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Kashmir Kashmir
is
the
principal
region
in
the
state
of
Jammu
and
Kashmir,
the
other
two
being
Ladakh
and
Jammu.
The
valley
of
Kashmir
is
bounded
by
two
major
ranges,
the
Pir
Panjab
and
the
Great
Himalayas
and
has
the
gift
of
a
ravishingly
beautiful
landscape.
Legend
has
it
that
Kashmir
was
once
a
vast
land-locked
lake.
An
abominable
demon
lived
in
the
lake.
With
the
help
of
sage
Kashyap
and
other
gods
the
lake
was
drained
and
the
demon
killed.
Hence
the
name
Kashmir.Unlike the rest of India Kashmir experiences distinctive seasons. The symphony of seasons evokes myriad moods and melodies of sheer natural beauty. In winter (December-February) when snow carpets the valley you can go skiing and sledging on the slopes of Gulmarg. Come spring and summer (April-September) the flower-carpeted meadows, glimmering lakes and blue skies beckon you to taste the crisp, fragrant air. Enjoy the relaxing boat rides on the lakes or walks on the salubrious surrounding hill-sides. For the adventurous the high-altitude valleys offer endless Trekking Routes through gorgeous alpine valleys, past glacier-fed lakes, tarns, flower meadows, woodlands and awe-inspiring mountain passes with panoramic views. Autumn (October-November) brings a nip in the air and the colours change to yellow, chestnut and deep blues. The honey-dewed orchargds droop with the weight of their fruit and a soothing mellowness pervades the valley. A time to relax and watch. SRINAGAR  Srinagar
is
the
summer
capital
of
the
state.
At
1738m
the
city
is
surrounded
by
the
Dal
Lake
in
the
east
and
the
Nigeen
and
Anchar
lakes
in
the
north.
Various
canals
and
water
ways
connect
the
lakes.
The
Jhelum
river
girdles
and
cuts
through
the
city
and
many
old,
vintage
bridges
bearing
the
name
of
their
builders
still
span
the
river.
Old
buildings
in
distinctive
architectural
style
built
in
wood
and
bricks
rise
picturesquely
from
the
river
front.
Spires
of
shrines
and
pagoda-like
roof-tops
of
mosques
enliven
the
sky-line.
Two
hills,
Shenkracharya
and
Hari
Parbat
stand
out
above
the
city-scape
and
their
tops
offer
kaleidoscopic
views
of
the
city
and
the
valley.
The
unique
feature
of
Srinagar
are
the
House-Boats,
lined
along
the
edges
of
the
Dal
and
Nigeen
lakes.
The
serene
and
tranquil
lakes
are
imperceptibly
abuzz
with
activity.
Vegetables
and
fodder-laden
canoes
and
Gondolas-like
Shikaras
paddle
noiselessly
past
floating
gardens
and
islands
in
the
lakes.
A
ride
in
Shikara
is
a
soothing
and
rejuvenating
experience.
Srinagar
and
its
environs
offer
enjoyable
day
tours
and
excursions. HOUSE-BOAT. Built
entirely
in
cedar
wood
with
elaborate
carved
panels,
partitions
and
intricate
tongue-and-groove
ceilings,
it
is
also
furnished
with
walnut
furniture
and
Perso-Kashmiri
carpets.
Most
of
the
houseboats
have
two
to
four
bedrooms
with
attached
baths,
a
spacious
sitting
room,
a
dinning
room
and
attached
pantry
besides
balconies
and
roof-top
decks
over
looking
the
lakes.
A
peaceful
stay,
far
from
the
maddeing
crowd
combined
with
the
luxury
of
personalized
service
and
warm
hospitality
make
it
an
unforgettable
experience.
Vendors,
selling
Kashmiri
shawls,
wood-carving
items,
paper-macie
artifacts
and
local
jewellery
pay
your
a
courteous
call
at
you
convenience
and
comfort.
Most
houseboats
are
accessed
in
a
Shikara.SHIKARA RIDE A two hour boat ride takes you on a relaxing sightseeing tour of interior parts of the calm and placid waters of Dal Lake. Nice vignettes of life on the lake.  MUGHAL
GARDENSMeticularly laid out by the great Mughals a visit Chasma Shahi (Royal Spring); Nishat Bagh (Pleasure Garden) and Shalimar Bagh (The Abode of Love) is a must. Optional : SHANKARACHARYA TEMPLE The 8th century Shankaracharya Temple atop on a thousand feet hillock on the bank of Dal Lake offers panoramic views of Srinagar township with its lakes, Hari Parbat Fort and the Jehlum River. GULMARG Gulmarg bosts of the highest golf course in the world. Have a spectacular view of the towering mountains including Nanga Parbat and other peaks. In winter Gulmarg offers top-class skiing activities. Optional : GONDOLA RIDE Take a cable car ride to the top of apharwat hills. View nomdic Gujjar Huts dotting the hillsides. PAHALGAM Pahalgam an alpine valley along the Lidder river is 98 kms from Srinagar. Enroute visit the impressive ruins of Stone Temple built by King Avanti Varman in the 10th century AD. Optional : ARU, MARTAND TEMPLES Aru a deep high altitude sphered valley. Martand Temples, 15 km detour. Magnificent 9 century sun temple in black granite. SONMARG Sonamarg is 80 kms. North-East of Srinagar and at an altitude of 2743 meters. Popularly known as the "Golden Meadow"), it is a wild and virgin valley of meadows and woodlands. Optional : 1. Manasbal : Enroute to Sonmarg visit an idyllic lake at Manasbal, said to be the deepest lake in Kashmir. 2. Baltal : Two hours drive to Baltal to view the Labrynthine road going upto Zojilla Pass (3,500 mtrs.) on way to Ladakh. 3. Thajiwas Glacier : From Sonamarg take two hours side trip by ponies or car to Thajiwas Glacier dipping down into the valley of birch forest.
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