Jammu & Kashmir : India Travel Guide

Category : Jammu & Kashmir

Mountain Climbing In Jammu & Kashmir

June 3rd 2010 Posted at Jammu & Kashmir, Mountain Climbing In Jammu & Kashmir
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The area most frequented by foreign climbers in the Nun–Kun Massif in the Great Himalayan Range. Its easy accessibility from the Kargil–Padum road and the shortest possible approach march to the base camps makes this massif the most attractive climbing destination in the Great Himalaya, necessitating advance booking years ahead. Among its six known peaks accessible from the Suru Valley, Nun (7,135 mts.) and Kun (7,077 mts.) are the highest summits.

The area nearest to Leh is the Stok–Khangri Massif in the Zanskar Mountains, south of the Leh. The base camp for the various peaks of this massif is about two days’ trek from the village of Stok. Among its known peaks, Stok-khangri (6,150 mts.) in the highest it offers a spectacular perspective to the central expanse of the Indus Valley, which it dominates. Other peaks in the area include Gulap Khangri (5,900 mts.) and Matho West (5,950 mts.) and Kantaka (5,275 mts.). The much higher Konglacha Peak (6,700 mts.) lies south-west of Leh and is reached via Rumbak on the first leg of the Markha Valley trek from Stok. Many un-named peaks in the altitude range of 5,500 mts. and 6,400 mts. are also available for climbing in the same region. This entire area falls well outside the Inner Line, or restricted area.

North of Leh, across the Ladakh Range and the Nubra Valley, lies the Karakoram range. It soars to a number of known peaks which are, however, within the restricted area and so not freely accessible to foreign climbers except with special permission from the Government of India. The most prominent summits in the range, which are accessible from various parts of the Nubra Valley, include Sasar-I (7,415 mts.) Sasar–II (7,513 mts.) and Sasar–III (7,495 mts.).

The climbing season extends from mid-May to mid-October, the ideal period being from June to September because during this time only Ladakh remains unaffected by the monsoon, which holds sway over most of the Himalaya. Foreign climbing expeditions are required to obtain permission from the Indian Mountaineering Foundation for climbing all listed peaks. A booking fee, based on the height and popularity of the allotted peak, is charged and a Liaison Officer is assigned to every climbing team. The minimum period required for processing applications is six months. Every authorized expedition is provided with adequate rescue coverage in the event of accidents and illness.

Supplementary Information:

Foreign Exchange: The State Bank of India has foreign exchange facilities at Leh and Kargil .The Leh branch is also operates an extension counter at the Tourist Information Centre located in the Dak Bungalow. Some hotels in Leh are also licensed to deal in foreign exchange, through these mainly services in-house clients. There is no foreign exchange facility outside these two towns.

Communication: Both Leh and Kargil towns have worldwide direct dial telephone facility besides a General Post Office and a Central Telegraph Office.

The J&K Tourism Department has installed its own wireless radiophone network linking interconnected field stations in the tourist office at Leh, Kargil and Padum and base stations in the Tourist Offices at Delhi, Jammu & Srinagar. The field stations are supplemented with mobile sets used to bring remote location and mountain communication network during the tourist season .The facility is mainly used to monitor the movement and welfare of tourist in the State; it is especially useful in ensuring timely rescue arrangements for tourists falling ill or meeting with accidents.

Health: Ladakh is a high altitude cold desert with a low level of atmospheric oxygen. Tourists reaching Leh from the plains of India by air are required to allow time for acclimatization before engaging in any physical activity. While the S. N. M. Hospital at Leh is fully equipped and staffed with a team of specialists to take care of any eventuality, the rarefied atmosphere of the area may cause high altitude ailments necessitating instant evacuation of visitor unable to get acclimatized.

Acute Mountain Sickness: Anyone travelling to altitudes above10, 000 feet (2,700mts.) is liable to suffer from acute mountain sickness (AMS) unless properly acclimatized. The most common symptoms of acute mountain sickness are headache, disturbed sleep, loss of appetite, nausea, coughing, irregular breathing, breathlessness, lassitude and lack of concentration .If you are reaching Leh by air, it is important to take complete rest for the first 24 hours after arrival. Any kind of physical exertion is to be avoided. Smoking and drinking should also be avoided until you are fully acclimatized. The symptoms of acute mountain sickness generally develop during the first 36 hours, and not immediately upon arrival. Your body should get used to the lower oxygen level of Ladakh after 2 or 3 days if you have taken complete rest for the first 24 hours and as much rest as possible during the next 12 hours.

High Altitude pulmonary Oedema (HAPO) and high Altitude Cerebral Oedema (HACO) are very serious forms of acute mountain sickness. They are life–threatening and warrant immediate medical attention. In such case, it is advisable to contact the nearest Hospital or medical Dispensary situated in major villages.

Evacuation of Casualties: J&K Tourism initiates and coordinates evacuation of casualties by IAF helicopters in case of accidents or sickness while trekking, mountaineering or River – Rafting in the remote parts of the State. The evacuation is subject to payment of the operational cost of the aircrafts. A written guarantee indicating the source of payment and address for billing, etc. is required to be furnished to the authorized officer of the State Government while requesting for evacuation .The type of helicopter normally used for the purpose cost around Rs 25,000 per flaying hour. Evacuation from anywhere in the Zanskar Mountains or the Changthang area may take 3 to 4 flying hours from take off to landing back at the air base. Besides the high operational cost, such missions also involve great risk and call for a high degree of skill on the part of the pilots. It is therefore essential that request for aerial rescue is made under compelling circumstances, only as a life saving measure. Also helicopters cannot be requisitioned for lifting bodies of deceased persons from accident sites. Permission for removal of the deceased is rarely granted and the procedure to obtain such permission is very tedious. Evacuation of bonafide casualties with guaranteed payment upon billing can be initiated through the nearest Administrative or Tourist Officer.

Shopping In Jammu & Kashmir

June 3rd 2010 Posted at Jammu & Kashmir, Shopping, Shopping In Jammu & Kashmir
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Kashmir:

Everybody associates Kashmir’s handicrafts with carpets, but there’s a whole lot besides. Depending on the quality of your purchase, you can either pay as little as Rs 10, or a few lakhs. Very many qualities exist side by side in Kashmir to suit a variety of budgets.

