Kashmir : A destination for Tourists of all ages throughout the year. Kashmir is situated at the extreme north of of India.  Kashmir is known all over the world as “ The Paradise On Earth”.

Come to Kashmir....
Come to Kashmir for Fishing, camping, trekking, riding, vast gardens of flowers.
Come to have skiing in Gulmarg during wintertime.
Come to play golf at the highest golf course. 
At the foot of the majestic Himalayas at Gulmarg the highest golf course 18 holes in the world and in the Srinagar valley there are two golf courses, Golf club and Royal Spring.
Come with any budget; spend as little or as much as you want.

You will find the people themselves have a natural charm, always friendly and helpful.
You enter a new civilization of gentleness beauty and peace, with all the modern amenities of accommodation and transport and much more that you will discover for yourself.


Climate and clothing:
Kashmir has four seasons:  Spring, Winter, summer and Autumn.

Spring:
April – May,  Average temp Day 5C night –3C
This time of the year brings rains and the snow retreats from the “Vale of Kashmir” in to the mountains, Greenery sprouts, blossoms follow and the trees wear lovely colours of pinks , white and yellows. Rainbows spread across the blue skies. Meadows are spangled with daisies , flower beds with pansies, primroses, hyacinths and daffodils grow all over. Almond,  cherry and apple blossoms are greatly enjoyed. Spring festivals are celebrated. Cherries and straw-berries are in abundances.
Clothing: Need light woolens with overcoat.

Summer:
June- September, Average temp Day 30C and night 20C
Clothing: Light woolen and tropical clothing , swimming gear.

The summer in Kashmir is not very hot, but warm enough. Go into the mountains and summer resorts. The snow line goes up to 4080 mts and this is the time for trekking and mountaineering expeditions and water skiing. The lakes in the valley are full of water lilies and lotus. At high altitude lakes and mountains streams offer trout fishing. Golf can be enjoyed in the valley or at Gulmarg. Plenty of Apples and Pears.

Autumn:
October – November , average temp Day 20C and night 15C
Clothing: Light woolen with overcoat, Raincoat and umbrellas are useful to have around.
Autumn brings with all its mellow colours, the tress change from green to yellow and rusty red. The pleatue of Pampore 15 kms from Srinagar turn a blue as the Saffron blooms for miles and miles . The gardens are full of flowers. The tree loose their leaves by the middle of November and the frost comes and the night are cold.
A photographers delight, you could spend days shooting some of the loveliest sights on earth, it is not the sign of dying year, the promise of another glorious year.

Winter:
December to March Day temp –5C and night –10C , dressed in a white coat of snow, it looks lovely, sit by a fire place and relax or go skiing at Gulmarg.
Clothing: heavy woolens .

The valley itself is 128 kms long from South East to North West. 30 to 40 kms wide.

Regional Languages are:
1. Kashmiri  2. Dogri.       3. Balti (Pali)  4. Dardi  5. Punjabi.
6. Pahari     7. Ladakhi    8. Tibetan &    9. English.

Major Rivers of Jammu and Kashmir are: Tawi, Chenab, Indus, Sind, Lidder and the Jhelum
Population: 10 million.

Ashoka founded the present city of Srinagar in the period 272-232 B.C- the city of goddess Lakhashmi.
 

Jammu

The  gateway of Kashmir, the winter capital elevation 300mts lies at the foot of  Himalayn region of Kashmir.

Population: 5,00,000

This city has a long been a center of Indian pilgrimage Dogra culture, temple city. Majority of Hindus with small Muslim communities around Banihal and Kishtwar south of the Kashmir valley, around Poonch and the border.

Places of interest:

SURINSAR LAKE :  42 KMS. A picturesque picnic spot.

MANSAR LAKE:   80 Kms a beautiful Lake surrounded by hills accommodation in Huts and Tourist bungalow.

KATRA:  On the pilgrimage route to the famous shrine of   MATA VAISHNO DEVI which is in  Katra 50 kms from Jammu

Greeting “ JAI MATA DI” (HOLLY MOTHER ) thousands of pilgrims chanting it during the NAVRATRAS in March April and September October to reach the Shrine a trek of 15 kms from Katra. The path has been paved and facilities of drinking water, snack bars, medical aid. There are also Helicopter services from Jammu to Katra  and also from Katra to Shrine’

Excursions: Aknhoor, 30 kms a picnic spot on the river Chenab.

PATNITOP: Hill station, charming plateau at 1950m, surrounded with dense woods and Lush greenery of pines.  Patnaitop is an any time place the best time for visit during May to June , and autumn September to October. From December to March surrounded by Snow one can do skiing/, sledging. Carry woolen at all times as showers can suddenly cause a chilled.
5 hours drive from Jammu 110 kms and to Srinagar 180 Kms . there are good accommodation hotelsw/ Tourist bungalow and youth hostel.

