Jammu & Kashmir

How to reach

Jammu is well connected by all three modes of transport i.e. air, rail and road. The city has an airport and regular flights run between Jammu and several other cities of the country. Indian Airlines and Jet Airways operate regular flights between Jammu and Delhi, and Jammu and Srinagar/Leh. Jammu Tawi is an important rail head of the state of J & K and is connected with important towns and cities of the country by express and super fast trains. Jammu Tawi to Kanyakumari is the longest rail route of India that touches some of the important cities of the country. You can also reach the city by road. National Highway 1A runs through Jammu district connecting the rest of the state including the summer capital Srinagar. Daily bus services are available from Jammu to Delhi, Amritsar, Ambala, Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Pathankot, Shimla, Manali and Haridwar. Auto Rickshaws from anywhere in the local Jammu city can take one to this place on payment of nominal charges. Minibuses do also ply but are not allowed to enter the Palace complex so one has to walk up to the palace.

Tourism

The tourist attractions of Jammu and Kashmir consist of some of the finest places in and around the valley. It is one of the most charming and scenic places in India. Sightseeing in Kashmir is mainly about appreciating the beauty of the nature. Glittering glaciers, snow covered mountains and picturesque hill stations all add to the tourist appeal of Kashmir. As you take a trip to the Jammu and Kashmir valley you will get to know various untouched facets of the wonderful "Paradise on Earth". Have a look at some of the popular tourist spots in the Jammu and Kashmir valley.

Ranbireshwar Temple

It is the biggest Shiva temple in North India. This temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was built by Maharaja Rajbir Singh in 1883. It is located on the Shalimar Road near the New Secretariat. It is constructed by the Dogra rulers. Inside the temple you can see a 7.5 m high Black Stone Shiva lingam surrounded by 12 more lingams of different sizes around 15cm to 38 cm. In two big halls, there are 1.25 Lakh "Bona Lingam" brought from Narmadda. There are huge images of Ganesha, Kartikeya and Nandi Bull. The temple is visited by thousands of visitors on festive occasions to offer Puja.

Raghunath Temple

This temple is main attraction of the Jammu city. This temple dedicated to Lord Rama is outstanding and unique in Northern India. It is situated in the heart of the city and surrounded by a group of other temples. It is built by Maharaja Gulab Singh who established the kingdom of Jammu and Kashmir initiated the intricate work on the temple in 1835, which was completed in 1860 by his son, Maharaja Ranbir Singh. It is located behind the Kullu Raja’s Rupi Palace. The temple has seven shrines, with god-plated interiors. The most important houses the Dogra's patron deity, Rama, Vishnu's eighth incarnation. The inner walls of the main temple are covered with gold sheet on three sides. There are many galleries with lakhs of 'Saligrams'. The surrounding Temples are dedicated to various Gods and Goddesses connected with the epic Ramayana. The arches and architectural details show Mughal influence. A portrait of Ranbir Singh, the temple patron and a sculpture of Hanuman are at the entrance. The other shrines have images of Vishnu in various incarnations, Siva and Surya. The Sanskrit Library here contains numerous rare manuscripts. It contains representatives of almost all Hindu pantheons. Really it is a rare site for worshipping.