Sharees:

Kashmir has extensive mulberry cultivation. Silkworms feeding on this produce resilient silk. Kashmiri silk may be thin, but it is strong nevertheless as is chiffon. Very little silk is actually woven in Kashmir-Kashmiri silk is the term used for silk produced in Kashmir. It is mainly used to make sharees.

Shawls:

There are a pure wool shawls called raffal which have different counts of wool – 40, 60, 80 etc., and the shawl is progressively more expensive as the counts increases. Shawls mixed with other fibres like cotton and cotton derivatives are far cheaper. On the other hand, woollen shawls mixed with pashmina will be far more expensive. Then too, there are shawls that look and feel like pashmina and which are priced between wool and pashmina.

Naturally a pure pashmina shawl will run into thousands of rupees. Depending on the count, two similar looking pashmina shawls will differ in price if they have a different count. And then there are the embroidered shawls. Embroidery is of two kinds – hook and needle, and the former is generally less expensive than the latter. As a general rule, the better the material of the shawl, the better the embroidery, with pashmina having the tiniest stitches in needlework, and the less expensive mixed woollen shawls having either hook work or somewhat coarser needlework stitches. Some shawls have gold zari embroidery worked on them in hook work and are highly prized.

Papier Mache:

Here too, the quality of papier mache differs markedly, depending on two factors. The fast is the papier mache in its raw state. Unless it is smoothened adequately to be silky to the touch, it is not considered high grade. On the other hand, inexpensive papier mache, brightly printed and varnished, makes a variety of gifts and souvenirs that do not cost a fortune. Eggs, egg cups, candle and pen stands, kum kum boxes and cigarette boxes are just a few options at the low end. At the other end of the scale, high grade papier mache is used to make vases, bowls, trays and a number of other products all printed by expert craftsmen in lifelike images of kingfishers, chinar leaves and other motifs. Gold used on these products will be real gold leaf. On lower range products it will be poster paint. The real difference however, lies in the skill of printings and not in the product itself – two trays or vases can appear roughly the same at first glance – it is the execution of the printing and the type of gold used that will determine the price. One may be a collector’s item, the other an inexpensive souvenir.

Walnut Wood:

Items made from walnut wood come from three parts of the tree: the branches, the trunk and the root. The branches have the palest colour of the wood, and the trunk the darkest. Branches have no veins, trunks have the strongest marked veins. Objects made out of the root will be the costliest because of the wood used. As walnut is a soft wood, it takes carving very wall. Chinar leaves, vine leaves and flowers can be either carved along borders or can fill entire surfaces. The artistry of the carving and its abundance dictates the cost. Trinket boxes and the larger jewellery boxes should have invisible seams. Other walnut wood objects are salad bowls, nut bowls, photo frames, trays and furniture. This can range from a simple telephone stand or nesting table to a dining table with six chairs.
In the case of furniture, the price is dictated by the thickness of wood used. Two very similar writing desks can be priced very differently, if one used 3/4″ wood and the other 1/2″ wood. The difference is barely discernible to the untrained eye, but no dealer will sell precious root wood, 3/4” thick for the same price as his competitor who has economized on the quality and quantity of wood for a cheaper product.

Basket Weaving:

Surprisingly strong, wicker basket can be used as picnic hampers, lampshades, glass holders for holding hot tea , work baskets , even packing cases which can be sent unaccompanied by road . The main centre of this craft is at Hazratbal in Srinagar.

Cricket bats:

Kashmir’s willow is so highly prized, that most of the national teams uses cricket bats from Kashmir. Other products of Kashmir include saffron, grow in Pampure on the way to Pahalgam. It is one of the only two places in India where saffron is grown, the other being Kishtwar, also in Jammu and Kashmir. This expensive spice, requires only a few strands to flavour a dish serving ten people and hence you need to buy very little of it, 5 or 10 grams being enough for several years. Preserved in airtight containers in cool dark place, saffron can keep indefinitely and hence is an excellent buy, Walnuts and almonds are available in the market throughout the year. Being substantially cheaper in Kashmir than elsewhere, they too make good gifts. Other food products from Kashmir Shah Zira (also called Kala Zira), Kashmiri chillies and honey.

Jammu & Kashmir Fair & Festival

June 3rd 2010 Posted at Fair & Festival, Jammu & Kashmir, Jammu & Kashmir Fair & Festival
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The religious philosophy of Buddhism, however, profound and subtle doesn’t preclude an immense joie-de-vivre amoung its Ladakhi adhe-rents, and even solemn religious enactments are made the occasion for joyous celebration. Many of the annual festivals of the gompas take place in winter, a relatively idle time for the majority of the people. They take the form of dance dramas in the gompas courtyards. Lamas, robed in colourful garments and wearing often startlingly frightful masks, perform mimes representing various aspect to the religion such as the progress of the individual soul and its purification or the triumph of good over evil. Local people flock from near and far to these events, and the spiritual benefits they get are no doubt heightened by there enjoyment of the party atmosphere, with crowds of women and men, the opportunity to make the new friendships and renew old ones, the general bustle and sense of occasion.

The biggest and most famous of the monastic festivals, frequented by tourists and locals alike, is that of Hemis, which falls in late June or the first half of July, and is dedicated to Padmasambhava. Every 12 years, the gompa’s greatest treasure, a hung thangka – a religious icon printed or embroidered on cloth – is ritually exhibited. The next Unveilling is due to take place in A.D. 2004. Other monasteries, which have summer festivals, are Lamayaru (early in the month of July) Phiyang (held in the month late July or early August) Tak – thok (about ten days after Phiyang) and Karsha in Zanskar (11 days after Phiyang) Like Hemis, the Phiyang festival too involves the exhibition of a gigantic thangka, though here it is done every year.