Srinagar :The Jammu and Kashmir’s Summer capital more than 2000 years old in the heart of Kashmir valley spreads out on both side of river Jehlum. Srinagar has been called the “Venice of the Orient”

Elevation: 5214fts-1700mtrs
Population one million, majority of Muslims.
Gateway to Ladakh:

The quaint charm of Houseboats of Dal Lake, Nageen Lake and Naseem Lake in Srinagar to stay is a MUST .The Houseboats are having two Bed rooms, three bed rooms and four bed rooms with attached bath, with dining and Sitting room also with Sun-deck. Each houseboat is having the attendant  who can also serve the food. Explore lapping journeys on a Shikara (Gandola) in the lakes, past floating gardens.

ABOUT HOUSE BOATS
Houseboat were introduced accidentally in Kashmir. Most of British Civil and Military officers serving in the plains used to come to Kashmir with their families for holidays. They wanted to built houses for themselves but the Maharaja (King) of Kashmir of that time was suspicious of their designs and did not allow them to buy land, so they built the first Houseboat- named Victory designed by Mr M T Kenhard in 1888. Later other copied this design and now there are about 500 Houseboats in Srinagar for commercial purpose .


THE KANGRI- A VIRGIN OF PARADISE
A kangri is an oriental coal fire. Made of a small earthenware bowl encased in wickerwork and someone adorned with rings and brilliant colors.
In winter time the Kashmir’s fill it with charcoal as protection against the biting cold. The Kangri is inexpensive and effective comfort. Kangri is an important part of life to the Kashmiri.
Various stories are told about the origin of the kangri. According to Sir Aurel Stein, it was introduced from Italy during Mughal rule. Other sources, however, claim that it has been in use since early times.
The Kangri provides work to thousands of people in the valley, long before the winter begins, the braziers are for sale in shops throughout the region.

Places of interest:
PAHALGAM :
95 km. east of Srinagar, 2400 mts above sea level. Popular holiday resort. It is called “Shepherds village” at the head of the Lidder valley.
Best place for trout fishing. Apart from angling , Pahalgam is also known as the starting point for trekking.
Pilgrims route to Amarnath Cave.
Accommodation: Good Hotels/ lodges and Tourist Bung lows.
Three hours journey by road from Srinagar, can be covered by Deluxe buses. Taxi can also be hired for the day trip basis .


GULMARG :
56 kms from Srinagar, one and a half hour journey, 2690 mts above sea level. .It is called “Meadow of flowers”.
In summer best for trekking, golfing and pony rides . One can have beautiful walk around and can see in good weather the high mountains like Naga Parbat(In Gilgit) 7650mts high, Kolohi and Harmukh which are 5425 and 5124 mts high.
Gulmarg has the world’s highest green golf course in the world.
Ski in the winter. There are cable cons that ferry the tourists up to the height of 3095 mts. (Gondola)
Accommodation: Plenty of hotels/Huts/lodges with reasonable prices.
Taxis and Deluxe buses are running from Srinagar.

YUSMARG :
50 kms southeast of Srinagar, one and half hour journey through pine and fir forests. On the way to Yusmarg is the shrine of famous Kashmiri sufi saint : Sheikh Noor-ud-din, popularly known as Nunda Rishi. One can go up to Nilnag Lake either by foot or on a pony back.
There is Tourist huts available.

SONMARG :
87 km. from Srinagar, 3 hours journey, 2800mts above sea level. It is called Golden meadow” at the head of the river Sind with beautiful mountains and glaciers.
Base for the treks to Harmukh range via Nichnai, Vishensar Lake, Gangabal and to Nara Nag . Also the Pilgrim route to Amarnath Cave , which can be done in one day from here. Famous for Trout fishing.
Gateway to Leh (Ladakh)
Accommodation: Few Hotels/ Huts and Lodges .
Taxis and Deluxe buses are running from Srinagar.

MUGHAL GARDENS

NISHAT BAGH :
The Garden of bliss laid down by Asif Khan father of Empress Noorjahan in 1633AD on the bank of Dal Lake with Zabarvan Massif at the back. In Nishat commands magnificent view of the Lake and the Snow capped Pir Panchal Range to the west of the valley.

SHALAMIR BAGH :
The Abode Of Love.’ Is said to have been a village, built by Paravarassna II. He used to stay here when on a visit to Sukhswami a saint living near Harwan. In 1619 Jehangir ordered a garden to be laid out this spot, calling it, Ferrah Bakkash (Delightful). In 1727 A.D Zaffar-Khan. A governor during the reign of Shah Jahan made an extension of it and called it ‘Faiz Baksh’ (Bountiful). The garden is laid down in four terraces, rising one above the other. A canal runs through the garden lined with polished stones and supplies with water from Harwan.Chasma – Shahi : East of Srinagar. Built in 1634 A.D by Shah- Jahan. It commands a superb view of the Dal Lake it has the advantage of having a natural spring of Pure, Cool and Sparking water known as Chasma- Shahi (Royal Spring).

  HISTORICAL PLACES:
  PARIMAHAL ( The palaces of Fairies)
it was a school of Astrology built by Dhara Shikua, Shah Jahan’s eldest son for his tutor Muhlah Shah. School of observatory.

