INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the hill resort of Zanskar renowned for its high hills and gorgeous gompas. The lovely landscapes and the Buddhist culture of the Zanskar Valley are sure to leave a mark. Zanskar literally means the Copper Star. In fact the various rivers flowing into Zanskar carry copper sediments. The spectacular Himalayan landscape and the lifestyles of the inhabitants attract many tourists to the hidden kingdom of Zanskar.
LOCATION
The Zanskar valley is situated across the Suru Valley and over the Pensi La in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir. Zanskar is situated 235 km away from Kargil.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Owing to the altitudes the Zanskar valley is accessible only during the summer months. The winter months are too harsh for travel in Zanskar. It is noteworthy that in the winter months the water of the River Zanskar freezes and becomes the Chador road.
TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS
The hill resort of Zanskar is one of the isolated and scantly inhabited Himalayan Valleys. Zanskar is wrapped in snow-covered peaks and boats of two small alpine lakes. But there is nothing comparable to the wonderful view of the "Drang-Drung" glacier.
Panikhar is an important place in the Zanskar Valley that is the border of the Suru Valley. At Panikhar the fort of Zorawar Singh is a major tourist attraction
Then there is the Penzella Pass that divides the Zanskar valley with the Suru Valley. Besides being the excellent camping site the Penzella Pass is a vintage point offering excellent views of the majestic mountains and the captivating countryside.
Karsha is a human settlement with basic facilities. The Gelugpa monastery at Karsha is a must visit to know the importance of the religion in the lives of the inhabitants of Zanskar. The mural art displayed at Labrang is other must check out in Zanskar
On the isolated mountains there are several places associated with the Tibetan Buddhists that are worth exploring
The adventure seekers may try river rafting from Serchu to Nyimu via Padam. Trekking is possible to Panikhar or Rangdum over the Pentse La, into the Zanskar Valley from Lamayuru, Leh or Darcha, from Padum to the Markha valley et al. The climatic conditions need to be kept in mind choosing the trek.
HOW TO REACH
There are several highpasses that need to be crossed in order to reach Zanskar. Padum in the Zanskar valley may be joined but the track is not really smooth
BY ROAD - It is noteworthy that the road that links Zanskar with Kargil is open from mid July to early November. Buses. Jeeps, gypsies and taxis are easily available for transport to Zanskar from Kargil. Kargil is approximately 235 km away from Zanskar. During the months of June and July you may trek into Zanskar from Panikhar or Parkachik onwards.
WHERE TO STAY
Ample accommodation is available in Zanskar. You may stay at the Tourists complex or be economical and opt for the camps in the tents. There are few hotels too in Zanskar that provide basic facilities. At the inns of Zanskar dormitory accommodation is possible. Monasteries and village houses are the other stay options in Zanskar
Tourism-of-India.com provides complete information on tourism in Zanskar. Tourism-of-India.com offers package tours in order to make your visit to Zanskar Pleasant.
Showing posts with label Tourism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tourism. Show all posts
Saturday, July 19, 2008
VAISHNODEVI: HINDU PILGRIMAGE
FACTS & FIGURES ON HINDU PILGRIMAGE OF VAISHNO DEVI
Area
37 sq km
Language
Hindi, English
Best time to visit
Throughout the year except during winters
STD Code
01991
INTRODUCTION TO HINDU PILGRIMAGE OF VAISHNO DEVI
Since times immemorial, thousands of pilgrims every year have been visiting the Hindu pilgrimage of Vaishno Devi from all corners of the globe. Considered to be one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage in North India, the cave is the abode of the Mother Goddess, who is worshipped here in the forms of Maha Kali, Maha Saraswati, and Maha Lakshmi. As the Goddess welcomes her devotees every day, the number of pilgrims in this hindu pilgrimage keeps on swelling year after year. Vaishno Devi is not merely a hindu pilgrimage; it is a site of spiritual cleansing and resuscitation for the heart that truly seeks the divine.
LOCATION
The Vaishno Devi hindu pilgrimage is nestled in the Trikuta Mountain. It lies 61 km north of Jammu in the northern state of Jammu and Kashmir. Perched at a height of 5,200 feet above the sea level, Vaishno Devi is a cave in the lower Himalayas. Katra, the town at the foot of the Trikuta hills is the base camp for the Vaishno Devi shrine. Katra is 48 km from Jammu, 650 km from Delhi (via Una), 520 km from Udhampur, 410 km from Chandigarh and 80 km from Patnitop The shrine is visited all through the year, but the path is difficult during the winters when the route is often blocked by snowfall.
HISTORY
The legend goes that more than 700 years ago, Vaishno Devi, a devotee of Lord Vishnu, used to pray to Lord Rama and had taken vow of celibacy. One day, Bhairon Nath, a demon-God, saw her and gave chase. The Goddess felt thirsty at Banganga and shot an arrow into the earth from where water gushed out. Charan Paduka, marked by the imprints of her feet, is the place where she rested. She then meditated in the cave at Ardhkanwari. It took Bhairon Nath nine months to locate her. Mata Vaishno Devi then blasted an opening at the other end of the cave. She assumed the form of Maha Kali and cut off Bhairon Nath's head, which fell at the place where the Bhairon Temple is now located. The boulder at the mouth of the holy cave, according to the legend, is the petrified torso of Bhairon Nath who was granted divine forgiveness by the benevolent Mata in his dying moments.
TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS - THE SHRINE
The holy cave shrine of Vaishno Devi is said to have been built by the five Pandavas. The length of the cave is about 98 ft. The symbols of a large number of gods and goddesses of the Hindu pantheon can be seen here. At the mouth of the original tunnel to the holy cave can be seen the symbols of Vakra Tunda Ganesha, Surya Dev and Chandra Dev. When one crawls into the cave through the tunnel, he/she crosses over the Dhadh of Bhairon Nath. The symbol of Lord Hanuman, called Launkra Beer, can also be seen and the pilgrims have to wade through water beyond the Launkra Beer point. Twenty-three feet beyond Launkra Beer, on the upper left-hand side, the roof of the cave flares out and the weight of this overhang appears to be resting on the innumerable heads of Shesh Nag. Immediately below Shesh Nag can be seen the symbols of Shankh, Chakra, Gada and Padam. Higher up, almost touching the ceiling of the cave, are the symbols of the five Pandavas, the Sapt Rishi, the udders of the divine cow, Kamadhenu, Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and Parvati.
PLACES AROUND VAISHNO DEVI
The Deva Mai temple is about three miles short of Katra town. Many devotees treat it as a very holy site and go there to perform paeans.
The Holy Cave of Shiv Khori is the abode of Lord Shiva, situated at a distance of 70 km from Katra. The cave is a real wonder to be seen and measures nearly a kilometer in length with a four-feet-high naturally formed Shiv-lingam at the heart of the sanctum sanctorum.
A few miles away from Katra is Pindian at the foot of the Trikuta range. This spot is also dedicated to Vaishno Devi.
The temple of Baba Dhansar is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located at a distance of about 15 km from Katra on way to Salal Dam. Here, a huge spring emerges from the rocks in a thick grove of trees and forms a number of small rapids before flowing into the holy rivulet that merges with the Chenab River.
The sacred shrine of Dera Baba Banda is situated at a distance of 30 km from Katra. It is a major Hindu-Sikh pilgrimage center. According to local legend, Baba Banda Bairaagi was Guru Gobind Singh's favorite 'Saint Soldier' who constructed a Gurdwara on the banks of river Chenab, where he spent his last days.
The legendary hero Baba Jitto's temple is situated at village Aghar Jitto, which is just 5 km from Katra town, on the Katra-Reasi Road. Baba Jitto, who was a peasant by profession, was a staunch devotee of the Goddess Vaishno Devi. He is remembered amongst the peasant class for his revolutionary act of opposing the landlord's oppression and subsequently laying down his life for this cause. A big fair called 'Jhiri Mela' is still conducted to commemorate the martyrdom of Baba Jitto at a place called 'Jhiri', which is 20 km from Jammu.
HOW TO REACH
BY ROAD - Vaishno Devi Temple can be reached after making a steep 13-km trek from the road head at Katra, the town at the foot of the Trikuta hills. Several porters and ponies are available at Katra on hire.
BY AIR - Jammu is the nearest airport. Jammu's civil airport at Ranibagh is 9 km from the city center. Alliance Air, a subsidiary of Indian Airlines, runs flights to and from Delhi, Srinagar and Leh.
BY RAIL - Jammu is the nearest railhead, which lies on the other side of the Tawi River. Jammu is very well connected with all major destinations in India by rail. Direct express trains link it with Mumbai, Delhi and Calcutta.
Katra is connected with Tarn Taran, Amritsar, Jallandhar, Ludhiana, Patiala, Chandigarh, Delhi, Jwalaji and Srinagar by road. We would provide you all India tourist permit vehicles for the local transportations and also for the intercity drives too.
WHERE TO STAY
At Katra, private hotels, dharamshalas and government accommodation are also available. The accommodation offered by the Shri Mat Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) is of three types-free accommodation, rented rooms, and rented dormitories. Rented rooms/dormitories are available to the pilgrims against advance reservation. The advance reservation of rooms/dormitories is done in the enquiry and reservation section of the board (Ph. 32025).
Tourism-of-India.com provides complete information about tourism in ViashnoDevi. Tourism-of-India.com offers various tour packages to make your visit comfortable. You can pick the one that suits you most.
Area
37 sq km
Language
Hindi, English
Best time to visit
Throughout the year except during winters
STD Code
01991
INTRODUCTION TO HINDU PILGRIMAGE OF VAISHNO DEVI
Since times immemorial, thousands of pilgrims every year have been visiting the Hindu pilgrimage of Vaishno Devi from all corners of the globe. Considered to be one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage in North India, the cave is the abode of the Mother Goddess, who is worshipped here in the forms of Maha Kali, Maha Saraswati, and Maha Lakshmi. As the Goddess welcomes her devotees every day, the number of pilgrims in this hindu pilgrimage keeps on swelling year after year. Vaishno Devi is not merely a hindu pilgrimage; it is a site of spiritual cleansing and resuscitation for the heart that truly seeks the divine.
LOCATION
The Vaishno Devi hindu pilgrimage is nestled in the Trikuta Mountain. It lies 61 km north of Jammu in the northern state of Jammu and Kashmir. Perched at a height of 5,200 feet above the sea level, Vaishno Devi is a cave in the lower Himalayas. Katra, the town at the foot of the Trikuta hills is the base camp for the Vaishno Devi shrine. Katra is 48 km from Jammu, 650 km from Delhi (via Una), 520 km from Udhampur, 410 km from Chandigarh and 80 km from Patnitop The shrine is visited all through the year, but the path is difficult during the winters when the route is often blocked by snowfall.
HISTORY
The legend goes that more than 700 years ago, Vaishno Devi, a devotee of Lord Vishnu, used to pray to Lord Rama and had taken vow of celibacy. One day, Bhairon Nath, a demon-God, saw her and gave chase. The Goddess felt thirsty at Banganga and shot an arrow into the earth from where water gushed out. Charan Paduka, marked by the imprints of her feet, is the place where she rested. She then meditated in the cave at Ardhkanwari. It took Bhairon Nath nine months to locate her. Mata Vaishno Devi then blasted an opening at the other end of the cave. She assumed the form of Maha Kali and cut off Bhairon Nath's head, which fell at the place where the Bhairon Temple is now located. The boulder at the mouth of the holy cave, according to the legend, is the petrified torso of Bhairon Nath who was granted divine forgiveness by the benevolent Mata in his dying moments.
TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS - THE SHRINE
The holy cave shrine of Vaishno Devi is said to have been built by the five Pandavas. The length of the cave is about 98 ft. The symbols of a large number of gods and goddesses of the Hindu pantheon can be seen here. At the mouth of the original tunnel to the holy cave can be seen the symbols of Vakra Tunda Ganesha, Surya Dev and Chandra Dev. When one crawls into the cave through the tunnel, he/she crosses over the Dhadh of Bhairon Nath. The symbol of Lord Hanuman, called Launkra Beer, can also be seen and the pilgrims have to wade through water beyond the Launkra Beer point. Twenty-three feet beyond Launkra Beer, on the upper left-hand side, the roof of the cave flares out and the weight of this overhang appears to be resting on the innumerable heads of Shesh Nag. Immediately below Shesh Nag can be seen the symbols of Shankh, Chakra, Gada and Padam. Higher up, almost touching the ceiling of the cave, are the symbols of the five Pandavas, the Sapt Rishi, the udders of the divine cow, Kamadhenu, Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and Parvati.
PLACES AROUND VAISHNO DEVI
The Deva Mai temple is about three miles short of Katra town. Many devotees treat it as a very holy site and go there to perform paeans.
The Holy Cave of Shiv Khori is the abode of Lord Shiva, situated at a distance of 70 km from Katra. The cave is a real wonder to be seen and measures nearly a kilometer in length with a four-feet-high naturally formed Shiv-lingam at the heart of the sanctum sanctorum.
A few miles away from Katra is Pindian at the foot of the Trikuta range. This spot is also dedicated to Vaishno Devi.
The temple of Baba Dhansar is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located at a distance of about 15 km from Katra on way to Salal Dam. Here, a huge spring emerges from the rocks in a thick grove of trees and forms a number of small rapids before flowing into the holy rivulet that merges with the Chenab River.
The sacred shrine of Dera Baba Banda is situated at a distance of 30 km from Katra. It is a major Hindu-Sikh pilgrimage center. According to local legend, Baba Banda Bairaagi was Guru Gobind Singh's favorite 'Saint Soldier' who constructed a Gurdwara on the banks of river Chenab, where he spent his last days.
The legendary hero Baba Jitto's temple is situated at village Aghar Jitto, which is just 5 km from Katra town, on the Katra-Reasi Road. Baba Jitto, who was a peasant by profession, was a staunch devotee of the Goddess Vaishno Devi. He is remembered amongst the peasant class for his revolutionary act of opposing the landlord's oppression and subsequently laying down his life for this cause. A big fair called 'Jhiri Mela' is still conducted to commemorate the martyrdom of Baba Jitto at a place called 'Jhiri', which is 20 km from Jammu.
HOW TO REACH
BY ROAD - Vaishno Devi Temple can be reached after making a steep 13-km trek from the road head at Katra, the town at the foot of the Trikuta hills. Several porters and ponies are available at Katra on hire.
BY AIR - Jammu is the nearest airport. Jammu's civil airport at Ranibagh is 9 km from the city center. Alliance Air, a subsidiary of Indian Airlines, runs flights to and from Delhi, Srinagar and Leh.
BY RAIL - Jammu is the nearest railhead, which lies on the other side of the Tawi River. Jammu is very well connected with all major destinations in India by rail. Direct express trains link it with Mumbai, Delhi and Calcutta.
Katra is connected with Tarn Taran, Amritsar, Jallandhar, Ludhiana, Patiala, Chandigarh, Delhi, Jwalaji and Srinagar by road. We would provide you all India tourist permit vehicles for the local transportations and also for the intercity drives too.
WHERE TO STAY
At Katra, private hotels, dharamshalas and government accommodation are also available. The accommodation offered by the Shri Mat Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) is of three types-free accommodation, rented rooms, and rented dormitories. Rented rooms/dormitories are available to the pilgrims against advance reservation. The advance reservation of rooms/dormitories is done in the enquiry and reservation section of the board (Ph. 32025).
Tourism-of-India.com provides complete information about tourism in ViashnoDevi. Tourism-of-India.com offers various tour packages to make your visit comfortable. You can pick the one that suits you most.
SRINAGAR
FACTS & FIGURES
Language
Hindi, Urdu, Kashmiri, and English
Best time to visit
April-June
STD Code
0194
INTRODUCTION
Srinagar is the summer capital of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and is the pride of the beautiful valley of Kashmir. Srinagar is famous for its lakes and the charming rows of houseboats floating on them. It is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dry fruits
LOCATION
Srinagar is located in the western part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, in the northern region of India. It is located in the Kashmir valley. River Jhelum passes through Srinagar city. Srinagar is 876 km north of Delhi. The weather in Srinagar is alpine. Summers (April-June) are mild and winters are cold (November-February). It experiences heavy snowfall in December-February.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time to visit Srinagar is during summers between April and June.
HISTORY
The history of the Kashmir valley has been turbulent. In the 3rd century BC, it was a part of the great Mauryan Empire. Later on, this region flourished under the rule of the Kushans in the 1st century AD. It was an important Buddhist center around this time. In the 6th century, it was a part of the kingdom of Vikramaditya, the ruler of Ujjain.
