Jammu & Kashmir

The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is a great tourist destination. Picturesque and enchanting, Kashmir is cradled high in the lofty green Himalayas and hailed all over the world for its incredible natural beauty. Surrounded by mountain peaks, lush green valleys, glistening lakes, temples etc., it has inspired poets through centuries. Kashmir is crisscrossed by chinar tree-lined roads and quaint wooden bridges; and is home to bustling bazaars, sufi shrines and forts. Add to this, the charms of flavourful Kashmiri cuisine and apples and walnuts from the lush orchards surrounding it.

In winter, Kashmir takes on a white glow, covered in soft snow and skiers making a beeline for its famous slopes. And in summer, as the snow melts, and the flowers in the meadows bloom, it resembles an artist’s canvas.

Meanwhile, Jammu lies on the banks of the pristine Tapi river. It is dotted with hundreds of temples. From the popular Hindu pilgrimage of Vaishno Devi, which is located nearby, to scores of religious structures set in picturesque surroundings, Jammu is the ideal site to set on a temple trail and soak in spiritual vibes.

Best Time to Visit

Kashmir tourism peaks during the summers, i.e., when the temperature does not exceed 31 degrees Celsius. The days are warm, and the nights can be cold and pleasant. Srinagar is a romantic destination for couples during summer. However, Jammu can be quite hot in the summers. Kashmir tour packages involve Pahalgam, Srinagar, Gulmarg and other scenic attractions. During winter, Kashmir tourist places are adorned with snow. Go ahead, get on that Kashmir tour right now.

Vaishno Devi Temple

Vaishno Devi is located in Katra. Mata or Maa Vaishno Devi combines the powerful energies of Lakshmi, Saraswati and Kali maa. The temple is a manifestation of the Hindu Mother Goddess, and Kashmir tourism mentions this place as one of the holiest pilgrimages.

Dal Lake

A shikara ride on the Dal Lake during summer is mesmerising. It is the perfect place for couples to soak in the beauty of Kashmir. Srinagar is the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, and Dal Lake is “Srinagar’s Jewel”. It is integral to Kashmir tourism as it is lined with parks, houseboats and Mughal era gardens.

Gulmarg

As the name suggests, Gulmarg is the meadow of flowers. One of India’s treasures, Gulmarg, is famous for its valleys and slopes for skiing. Kashmir tourism packages cater to adventure sports enthusiasts. It also houses one of the highest golf courses in the entire world. This stunning place is located 56kms north of Srinagar. The skiing season in Gulmarg begins in December and ends in early April. Kashmir tourism comprises multiple adventure sports activities in Gulmarg.

Sheshnag Lake

Sheshnag Lake, Pahalgam, is a holy place for Hindus. The lake is known to belong to the Lord of Snakes, i.e., Sheshnag. Sheshnag is believed to reside here, and that Sheshnag dug the lake. The lake falls on the way to Amarnath, which is another holy place. Kashmir tourism lists Sheshnag Lake as a sacred place. India tour packages to Amarnath have Sheshnag Lake listed as a tourist destination.

Houseboats

Houseboats in J&K serve as the best meduim to fulfill your dream of staying as close to nature as possible. They have made people’s fantasy of living on the water come true. Facing the majestic Himalayas and offering the pleasant sounds of rolling waters, these houseboats are the greatest attraction in Kashmir.

One can experience the stunning beauty of these houseboats and the natural surroundings on Dal Lake, Nagin Lake and Jhelum River.

Firdous: These houseboats are very grand and huge in their looks as well as construction. The royal Firdous has three double bedrooms with attached bathrooms, hot and cold water, living room. There are proper facilities for electricity and cooking. The balcony space is big enough to seat a group of friends. The interiors are decorated with Kashmiri handicrafts. The silent atmosphere, breathtaking natural beauty and the homely comfort is capable of providing freshness to any exhausted traveller.

Kushal: Khushal is comparatively smaller than Firdous. It has two double bedrooms and all other desired comforts similar to a three or four star hotel room. The design of the rooms and furniture is unique. It is perfect for family holidays.

