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Wildlife in Kashmir
The highest, youngest & largest chain of mountains in the world, the Himalayan range is one of
the most fascinating and spectacular natrual wonders on earth.It is more than that : it is one of
the richest store of animal life. For instance, it is remarkable that almost one third of the world's
mammalian species that may be called true mountain animals are native to these mountains.
Jammu and kasmir with its variety of geographical regions, climates and vegetation has many delights
to offer the wildlife enthusiast. Perphas no animal better epitomises the character and concerns of
the mountain environment than the snow leopard, a beautiful and elusive survivor from the frigid
Pleistocene era. Though its range is immense, it is extending over the entire area.
Himalayan range, it is most advantageously sought in jammu and kashmir especially in the high ranges.
Another rare animal is the hangul or Kashmir stag, one of the most endangered species of red deer in
the world.An enigmatic mammal is the bharal; the controversy over whether it is a shep or a goat is
not yet settled. Many unique species of antelope, goat and sheep are found in the state.
In winter high-altitude bird species move to the lower valleys and into the tourist's purview.
Cinnamon sparrows, the black and yellow grosbeak, black bulbuls and monal pheasants(the male splendidly
coloured) may be seen now. At this time, too large troops of the impressive Himalayan gray langur visit
for the duration.
But nothing strikes the eye and imagination so much as in spring and summer, when the long foothills
and deep valleys awake to life. Now also awakes the imposing Himalayan black bear and as the winter
avifauna return to higher quarters the birds of the summer return.Among these is the lovely golden
oriole. The langurs and hangful, too make thier way to higher valleys that are not however inaccessible.
Though wildlife conservation in Ladakh began fairly recently,there is much here that is not found in
the lower ranges. Ladakh's ecosystem, lying at the confluence of three zoogeographic zones, is fascinating
and uniquely varied. A dozen important mammals and over 100 species of birds make their home in this
rugged terain most of them, though endangered or rare.
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The wild yak is native only to this area. Other animals include the ibex, blue sheep, bharal, docile
marmot and mouse hare. The snow leopard roams here too;so does the wild horse and the rare musk deer
inhabits lower altitudes. Unfortunately some species are still outside the tourist's domain.
Jammu and the Kashmir valley, however have led wildlife conservation efforts. Several National Parks
and Sanctuaries have been established in the state.
Adventure in Kashmir
Water Skiing
(Kashmir)
Water sports are the 'fun' 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 expanse
of the Dal, the Boddal, has privately owned 'bathing boats' which hire out motor launches,
water-skiis and trained instructor.
There are more bathing boats at the Nagin Lake and also a government run Institute of Water
Sports. The Nagin lake too has trained instructors and is more popular because of its clean
water. Manasbal Lake, approachable from Srinagar by road, is secluded from the rest of the
world by the hills that surround it.
Serene, with a mirror like sheen on its surface makes Manasbal an attractive water sports resort.
Not only one can hire the latest water-skiing equipment but also specially trained instructors
impart lessons to the initiated. Throughout the summer season in Kashmir - from May to the end
of August - the water of the lakes is pleasant for water sports. The Tourist's huts and bungalows
are available on all the above resorts to make it a overnight getaway.
Heli Skiing
(Gulmarg)
Kashmir is Asia's only heli-skiing resort. The bets time is December when the verdant green
slopes of Gulmarg are blanketed with snow, forming some of the finest natural slopes for ski runs
of all levels.
The gentle slopes, having runs of upto 200 meters, are the best for beginners while the steeper
runs of 500 meters for intermediate level skiers, and yet other stretches of over 2,000 meters,
precipitously steep, for top level skiers. T-bars and chair lifts, on five runs for beginners and
intermediates, are operated throughout the day.
Gulmarg also offers heli-skiing, being the first destination in Asia to do so. A helicopter takes
you upto the Apherwat peak from where you choose your own descent route. Also in Gulmarg during
winter are toboggans, sledges and snow cycles. Requiring little, if any, skills, they are perfect
way to enter the spirit of fun and excitement that snow generate.
The winter sports season in Gulmarg lasts for as long as the snow does - normally December through
March. The State Tourism has winterized huts including some privately owned hotels, mainly in the
upper bracket, remain open during this season. Forts & Monuments | Temples & Sacred Places | Holiday
& Beach Resorts.
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Trekking
At an altitude of more than 9000 ft, Ladakh offers adventure amidst beauty which surpasses any
other mountain range. Tucked between two of the world's greatest mountain ranges, the Himalayas
and the Karakoram, this forbidden valley lay hidden from the outside world-- inaccessible at first
because of its hostile terrain and then banned to tourists due to its strategic geographic position.
Its snow-clad peaks, translucent lakes, barren terrain and mystic culture has attracted tourists
and explorers from all over the world.
Trekkers in the Ladakh region The main hindrance in trekking in this region is due to cold waves
and snow i.e extreme wintry conditions. For trekking in Ladakh, one has to be physically fit and
prepared to face the rigors of back country travel as well. The fluctuations in the day and night
temperature takes its toll. The best season to go on trekking expeditions in this region is between
July and September.
Trekking possibilities include short, day-long walks or long mountain treks involving weeks of
walking and camping in the wilderness. Depending upon the time and budget, tourist offices at Leh,
Kargil or Padum can design trekking programmes for you. But the easiest way to go on trek is through
a travel agency, which will take care of all arrangements including camping gear, provisions,
porterage, staff and all other matters. As the terrain is inhospitable and ecology very fragile,
it is advisable to take as much provision and fuel as possible from the base camp.
Some well known treks around Leh are :
1. Leh-Lamayuru-Wanla-Ursi-Tar La-Mangyur-Saspol-Leh (7 days)
2. Leh-Stok-Zachan-Runbagh Pass-Shingo-Skiu-Shaluk-Markha-Nimaling-
Longmaru-La-Churkirmo-Shang-Hemis-Leh (14 days)
3. Padam-Tongde-Zangla-Sher Sher La-Chup Cha-Shang Kong Ma-Kurna Sumdo-Nari Narsa-
Lang Tan-Hankar-Nima Ling-Shakdo-Hemis (14 days)
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