The ideal trekking months stretch from April to November;no special permits are required,though registration with the nearest tourist office is necessary.The state affords some spectacular contrasts in nature with its alpine pastures,barren wastelands and rugged mountains.Srinagar is a good take off point for trekking in the Kashmir valley or in Zanskar(by road to kargil).In the Ladakh region,Leh is the best point for base camp.Mules and porters charging approximately $ 4 per day can be engaged from the area's nearest tourist office.Guides are also available and there are several specialised agencies in Srinagar and Leh dealing in trekking tours. 

Several mountain ranges through the state of Jammu & Kashmir among them Pir Panjal,Great Himalayas,Zanskar,Ladakh,Karakoram. Climbing in these Himalayas can be very stimulating and typically an expedition can take a month,Srinagar to Srinagar.Rich in flora and fauna,the summits of most peaks are an exhilirating experience and from a top them,one can look beyond to neighbouring countries Pakistan and Tibet.Off Sonamarg are the lesser peaks Kolahoi(5,425 m) and Harmukh (5,148 m).These are peaks one can get to quickly making an alpine ascent.Similarly thhe peaks in the Kishtwar region are not too high but offer technically dicfficult climbing with many challenging faces and ridges.Some are still virgin peaks.The popular peaks are Sickle Moon 6,575 m ,Riger 6,001m,Brammah-I 6,416m,Crooked Finger 5,630m, Arjuna 6,230m,Katori 6,138m and Flat Top 6,100m.In the Zanskar region are the famous peaks of Nun 7,135m and Kun 7,077m.Around these are White Needle 6,500m,Pinacle 6,930m and Z-1 6,400m.These peaks are located at the head of the Shafat glacier.The 'Z' series also cluster around the Durung Drung glacier which is visible from the Pensita.In the Ladakh region are the 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 Inaian Karakorams have also been opened to foreigners and Indian.

Cutting across the lunar landscapes of Ladakh,The Indus triver begins its 2,000 mile long journey,biting through a land few men have seen.Often called the 'lion river' the Indus roars across great hasms of mounatin and earth,bridging both in a roar of thundering foam as she plungess across untamed countryside. As she passes through Leh,river runners congregate 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.Or combine a scenic and white trip on the run from Niemo.Water-skiing on Dal and Nagin lakes is a popular sport and for those who are trying it for the first time ten-day water ski courses are available.Canoeing too may be attempted at the high altitudes lakes,while diving in the lakes has still to catch on.

You can golf at the highest 18-hole course in the world at Gulmarg.At 3,730 m the greens are overlooked by Gulmarg's picturesque vistas and different from anything you might have seen before.The Charming Golf Club here first opened its doors in 1904. At Srinagar the course has common fairways and a par 0f 70 and most of it overlooks the serene waters of Dal Lake.And those interested will find that Pahalgam too has a very lovely golf course. 

Visitors can avail of the golf club facilities either by seeking daily membership or temporary membership if in Kashmir for a longer stay. 

Kashmir has been rightly called 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,far cheaper than it is in any 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 whcih means that you can revel in angling in ideal conditions. 

Rivers and streams are divided into approximately 100 beats,most of which are within a two hour drive from Srinagar.Most beats have nearby a Department of Fisheries or a J & K Tourism hut,at which you can stay overnight.You require a permit to fish and not more than one permit is given on any beat.One permit allows you to catch six fish.And as experience has shown reels and flies are all that are needed.Spoons and spinners are not allowed. 

If you are more adventurous,you can fish in one of many high altitude lakes(14,000 ft.above sea level)which are reached by a trek.The trekking season is from July to October while the fishing season extends from March to October. 

At the Tourist Reception Centre,Srinagar is the fishing counter.Inforamtion on equipment,location of beats,transport and nearby accommodation can be had here.Also in the Tourist Reception Centre on the first floor is the department of Fisheries.Permits are to be obtained from here on payment of a small fee and as most of the officials are keen anglers themselves,you can get the most detailed information from them. Should you require a rod,reel or flies,there are shops in Srinagar where these can be had on hire and the Department of Fisheries will be happy to give you their name and addresses.