Srinagar
The summer capital of Kashmir & Jammu stands on Dal Lake and the Jhelum River and is the transport hub for the valley as well as a departure point for trips to Ladakh.
| Dal.Lake Much of Dal Lake is maze of intricate waterways rather than a simple body of open water. The lake is divided into Gagribal, Lokut Dal and Bod Dal by a series of causeways. Dal Gate, at the city end of the lake, controls the flow of the lake water into the Jhelum River canal.
Jama.Masjid This impresive wooden mosque is notable for the 300-plus pillar supporting the roof, each made of a single deodar tree trunk. The present mosque, with its green and peaceful inner courtyard.
Shankaracharya Hill Rising up behind The Boulevard beside Dal Lake, A temple is said to have first been built here by Ashoka's son around 200 BC, but the present Hindu Temple dates from Jehangir's time. It's a pleasant stroll to the top, from where you have a fine view over Dal Lake. Mughal Garden.
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Chasma.Shahi
Smallest of the Mughal gardens at Srinagar, is located well up the hillside, above the Nehru Memorial Park. Nishat Bagh Sandwiched between the lake and the mountains, the Nishat gardens have a superb view across the lake to the Pir Panjal Mountains. Designed in 1633 by Nur Jahan's brother Asaf Khan, these are the largest of the Mughal gardens and follow the traditional pattern of a central channel running down a series of terrace.
Shalimar.Bagh
Set some distance back from the lake but reached by a small canal, the Shalimar gardens were built for Nur Jahan, light of the world, by her husband Jehangir in 1616. During the Mughal period the topmost of the four terraces was reserved for the emperor and the ladies of the court.
Hazratbal.Mosque
This shiny, modern mosque is on the north west shore of Dal Lake. The mosque enshrines hair of the prophet, but to non-believers it is most interesting for its stunningly beautiful setting on the shores of the lake with snowcapped peaks as backdrop.
Nagin.lake
The jewel in the Rising is held to be the most beautiful of the Dal lakes and is ringed by trees. The number of houseboats on this quieter, cleaner lake.
| Pahalgham Pahalgham is about 95 km from Srinagar, and at 2130 metres the night-time temperatures here warmer than in Gulmarg, which is higher up. The beautiful Lidder River flows right through the town, which is at the junction of the Sheshnag and Lidder rivers and is surrounded by soaring, fir-covered mountains with snowcapped peaks rising behind them. There are many short walks from Pahalgam and it is an ideal base for longer treks to Kolahoi Glacier or Amarnath Cave.
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Gulmarg
The large meadow of Gulmarg is 52 km south-west of Srinagar at 2730 metres. The name means Meadow of Flowers and in spring it's just that. This is also an execellent trekking base. In winter it used to be India's premier skiing resort.
Treks in Kashmir:
There are various treks both within Kashmir and from Kashmir to Leh Ladakh.
at. This is also an execellent trekking base. In winter it used to be India's premier skiing resort.
at. This is also an execellent trekking base. In winter it used to be India's premier skiing resort.
Pahalgam to Kolahoi Glacier
Pahalgam to Sumbal via Sonamous Pass
Pahalgam to Amarnath Cave
Pahalgam to Panikhar Ladakh
Sonmarg to Gangabal & Wangat