Amar Mahal Palace

Amar Mahal Museum is one of the most visited Jammu and Kashmir tourist spots. It stands amidst a gorgeous setting in a part of Jammu. There is beautiful view of the Shivaliks (also spelt as Shiwaliks) at the north and the River Tawi flows down below adding to the grandeur. Amar Palace, once the residence of the Maharajas is a grand palace with a magnificent look. This palace has now been turned to a museum, which is maintained and taken care of by the Hari-Tara Charitable Trust. It is popularly known as the Amar Mahal Palace Museum. The exhibits include Pahari paintings, family portraits of the rulers of Jammu and Kashmir, and a library. The museum building itself, a former palace designed like a French Chateau, is of architectural interest. Amar Mahal is a palace famous for its elegant structure made of red sand stone. The museum has a golden throne made of 120kg pure gold sofa and has golden lions embedded into it. The throne is placed in a hexagonal room. There is also a large collection of rare paintings preserved in the Amar Mahal Museum. There is a gallery of paintings in this place known as the Nal Damayanti. These include various Pahari paintings and family portraits of the royal personalities displayed here. There is also a very well stocked library in this palace. There is a collection of twenty five thousand books on various subjects and disciplines. The museum also conducts a "heritage walk" programme for interested students to familiarise them with the history of Jammu. Check with the museum management for details. During the summer months you can visit the Amar Mahal Palace between 5 pm and 7 pm. On the winter time the palace museum can be visited between 10 am and 12 and again from 5 to 7 in the evening. It is closed on state holidays and Mondays and entry is based on tickets.

Peer Baba Shrine
Durgah of Peer Budhan Ali Shah, popularly known as Peer Baba is a shrine visited by people of all faiths and religions, having a belief that he protects all from mishaps and evil spirits. It is believed that Peer Baba (who was a friend of Guru Gobind Singh) had lived his entire life on milk that helped him to live for five hundred years. On Thursdays, Hindu and Sikh devotees vastly outnumber their Muslim brethren at this shrine; such is the faith of the people in Peer Baba. Most tourists visit the shrine when they come to Jammu.

Shrine of Peer Mitha

Peer Mitha is a famous Muslim shrine located in Jammu city. ‘Mitha’ refers to sweet; Peer Mitha is so called because he would accept nothing more than a pinch of sugar from his devotees. The shrine is visited by numerous people during Thursday.

Excursion to Jammu

Bahu Fort / Temple

This is 5 km. from Jammu city situated on the opposite bank of Tawi River, on an upland plateau. This is the oldest fort and edifice in the city. Constructed originally by Raja Bahulochan over 3,000 years ago, the existing Fort was more recently improved and built by Dogra rulers. There is a temple dedicated to Goddess Kali inside the fort popularly known as Bave wali Mata. The fort overlooks river placidly down the Jammu city. Every Tuesday and Sunday pilgrims throng this temple and jostle for Tawi flowing worship. One can really imagine, on looking at the fort, the wars fought, the invasions prevented and even the grandeur of the Royal families. The fort complex is decorated with terraced gardens, waterfalls and flowers which make it favourite picnic spot of the city folk. Recently, a garden known as Bagh-e-Bahu has been developed in side the fort complex to attract more visitors.

Katra

Katra Town, lying in the foot of Trikuta Mountains, 48 kms. from Jammu, serves as the base camp for visiting the famous shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, which is approachable on foot along a 13 kms long well laid footpath. Helicopter service between Katra and Sanjhi Chat which is 0.5 Km. short of Vaishno Devi temple is also available. Every year, more than 4.5 million pilgrims pass through Katra on their way to the holy shrine. Main bazaar of katra is famous for buying souvenirs, dry fruits, woolen garments, hosiery, leather jackets, etc. Accommodations are available in Tourist Bungalows, Yatrika and a number of private hotels, beside pilgrims ''sarais'.

Vaishno Devi

Vaishno-Devi is situated in the Trikuta Mountains of lower Himalayas at an altitude of 5300 feet in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The shrine is approachable on foot along a 13 kms trek from Katra town at the foot of the hills. The shrine is located in the place where the goddess abandoned her human form for her communion with the holy trinity. The 100 feet long sacred cave is placed at a distance of 13 kilometers from the base camp, which is situated in Katra. Katra is connected through roads to the city of Udhampur, which is 35 kilometers away from the shrine and Jammu situated at a distance of 50 kilometers.

Ransoo - Shiv Khori Temple

75 kms. from Katra the cave shrine is reached after a trek of 3 kms. along a scenic route. Devotees enter the narrow cave after a bit of crawling and bending while enchanting Har Har Mahadev. Inside the cave, it is virtual storehouse of wealth for devotees complete with natural Shivling and other deities making for a spiritual experience coupled with adventure and marvel.

