Jammu Kashmir Adventure Tourism

Multi-day hiking trips through mountainous ranges and snow deserts is truly a dream for a trekker. Trekking forms an integral part of the adventure sports flourishing in the hilly tracts of Jammu and Kashmir. The state is an ultimate paradise for trekkers. There are several routes passing through snowy hills, glaciers, and valleys for adventurous trekking. Hemis-Markha-Padum trek (13 days trek) and Chaddar (separating the Indus Valley from Zanskar) are amongst the best and most exciting trek routes in the world. Jammu, Ladakh, Gulmarg, Kishtwar are few places where trekking through the woods and the hills can be enjoyed.

J&K trek routes are categorised as Short Term Treks and Long Term Treks. All the mountainous routes that lie in low altitude regions come under Short term treks. Treks starting from Kishtwar, or Sonamarg – Thajiwas trek, or a few treks starting from Gulmarg are short and perfect for amateurs. Contrary to this, the Amarnath Yatra is one of the most famous long treks in the state. Its duration can be modified depending on how much one want to travel. Apart from this, Gulmarg - Ferozepur Nala, Sudarani - Jungal Gali - Jasar Kote - Sanasar route in the Jungal Gali area, and the Zanskar trek that passes through the Cha Cha La pass and the ancient Karsha Gompa are also some of the best long term treks.

Aero-Sports:

J&K Tourism has introduced Equipment can be hired from the Tourist Office in Jammu city. May-June and September-October are suitable months for paragliding at Sanasar. 19 kms from Patnitop with a good approachable road and transport links. You can reach Sanasar from Jammu via Kud and Patnitop by bus or taxi. Accommodation is available in J&K TDC huts for aero-sport enthusiasts. Shortly, other aero-sports like Parasailing and Hot-Air Ballooning will also become operational in the area.

Skiing:

At Patnitop, ski courses are conducted in the months of January and February. During the winter months, there are introductory courses for tourists. The gently graded ski slopes of Patnitop are ideal for beginners. Madha Top (5-6 kms. from Patnitop on the Sanasar Road) has excellent possibilities for all levels of skiing. After the newly planned ski-lift becomes operational, Madha Top will offer a range of skiing options for both professional skiers biggners.

Facilities Available:

For tourists taking the J&K TDC package tour, 40 sets of ski equipment are available at Patnitop and Sanasar. Also available are wooden sledges locally. For beginners and for people who want to brush up their skills, the J&K Tourism Department Ski Instructors are at your service. Accommodation for skiers is available in huts of J&K TDC at Patnitop, Kud and Sanasar. There are also several private hotels at Patnitop and Kud. Restaurants and 'Dhabas' (roadside eateries) serve tourists round-the-year.

Trekking:

A range of trekking options is available in the Jammu area. Ask for a free copy of our trekking brochure for a detailed description of the many short and long treks you can take. Summer is the season when all the routes are open but some trekking routes are open in winter. There are excellent camping sites in the wilderness where you can camp when you are trekking for 2-3 days. The Sudarani-Jungal Gali- Jasar Kote-Sanasar route in the jungal gali area lets you choose from any of the three exciting treks.

Facilities Available:

The Tourism Department has Trekking Equipment Hire Shops at Jammu, Kud and Rajouri. These stock local and imported trekking gear. Trekking parties and trekkers can hire the equipment at fixed rates.

Equipment available: are as under: Tents (Indian and Imported); 4-man tent (Indian); 2-man tent (Imported); Sleeping Bags (Imported); Carry mat (Indian & Imported); Jackets (Indian & Imported); Windcheaters (Indian); Rucksack (Indian & Imported); Trekking Boots (Indian & Imported). The equipment is issued against a cash security deposit equivalent to the cost or on a guarantee letter from any Officer of the rank of Deputy Director, Tourism/Deputy Secretary of State Government or Central Govt. If you are a foreign tourist, your passport will be held as security deposit against equipment taken on hire. Some Travel Agencies in the city can also organise trekking on different routes in Jammu.