Jammu
& Kashmir offers several opportunities for water sports.
Amongst them River rafting and water skiing are very popular.
River Rafting
Rafting Centres
The three best-established and most reliable companies
rafting in Leh are :
» Ri Mo Rafting, who work from the » Hotel Kang La Chen near The
Ecology Centre.
» Highland Adventures, on the first floor of the Hotel Ibex Complex.
» Indus Himalaya, opposite the Hotel Yak Tail on Fort Road.
Note: Make sure while booking that the price includes transport to
and from the river, rental of life vests, helmets, meals and that the raft
has a waterproof strong box for valuable.
Rafting On The River Indus
Between the end of June and late August, when water levels are high, Leh's
most travel agents and travel operators organises rafting trips on the Indus
river. This event is still in its infancy with floating downstream in a
rugged and beautiful landscape.
River Rafting in Ladakh
River rafting in Ladakh is difficult to find anywhere else in the world. It
provides the best opportunity to enjoy and observe the natural beauty of the
awesome landscapes with snow-covered mountain peaks, deep gorges, hillside
villages, towering hilltop monasteries and glimpses of the unique wildlife.
Ladakh provides an array of rafting options on the Indus and its main
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 beginners training.
In recent years, running the Indus has become a popular option and features
on the itinerary of most travelers.
The most difficult but enthusing rafting option is available on the Zanskar
River, along its daring course through a gorge in the Zanskar Mountains,
between Padum and Nimu. This is fitted only for well-organised white-water
expeditions, framed for about a week of rafting and camping in complete
wilderness. It is necessary that the participants are trained rafters
themselves while the arrangements are assigned to a reliable professional
agency. Adequate arrangement for rescue operation is an important
prerequisite for undertaking this white-water expedition.
The Two River Stretches
Two different stretches of the river are engaged : from
Spituk to the Indus Zanskar unites at Nimmu, and from Nimmu to the ancient
temple complex at Alchi. Skilled rafters may also be desirous to try the
more challenging route between Alchi and Khalsi, which takes in the
kilometre long series of rapids at Nurla.
Several agents around Fort Road arranges white water rafting on the Indus,
who bring up the equipment for rafting during the season. One should book
tickets at least a day in advance, preferably through the tour agent
themselves.
Water Skiing
Skiing is considered to be one of the prime extreme sports in the
adventurous sport, but water skiing is something that allows a water sport
lover to make a splash at the oceanic depths of the sea world. It is just
like surfing in many ways, here too you do get to balance on the ski board,
but a strong sensory power is also required here.
Water sports are the fun making 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.
The largest area of the Dal, the Boddal, has privately owned 'bathing
boats', water-skies and trained instructors. There are more bathing boats at
the Nagin Lake and also a government run Institute to guide the lovers of
Water Sports. The Nagin lake too has trained instructors and is more
preferred because of its clean water.
The Treasured Location In Isolation
Manasbal Lake, accessible from Srinagar by road, is isolated from the rest
of the world by the hills that surround it. Tranquil with a mirror like
gloss on its base makes Manasbal an attractive water sports resort. One can
hire the latest water-skiing equipment and also specially trained
instructors for the beginners here. All through the summer season in Kashmir
- starting from May to the end of August - the water of the lakes in Kashmir
is pleasant for water sports. The Tourist's huts and bungalows are available
on all the above resorts to make the stay on these places a memorable and
comfortable one.