Nishat: Nishat is the favorite houseboat for honeymooners. It comprises of one double bedroom and offers all the comforts of privacy, facing the lake.

Kushdil: Kushdil is again the favorite of newly wed couples or honeymooners, and it too has one double bedroom. It has all  modern facilities for its guests.

Gulshan: It is a two double bedroom boat with a verandah in front. Meant for family vacations, this houseboat provides outstanding view of the snow clad peaks from the verandah.

Clermont Too: Another two double bedroom boat, the Clermont Too offers vacations with ultimate cozy atmosphere and privacy. It is perfect for those who love to spend their holidays on waters in solitude.

Dal Lake

Popular as the jewel in the crown of Kashmir, the Dal Lake is the most famous and most visited lake in the state. Lined with Mughal-era gardens, the lake is rich in lotus, water lillies and water chestnuts. It is among those major destinations that let you free to enjoy life on water in the houseboats. One can have the pleasure of Shikara rides, kayaking, canoeing and other water activities in the Dal. Surrounded by mountains on three sides, the lake gives a paradisiacal view when frozen in winter.

Nagin Lake

Located east of Kashmir, the lake lies on the foothills of the mountain Zabarwan. A number of willow and poplar trees lining the lake, Shankaracharya hill on the south and Hari Parbat on the west provide a charming view to the surroundings. Along with several water activities and Shikara rides, one can also hire  boats,  a romantic experience. Several salesmen can also be seen selling fruit, nuts, fresh flowers, baked goods, woolen shawls, silk carpets, leather goods and other materials on their boats.

Wullar Lake

With a width and length of approximately 10 and 24 km respectively, Wullar Lake is one of the largest fresh water lakes in Asia. The lake gives about 60 percent of the fish yield of the region. Its perfect location between the cities of Sopore and Bandipore provides a marvellous view of the majestic hills on one side and steep valleys on the other. Wullar Lake, which draws water from the northern river Jhelum, lies at a distance of 60 km from Srinagar. Moreover, a renowned bird watcher’s paradise, Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary is also situated near the Lake.

Surinsar Lake

With wooded hills all around, thick forests in the backdrop and countless lotus flowers on the surface, the beautiful Surinsar lake is a great picturesque tourist spot situated about 42 km from Jammu. The lake  appears like a lotus garden in summers. The lake is a much sought after by nature lovers. According to Hindu mythology, the lake originated when Arjuna, the hero of the epic Mahabharata, shot an arrow to the land.

Mansar Lake

Popular for the food and crafts festival, the Mansar lake draws thousands of tourists every year around Baisakhi. Apart from the scenic beauty and landscapes, the lake has several religious values too. Situated about 40 km south of Udhampur, the Mansar lake is surrounded by dense forests and hills. The lake is counted among major tourists destinations because of boating facilities and its religious values owing to Sheeshnag shrine. Newly wed couples perform three ‘Parikramas’ (circumambulations) around the lake to seek the blessings of the lord of serpents. Flickering of seasonal birds, tortoise and fish of different species can be observed while boating in the calm Mansar lake.

Tso Moriri Lake

Providing a majestic natural view of Ladakh in the north, Tibet in the east and Zanskar in the west, Tso Moriri lake is mostly visited in summer. Changthang plateau, with snow peaks, provides the source of water for the Lake. The lake is popular for being the largest of the High Altitude Lakes in the Trans-himalayan region, entirely within India. It was earlier a salty lake whose salt was extracted by the end of 1959 for the consumption by the local people. Tourists flock to the lake to visit the Korzok Monastery, situated on the western bank of the lake, believed to be about 400 years old.

Water Adventure Sports/Activities

The lakes and rivers of Jammu and Kashmir are mostly fed by melting glaciers. At high altitudes, these waterways are fast paced. A few of them make their way through the rocky landscapes of Zanskar and Ladakh, perfect for White Water Rafting. The river Indus and River Zanskar are the major rivers that are used for Wild Water Rafting, Parasailing, and Swimming. Pahalgam is one of those locations, where facilities for Angling, Canoeing and Kayaking are provided. The most popular activity in the lakes of J&K is Trout Fishing. If one seeks peaceful and relaxing holidays, Dal Lake and Nagin Lake offer a wonderful experience of living on Houseboats and Shikara Rides for local sightseeing.

