In the Zanskar region peaks are located at the head of the Shafat glacier and include the famous peaks of Nun 7,135m and Kun 7,077m. Around these areWhite Needle 6,500m, Pinacle 6,930m and Z-1 6,400m. The 'Z' series also cluster around the Drang Drung glacier which is visible from the Pensita. In the Ladakh region are Stok Kangri 6,153m, Parcha Kangri 6,065m and Kanglcha 6,400m.

More recently, peaks in the restricted area of the Nubra valley in the Indian Karakorams have also been opened to foreigners and Indians.

Mountaineering and trekking, particularly in Ladakh, affords spectacular views and awesome experiences. Skiing, water sports like river rafting and fishing and golfing are all popular sports.

Fishing
Kashmir has rightly been called an angler's paradise, with a network of rivers and streams as well as high altitude lakes all abounding in trout, both brown and rainbow. Trout fishing in Kashmir is far cheaper than it is in ant other part of the world. And most importantly, the Department of Fisheries, which controls angling in the valley, works hard to ensure that there is no depletion of stock by indiscriminate fishing, which means that you can revel in angling in ideal conditions.

Kashmir's fabled natural beauty needs no introduction. Crisscrossing the state are the well-known Sind and Lidder rivers and their tributaries, with a silvery network of smaller rivers and streams. The geographical variation along the course of each river is immense, affording endless possibilities for the angler. Closer to the source of each river, the gradient is steeper and the waters flow faster. The landscape is generally hilly, with towering pines. As the river runs its course, the gradient evens out and the flow of water loses its torrential force. The open countryside with a wide and sweeping horizon has willow, poplar and walnut swaying in the cool breeze.

There are approximately 100 beats to fish at. Most are within a two-hour drive from Srinagar. Overnight stay can be organised at nearby huts of the Department of Fisheries or Tourism. Only one permit is issued per beat. Just with spoons and flies you can rope in up to 6 fish. Six days a week permits are issued only to tourists, while locals are only allowed to fish on Sundays.

Kashmir has rightly been called an angler's paradise, with a network of rivers and streams as well as high altitude lakes all abounding in trout, both brown and rainbow.

The trout is a crafty fish and requires skilled handling. Early mornings and late evenings are the best times to fish. To increase your chances of success you might like to shift to another spot within the permitted two kilometres of the beat for which you hold the permit. In case you need information or assistance there are beat guards, two per beat, who are familiar with the habits of the fish and are there to advise you, should you wish.

An eight day trek to high altitudes (14,000 ft) rewards the angler with spectacularly lovely lakes cradled by snow clad mountains. The fish keep close to the bottom of the lake during winters and rise near the surface as the ice melts. Spoons and spinners are permitted here.

The 2,000 mile long Indus river cuts across the terrain of Ladakh through a land traversed by few. Popularly called the 'lion river', the Indus roars across great chasms of mountain and earth in a roar of thundering foam as she plunges across untamed countryside.

The fishing counter at the Tourist Reception Centre, Srinagar, provides information on equipment, location of beats, transport and accommodation. A small fee has to be deposited with the Fisheries Department (above the Tourist Reception Centre) to obtain a permit. Overnight accommodation is also booked here. Rods, reels or flies can be procured/hired from shops in Srinagar. Information is available at the Department of Fisheries.

The fishing season extends from March to October.

Golf
Kashmir offers wonderful golf facilities including an 18-hole course in Gulmarg, the highest in the world. At 3,730 m the greens surrounded by the picturesque panorama are breath-taking. At Srinagar, the 70-par course has common fairways with most of it overlooking the serene waters of Dal Lake. The keen golfer can also try a hand at the course in Pahalgam. Visitors can avail of golf club facilities either by seeking daily membership or temporary membership if in Kashmir for a longer stay.

Water Sports
The 2,000 mile long Indus river cuts across the terrain of Ladakh through a land traversed by few. Popularly called the 'lion river', the Indus roars across great chasms of mountain and earth in a roar of thundering foam as she plunges across untamed countryside. As she passes through Leh, river runners muster to navigate her waters, ice-cold, clear and offering infinite variations to occupy all grades of enthusiasts. Options include a half-day scenic run for amateurs on low waters from Phey, along fast currents through canyons and along spectacular mountain views to Niemo, the confluence of the Zanskar and Karakoram ranges. Water-skiing on Dal and Nagin Lakes is a popular sport. A 10-day beginners course is available. Canoeing is also attempted in the high altitudes lakes, while diving in the lakes is still not common.

Winter Sports
The first fall of snow blankets the highlands and transforms the winter wonderland into the country's premier arena for action-packed skiing. Gulmarg has world-class ski slopes varying between 8,700 and 10,500 feet, the highest in India. The Gulmarg ski and chair lifts provide basic utilitarian facilities with a simple link-up for beginners. The high altitude skiers have to make their own way up to invigorating heights. Gulmarg's ski-shop has professional equipment imported from Australia and France, which can also be hired for temporary use. Facilities for skiing at Pahalgam are being developed and work on an institute of mountaineering and winter sports is already underway. Heli-skiing is also being introduced.

Compiled by Puneet Sachdeva