Jammu & Kashmir TourDestinations

The State of Jammu & Kashmir has main three geographical regions known as “The Lesser Himalayas” or the “Jhelum Valley” (Kashmir), “The Inner Himalayas” or “The Indus Valley” (Ladakh & Frontier areas) also called “Trans-Himalayas”, and “The Outer-Himalayas” or “The Southern mountain range” (Jammu).

Srinagar : Srinagar is located in the heart of the Kashmir valley at an altitude of 1,730 m above sea level, spread on both sides of the river Jhelum. The Dal and Nagin lakes enhance its picturesque setting, while the changing play of the seasons and the salubrious climate ensures that the city is equally attractive to visitors around the year.

Srinagar was founded by Emperor Ashoka (3rd Century BC). The present city of Srinagar was founded by Pravarasena-II, and Hiuen Tsang, who visited Kashmir in 631 AD, found it at the same site as it is today. Laltaditya Muktapida was the most illustrious ruler of Kashmir in the Hindu period, which ended in 1339 AD. King Zain-ul-Abidin (1420-70 AD), popularly known as ‘Budshah’, was a great patron of Sanskrit. Akbar captured Kashmir valley for the Mughals, who endowed Srinagar with beautiful mosques and gardens. The Sikhs overthrew the last Muslim ruler in the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1819. In 1846 the Dogras secured the sovereignty of Kashmir from the British under the Treaty of Amrjtsar, and in 1947 the state of Jammu and Kashmir with Srinagar as its capital, became part of the Indian Union.

The well-known sights in the city are Shankaracharya Temple atop the hill called Takht-e-Suleiman, a 5 km climb from Nehru Park on a metalled road. The prominent spiritual places include: shrines of Makhdoorn Sahib, Dastgieer Sahib, Shah i Hamdan, Naqashband sahib, Harzratbal Mosque, Jama Masjid, Immam Baba Zadibal & Hassanabad, Gurudwara Chatti Padshahi, Sharika Temple atop Hariparbat, Raghunath Temple, All Saints Church & Holy Family Church. Besides, Badh Shah’s Tomb , a Royal Mosoleum & Graveyard,(Mazar e Salatain), Christian Cemetery (Sheikh Bagh), Aaraam Gah, a Zoroastrian cemetery (Badam I Bagh) & Malakhah Graveyard are prominent emeteries. SPS Museum Lal Mandi has excellent collection.

Clothing : While the summer (June-August) temperatures of Srinagar are between 20 deg and 30 deg C, temperatures in the hill resorts are considerably lower. In the evening, light woolens are required for Gulmarg, Phalagam & Sonamarg, but not for Srinagar, Spring (March-May) and Autumn (October-November) are cold. With minimum temperatures pluging down to 7°C, woolens are necessary. During Winter (December-Feburary), most places are below freezing point and temperatures sometimes reach minus 10 deg C in Srinagar and heavy woolens are required.

Gulmarg (Meadow of Flowers) : Gulmarg reinforces its position as a Prime Winter Destination (2,730 m/56 km) from srinagar. Gulmarg’s legendary beauty, prime location and proximity to Srinagar naturally make it one of Asia’s premier hill resorts. Originally called ‘Gaurimarg’ by shepherds, Gulmarg was discovered in the 16th century by Sultan Yusuf Shah, who was inspired by the sight of its grassy slopes emblazoned with wild flowers.

Gulmarg was first established as a ski resort by the British who had set up the Ski Club of India here in 1927. Skiing at Gulmarg had become very popular during the pre-independence years. The resort used to host two major skiing events, one each during Christmas and Easter. Gulmarg’s atmosphere was identified with European ski resorts of the 1940’s and 50’s - the ‘Alps of good old days’. It has good sunshine as well as good snow.

The skiing season usually commences just before Christmas (mid December) and continues till ending March. During 1998, Gulmarg hosted the first National Winter Games of India, for which the facilities were enormously improved and upgraded. Winter Games Federation of India has declared Gulmarg as the Winter Games Capital of India. Gulmarg is well suited for learning skiing. It has some of the best slopes for beginners and intermediate skiers, all serviced by ski lifts and chair lifts. Most of the skiing activities are centred on these slopes, which have ski runs ranging from 200 to 900 mts.

Pahalgam : Pahalgam Valley “The Valley of Shepherds” Situated at the confluence of the streams flowing from Sheshnag Lake and the Lidder river, Pahalgam (2,130 m) was once a humble shepherd’s village with breathtaking views. Now it is Kashmir’s premier resort, cool even during the height of summer when the maximum temperature does not exceed 25°C.

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. Pony fares are posted at prominent locations.

Amarnathji Yatra - a journey into faith: Every Year Shri Amarnathji Yatra will commence from both the routes, of Pahalgam and Baltal. The Antm Darshan will held on Raksha Bhandhan. Shiva, in the form of a lingam, is formed naturally of an ice - stalagmite.

Lord Shiva is known to have made his home in the Himalayas. He built no house nor shelter, not for himself or his bride. He was an ascetic, and yet married; he could be both for "he was the wild god sporting in the forest or taking his ease on a cloud."Legend has it that Shiva recounted to Parvati the secret of creation in the Amarnathji cave. Unknown to them, a pair of mating pigeons eavesdropped on this conversation and having learned the secret, are reborn again and again, and have made the cave their eternal abode. Many pilgrims report seeing the pigeons-pair when they trek the arduous route to pay obeisance before the ice-lingam (the phallic symbol of Shiva).

The Yatra Procession : Since the base point for the pilgrim's trek is picturesque Pahalgam, a large tented township springs up to accommodate the pilgrims. The conduct of the yatra is a gigantic task in which the State Government takes the assistance of the security departments for providing security and helping to keep the route open. All intermediate halting places have the same kind of facilities as are provided at Pahalgam, and a Yatra Officer is appointed to conduct the pilgrimage.