Local Hindu rulers ruled it until the 14th century, after which Muslims invaded and ruled it. Srinagar was a part of the Mughal Empire in the medieval period. However, with the decline of the Mughal Empire and the rule of the Pathans, the fortunes of the area gradually dwindled. In 1814, it became a part of the Sikh empire, when Ranjit Singh defeated the Pathans. However, the British defeated Ranjit Singh and according to the treaty of Lahore in 1846, they installed Gulab Singh as the independent ruler of Kashmir. The descendents of Gulab Singh ruled Kashmir under the vigilance of the British till 1947. Hari Singh, the great grandson of Gulab Singh, merged this princely state into India in 1948, when Pathan marauders from Pakistan tried to overrun this state.
TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS
The valley of Kashmir, in which Srinagar is located, is also referred to as being a heaven on earth. The Mughal emperor Jahangir was so captivated by the beauty of this valley that he exclaimed "Gar firdaus, ruhe zamin ast, hamin asto, hamin asto, hamin asto" (If there is a heaven on earth, it's here, it's here, it's here). There are a number of tourist places in and around Srinagar.
The Dal Lake is an important tourist attraction of Srinagar. It is located on the eastern end of the city. The Dal Lake comprises of a series of lakes, including the Nagin Lake some 8 km from the city center. One can enjoy the panoramic view of the mountains surrounding Srinagar from this lake. Travelers can enjoy taking a ride on traditional Kashmiri boats or the Shikaras to explore the intricate maze of waterways of this lake.
The other major attractions of Srinagar city are the well laid out Mughal styled gardens. The Shalimar Bagh and the Nishat Bagh are beautiful gardens located to the far eastern side of the Dal Lake. One can take a stroll amongst these green and attractive gardens and enjoy the waterworks within them.
The temple of Shankaracharya is another important place to visit in Srinagar. Jaluka, the son of emperor Ashoka, built it in the 3rd century BC.
PLACES AROUND SRINAGAR
There are number of interesting places to visit near Srinagar. Most of these places are located amongst picturesque settings of the mighty Himalayas. Apart from natural beauty, they offer a number of adventure activities to the traveler.
Gulmarg is 52 km southeast of Srinagar and is located at an altitude of 2730 m above sea level. In summers, the meadows of Gulmarg are laden with flowers. In winters, the snow-covered slopes of Gulmarg turn into a skiing resort, which attracts the traveler seeking adventure and thrill. It is a popular trekking destination and boasts of the world's highest golf course.
Sonamarg is 80 km northeast of Srinagar and is located at an altitude of 2740 m. It is set in a valley amongst glaciers and placid lakes. The flower?laden meadows, panoramic view of the lofty snow?covered Himalayan peaks, and a number of trekking and hiking trails have made Sonamarg a popular tourist destination.
Pahalgam is 95 km east of Srinagar and is located in the quiet Liddar valley, at a height of 2130 m. It provides an ideal setting for activities like hiking, trekking and fishing. It is also the starting point of the annual pilgrimage to the holy cave of Amarnath.
The handicrafts repertoire of Kashmir is incomplete without woolen shawls and woodcarving. Travelers can purchase richly embroidered woolen shawls in all colors and intricate designs in Srinagar. Apart from regular woolen shawls, one can also buy Pashmina shawls (made from the hair of ibex) and shahtoosh shawls (made from the hair of the Tibetan antelope), which are highly valued shawls made in Kashmir. As Kashmir is the only state in India where walnut trees grow, craftsmen here create intricate carvings on walnut wood to make items like tables, chairs, stools, fruit bowls, partitions, etc., that have rich floral and trellis patterns carved on them.
HOW TO REACH
BY AIR - Srinagar is well connected by air with Delhi.
BY RAIL - Srinagar does not have a railway station and the nearest railhead is Jammu Tawi, which is 305 km from Srinagar.
BY ROAD - It is well connected by road to important places like Chandigarh (630 km), Delhi (876 km), Jammu (298 km), Leh, Kargil, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam. We would provide you all India tourist permit vehicles for the local transportations and also for the intercity drives too.
Tourism-of-India.com provides complete information about tourism in Srinagar. Tourism-of-India.com offers various tour packages to make your visit comfortable. You can pick the one that suits you most.
Language
Hindi, Urdu, Kashmiri, and English
Best time to visit
April-June
STD Code
0194
INTRODUCTION
Srinagar is the summer capital of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and is the pride of the beautiful valley of Kashmir. Srinagar is famous for its lakes and the charming rows of houseboats floating on them. It is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dry fruits
LOCATION
Srinagar is located in the western part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, in the northern region of India. It is located in the Kashmir valley. River Jhelum passes through Srinagar city. Srinagar is 876 km north of Delhi. The weather in Srinagar is alpine. Summers (April-June) are mild and winters are cold (November-February). It experiences heavy snowfall in December-February.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time to visit Srinagar is during summers between April and June.
HISTORY
The history of the Kashmir valley has been turbulent. In the 3rd century BC, it was a part of the great Mauryan Empire. Later on, this region flourished under the rule of the Kushans in the 1st century AD. It was an important Buddhist center around this time. In the 6th century, it was a part of the kingdom of Vikramaditya, the ruler of Ujjain.
Local Hindu rulers ruled it until the 14th century, after which Muslims invaded and ruled it. Srinagar was a part of the Mughal Empire in the medieval period. However, with the decline of the Mughal Empire and the rule of the Pathans, the fortunes of the area gradually dwindled. In 1814, it became a part of the Sikh empire, when Ranjit Singh defeated the Pathans. However, the British defeated Ranjit Singh and according to the treaty of Lahore in 1846, they installed Gulab Singh as the independent ruler of Kashmir. The descendents of Gulab Singh ruled Kashmir under the vigilance of the British till 1947. Hari Singh, the great grandson of Gulab Singh, merged this princely state into India in 1948, when Pathan marauders from Pakistan tried to overrun this state.
TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS
The valley of Kashmir, in which Srinagar is located, is also referred to as being a heaven on earth. The Mughal emperor Jahangir was so captivated by the beauty of this valley that he exclaimed "Gar firdaus, ruhe zamin ast, hamin asto, hamin asto, hamin asto" (If there is a heaven on earth, it's here, it's here, it's here). There are a number of tourist places in and around Srinagar.
The Dal Lake is an important tourist attraction of Srinagar. It is located on the eastern end of the city. The Dal Lake comprises of a series of lakes, including the Nagin Lake some 8 km from the city center. One can enjoy the panoramic view of the mountains surrounding Srinagar from this lake. Travelers can enjoy taking a ride on traditional Kashmiri boats or the Shikaras to explore the intricate maze of waterways of this lake.
The other major attractions of Srinagar city are the well laid out Mughal styled gardens. The Shalimar Bagh and the Nishat Bagh are beautiful gardens located to the far eastern side of the Dal Lake. One can take a stroll amongst these green and attractive gardens and enjoy the waterworks within them.
The temple of Shankaracharya is another important place to visit in Srinagar. Jaluka, the son of emperor Ashoka, built it in the 3rd century BC.
PLACES AROUND SRINAGAR
There are number of interesting places to visit near Srinagar. Most of these places are located amongst picturesque settings of the mighty Himalayas. Apart from natural beauty, they offer a number of adventure activities to the traveler.
Gulmarg is 52 km southeast of Srinagar and is located at an altitude of 2730 m above sea level. In summers, the meadows of Gulmarg are laden with flowers. In winters, the snow-covered slopes of Gulmarg turn into a skiing resort, which attracts the traveler seeking adventure and thrill. It is a popular trekking destination and boasts of the world's highest golf course.
Sonamarg is 80 km northeast of Srinagar and is located at an altitude of 2740 m. It is set in a valley amongst glaciers and placid lakes. The flower?laden meadows, panoramic view of the lofty snow?covered Himalayan peaks, and a number of trekking and hiking trails have made Sonamarg a popular tourist destination.
Pahalgam is 95 km east of Srinagar and is located in the quiet Liddar valley, at a height of 2130 m. It provides an ideal setting for activities like hiking, trekking and fishing. It is also the starting point of the annual pilgrimage to the holy cave of Amarnath.
The handicrafts repertoire of Kashmir is incomplete without woolen shawls and woodcarving. Travelers can purchase richly embroidered woolen shawls in all colors and intricate designs in Srinagar. Apart from regular woolen shawls, one can also buy Pashmina shawls (made from the hair of ibex) and shahtoosh shawls (made from the hair of the Tibetan antelope), which are highly valued shawls made in Kashmir. As Kashmir is the only state in India where walnut trees grow, craftsmen here create intricate carvings on walnut wood to make items like tables, chairs, stools, fruit bowls, partitions, etc., that have rich floral and trellis patterns carved on them.
HOW TO REACH
BY AIR - Srinagar is well connected by air with Delhi.
BY RAIL - Srinagar does not have a railway station and the nearest railhead is Jammu Tawi, which is 305 km from Srinagar.
BY ROAD - It is well connected by road to important places like Chandigarh (630 km), Delhi (876 km), Jammu (298 km), Leh, Kargil, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam. We would provide you all India tourist permit vehicles for the local transportations and also for the intercity drives too.
Tourism-of-India.com provides complete information about tourism in Srinagar. Tourism-of-India.com offers various tour packages to make your visit comfortable. You can pick the one that suits you most.
SONAMARG
FACTS & FIGURES
Languages
Hindi, Urdu, and Kashmiri
Best time to visit
April-June
INTRODUCTION
Sonamarg (literally, the meadow of gold) is a tranquil place set in a valley amongst glaciers and placid lakes. The flower-laden meadows, panoramic view of the lofty snow-covered Himalayan peaks and a number of trekking and hiking trails have made Sonamarg a popular tourist destination.
LOCATION
Sonamarg is located in the western part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, in the northern region of India. It is located at an altitude of 2740 m above sea level amidst the Himalayan range. Sonamarg is 80 km northeast of Srinagar. The weather in Sonamarg is alpine. Summers (April-June) are mild and winters are cold (November-February). It experiences heavy snowfall in December-February.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time to visit Sonamarg is during the summers.
TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS
Some of the highest mountain ranges of the world rub shoulders with Sonamarg. When the mellow rays of the sun caress the snowcapped mountains, they turn golden, which gives Sonamarg (golden meadow) its name. The road leading to Sonamarg from Srinagar offers magnificent views of snow-clad ranges and attractive meadows. The traveler is captivated by these natural wonders. One can enjoy the scenic beauty of Sonamarg, by walking through its quiet meadows and flower-carpeted fields.
Sonamarg and the areas around it have a number of trekking and hiking trails, which attract the adventure-seeking tourists. A spur of the Thajiwas range divides the Sonamarg valley. This spur is covered with pine, fir, and birch trees and has a number of camping sites nearby. On the other side of the spur, one can find a number of waterfalls and the Thajiwas glacier.
Trekking routes from Sonamarg lead to the Himalayan lakes of Vishansar (4080 m), Krishansar (3810 m), and Gangabal (3658 m). Other important lakes worth visiting in this area are the Gadsar Lake (which has abundant snow trout) and the frozen Satsar Lake (which is surrounded by alpine flowers and trees). Travelers can also trek to Baltal, which 15 km from Sonamarg. This valley is at the foot of the Zoji La Pass, which is the gateway to the land of Ladakh. Trekkers can also go up to Leh, the stark but enchanting rooftop of the world, by crossing the Zoji La Pass.
