available from the national
capital Delhi, railways services available up to Jammu some 300 kms away.
Srinagar is about 700 kms far from the national capital and it takes a
maximum of 24 hours by road and 1 hour in a flight.
Where to Stay at Kashmir
At popular resorts stand established hotels and tourist huts. Accomodation
is quite affordable and services are al right. Tourist Huts are more
splendid and it is a great experience to stay at one of these. Fire places
and heating arrangements are provided.