Land Adventure Sports

The mystical lands of Zanskar and Ladakh, are the best places for Mountaineering and several other sports. The snowy slopes and rocky mountains are perfect locations for Skiing and Trekking. The steep hills of the Himalaya and Karakoram range are equipped with all the facilities relating to these sports. Gulmarg is a world famous hill station for skiing. The route of Sonmarg to Pahalgam is covered with dense alpines, ideal for trying out Alpine Skiing. Apart from this, sports like Cross Country Skiing, Snowboarding and Ice Skating have unlimited possibilities in the entire Kashmir valley. In Ladakh and forested hills of Jammu, one can enjoy Bungee Jumps, Mountain Cycling, Jeep Safaris and Cave Exploration. Apart from all such adventures, Gulmarg has one of the world’s highest green golf courses.

Aero Sports

Sports like Paragliding, Hot Air Ballooning, Air Surfing and Sky Diving are becoming increasingly popular with the youth. Zanskar, Sanasar and few other parts of jammu are hot spots for hot air ballooning. One can find several training camps that are set up for Paragliding.

These adventure activities can be endorsed in any season. Jammu and Kashmir, the paradise on earth, is not only about natural beauty and romantic weather, but the best adventure sports.

Trekking

J&K trek routes are categorised as Short Term Treks and Long Term Treks. All the mountainous routes that lie in low altitude regions come under Short term treks. Treks starting from Kishtwar, or Sonamarg – Thajiwas trek, or a few treks starting from Gulmarg are short and perfect for amateurs. Contrary to this, the Amarnath Yatra is one of the most famous long treks in the state. Its duration can be modified depending on how much one want to travel. Apart from this, Gulmarg – Ferozepur Nala, Sudarani – Jungal Gali – Jasar Kote – Sanasar route in the Jungal Gali area, and the Zanskar trek that passes through the Cha Cha La pass and the ancient Karsha Gompa are also some of the best long term treks.

Popular Base Camps

One can find all the facilities and equipments at the base camps, for the convenience of the trekkers. Most of them belong to J&K Tourism Department. The capital Srinagar serves as a base camp for the blue Zabarwan Hills and Shankaracharya Hill. Similarly, Pahalgam (in the Lidder Valley) is the base for treks to the sacred Amarnath, Aru, Lidderwat and the glacial lakes of Tarsar and Tulian; Gulmarg serves as a base camp for treks to the Apharwat and Alpather, the upland lakes of Vishansar and Gangabal and the Thajiwas Glacier; and Sonamarg (in the Sindh Valley) is the base for treks into the surrounding mountains.

Major Trekking Routes

• Amarnath Yatra
  Equally popular among trekkers and pilgrims, this trek leads to the Amarnath Cave and the naturally formed Ice Shiva-Lingam, one of the holiest pilgrimage for Hindus. Usually completed in five days, this trek passes through Chandanwadi, Sheshnag, Panchtami over the Mahagunas Pass, and Pahalgam.
• Gulmarg Trekking
  This excellent trek in the northern Pir Panjal Range offers several viewpoints to enjoy the Nanga Parbat. The trek route in the west leads to Khilanmarg while the south takes you to the Ferozepur Nala and beyond to the hamlets of Danwas, Tejjan, and to Samaidan. Continuing towards south is the Sunset Peak and the foothills along the Romushi Nala to Yusmarg.
• Sonamarg Trekking
  This low altitude region offers a pleasant scenery of Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Gangabal. The trek in the west crosses the Nichinai pass to Gangabal Lake near Haramukh, which is the highest peak in the vicinity of the Kashmir valley.
• Thajiwas Trek
  The small trek of this beautiful valley at the foot of the Sonmarg glacier leads up to the Shakhdar hill.