HOW TO REACH
BY AIR - Sonamarg does not have an airport or railway station. The nearest airport is at Srinagar, which is 80 km from Sonamarg.
BY ROAD - It is well connected by road with Srinagar. The travel time between the two towns is 2 hours. Travelers can either use bus or taxi from Sonamarg to reach Srinagar and vice versa.
Tourism-of-India.com provides complete information about tourism in Sonamarg Tourism-of-India.com offers various tour packages to make you visit comfortable. You can pick the one that suits you most.
Languages
Hindi, Urdu, and Kashmiri
Best time to visit
April-June
INTRODUCTION
Sonamarg (literally, the meadow of gold) is a tranquil place set in a valley amongst glaciers and placid lakes. The flower-laden meadows, panoramic view of the lofty snow-covered Himalayan peaks and a number of trekking and hiking trails have made Sonamarg a popular tourist destination.
LOCATION
Sonamarg is located in the western part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, in the northern region of India. It is located at an altitude of 2740 m above sea level amidst the Himalayan range. Sonamarg is 80 km northeast of Srinagar. The weather in Sonamarg is alpine. Summers (April-June) are mild and winters are cold (November-February). It experiences heavy snowfall in December-February.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time to visit Sonamarg is during the summers.
TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS
Some of the highest mountain ranges of the world rub shoulders with Sonamarg. When the mellow rays of the sun caress the snowcapped mountains, they turn golden, which gives Sonamarg (golden meadow) its name. The road leading to Sonamarg from Srinagar offers magnificent views of snow-clad ranges and attractive meadows. The traveler is captivated by these natural wonders. One can enjoy the scenic beauty of Sonamarg, by walking through its quiet meadows and flower-carpeted fields.
Sonamarg and the areas around it have a number of trekking and hiking trails, which attract the adventure-seeking tourists. A spur of the Thajiwas range divides the Sonamarg valley. This spur is covered with pine, fir, and birch trees and has a number of camping sites nearby. On the other side of the spur, one can find a number of waterfalls and the Thajiwas glacier.
Trekking routes from Sonamarg lead to the Himalayan lakes of Vishansar (4080 m), Krishansar (3810 m), and Gangabal (3658 m). Other important lakes worth visiting in this area are the Gadsar Lake (which has abundant snow trout) and the frozen Satsar Lake (which is surrounded by alpine flowers and trees). Travelers can also trek to Baltal, which 15 km from Sonamarg. This valley is at the foot of the Zoji La Pass, which is the gateway to the land of Ladakh. Trekkers can also go up to Leh, the stark but enchanting rooftop of the world, by crossing the Zoji La Pass.
HOW TO REACH
BY AIR - Sonamarg does not have an airport or railway station. The nearest airport is at Srinagar, which is 80 km from Sonamarg.
BY ROAD - It is well connected by road with Srinagar. The travel time between the two towns is 2 hours. Travelers can either use bus or taxi from Sonamarg to reach Srinagar and vice versa.
Tourism-of-India.com provides complete information about tourism in Sonamarg Tourism-of-India.com offers various tour packages to make you visit comfortable. You can pick the one that suits you most.
PATNITOP
INTRODUCTION
About three hours drive away from Jammu, Patnitop is a place not heavily discovered by the tourists. Once in Patnitop, just sitting under the sun in the green meadow dotted with tall conifers can be the highlight of one's holiday. The lush wooded forests around offer ample opportunity for trekking and a rich selection of scenic spots for picnics. A walk on the kutcha (unpaved) paths between rows and rows of tall trees leads to quiet retreats and excellent views of the pine-covered mountains. The only sound one hears is the tinkling of bells around the necks of goats and cows and the rustling of leaves and twigs as one walks in a dream world of his own.
Patnitop does not offer opportunities to shop. For really compulsive shoppers, a few kiosks are located beside the meadow selling Kashmiri specialties- handicrafts, namdas (embroidered wool carpets), pherans (embroidered long shirts) and woolens.
TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS
The pride of Patnitop is its 600-year-old Naag (cobra) temple. Though small in size, it reflects the faith and reverence shared by millions of Indians all over. The evenings in Patnitop are quite cold. The mountains are covered by fog and visibility can drop to a mere 10 feet. The peak season is during the summer, though end July to August is beautiful and not crowded.
HOW TO REACH
BY ROAD - Patnitop is about three hours drive from Jammu, and private taxis with drivers can be hired outside the Jammu airport or the railway station to cover the 112 km distance. The journey can stretch a bit more, depending on the condition of the road. Landslides are common on the mountain road after the rains, and it is quite common to get stuck behind a long line of local trucks and army convoys.
WHERE TO STAY
There are only a few hotels to stay and it is better to come back to Jammu in the evening. For security reasons, camping is discouraged in Patnitop.
Tourism-of-India.com provides complete information about tourism in Patnitop. Tourism-of-India.com offers various tour packages to make your visit comfortable. You can pick the one that suits you most.
About three hours drive away from Jammu, Patnitop is a place not heavily discovered by the tourists. Once in Patnitop, just sitting under the sun in the green meadow dotted with tall conifers can be the highlight of one's holiday. The lush wooded forests around offer ample opportunity for trekking and a rich selection of scenic spots for picnics. A walk on the kutcha (unpaved) paths between rows and rows of tall trees leads to quiet retreats and excellent views of the pine-covered mountains. The only sound one hears is the tinkling of bells around the necks of goats and cows and the rustling of leaves and twigs as one walks in a dream world of his own.