Spituk, Stok, Thikse, Chemrey and Matho all have their festivals in winter, between month of November and March. Lirik and Deskit (Nubra) time their festivals of the scapegoat, which is also celebrated with fervours at Leh. Falling in the second half of February. Dosmoche a great wooden mast decorated with streamers and religious emblems is set up outside Leh. At the appointed time, offerings of storma ritual figures molded out of dough are brought out and ceremonially cast away into the desert, or burnt. These scapegoats carry away with them the evil spirits of the old year, and thus the town is cleansed and made ready to welcome the New Year.
Losar falls about the time of the winter solstice, any time of the month between 8th and 30th December. All Ladakhi Buddhist celebrate it by making offerings to the gods, both in the gompas and in their domestic shrines.

Baisakhi:

This festival is celebrated in the month of April on 13th or 14th. The name Baisakhi is taken from the fast month of the Vikram calendar. Every year, on the first day of Vaishakh, the people of Jammu – like the rest of northern India – celebrated Baisakhi. Baisakhi is also known as the harvest festival and is considered auspicious especially for marriages. Devotees who unfailingly take a ritual dip every year throng Rivers, canals and ponds. Many people go to the Nagbani Temple to witness a grand New Year celebration. Numerous fairs are organized and people come in thousands to celebrate the beginning of the New Year and watch the famous Bhangra dance of Punjab. For the Sikhs of Jammu, Baisakhi is the day their tenth Guru Gobind Singhji formed the Khalsa sect in 1699. The Gurudwaras are full of people who come to listen to Kirtans, offer prayers and feast on the prasad from the common Kitchen (Langar).

Bahu Mela:

This festival is celebrated in the month of March – April and September – October. A major festival is held at the Kali Temple in Bahu Fort (Jammu), twice a year.

Chaitre Chaudash:

This festival is celebrated in the month of March – April. Chaitre Chaudash is celebrated at Uttar Behni, about 25 kms from Jammu. Uttar Behni gets its name from the fact that the Devak River (also known as Gupta Ganga locally) flows here in the northerly direction.

Jhiri Mela:

This festival is celebrated in the month of October – November. Baba Jitu was a simple, God loving and honest farmer who preferred to kill himself rather than submit to the unjust demands of the local landlord to part with his crop. He killed himself in the village of Jhiri, 14 kms from Jammu. A legend has grown around the Baba and his followers congregate at Jhiri on the appointed day from every corner of North India, they revere him for his compassion, courage and honesty and hold an annual fair in his name.

Lohri:

This festival is known as Maker Sankranti and celebrated in the month of January on 13th, every year. It heralds the onset of spring. The whole of Jammu region wears a festive look on this day. Thousands take a dip in the holy rivers. ‘Havan Yagnas’ light up nearly every house and temple in Jammu. In the rural areas, custom requires boys to go around asking for gifts from newly – weds and new parents.

A special dance called the ‘Chajja’ dance is held on the occasion of Lohri. It makes a striking picture to see boys along with their‘ Chajjas’ elaborately decorated with coloured paper and flowers move on the street in a dancing procession. The whole atmosphere comes alive with the pulsating drumbeats.

Mansar Food and Craft Mela:

J&K Tourism organizes this Mela during Baisakhi every year. Held at the picturesque Mansar Lake 62 km from Jammu, it is three-day celebration of the local crafts and cuisine, where people from adjoining states also take part.

Purmandal Mela:

This fair is celebrated in the month of February – March. Purmandal is 39 kms from Jammu city. On Shivratri, the town is transformed for three days as people celebrate the marriage of of Lord Shiva to Goddess Parvati here. The people of Jammu also come out in their colourful best to celebrate Shivratri at Peer Khoh, the Ranbireshwar Temple and the Panjbhaktar Temple.

Zanskar Valley

October 14th 2009 Posted at Jammu & Kashmir, Zanskar Valley
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The Virgin Vale about 20 km southeast of Rangdum stands the Pazila water shade across which lies Zanskar, the most isolated of all the trans-Himalayan valleys. The Penzila top (4401 mts.) is a picturesque tableland adorned with two small Alpine lakes and surrounded by snow-covered peaks. High-rise mountains surround Zanskar and deep gorges. The area remains inaccessible for nearly eight-months a year due to heavy snowfall resulting in closure of all the access passes, including the Panzila. Within the mountain ramparts of the lost Shangrila stands a number of ancient yet active monastic establishments. The 240 km long Kargil-Padum road of which the first 90 km stretch only is paved, remains open from around mid July to early November.

How To Go Zanskar Valley:

Road: The J&K SRTC operates a thrice-weekly bus service from Kargil.

Tourist Attraction Of Zanskar Valley :

Penzila Pass

Penzila Pass: Approx. 20 km southeast of Rangdam at an altitude of 4401 mts., stands the Pazila water shed across which lies Zanskar, the most isolated of all the trans-Himalayan Valleys.

Padum: Padum, at an altitude of 3505 mts, is the present-day administrative headquarters of the region. Its old part comprising inter-connected abode houses and several high-rise chortens surrounds a boulder-strewn hillock, site of the erstwhile palace and fort. The new, up coming township is fast encroaching upon the cultivated expand downwards, and a small bazaar is coming up along the newly built road. Padum has become famous as a major trekking base and a popular tourist destination.Several places of tourist interest in the vicinity of the township can be visited in the course of entertaining walks. The nearest monument is a set of ancient rock curving on huge boulders near the bank just below the old township. The Stagrimo monastery with a tree-covered ridge above the old town, at an hour’s uphill walk, along flower-strewn lush green hill slopes. The old village of Pibiting, dominated by its picturesque hill top monastery, a supper manifestation of stupa architecture.

Sani Village

Sani: This picturesque village is 6 km west of Padum, on the road to Kargil. The chief attraction here is the castle-like monastery, which is built on level ground. The main building comprises a huge multi-columned central prayer hall housing and array of statues of popular Buddhist divinities and Drugpa (old school) high saints. The most interesting frescoes can be seen in a small, almost discarded chapel at the back of the main building, whose walls are adorned with stucco murals depicting landscape and floral designs. Adjoining this monastic complex is an old cemetery surrounded by a ring of ancient rock curving, which reflects Indian artistic influence.

Stongdey: Perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Oasis-like village below, the picturesque monastery of Stongdey lies 18 km to the North of Padum on theroad leading to Zangla. An old foundation associated with the Tibetan Yogi, Marpa, Stongdey is now second largest monastic establishment of Zanskar. Residence community if about 60 Gelukpa Monks. It can be reached by foot in about 4 hours along the recently laid rough road.