Shahdra-Sharief

The shrine has great historical significance with the origin of the state of Jammu & Kashmir. It is about 177 kms from Jammu and 29 km from Rajouri town is the shrine of Shahdra Sharief, a popular Muslim shrine visited by thousands of visitors every day. History depicts that, in 1820 AD Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab sent his army General Gulab Singh to defeat an adversary. Out of the 150 companies of troops taken on this expedition, only 25 soldiers could stay with the General. At last he camped at Thanna-Mandi and went to call on a local recluse named Baba Ghulam Shah ‘Badshah', who lived in the nearby locality of Shahdara and was known as a wise and pious person. When Gulab Singh became the king of Jammu and Kashmir according to the prophecy of the saint, he built a shrine dedicated to the saint to pay homage. It is very much inspiring that a Muslim shrine was built by a Hindu King. Thousands of visitors irrespective of caste, creed and religion visit the shrine everyday in deep faith and with great devotion. It is a strong belief that Baba fulfills the desire of all devotees. The one interesting thing is that, the pilgrims and visitors are provided free accommodation, food and other facilities by the shrine management. Regular bus service operates from Rajouri and even Jammu to Shahdra Sharief. Taxis can be easily hires from Jammu as well as Rajouri for visiting this very popular holy shrine.

Shankaracharya Temple - Srinagar

The sacred temple of Shankaracharya lies at the top of the hills known as Takht-I-Sulaiman. It is located at 1100 ft. above surface level of the main city on the Shankaracharya hill. It is believed that philosopher Shankaracharya had stayed at this place while visiting to Kashmir to spread Sanatan Dharma. The Shiva temple, as Kalhana believes, was constructed by Raja Gopadatya in 371 B.C. and, as such, is the oldest shrine in Kashmir, though it is not certain if the temple exists in the same form as it had been built more than two thousands years ago. The first repair of the temple is believed to have been undertaken during the reign of Lalitaditya in the eighth century A.D. According to the historian Shrivara, Zain-ul-Abideen conducted second repairs of the temple after it had been damaged in an earthquake. The third time repair was undertaken during the Governorship of Sheikh Mohi-ud-Din when the temple is believed to have been named as Shankaracharya. Dogra ruler, Maharaja Gulab Singh, constructed stone stairs up to the temple. In 1925, the temple was electrified. The temple holds a lot of importance in religious as well as architectural context. The temple is built up of specially smoothened rocks which have been set at the peak of the hill with unimaginable precision. It has a high octagonal base which can be approached by climbing a number of steps with side walls that once bore inscriptions; the main surviving shrine consists of a circular cell. From the height at which this temple is located, you can view the entire beauty of Srinagar city.

The Dal Lake and Nagin Lake - Kashmir

Kashmir, called “Paradise on Earth,” is not possible without Dal Lake. Crystal clear water, striking landscape and serene surrounding represent the delightful Dal Lake and grace of Jammu and Kashmir. The largest lake of the city is indeed the icon and focal point of Srinagar. The lake is 6 by 3 Kms and this lovely lake is divided by causeway into four parts - Gangribal, Lokutdal, Boddal and Nagin. A Both Lokutdal and Boddal have an island in the centre - called as Rup Lank or Char Chinari and Sona Lank respectively. A Nagin Lake at the foot of Shidhara (Zabarwan) mountain is the smallest and the most beautiful part of the Dal. It flows past the lush Mughal gardens and monuments, plummeted orchards, the University of Kashmir, to meet the river Jhelum. Moreover overlooking the lake are two hillocks that houses the famous temples of Shankaracharya and Hari Parbat.

