Tourism Deptt to start Paragliding, other activities

Srinagar, May 13: Giving J&K’s adventure potential a further push, the Tourism Department is starting a whole range of adventure activities in the city from Friday.
Organised under the tagline of Spirit of Adventure & Healthy Life, the adventure activities include Paragliding from Astanmarg top to Chandpora ground. The flight covers a vertical drop of 2000 ft which is considered a feast to adventure lovers and tourists.
Astanmarg, it may be mentioned here, is a meadow on top of Zabarwan range near Srinagar city at a height of 7300 feet above sea level and overlooks Dal lake, Mahadev peak, Dachigam National Park, Mughal Gardens, Hariparbat fort and other scenic spots in Srinagar.
The other adventure activities being planned by the Department include Mountain Biking and trekking activities upto and around Astanmarg besides a cycling trail from the city upto the upper belt of Dara.
Around 70 adventure lovers and sports persons are expected to participate in the event.
Adventure tourism, it may be mentioned here, has been flagged by the Department as an added attraction for the tourists and many new trekking routes were thrown open for trekkers by the Government last year.
Also many new snow activities like night skiing at Gulmarg, water activities like rafting were started last winter and recently Hot Air balloon activity was also started from Zabarwan by the Department. Besides, other outdoor activities like festivals and events were also held by the Department during the period.