HARI PRABAT: The Hill of Hari Parbat crowned by the pathan fort who his visible from every part of the city. 400 feet above the plain, Legend says the hill grew from a pebble dropped by the goddess Paravati to crush a demon, in the form of Sharika bird (Maina). This is called now Hari Parbat.

SHANKRANCHARYA TEMPLE: This Temple is situated at the height of 1000ft above the plain. The earliest of all the Temples built in 200 BC,. By Jalaka the son of the Great Buddhist convert Ashoka. The temple was subsequently rebuilt and dedicated by Raja Gopadittya in 6th Century. It is said to be that “ the Takhut-I-Sulaiman (throne one of the Solomon).
Panoramic view of whole Srinagar City .

HAZRAT BAL: It is the most important Muslim Religious place, situated on the western shore of Dal Lake.

JAMIA MASJID: The largest Masque built by Sultan Sikandar Constructed in 1400 A.D. Enlarged by his son Zain-Ul- Abdin.

TOMB OF ZAIN-UL-ABDIN: The most attractive chapter of Muslim rule in Kashmir (1421-1472) in the reign of Zain- Ul-Abdin.

PATHER MASJID: Pather Masjid of the Mughal Mosque built by emperor Noor Jahan in 1620 A.D. wife of Jahangir. Muslims did not however use it for prayers.

SHAH HAMDAN: originally built in 1953 AD. To commemorate the visit of Mir Syed Ali Hamdan destroyed by fire in 1479 and 1731 AD. It was rebuilt in 1732 by Abdul Barket Khan and since then stand as a land mark in the City. Built of timber, not a nail or Screw was used in the construction.

MAKHDOOM SAHIB:

The Ziyarirat of the saint is situated on the southern slope of Hari Paribat. This is one of the most popular Shrines of Muslims


Lakes
           
DAL LAKE:
In Srinagar’s Aquatic Plaza around the lake. Villages and Orchids and the Famous gardens built by the Moghul Emperors famous for Shikra ride. Most of the House Boats around in Dal Lake. From the Lake one can see the Historic Shankara Charya Hill in the east and the west Hari Parbat.

  NAGIN LAKE:
Popular for water sports like water skiing, swimming, diving and sailing.

MANASBAL LAKE:
This Lake is famous for Lotus flowers during summer and Paradise for Bird Watchers,. Between the river and foot of the Mountains spurs lower end of the Sind valley famous for Picnic spot.

WULAR LAKE:
The Largest fresh water Lake in India 26 Kms long and 8 Kms wide. Surrounded by the mountains. The river Jehlum pases right through the Lake the deepst part is near the Hill Called BABA SHUKR-UD-DIN on the north west side.


DACHI GAM WILDLIFE SANCTURY:

Best place for game viewing 25 km. from Srinagar .
One of India’s most scenically beautiful park. The Maharaja of Jammu & Kashmir
Who initiated steps for the preservation of this environment. Maintaining the well wooded and grassy slopes. In 1981 it was upgraded to National Park status. Between 1910 and 1934, 10 villages were relocated outside the boundaries of this reserve, hence the name “ DACHI-GAM”, a word which translate “ 10 villages”.
Lower and upper Dachigam, spread over 55 sq miles(140 km), a variety of vegetation types, rive rain forest, grassland, broadleaved woodland , coniferous forest, alpine pastures and scrub, height ranging from 1700 to 4300 mts. above sea level.
Home of the Hangul: The Dachigam area has been protected to preserve its unique Himalayan range of Flora and Fauna. Hangul are Kashmir stag one of the most endangered species of Red Deer in the world, this is the only place in the world with a viable Hangul population.
Paradise for bird lovers. In the Park Leopard, Jackal, Hill fox, Himalayan Griffon, Lammergeier, Long Tailed Blue Magpie, Jungle Cat, Leopard Cat, Himalayan Weasel.

Best time to visit May to August upper Dachigam Sep to Dec in Lower Dachigam.
Accommodation: two Lodges and Rest houses.
Hotels and House Boats in Srinagar.
Permission the chief wild life warden at Tourist Reception Center

POPULAR TREKKING ROUTES IN KASHMIR

SEASON JUNE TO SEPTEMBER

Trekking Routes From PAHALGAM:
1: Ledderwat 2 Days.
2: Kolahoi Glacier 4 Days.
3: Kolehoi Glacier and Tarsar 5 Days.
4: Kolehi Tarsar Lake and Mansar Lake 7 Days.
5: Top of Kolahoi 5450mtrs 10 Days.
6: Pahalgam To Sonmarg 7 Days.
7: Pahalgam To Panikhar 7 Days.
8: Pahalgam To Amarnath 5 days.

Trekking Routes From SONMARG:

SEASON JUNE TO SEPETEMBER

1: Sonmarg To Naranag 7 Days.
2: Top of Harmukh 5124 mtrs 10 Days.
3: Sonmarg To Amarnath via Bhaltal 1 Day.