Batote

It is situated at a distance of 125 kilometers from the city of Jammu. The resort is placed on the National Highway and is easily accessible from the major cities of Jammu and Kashmir. Close to the resort lies the Chenab Gorge and the Patnitop Mountain Range. The region is covered with coniferous forests. Trekking is possible to the mountains of Patnitop and Sanasar. The tourists may also traverse through the coniferous forest. The resort has all amenities and facilities for the foreign and the Indian tourists. The resort of Batote is located at an altitude of 1560 meters and provides a fascinating view of the gorgeous Chenab Gorge and the forest covered Patnitop Mountain Range. The tourists can enjoy a silent and peaceful stay in the resort.

Tulip Garden :

In Jammu & Kashmir Tulip garden situated on the banks of Dal lake near Zabarwan Mountains. This place is fertile land also known as Sirajbagh. It offers Yellow, white, pink, purple, red, blue and crimson tulips provide majestic look to the valley. These beautifully laid tulip fields are a romanticists dream come true. The tulip garden spread over an area of 5 hectares ,has also been rechristened Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden. Around 1.2 million tulips of 60 varieties have been grown in this garden.

Shikara boats :

Shikara boats are made up of wooden found on Dal Lake and other water bodies of Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, India. Shikaras are of large sizes and are used for multiple purposes, including transportation of people. Drivers use oars having a unique spade-shaped bottom to row the shikara. A usual shikara seats half-a-dozen people, with the driver sitting at the lower end. Like the Venetian gandolas, they are a cultural symbol of Kashmir. Some shikaras are still used for fishing, harvesting weeds and transport in the deeper parts of Dal Lake, while most are covered with tarpaulins and are used by tourists. Some are used as floating homes by poor people.

Mubarak Mandi Palace

Mubarak Mandi Palace, a heritage palace at Mubarak Mandi is one of the stunning beauties of Jammu city. It is situated in the walled city complex. The buildings were used by the erstwhile rulers of Jammu & Kashmir and today used for government offices and court. It has a heritage of 150 years to be proud of. There are many buildings of architectural excellence in this complex. The architecture of this palace has a unique blend of Rajasthani, Mughal and even Gothic styles. The oldest structure here was built in the year of 1824. The pink Sheesh Mahal is now the Dogra Art museum showcasing miniature paintings from the various hill schools of Kangra, Jammu and Basholi. There are about eight hundred paintings stored in this museum. Some important exhibits in the museum include the gold painted bow and arrow of Mughal Emperor Shahjahan and some valuable manuscripts that date back to 16th century. Timings of Museum in winter – 10:30 am till 04:30 pm and in summer – 08:00 am till 01:30 pm. It is closed on Mondays.

Sudh Mahadev

About 120 kms from Jammu and close to Patnitop, is the temple of Sudh Mahadev dedicated to Lord Shiva. Pilgrims visit the shrine on the full moon night of 'sawan' (July-August) to worship the 'Trishul' (trident) and a mace, which are said to have belonged, to Bheem one of the five legendary Pandava brothers. Nearby attractions include Gourikund and Mantalai, where Parvati meditated and Shiv-Parvati got married. The Devak stream originates at Sudh Mahadev and disappears among the rocks a few kilometres downstream, a popular picnic spot. Accommodation is provided by the tourism department with reasonable prices.

Patnitop

Covered by thickly wooded forests this famous hill resort is perched on a beautiful plateau, at an altitude of 2024 metres across which the Jammu-Srinagar Highway 1A passes at the distance of 112 ks. from Jammu. Patnitop offers beautiful picnic spots, peaceful walks and breathtaking views of the mountainscape of the Chenab basin and the Pir Panjal range further apart. In winter, the resort is generally covered with a thick mantle of snow thus providing opportunities for various snow games. Its green meadows and ice-cold freshwater spring, the area has been developed to a 6-hole golf course, which is being expanded to 9-holes. Adventure tourists can experience trekking, paragliding and basic skiing while others can enjoy camping and walking. It is the best developed tourist spot of Jammu and is second to none in its natural charm, climate, pine forests and lush green cover. The occupancy of the huts and Dak Banglow is full in summer months. There is ambitious plan of Patnitop Development Authority to develop Patnitop, Kud, Sud-Mahadev, Mantalai circuit. The construction work of Mall Road at Kud is also proposed to be taken up. Trekking route from Kud to Patnitop-Sanasar has already been completed. At a distance of about 19 Kms from Patnitop, is Sanasar (2079 m), a satellite resort of Patnitop, with a cup-shaped meadow surrounded by gigantic conifers. The complete tourist circuit covers Jammu-Katra-Vaishno Deviji, Kud-Sanasar, Patnitop-Gourikund, Sudmahadev, Mantali, extending up to Latti-Dhuna. There is a very popular Nag temple, which must be visited.

