Mountaineering

The mountains in Kashmir may be categorized as Alpine and Himalayan. The four important mountaineering zones in the state of Jammu and Kashmir are Kashmir, Zanskar, Kishtwar and Ladakh. Mountain climbing is a very popular adventure activity in this region. Proper expeditions have been conducted in the past and are still being conducted by professional mountain climbers to climb their way up to peaks that lie at great heights in the shortest possible time period.

There are a number of tour and travel packages that provide ample opportunity for amateur mountain climbers to enjoy mountaineering trips and expeditions.

There are a number of trekking trails from Kishtwar to a number Himalayan peaks that are not at a very great altitude. In fact these treks can be completed within a weeks time. Most of these trekking tours offer packages that include all the trekking and camping equipment.

Several joint trekking expeditions have been conducted in the Karakoram ranges. Every Foreign mountaineering expedition in the state of Jammu and Kashmir requires the issuance of a written permission from the Indian Mountaineering Foundation.

The popular peaks of Ladakh and Kashmir where mountaineering expeditions are organized on a regular basis are Apsarasas, Chong Kumdan, Teram Kangri Group, Tughmo Zarpo and Saser Kangri. Places like Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Sonamarg serve as base camps for trekking tours to mountain peaks.