Karsha Monastery

Karsha: The largest monastic establishment of Zanskar, Karsha Gompa is an imposing complex of neatly whitewash adobe blocks comprising several chapels, besides residential rooms for its nearly 150 resident monks. Other places of interest in the Karsha area include an old Nunnery called Dorje Dzong, occupying a hilltop to the west of monastery. The present complex was founded during the 14th century. An old stupa surviving among the ruins is still adorned with the original mural reflecting Indian artistic influence. Nearby the ruins is the old temple of ‘Chukshik-jal’- the patron deity of Tibet. The smoke covered wall frescoes here are the finest example of Himalayan artwork.

Bardan: 12 km south of Padum, Bardan is an isolated monastery with about 40 Drugpa (old school) monks in residence. The large assemble hall around which all other structures are organized, contained beautiful statues of Buddhist divinities and small stupas in clay, bronze, wood and copper. Nearby is the smaller monastery of Muney, also worth a visit for appreciating its art treasures.

Phugthal

Zangla: Lying deep in the northern arm of Zanskar at the end of the 35 km long rough road from Padum. The old castle now in ruins except for a small chapel, occupies a hill, overlooking the deserted valley below. An old monastery situated in the nearby village of Tsa-zar has exquisite frescoes that should not be missed. Zangla is also the take-off point for the Padum-Lamayuru and the Padum-Markha valley treks.

Phugthal: By the far most spectacularly located monastic establishment anywhere in Ladakh the Phugthal complex spill out of the mouth of a huge cave high up in the sheer mountain face of a lateral gorge through which a major tributary of the southern Lungnak River flows. Phugthal is accessible from the Padum-Manali trekking route through a 7 km long trail that branches off from the Purnui Bridge on the main train. A visit to Phugthal, including Bardan and Muney monasteries enroute, makes a good 5-days round trek from Padum.

Zongkhul: The other spectacular cave monastery of Zanskar, Zongkhul falls on the Padum-Kishtwar trekking trail, just before the ascent to the Omasi-la Pass begins. Situated like a swallow’s nest on the rock face of the Ating Gorge, the monastery is associated by legend with the famous Indian Yogi, Naropa. The two caves around which the present monastery has developed are said to have been used by the famous Yogi for solitary meditation. The frescoes on the cave wall are very old and reflect a high degree of artistic achievement.

Rangdum

October 14th 2009 Posted at Jammu & Kashmir, Rangdum
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The farthest and most isolated part of the Suru Valley, Rangdum is an elliptically expanded plateau surrounded by colourful hill on the one side and glacier-encrusted rocky mountain on the other. Situated 130 km south east of Kargil, it falls midway between Kargil and Padum. The areas wild beauty is almost haunting. The chief attraction of the area is an imposing 18th century Buddhist monasteries with about 40 monks in residence. Rangdum also serves as an important trekking base. The most popular trek from here leads to Henaskut near Lamayuru, across the spectacular gorge of the Kanji Valley. This 5-day trek also forms the last leg of the 2 weeks long trans-Himalayan traverse between Kashmir and Ladakh. Among the shorter trek available, the best is a hike up the Penzila Ridge to camp for a night or two opposite the majestic Drang-Drung Glacier. A footbridge is ready for launching on the Suru for this approach. Other much shorter, day-return hikes are aplenty around the area.

Map Of Rangdum, Jammu And Kashmir :

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Leh

October 14th 2009 Posted at Jammu & Kashmir, Leh
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Leh is the principal town of Ladakh, is dominated by Sengge Namgyal’s nine-storey palace, a building in the grand tradition of Tibetan architecture. About it, on Namgyal Tasno, the peak overlooking the town, are the ruins of the earliest royal resident at Leh built in the 16th century. Down the bazaar, the main sites to visit are the Jo-khang a modern Buddhist Temple and the imposing mosque dating from the late 17th century. You can leave the main road from the bazaar Moravian Church and turn off to Changspa, an attractive village, practically a suburb of Leh, lying below the hill on which stands the modern Ladakh Shanty Stupa, accessible by a winding road. Within the town of the Leh itself there is a plenty to see. An easy walk away through the interesting coppersmith’s quarter, passed the Moravian Church, the Ladakh ecological centre and across the fields, is the Sankar Gompa. In the colourful bazaar are fascinating little shops with everything from semi-precious stones to fine curios and artifacts. It is a marvellous shopping experience.

Map Of Leh, Jammu And Kashmir :

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Suru Valley

October 14th 2009 Posted at Jammu & Kashmir, Suru Valley
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One of the most beautiful regions of Ladakh, the Suru valley forms the mainstay of the Kargil district. Lying nestled along the north eastern foothill of the great Himalayan wall, it extend from Kargil town, first southward for a length of about 75 km upto the expand around Panikhar, then eastward for another stretch of nearly 65 km upto the foot of the Penzila water shed where the Suru River rises.The upper reaches of the valley present a spectacle of breathtaking features-majestic mountain ramparts crowned by snow-caped peaks, undulating alpine slopes drawing into wild mountain streams of foaming saccades of pristine water, awesome glaciers descending along the Himalayan slopes to the river bed. The region around Panikhar and further up is a veritable valley of flowers with hundreds of varieties of wild plants blossoming to spread a riot of colors during the month of June and July. The beauty of this region is further enhanced by the sheer contrast provided by the towering peaks of Nun and Kun, which loom over the skyline in their crystalline majesty.

How To Go Suru Valley:

Road: Sankoo, Panikhar and Parkachik are connected with Kargil by regular bus services, in summer even twice a day. The bus ride from Kargil takes 2 hours to Sankoo, 3 hours to Panikhar and about 4 hours to Parkachik. Rangdum is serviced by the bi-weekly bus service to Padum. Some trucks plying between Kargil and Padum also offer a lift in the cabin for the price of a bus seat. Cars and jeeps taxis can be hired from Kargil for visiting different places in the Suru valley.

