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TREKKING In summer the focus is on the mountains in the northernmost states. Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Sikkim all lie in the lap of the great Himalayan range, where the trekking season is roughly from July to mid October, August and September being the best months.

Altitudes range from 9,000 to 14,500 feet above sea level, and trekkers need only a reasonable degree of physical fitness, prior experience not being necessary. In Ladakh, the lowest altitude is 11,000 feet above sea level, and with the shortage of oxygen, acclimatisation is compulsory, some passes commonly encountered during a trek being as high as 18,000 feet above sea level.

The majority of trekking trails in India are well within the `inner line' which falls within a certain distance of the external boundaries of the country. In the rare event that a trekker wishes to cross the inner line, prior permission must be obtained.

Trekking is such a popular sport in the states that provide it, that equipment can very easily be hired. Equipment includes kerosene stoves, carry on mats, tents, even waterproof jackets. Would-be trekkers need only bring trekking boots and sun screen lotion in addition to specialised equipment, if required. This can include altimeters and all weather storage drums in the case of extended treks. Hiring of ponies, porters, guides and cooks is simple and can be arranged in a matter of minutes at the starting point of the trek.

For the first time trekker, all this is pre-arranged by trekking agencies who usually charge per person per day on the basis of luxuries offered; such as a constant supply of hot water for bathing, riding ponies throughout and varied menus.

Also in focus all through summer is river running in precisely those states which offer trekking. However, the most popular stretch for this sport is on the Ganga near Rishikesh. Here again, specialised agencies offer guides, trained personnel and the hire of equipment that includes inflatable rafts and crash helmets. Camping arrangements range from the modest to the luxurious and are included in the services provided. The advantages of making arrangements through an agency that specialises in river running are manifold. It completely obviates the necessity for carrying bulky equipment to India; routes are well planned and grades of difficulty for the river are precisely marked. The best season for river rafting is from April to September.

LEISURE SPORTS Kashmir in the summer offers a series of less adventurous sports. Water skiing on Srinagar's Dal and Nagin Lakes is a popular pastime. mix.jpg (10581 bytes) Equipment can be hired alongwith a motor boat and driver. For the novice, instructors provide guidance. Water trekking is calculated to delight anyone wanting to explore the valley of Kashmir in a boat. A gondola, known locally as a shikara, takes sight seers along a five day route along rivers and lakes. Nights are spent in tents in convenient camping sites along the way. Trout fishing is a delight in Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The fishing season lasts all through summer. Rods and reels can easily be hired, and flies purchased wherever fishing is possible.

SKIING Winter sports are centred around Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. Skiing usually starts by the end of December and lasts till the end of March. Gulmarg in Kashmir, Auli in Uttar Pradesh, and Narkanda and Manali in Himachal Pradesh are transformed into a multitude of snowy ski slopes of a variety of gradients. Each of these places are serviced by ski lifts, and equipment is always available on hire.

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Skiing has become a prime attraction in recent years because India provides the cheapest ski holiday anywhere in the world. Complete beginners are given individual or group coaching, and have a variety of gentle slopes with short ski runs to choose from. On the other hand, there is much for the advanced skier as well. Gulmarg's new gondola cable car provides an exhilarating run of several thousand feet of steeps slopes.

Heli skiing in Manali and Gulmarg provides an enormous variety of ski runs and routes as complicated or as straightforward as the individual can tackle. A helicopter takes a group of advanced skiers up onto any one of the numerous peaks that surround the resort from where they make their descent.

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BEACH SPORTS For six months of the year between October and March, India's coastline, thousands of miles long, provides perfect beach holidays. These range from secluded, seldom visited beaches ideal for those wanting a quiet holiday, to internationally renowned resorts, complete with several luxury resorts to choose from, and yet others where the accent is on water sports.

Each of India's coastal states: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Orissa have a choice of beaches. Those in Goa are all popular, many offer luxury resort hotels on the beach itself, a few offer wind surfing and yachting. Gopalpur-on-Sea in Orissa, Chorwad and Ahmedpur Mandvi in Gujarat are but two examples of relatively quiet beaches. Lakshadweep offers excellent wind surfing, snorkeling and scuba diving in the crystal clear waters of the lagoons which surround each island.

Resort hotels are generally seasonal. Attractive off season rates are often offered. This coupled with quiet surroundings provide excellent value for money.

DESERT ADVENTURE The desert state of Rajasthan offers an exotic encounter with the outdoors in the form of camel safaris. The Thar desert in Western Rajasthan is the locale for an age old adventure.

Camels - one per rider-are used as a unique form of sightseeing which can last one day, leaving early morning and returning by nightfall. Camel safaris can be undertaken over a period of several days in which case camping equipment is necessary.

Whatever the duration, agencies in Jaisalmer organise trips to wind sculpted sand dunes, ornate Jain temples and tiny villages in the middle of the wilderness. Charges include the hiring of a guide (absolutely necessary), and camping equipment. Camel safaris are commonly organised in the relatively cooler months of winter.