Water Sports in Kashmir

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.