Sanasar

119 kms. from Jammu and only 17 kms. from Patnitop, Sanasar is cup shaped meadow surrounded by gigantic conifers. A place for a quiet holiday, the meadow has now been developed as a golf course. It also provides opportunities for para-gliding.

Leh and Ladakh

Ladakh region is situated on the high altitude of Himalayan Mountains and is a sparsely populated desert studded with Buddhist monasteries which are its main attraction. The town is located in the Ladakh region between 32° and 36° North latitude and 75° and 80° East longitude. The town is also the district head quarter of Leh district with majority of its population dominated by the Tibetan Buddhists and the rest being Shi’a Muslims. The whole Ladakh region was under the administration of Leh district until July 1, 1979 when it was divided into two districts namely Leh and Kargil. Centuries ago this was an important stop on the old caravan silk route from China. Today it’s merely a military base and tourist centre, but wandering the winding back streets of the town is still fascinating. It’s about 10 km north east of the Indus River in a fertile side valley. Ladakh is the third region of Jammu and Kashmir State. Each of the regions, Jammu, Kashmir. Its lowest point at 9000 feet above sea level, unsurprising for a land that lies locked between the Himalayas, Ladakh and Zanskar ranges. It is bounded by one more mighty mountain ranges of world i. e. KARAKORAM. One of the most important destinations in Leh is the Leh palace, a historical building built in 17th century by the rulers of Ladakh. This 9 storeyed outstanding monument is a symbol of the grand Tibetan architecture. Kargil is the base for expeditions to the Suru Valley, Zanskar and Nun-kun. The hill sight orchards are an enchanting sight in May when the trees are in full bloom.

Zanskar

The valley is situated between the Great Himalayan Range and the Zanskar mountains, the three arms radiating star-like towards the west, north and south from a wide central expanse. Here the Zanskar River comes into being by the confluence of its two Himalayan tributaries, the Stod/Doda and the Lingti-Tsarap Rivers. About 20 kms. South of Rangdum stands the Pazila watershed across which lies Zanskar, the most isolated of all the Trans Himalayan Valleys. The Panzila Top (4401 m) is the picturesque tableland adorned with two small alpine lakes and surrounded by snow covered peaks. A long and winding river of ice and snow, "Drang-Drung" is perhaps the largest glacier in Ladakh, outside the Siachen formation. It is the very glacier from which Stod or Doda tributary of the Zanskar River rises. There is a certain mystique about Zanskar. This is no doubt due to its remoteness and high altitude and is difficult to access but its reputation as a Sangri-La is due to its landscapes, the simplicity of life in villages and the serene atmosphere all around. The main places of attractions in the Zanskar valley are the mountainous ramparts of this ‘Shangri-La’, a number of ancient yet active monastic establishments. In addition, the haunting beauty of the spectacular landscape and the ancient culture of this formidable land are wonderful and enjoyable. To-day, Zanskar has the distinction of being the least interfered with microcosms of Ladakh, and one of the last few surviving cultural satellites of Tibet. Within the mountain ramparts of this lost Shangrila stand a number of ancient yet active monastic establishments. Some of these religious foundations have evolved around remote meditation caves believed to have been used by a succession of famous Buddhist saints for prolonged meditation in pursuit of knowledge and enlightenment.