Tourist Attraction Of Suru Valley:

Sankoo

Sankoo : A picturesque expanse surrounded by colorful Rocky Mountains, Sankoo is an upcoming township with a small bazaar is situated 42 km south of Kargil. Dense plantation of poplars, willows, and wild roses fill the bowl-shaped valley. Two side valleys drained by large tributary stream of the Suru Valley. Sankoo is very popular among local picnic lovers who throng the area from Kargil town and other places.

Panikhar

Panikhar: Panikhar is situated 67 km south of Kargil. Panikhar lies spread under the shadows of the Nun-Kun massif. Panikhar comprises a series of intensively cultivated plateau descending in level steps from the Himalayan foothill to the bed of the Suru River. During summer the area is converted into a veritable valley of flower. Panikhar is the base station for under taking mountaineering expedition to the varies Himalayan Peaks surrounding the valley.

Map Of Ladakh, Jammu And Kashmir :

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Kargil

October 14th 2009 Posted at Jammu & Kashmir, Kargil
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Kargil

Kargil is the second largest urban centre of Ladakh, which is situated 204 km from Srinagar in the west and 234 km from Leh in the east at an altitude of 2704 mts. Kargil serves as an important base for adventure tours in the heart of the Himalayas. Kargil mainly serves as an ideal base-station for adventure activities-like trekking, mountaineering, camping, river rafting etc. in the Himalayan Valley. Kargil also offers some interesting walks along the riverbanks and up the. The best among this is the one leading to Goma Kargil along a 2 km long winding road, which passing through some of the most picturesque part of the town, presents breathtaking views of the mountains cape that unfolds as one ascends alongside and across a tumbling mountain stream. It is best taken in the afternoon as the setting sun plays its magic with the different hues and shades of the hill in view.

How To Go Kargil:

Road: The J&K SRTC operate regular buses including deluxe coaches between Srinagar and Leh / Kargil.

Local Transport: Cars and jeep taxis can be hired at Srinagar and Leh for Kargil.

Tourist Attraction Of Kargil:

Mulbekh Gompa

Mulbekh Chamba

Shergol Monastery

Mulbekh Gompa: Perched atop a rocky cliff, the Mulbekh Gompa (monastery) dominated the valley. Like all Buddhist monasteries frescoes and statues adorn it.

Mulbekh Chamba: The chief attraction of Mulbekh Champa is a 9 mts. high rock sculpture in deep relief of Maitieya, the Future Buddha.

Urgyan-Dzong: This meditation retreat lies tucked away in an amazing natural mountain fortress high up in the Zanskar range. The surrounding hillside reveals several caves where high-ranking Buddhist saints meditated in seclusion. The main approach is a footpath laid through the only gap available in the rocky ramparts.

Shergol: Another picturesque village of the Wakha River Valley, Shergol is situated across the river, right of the Kargil-Leh road. The main attraction is a cave monastery, which is visible from a far as a white speck against the vertically rising ochre hill from which its appers to hang out. Shergol is a convenient base for an exciting 4-day trek across the mountain range into the Suru Valley. It is also the approach base for visiting Urgyan-Dzong, a meditation retreat lying deep inside the mountains surrounding the Wakha River.

Excursion Of Kargil:

Moon Land Mountain

Mulbek: Mulbek is situated 45 km from east of Kargil on the road of Leh. It is at an altitude of 3230 mts., does Buddhist dominate an area. It is situated on the banks of the Wakha River, which originates from Zanskar range and drains into the Suru at Kargil.

Map Of Kargil, Jammu And Kashmir :

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Drass

October 14th 2009 Posted at Drass, Jammu & Kashmir
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Drass

Drass, ‘The Gateway of Ladhak’, is situated 60 km west of Kargil on the road to Srinagar at an altitude of 3230mts. It has become famous as the second coldest inhabited place in the world by virtue of the intense cold that descends upon the valley along with repeated snowfall during winter. Winter temperature is sometimes known to plummet to less than – 40° C. During the spring and summer valley around the township becomes very picturesque as the gentle undulating hillsides turn into lush green pastures splashed with a variety of fragment with flowers. Drass is a convenient for a three daylong trek to the Suru Valley across the sub-range separating the two valleys. The trek passes through some of the most beautiful upland villages and flowers sprinkled meadows on both side of the 4,500 mts. high Umbala pass, which falls enroute. Drass also offers numerous shorter trek and hikes to the upland villages. Buses plying between Srinagar and Kargil / Leh touch Drass. Local buses leave Kargil in the morning and afternoon for Drass.

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Srinagar

October 14th 2009 Posted at Jammu & Kashmir, Srinagar
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Srinagar

Srinagar is a unique city because of its lakes – the Dal, Nagin and Anchar. The River Jhelum also flows through a part of the city. The Dal, Srinagar’s largest lake, as the most number of houseboats, followed by the Nagin and the Jhelum. Houseboats in the Dal are of all categories, from Deluxe through to D-class while those in the Nagin are largely Luxuary class and those in the Jhelum largely economy class. Most houseboats on Nagin and Jhelum are situated on the banks of the lakes. Most houseboats on the Dal are situated in long straggling rows some face the boulevard. A honeymoon couple may choose a houseboat with few, if any, close neighbors. To them it will be an advantage to stay in the interior of the lake. A family with children on the other hand may fine themselves better served in an area, which over looks the boulevard. Each houseboat has anything between 2 and 4 bedrooms in it with attached bathrooms and a common sitting and dinning room. A Sikara ride is one of the most soothing, relaxing aspects of a holiday in Kashmir. Nishat and Shalimar gardens as well as Hajratbal Mosque are directly accessible by Sikara.

How To Go Srinagar:

Air: Indian Airlines operate scheduled services from Jammu to Delhi and Srinagar/Leh. Jammu airport is 8 km from city centre. Jet Airways also operate services between Jammu-Delhi and Jammu-Srinagar.

Rail: Jammu Tawi is an important railhead of the northern railways serving the Jammu and Kashmir State.

Road: Jammu falls on National Highway no. 1-A and is connected by National Highway network to all parts of the country. Daily bus services operate to and from Jammu to Delhi, Amritsar, Ambala, Chandigarh, etc. Deluxe and Video coaches are available on all routes.

