Kashmir`s two major natural advantages are its mountains on the one hand, and lakes and rivers on the other. These waterways enhance the beauty of the land and are one of the chief sources that attract tourists to its verdant valleys. But more than just a means of pleasure, the water-ways and mountains are an activity oriented way of discovering new leisure sports.

Skiing: Skiing in Jammu and Kashmir is a thrilling and exciting experience for any adventure enthusiast. The Ski Club of India was established in Gulmarg in 1927, which is now considered as the ski paradise of India. Just 50 km from Srinagar, situated at an altitude of 2,730 m, Gulmarg changes its scenery from a flowery meadow to that pf a small ski resort in winters.

Aero-Sports: India is fast emerging as a major aero-sports destination because of its long Himalayan range that offers opportunities for activities like Para Sailing, Para Gliding, Hot Air Ballooning, and Para Jumping. Though, it will still take some time for the state of Jammu and Kashmir to gain popularity as a hand-gliding landmark, yet the location of a flat valley surrounded by high mountains is an ideal terrain for hang-gliding.

Trekking: Trekking forms an integral part of the adventure sports flourishing in the hilly tracts of Jammu and Kashmir. However, Ladakh takes away the prize of being a trekker`s paradise despite of its harsh weather conditions and snowfall. It is only recently that adventure tourism has got its long-due attention from the tourism industry but now, a considerable part of the tourists who visit Kashmir like to trek, if just to glimpse at its matchless natural beauty.

Golf: Kashmir Valley offers verdant golf courses at Srinagar and Gulmarg, where one can play golf all through the summer, stretching from April to November. Bordered by trees of Chinar and Pine, one may play for longer hours here than in the plains because of the lower temperatures and invigorating climate.

River Rafting: The valley of Kashmir is as famous for its rivers and lakes as it is for its beautiful mountains. More than just an object of beauty, the waterways offer activity-oriented leisure sports too. While the more sedentary ones may opt for a Shikara boat ride, which have sprung-cushion seats and chintz curtains, on the Dal and Nagin lakes in Srinagar, the others may opt for motorboats or go for water skiing.

Mountain Climbing: Mountain climbing is one of the most popular adventure sports of Jammu and Kashmir. Boasting of some of the best peaks of Himalayan and Alpine mountain ranges, the four regions into which the mountains can be grouped are - Kashmir, Kishtwar, Zanskar and Ladakh.