Kargil
Kargil is a district of Jammu & Kashmir bounded by Baramullah, Srinagar and Doda Districts in the South-West, Leh District in the East, Himachal Pradesh in the South and Pakistan in the North-West. Kargil is strategically located midway between Srinagar (204 Kms) and Leh, (234 kms) on the Srinagar-Leh highway and is the second largest urban centre of Ladakh region. Before partition of India, it was an important trading centre for the Central-Asian merchants due to its unique equidistant location (about 200-230 kms.) from Srinagar, Leh and Skardo. Kargil derives its name from two words Khar means castle and rkil means centre thus a place between castles as it lies between many kingdoms. The majority of the population is the Shia Muslims, an Islamic sect that regards Muhammad’s cousin Ali and his successors as the true imams. Kargil town serves as a base for expeditions to the Suru Valley and Zanskar valley. It is the abode for adventurous tourists as they can undertake trekking and other adventure sports like mountaineering, camping, river-rafting, etc. in the high Himalayan valleys. It is also a convenient base for taking excursions to the Wakha- Mulbek valley, where the chief attraction is a 9 m high rock sculpture of Maitreya, besides other monuments. One can have an interesting excursion option to visit Drass to see its famous features like Tolo-ling, Tiger Hill and the Mushkoo Valley, well known throughout India. Now a quiet town now, Kargil once served as important trade and transit centre in the Pan-Asian trade network. Numerous caravans carrying exotic merchandise comprising silk, brocade, carpets, felts, tea, poppy, ivory etc. transited in the town on their way to and from China, Tibet, Yarkand and Kashmir. The old bazaar displayed a variety of Central Asian and Tibetan commodities even after the cessation of the Central Asian trade in 1949 till these were exhausted about two decades back.

Sruinsar Lake

It is situated at a distance of 42 kilometers from the city of Jammu, the Sruinsar Lake is known for the picturesque beauty of its surroundings. The crystal water of the lake is bound on all sides by the rising magnificent hills thick in forest cover. The lake is well connected by bus routes from the city of Jammu from where the tourists can commute to the Sruinsar Lake. The Sruinsar Mansar Wildlife Sanctuary is bound on both sides by the two lakes. The wildlife sanctuary is rich in the mountainous flora and fauna and can be visited from the Sruinsar Lake. The sanctuary is home to fifteen varied species of birds and eight species of animals. The thick growth of the forest comprises of trees, shrubs and plants. The undisturbed beauty of nature in the hills around the Sruinsar Lake and the tranquility of the lake itself entice tourists to frequently visit the lake. The lake is an important itinerary of the Jammu and Kashmir popular tourist spots.

Mansar Lake
Mansa Lake attracts large number of visitors, located at a distance of 62 kilometers from the city of Jammu and 40 kilometers from the Udhampur city. A beautiful natural lake is passing through the forest-covered hills. It’s also popular for the legend and holiness of Lake Mansarover. There are many historical temples around the lake. It is considered auspicious for newly weds taking three parikarma around the lake to seek the blessing of sheshnag. Mansar is also famous for boating and number of water animals and birds are also increasing its beauty. The lake also hosts the cultural festival of the Dogra people in the month of May. The wrestlers of the region gather in the premises of the lake to participate in the Chhing festival that is held here. The lake makes a frequently visited Jammu and Kashmir a popular tourist spot.

Akhnoor

Akhnoor is one of the most beautiful towns of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The historic town of Akhnoor is located just 32 kms to the west of Jammu and situated on the banks of river Chenab. The Chenab River flows gracefully through this town and meets the plain here. This beautiful town is also of much historical importance. There are some ruins of the Indus Valley Civilization in the town of Akhnoor along the river Chenab. During the Mugal period this town used to fall in the route to Srinagar. When Jahangir died on his way to Kashmir the Mugal emperor was temporarily buried in Chingas. Another legendary love story associated with the town is of Soni-Mahiwal. The Amar Mahal Palace Museum is one of the major tourist attractions of this place. The exquisite structure of this museum is constructed of red sand stone. From here you can get a good view of the Shivalik mountain ranges and the river Tawi. The attractive surroundings make the structure appear more attractive. This palace once served as the residence of Raja Amar Singh. There is a golden throne preserved in this palace. Reaching Akhnoor is not a problem; the city is well connected to other important cities of the state. It is easily approachable from the rail and air station of Jammu.

