Sonamerg

The Meadow of Gold. The drive to Sonamarg is through the Sindh Valley which presents yet another spectacular facet of countryside in Kashmir. Situated at an altitude of 2730 m, Sonamarg (The meadow of gold) has, as its backdrop, snowy mountains against a cerulean sky. The Sindh River that meanders through the valley abounds with trout and mahaseer.…

Doodhpatri

Doodhpathri is a combination of twin pastures namely Parhacemaidan and Doodhpathri. These two bowl-like pastures present a sight of an earthly paradise. Two rivers, Shaliganga and Sokhnag, flow on either sides of the pastures. These rivers flow in an irresistible fashion. They flow into the areas of Budgam and Beerwah respectively. Therere many incredible…

Kokernag

Kokernag gets its name from two words koker meaning fowl and nag meaning serpent. A spring gushes out here at the base of a thickly-wooded hill from where it divides into channels, resembling the claw of a hen; hence the name. Kokernag has been mentioned in the Ain-e-Akbari, which says the water of the spring has medicinal and digestive properties.…

Ladakh

Drass

On the road to Kargil, about 60 kms west of Kargil, lies the small town of Drass, in the Drass Valley. It is the second coldest inhabited place in the world. Repeated snowfall in the winters, plummet its temperature to less than minus 40 degrees.

The Zozila pass, the Himalayan gateway to Ladakh, is from where the Drass valley commences.…

Jammu

Bahu Fort

Bahu Fort is among the popular sightseeing attractions of the city of Jammu, which was built by Raja Bahulochan over 3,000 years ago. The fort was later restored during the 19th century by the Dogra rulers. Other notable attractions of the fort include Bahu Temple, a shrine dedicated to Goddess Kali.

The fort stands on a plateau overlooking…

Srinagar

Dal Lake

Nicknamed Jewel in the crown of Kashmir, the Dal Lake is Kashmirs pride. The lake, which covers an area of 18 sq km and is part of a natural wetland, is fringed by illuminated houseboats and colourful shikaras. The houseboat and shikara communities have survived on the Dal for centuries.…

Gulmerg

Gulmarg’s legendary beauty, prime location andproximity to Srinagar naturally make it one of the premier hill resorts in the country. Originally called Gaurimarg by shepherds, its present name was given in the 16th century by Sultan Yusuf Shah, who was inspired by the sight of its grassy slopes emblazoned with wild flowers. Gulmarg was a favourite…

Pahalgam

Situated at the confluence of the streams flowing from Sheshnag Lake and the Lidderriver, 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 250C. A number of hotels and lodges cater to all preferences…