Patnitop does not offer opportunities to shop. For really compulsive shoppers, a few kiosks are located beside the meadow selling Kashmiri specialties- handicrafts, namdas (embroidered wool carpets), pherans (embroidered long shirts) and woolens.
TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS
The pride of Patnitop is its 600-year-old Naag (cobra) temple. Though small in size, it reflects the faith and reverence shared by millions of Indians all over. The evenings in Patnitop are quite cold. The mountains are covered by fog and visibility can drop to a mere 10 feet. The peak season is during the summer, though end July to August is beautiful and not crowded.
HOW TO REACH
BY ROAD - Patnitop is about three hours drive from Jammu, and private taxis with drivers can be hired outside the Jammu airport or the railway station to cover the 112 km distance. The journey can stretch a bit more, depending on the condition of the road. Landslides are common on the mountain road after the rains, and it is quite common to get stuck behind a long line of local trucks and army convoys.
WHERE TO STAY
There are only a few hotels to stay and it is better to come back to Jammu in the evening. For security reasons, camping is discouraged in Patnitop.
Tourism-of-India.com provides complete information about tourism in Patnitop. Tourism-of-India.com offers various tour packages to make your visit comfortable. You can pick the one that suits you most.
PANGONG LAKE
INTRODUCTION
Situated at an altitude of 4,350 meters above sea level, Pangong Lake lies in the northeast of Leh. This famous blue blackish lake of Pangong is 5-6 km wide and over 144 km long with half of it running to the other side of the Indo-China border.
LOCATION
The 160-km trip to Pangong Lake from Leh is an experience of its own. The first stop on the way is Thiksey village famous for its huge monasteries, which cover an entire mountain ridge. Beyond this remote village, there is nothing but the extreme mountain ranges for company. The second stop is the Changla Pass (17,350 ft.), which could test ones lungs, for the lack of oxygen.
TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS
At Darbuk village near Tangste Valley stands a chain of war memorials with regimental insignias in commemoration of the soldiers who lost their lives during the Indo-China war of 1962. Some of the army bunkers and trenches are still in use. Villagers can be seen here along with their large herds of Pashmina sheep and long-tailed yaks.
The placid Pangong Lake is not just a tourist's paradise but a geologist's domain too.
Travelers can enjoy the solitude for a day or two, zoom their cameras to shoot the black-necked Siberian crane around the Mahe marshes which are the only breeding ground for these migratory birds. At times, they are seen swarming in the cool colorful water of the lake.
The long and narrow lake lies in the neighborhood of the famous Chushul Mountains.
The size of the lake is best inferred from the probable etymology of its name, Pangong, which means extensive concavity. The mirror-calm water is cold, clear, and extremely salty, holding sufficient quantity of lime to form a calcareous deposit, which cements the pebbles together in patches of concrete on its bank. It is believed that there is a large amount of minerals in the basin of the lake, which result from the melting of the snow. The water sparkles in distinct shades of blue, green, purple, and violet, being transparent to a good depth. With ease, one can pick pebbles from under the water, and if one is lucky enough, a fossil shell in the clay deposits may be a rewarding find.
HOW TO REACH
Regular flights go to Leh from Delhi. Once in Leh, one can hire a taxi to Pangong Lake. Otherwise, one can make arrangements with some travel agencies, which are ever ready to take one on a trip to the saltwater lake of Pangong Tso.
One can also take the motor route of Delhi-Manali-Jispa-Darcha-Sarchu-Leh-Khardungla-Pangong.
Tourism-of-India.com provides complete information about tourism in Pangong Tourism-of-India.com offers various tour packages to make you visit comfortable. You can pick the one that suits you most.
Situated at an altitude of 4,350 meters above sea level, Pangong Lake lies in the northeast of Leh. This famous blue blackish lake of Pangong is 5-6 km wide and over 144 km long with half of it running to the other side of the Indo-China border.
LOCATION
The 160-km trip to Pangong Lake from Leh is an experience of its own. The first stop on the way is Thiksey village famous for its huge monasteries, which cover an entire mountain ridge. Beyond this remote village, there is nothing but the extreme mountain ranges for company. The second stop is the Changla Pass (17,350 ft.), which could test ones lungs, for the lack of oxygen.
TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS
At Darbuk village near Tangste Valley stands a chain of war memorials with regimental insignias in commemoration of the soldiers who lost their lives during the Indo-China war of 1962. Some of the army bunkers and trenches are still in use. Villagers can be seen here along with their large herds of Pashmina sheep and long-tailed yaks.
The placid Pangong Lake is not just a tourist's paradise but a geologist's domain too.
Travelers can enjoy the solitude for a day or two, zoom their cameras to shoot the black-necked Siberian crane around the Mahe marshes which are the only breeding ground for these migratory birds. At times, they are seen swarming in the cool colorful water of the lake.
The long and narrow lake lies in the neighborhood of the famous Chushul Mountains.
The size of the lake is best inferred from the probable etymology of its name, Pangong, which means extensive concavity. The mirror-calm water is cold, clear, and extremely salty, holding sufficient quantity of lime to form a calcareous deposit, which cements the pebbles together in patches of concrete on its bank. It is believed that there is a large amount of minerals in the basin of the lake, which result from the melting of the snow. The water sparkles in distinct shades of blue, green, purple, and violet, being transparent to a good depth. With ease, one can pick pebbles from under the water, and if one is lucky enough, a fossil shell in the clay deposits may be a rewarding find.
HOW TO REACH
Regular flights go to Leh from Delhi. Once in Leh, one can hire a taxi to Pangong Lake. Otherwise, one can make arrangements with some travel agencies, which are ever ready to take one on a trip to the saltwater lake of Pangong Tso.