Tourist Attraction Of Srinagar:

Mughal Garden

Cheshmashahi Garden

Nishat Bagh

Mughal Garden: Kashmir was a favourite of the Mughal Emperors who visited it as often as they could. Cool and refreshing after the plains of north India where the business of governance kept them, they planted garden with stepped terraces and flowing watercourses.

Cheshmashahi Garden: Cheshmashahi has only natural spring water enclosed in a closed pavilion. It is the smallest garden 108 by 38 mts. with a central channel flowing. The only garden where the visitor has to pay for admission.

Nishat Bagh: Built by Empress Noor Jahan’s brother Asaf Khan. It is the largest of the garden, which is 548 by 338 mts. in area, garden with 10 terraces and 2 pavilions (one doubled stored).

Hari Parvat Fort

Shankarachrya Hill

Hazratbal Mosque

Hari Parvat: Topped by the ruins of a fort and northeast of Srinagar. It is an attractive picnic spot.

Shankarachrya Hill: Within Srinagar on its highest hill is the Shankarachrya Temple, nearly 1,000 ft. above the city. It is built in 2500 B.C. To the west of the city is the much lower hill of Hari Parvat, which is surrounded by a fort.

Hazratbal: On the western shores of Dal and near Naim Bagh, scared Muslim Mosque preserved a single hair from the beard of Prophet Mohammad for about 300 years. A grand fair is held every year.

Jama Masjid

Pathar Masjid

Pari Mahal

Jama Masjid: It is a magnificent wooden mosque. Originally built by Sultan Sikhander. It is an example of Indo-Sarasenic architecture.

Pathar Masjid: It is built in 1623 by empress Noor-e-Jahan and situated on opposite bank of Jhelum River.

Pari Mahal: Ruins of this ancient college of Philosophy has now been turned into a Botanical Garden.

Nagin Lake

Nehru Park

Acchabal

Nagin Lake: Appears like a sapphire set in an emerald ring. The lake and its nearby Nagin Bagh are famous for beautiful singer birds. There is a club, a bar and a restaurant in Nagin Bagh. It is popular for swimming, diving and water-skiing.

Nehru Park: Island Park with a swimming pool, a boat club, a garden and a restaurant.

Achabal: At 1677 mts. a spot of wild beauties, amidst a garden a spring and three canals over three terraces. Tourist huts, tourist bungalow and a cafeteria are available.

Aharbal waterfall

Ganderbal: At 5200 ft. and on the banks of River Sind provide excellent camping ground.

Aharbal Falls: Amidst picturesque environment the gigantic Aharbal falls makes a rainbow spectrum. Nearby Kungawatan is a breathtaking meadow.

Excursion Of Srinagar:

Shalimar Bagh

Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary

Mansabal Lake

Shalimar Bagh: Jahangir, the Mughl Emperor, planted the shalimar. It is situated 16 km east of Srinagar, 539 by 182 mts. garden with 4 terraces, 1 canal and 1 terrace-attached pavilion of black stones. Special light and sound effect from May to October.

Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary: This wildlife sanctuary is situated 21 km from Srinagar. Himalayan black bear, brown bear, musk deer, Kashmir stag and panther are found here.

Mansabal Lake: It is a panoramic lotus laden lake, which situated 32 km from Srinagar. Bird’s watchers paradise, having camping grounds on its shores.

Yusmarg

Kausar Nag

Yusmarg: Yusmarg is a small valley, situated at 40 km from Srinagar. It is believed that Jesus Christ had visited this valley in his days.

Kausar Nag: At 3658 mts., the delightful lake with snowfields around it, lying 50 km south from Srinagar.

Water Lake: Water Lake is situated 60 km from Srinagar and 19 by 10 km in area – the largest water lake in India with high mountains and a super spring.

Martand: Martand is situated 64 km from Srinagar. Here the Sun Temple with massive construction stands for 1300 years.

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Pahalgam

October 14th 2009 Posted at Jammu & Kashmir, Pahalgam
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General Information Of Pahalgam :

Altitude : 2130 mts.

Language : Hindi, Urdu, Kashmiri, English.

Best Season : March to november.

Weather : In summer weather are very cool and pleasant. In winter weather are very cold and mostly covers with snow.

Festival : July to october is the time to go Amarnath Jatra.

Introduction Of Pahalgam:

At an altitude of 2,130 mts. above sea level, 96 km from Srinagar, Pahalgam is Kashmir’s premier resort. It is situated at the confluence of the stream flowing from the river Lidder and Sheshnag Lake. Around Pahalgam are many places of interest, and because the resort is set between fairly steep hills, it is worth hiring a pony rather than walking. The most beautiful of the is the huge, undulating meadow of Baisaran, surrounded by thickly wooded forests of Pine. Hajan, on the way Chandanwari is an idyllic spot for a picnic. Pahalgam within it 8 tiny villages, one of which is Mamal. There is a Shiva Temple here, generally considered to be Kashmir’s oldest temple dating to the 8th century.Chandnawari, 16 km from Pahalgam, is the starting point of the Amarnath Yatra, which takes place every year in the month of July-August. Although the road from Pahalgam to Chandanwari is on fairly flat terrain, and can be undertaken by car, from Chandanwari onwards, the track becomes much steeper, being accessible on foot or by pony. 11 km from Chandanwari is the mountain lake of Sheshnag, after which, 13 km away is the last stop, Panchtarni. The Amarnath Cave is 6 km away from there. During the month of July-August, an ice stalagmite forms a natural Shivling which waxes and wanes with the phases of the moon.

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Jammu

October 14th 2009 Posted at Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir
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Jammu

Kashmir is the principal region in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, the other two supplementary units being Jammu & Ladakh. They say a visit to Kashmir can divide your life in two halves – before and after Kashmir. For indeed, after a trip to this unforgettable land, you are never quite the same again.Nestling in the lap of the dazzling, snow-caped Himalayas, the Kashmir Valley is undoubtedly a jewel in India’s crown. An inspiration for so much of Art, Music and Poetry, Kashmir’s is also a Honeymooners’ paradise, a nature’s lovers wonderland and a shopper’s dream come true.Over the years, Kashmir has come to love and look after its tourists, fulfilling their every whim. Tourists are everywhere, soaking up all that Kashmir has to offer – the walk, the pony treks, the shikara rides at sunset on the Dal Lake. And once you have visited Kashmir, you will agree that what began as a dream, lives on as an unforgettable experience.