Jajjar Kotli

One of the best picnic spots in Jammu region is Jajjar Kotli, built on the banks of Jajjar rivulet. It is 35 km. away from Jammu. This is one of the most favored picnic spots of the state. This tourist complex is located on the National Highway that leads towards the city of Srinagar, the summer capital of the state. The main attraction of this beautiful tourist place is the clear and refreshing cool water of Jujjar. The place is blessed with extreme natural beauty. This place is maintained by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation. To facilitate the tourists there is a wonderful tourist bungalow in Jhajjar Kotli maintained by the department of tourism. This is a luxurious tourist bungalow with all sorts of modern facilities. The rooms are well furnished and decorated. All sorts of Indian cuisine are served in the restaurant to the guests. The bar of the Jhajjar Kotli complex is very well stocked. The place is calm and quiet and this provides you with a good scope to peacefully enjoy the company of nature. This is a wonderful place to get rid of all tensions of urban style and spend a relaxing time.

Sonmarg
If Srinagar to Leh is the heading point to Kashmir then Sonmarg is the last stoppage point of Kashmir valley before the Zoji La pass into Ladakh. Sonmarg a place where “Medows” reflects in golden color which holds your eyes and heart for a while. Sonmarg is situated at an altitude of 2740 m above sea level in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Its distance from Srinagar is about 80 kms. It has lush green Kashmiri landscape. Sonmarg is also a jumping point for trips to the barren, dry landscape of Ladakh across the Zojila, a major pass in the Great Himalayan Range, through which the Srinagar-Leh Road passes. Sonmarg is the base of a major trek that passes along several mountain lakes –Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Gangabal. This trek leads all the way to the Amarnath cave.

Srinagar
Srinagar-the “City of Lakh and Buddhism”. It is the summer capital of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and is the pride of the beautiful valley of Kashmir. It is situated at an altitude of 1730 m above sea level, in the western part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, in the northern region of India. It is located in the Kashmir valley. The city is located on both sides of river Jhelum and is a popular tourist destination of Jammu & Kashmir. Srinagar is 876 km. north of Delhi. Srinagar (a word derived from Sanskrit) is composed of two words Sri means abundance and wealth, and Nagar means a city. Thus, the word Srinagar signifies a place of wealth and abundance.

Pahalgam and Amarnathji Yatra-Srinagar
Pahalgam is located at an altitude of 2,130 m, on the southern slope of the Great Himalayas, situated at the confluence of the streams flowing from Sheshnag Lake to the Lidder River and is 96 kms from Srinagar city.

Lord Shiva is believed to be a living God by Hindus. According to legends, Shiva recounted to Parvati the secret of creation in a cave in Amarnath. But unknowingly, a pair of mating drops doves eavesdropped on this conversation having learned the secret, is reborn again and again, and has made the cave their eternal abode. Many pilgrims report seeing the doves pair when they trek the arduous route to pay obeisance before the ice-lingam.

Hazratbal Shrine- Srinagar

Hazratbal Mosque derives its name from the village Hazratbal, which is situated on the left bank of the famous Dal Lake in Srinagar. This unmatched reverence is anchored in the love and respect for the Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him), whose Moi-e-Muqqadas, (the sacred hair) is preserved here. The shrine is known by many names including Hazrathbal , Assar-e-Sharief, madinat-us-Sani, Dargah Sharief and Dargah. Sadiq Khan laid out a garden here and constructed a palacial building, Ishrat mahal or Pleasure House, in 1623. The significance of this mosque is that, it houses a hair of the Prophet Mohammad.