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WILDLIFE:-
About Wildlife of Kashmir The highest, youngest & largest chain of mountains
in the world, the Himalayan range is one of the most fascinating and
spectacular natural 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
epitomizes 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, extending over the entire Himalayan
range, it is most
SNOWBOARDING:-
SNOWBOARDING IN GULMARG - KASHMIR Snowboarding is a more recent invention
than skiing but has already overtaken it in popularity. Snowboarding
is a new sport in India and Kashmir is the only place where it is taking
place. Kashmir outstanding snow and choice of terrain are the main attractions
for riders from all over the world . It is easy to learn, graceful and
elegant to watch and a thrill that has to be experienced (or so the
snowboarders would have everyone believe). Combining the grace of surfing
with the jump and spin techniques of skateboarding, snowboarding is
pure adrenaline. And there's nothing like the freedom of flying down
a snow-covered mountain on a snowboard. The season at Gulmarg extends
from January to March. The snow covered slopes of Gulmarg present a remarkable challenge as you negotiate the ridges at break-neck speed. Snowboarding Essentials The snowboard looks similar to a surfboard or skateboard. There are basically two types of boards, depending on the style of snowboarding. Free riding is the downhill oriented side of the sport and requires boards that are built for speed, variable snow and steep drops. Freestyle requires boards that are built for freestyle moves, and spins. The boards should be light, go fast from edge-to-edge, spin quickly and respond instantly. Most snowboards are designed both for free riding and freestyle, having a twin tip design where both ends are the same. The optimal board length is dependent upon the style of riding. In general the optimal board length should be related to the rider's weight. You need to bend the board, beneath you, for turns or spins so if the board is too stiff for your weight you will never be able to bend it sufficiently. To attach your feet to the board, you need bindings. Most entry-level bindings share the same basic design, a base plate with straps. Unlike ski bindings, snowboard bindings are not meant to release when you crash, but need to be disconnected in order to glide along flat areas. More advanced bindings replace the base plate with a set of rails, allowing your boots to rest directly on the board for better response and feel. [More] [ Water Skiing ] [ Water Safari ] |
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 their 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 terrain most of
them, though endangered or rare. 
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 