Romantic green meadows, majestic mountains, bewitching lakes and valleys. Yes, Jammu has the uncanny ability to surprise at every turn. Tucked snugly between glittering ‘Shikharas’ on ancient temple and holy shrine perched atop hillsides, lie the most picturesque scenes you can ever imagine. But, this fascinating place has to be discovered quietly, gently and patiently. For, when they do reveal their inherent beauty, you will indeed be swept off your feet. In fact, you won’t believe your eyes. Ladakh is a land like no other. Bounded by two of the world’s mightiest mountain ranges, the Great Himalaya and the Karakoran, it lies athwart two others, the Ladakh range and the Zanskar range. Ladakh lies at an altitudes ranging from about 9,000 ft. at Kargil to 25,170 ft. at Saser Kangri in the Karakoram. Thus summer temperature rarely exceeds about 27° C in the shade, while in winter they may plummet to minus 20° C even in Leh.

How To Go Jammu:

Rail: Jammu Tawi is an important railhead of the northern railways serving the Jammu and Kashmir State.

Tourist Attraction Of Jammu:

Peer Khoh

Ranbireshwar Temple

Raghunath Temple

Peer Khoh: A cave shrine located on the circular road, 3.5 km from the heart of the town. There is a Shiva Lingam formed naturally in the cave; neither its antiquity nor its cause is known.

Ranbireshwar Temple: Located on Shalimar Road near the new Secretariat, which is built in 1883 A.D. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It has one central Lingam measuring 7.5 ft. height and 12 Shiva Lingam of crystal measuring from 15 cm. to 38 cm. and galleries with thousand of Shiva Lingam fixed on stone slabs.

Raghunath Temple: Situated in the heart of the city and surrounded by a group of other temples this temple dedicated to Lord Rama is outstanding and unique in northern Indian. It was built in 1835 A.D. The inner walls of the main temple are covered with gold sheet on three sides. There are many galleries with lakhs of ‘Saligrams’.

Ranbir Canal

Peer Baba

Mahamaya Temple

Ranbir Canal: A small garden along the Ranbir canal 2 km from the heart of the town provides a cool picnic spot during the summer. The canal branches of from the River Chenab at Akhnoor, 32 km away. Its water remains ice cold throughout the year. Its banks serve as good viewpoints and walkways.

Peer Baba: On the backside of the Civil Airport is famous Dargah of the Muslim Saint, Peer Budhan Ali Shah. On thrusdays, Hindu and Sikh devotees vastly outnumber their Muslim Brethren at the shrine.

Mahamaya Temple and City Forest: Mahamaya Temple and City Forest is located on the By-pass Road, behind Bahu Fort. The City Forest surrounds the ancient Mahamaya Temple overlooking the River Tawi. A small garden surrounded by acres of woods provides best view of the city.

Mubarak Mandi Palace

Gauri Kund

krimchi

Mubarak Mandi Palace: The oldest building in this palace complex date to 1824. The architecture is the blend of Rajasthani, Mughal and even European influences. The most stunning segment is the Sheeh Mahal. The Pink Hall now houses the Dogra Art Museum, which are miniature painting of the various Hill School.

Gauri Kund: Short of Sudh Mahadev is the legendary spring where the Goddess Parvati used to bath before commencing Her daily prayers at Sudh Mahadev. This spring came to be named after Her as ‘Gauri Kund’.

Krimchi: On the way to Sudhmahadev Mantalai, a short detour takes once to Krimchi, site of three of the oldest temple of Jammu. The architecture of the temple shows distinct Greek influences. Pancheri, a hill resort is a short distance away from here.

Excursion Of Jammu:

Mantalai Lake

Bahu Fort

Bagh-e-Bahu

Mantalai: Mantalai is situated a few km further away from Sudh Mahadev. Lush deodar forests, at an altitude of over 2,000 mts, surround Mantalai.

Bahu Fort: 5 km situated on a rock face on the left bank of the River Tawi, this is the oldest fort and edifice in the city. It was constructed more over 3,000 years ago. There is a temple dedicated to Goddess the Kali inside the fort.

Bagh-e-Bahu: Bagh-e-Bahu is situated 5 km. these extensive gardens, laid around the Bahu Fort provide a pleasant view of the city.

Jajjar Kotli: Jajjar Kotli is situated 35 km from Jammu. The crystal clear, cool water of Jajjar attract picnickers in large numbers during summer.

Akhnoor

Purumandal Temple

Surinsar Lake

Akhnoor: Akhnoor, the historiuc town is situated 32 km to the west of Jammu, on the banks of the mighty Chenap River. Ruins of the Indus Valley civilization are to be seen along the riverbank commanding a panoramic view all around.

Purumandal: Purumandal is situated 40 km from Jammu, just of the National Highway leading towards Pathankot is the Purumandal Temple complex built on the bank of the sacred, mostly underground River Devak. The ancient temples are associated with Shaivites of the Kashmir Valleys.

Surinsar Lake: Surinsar Lake is situated 42 km from Jammu. It is a picturesque spot with a lake surrounded by wooded hills.

Katra

Mansar Lake

Baba Dhansar

Katra: Katra is situated 50 km from Jammu. This small town serves as the base camp for visiting the famous shrine of Vaishnodeviji in the Trikuta hills. The shrine is approachable on foot along a 12 km long well laid footpath. Every year nearly 4 million pilgrims pass through Katra on their way to Vaishodeviji.

Mansar Lake: Mansar Lake is situated 62 km from Jammu. A beautiful lake fringed by forest-covered hills. Boating facilities are available on the spot. Every year around Baisikhi (April), a food and crafts festival is organized by J&K tourism.

Baba Dhansar: 65 km from Jammu, on way to Salal Dam, Baba Dhansar is a beautiful and cool picnic spot. Here, a huge spring gushes out of the mountainside in a thick grove of tree and forms a number of small water falls before flowing into the holy Banganga. Next to the spring in a small grove in the rock face is a naturally formed Shivling on which droplets of water fall naturally all the year round. A big mela is held during shivratri.

Dera Baba Banda

Shiv Khori

Kud

Dera Baba Banda: Dera Baba Banda is situated 75 km from Jammu. It is major Hindu-Sikh pilgrimage centre. Baba Bandra Bairaagi was Guru Govind Singh’s favourite Saint-soldier who had the Gurudwara constructed on the banks of River Chenab.

Salal Dam and Lake: 95 km from Jammu to the west of the holy shrine of Vaishnodeviji is the Salal Dam and Lake. The lake formed behind the dam is 33km long. With an installed capacity of 400 MW of electricity, this the largest Hydroelectric Project in this State.

Shiv Khori: Shiv Khori is situated 100 km from Jammu. This holy cave, nearly 1 km long with a 4 ft. high naturally formed Shivling, is considered second only to the shrine of Vaishnodeviji. A major festival is held here on Shivratri day.

Kud: Kud is situated 103 km from Jammu. This popular resort is located at an altitude of 1738 mts.

Patnitop

Sudh Mahadev

Sanasar

Patnitop: Patnitop is situated 110 km from Jammu. This famous hill resort is perched on a beautiful plateau at an altitude of 2024 mts. across which the Jammu-Srinagar Highway passes. Enveloped by thickly wooded forest, Patnitop offers beautiful picnic spot, peaceful walk and breathtaking views. In winter the resort is generally covered with a thick mantel of snow thus providing opportunities for various snow games.

Sudh Mahadev: This holy spot near Patnitop is situated at an altitude of 1225 mts., above 120 km from Jammu. Pilgrims visit the shrine on the full moon night of ‘Sawan’ (July-August) to worship the ‘Trident’ and a mace, which is said to belong to Lord Shiva. The Devak stream originates at Sudh Mahadev and disappeared among the rocks a few km down stream.

Batote: Batote is situated 125 km from Jammu, at an altitude of 1560 mts. on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. This resort straddles the forested slopes of the Patnitop mountain range, overlooking the spectacular lie of the Chenab Gorge.

Sanasar: Sanasar is situated 129 km from Jammu and only 19 km from Patnitop, Sanasar is a cup shaped meadow surrounded by gigantic conifers. A place for a quiet holiday, the meadow now has been developed as a Golf Course. It also provides opportunities for paragliding.

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Sonamarg

October 14th 2009 Posted at Jammu & Kashmir, Sonamarg
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At an altitude of 3000 mts. above sea level and 87 km from Srinagar. The drive to Sonamarg is through yet another spectacular facet of countryside in Kashmir. Sonamarg, which means ‘meadow of gold’, has as its backdrop, snowy mountains against a cerulean sky. It is the starting point of a major trek passing several mountain lakes – Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Gangabal. One trek leads all the way to Amarnath Cave. Sonamarg is the last halt on the Kashmir side for the drive from Srinagar to Leh.

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Gulmarg

October 14th 2009 Posted at Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir
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General Information Of Gulmarg :

Area : 3.5 km long and 1 km wide

Altitude : 2730 mts.

Best Season : Throughtout the year.

Cloth required: In summer light woolen cloth and in winter heavy woolen cloth required.

Introduction Of Gulmarg :

At an altitude of 2,730 mts. above sea level, 56 km from Srinagar. A huge cup-shaped meadow, lush and green, with slopes where the silence is broken only by the tinkle of cowbells, Gulmarg looks like a fantasy set in a film, has been the venue of several films. All around the snow-caped mountains, and on a clear day you can see all the way to Nanga Parvat is one direction and Srinagar in another. Slightly lower then Gulmarg is the shrine of Baba Reshi, a Muslim mystic saint, whose shrine is visited by people of all faiths. Gulmarg also has one of the world’s highest green Golf Courses, as well as a clubhouse, which is a historical building in its own right. For a fun-filled ride of a most unusual kind, Gulmarg’s newly constructed gondola lift from high above Gulmarg through pine-clad slopes is exhilarating. In winter, Gulmarg acquires a new persona – that of the country’s premier king resort.

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Jammu & Kashmir

September 11th 2009 Posted at Jammu & Kashmir
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General Information:

Area : 20.36 sq km.

Altitude : 305 mts.

Capital : Srinagar

Languages : Dogri, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu & English.

Temperature : Max. 43° C and Min. 23.4° C in summer.Max. 26.2° C and Min. 4.3° C in winter.

Rainfall : 107 cms. from July to September.

Clothing : Cottons in Summer.Woollens in Winter.

Religion : Hindu, Muslim, Christian & others.

Best Season : September to April.

Introduction:

Tourists are everywhere, soaking up all that Kashmir has to offer – the walk, the pony treks, the shikara rides at sunset on the Dal Lake. And once you have visited Kashmir, you will agree that what began as a dream, lives on as an unforgettable experience.Romantic green meadows, majestic mountains, bewitching lakes and valleys. Yes, Jammu has the uncanny ability to surprise at every turn. Tucked snugly between glittering ‘Shikharas’ on ancient temple and holy shrine perched atop hillsides, lie the most picturesque scenes you can ever imagine. But, this fascinating place has to be discovered quietly, gently and patiently. For, when they do reveal their inherent beauty, you will indeed be swept off your feet. In fact, you won’t believe your eyes.Ladakh is a land like no other. Bounded by two of the world’s mightiest mountain ranges, the Great Himalaya and the Karakoran, it lies athwart two others, the Ladakh range and the Zanskar range. Ladakh lies at an altitudes ranging from about 9,000 ft. at Kargil to 25,170 ft. at Saser Kangri in the Karakoram. Thus summer temperature rarely exceeds about 27° C in the shade, while in winter they may plummet to minus 20° C even in Leh.

Getting There:

Rail: Jammu Tawi is an important railhead of the northern railways serving the Jammu and Kashmir State.

Tourist Attraction:

Travel Spot: Alchi, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Amarnath, Jammu, Pahalgam, Srinagar, Drass, Kargil, Patnitop, Suru Valley, Gourikund, Leh, Rangdum, Zanskar Valley.

Other:
Fair & Festival
Mountain Climbing
Shopping

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