One can also take the motor route of Delhi-Manali-Jispa-Darcha-Sarchu-Leh-Khardungla-Pangong.
Tourism-of-India.com provides complete information about tourism in Pangong Tourism-of-India.com offers various tour packages to make you visit comfortable. You can pick the one that suits you most.
PAHALGAM
FACTS & FIGURES
Language
Hindi, Urdu, Kashmiri, English
Best time to visit
April-November
STD Code
01936
INTRODUCTION
Pahalgam is famous for its scenic beauty and is the jewel of the picturesque Liddar valley located in the high Himalayas. It provides an ideal setting for activities like hiking, trekking, and fishing. It is also the starting point of the annual pilgrimage to the holy cave of Amarnath.
LOCATION
Pahalgam is located in the western part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, in the northern region of India. It is located at an altitude of 2130 m above sea level amidst the great Himalayan range. It is positioned beside the Liddar River, in the Liddar valley. Pahalgam is 95 km east of Srinagar. The weather in Pahalgam is alpine. Summers (April-June) are mild while winters (November-February) are cold. It experiences rains between July and September. It experiences heavy snowfall from December to February.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time to visit Pahalgam is during the summers, between mid-April and mid-November. It can also be visited in July-August during the annual pilgrimage to the holy cave of Amarnath.
HISTORY
The origin of Pahalgam is obscure. Mughal rulers ruled this region in the medieval period. It was later a part of the Kingdom of Kashmir, which was ruled by local Hindu rulers. This princely state remained independent even during the British period and later on merged into independent India.
TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS
The natural beauty of Pahalgam and the verdant Liddar valley attracts the traveler towards it. The sparkling water of River Liddar, which flows near Pahalgam, has a number of picnic spots around it. Pahalgam is a part of Asia's only saffron growing area. One can see the saffron plants in full bloom in the month of November. There are a number of hiking and trekking trails around Pahalgam. One can even explore these places on horseback. Pahalgam provides a panoramic view of the mighty Himalayan range with its lush green pine forests and snow-capped peaks.
ADVENTURE - The Liddar River is popular among travelers interested in angling. Stretches of this river are suitable for trout fishing. Travelers interested in fishing have to obtain a fishing license from the Directorate of Fisheries in Srinagar. Pahalgam is the starting point of a number of trekking and hiking trails to the surrounding mountains. Trekking around Pahalgam is exhilarating, as it takes the traveler through virgin pine forests, clear mountain streams, and meadows of wildflowers.
FAIRS & FESTIVALS
Pahalgam is the starting point of the annual Amarnath yatra (holy journey) to the holy cave shrine of Amarnath, which is said to be the abode of Lord Shiva. Every year in the month of July/August, thousands of pilgrims descend on Pahalgam on their way to the holy cave.
HOW TO REACH
Pahalgam does not have an airport or railway station. The nearest airport is at Srinagar, which is 95 km from Pahalgam. It is well connected by road with Srinagar. The travel time between the two is 2½ hours. Travelers can either use bus or taxi from Pahalgam to reach Srinagar. Tourists can hire guided ponies and horses to explore Pahalgam and the areas around it.
Tourism-of-India.com provides complete information about tourism in Pahalgam. Tourism-of-India.com offers various tour packages to make your visit comfortable. You can pick the one that suits you most.
Language
Hindi, Urdu, Kashmiri, English
Best time to visit
April-November
STD Code
01936
INTRODUCTION
Pahalgam is famous for its scenic beauty and is the jewel of the picturesque Liddar valley located in the high Himalayas. It provides an ideal setting for activities like hiking, trekking, and fishing. It is also the starting point of the annual pilgrimage to the holy cave of Amarnath.
LOCATION
Pahalgam is located in the western part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, in the northern region of India. It is located at an altitude of 2130 m above sea level amidst the great Himalayan range. It is positioned beside the Liddar River, in the Liddar valley. Pahalgam is 95 km east of Srinagar. The weather in Pahalgam is alpine. Summers (April-June) are mild while winters (November-February) are cold. It experiences rains between July and September. It experiences heavy snowfall from December to February.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time to visit Pahalgam is during the summers, between mid-April and mid-November. It can also be visited in July-August during the annual pilgrimage to the holy cave of Amarnath.
HISTORY
The origin of Pahalgam is obscure. Mughal rulers ruled this region in the medieval period. It was later a part of the Kingdom of Kashmir, which was ruled by local Hindu rulers. This princely state remained independent even during the British period and later on merged into independent India.
TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS
The natural beauty of Pahalgam and the verdant Liddar valley attracts the traveler towards it. The sparkling water of River Liddar, which flows near Pahalgam, has a number of picnic spots around it. Pahalgam is a part of Asia's only saffron growing area. One can see the saffron plants in full bloom in the month of November. There are a number of hiking and trekking trails around Pahalgam. One can even explore these places on horseback. Pahalgam provides a panoramic view of the mighty Himalayan range with its lush green pine forests and snow-capped peaks.
ADVENTURE - The Liddar River is popular among travelers interested in angling. Stretches of this river are suitable for trout fishing. Travelers interested in fishing have to obtain a fishing license from the Directorate of Fisheries in Srinagar. Pahalgam is the starting point of a number of trekking and hiking trails to the surrounding mountains. Trekking around Pahalgam is exhilarating, as it takes the traveler through virgin pine forests, clear mountain streams, and meadows of wildflowers.
FAIRS & FESTIVALS
Pahalgam is the starting point of the annual Amarnath yatra (holy journey) to the holy cave shrine of Amarnath, which is said to be the abode of Lord Shiva. Every year in the month of July/August, thousands of pilgrims descend on Pahalgam on their way to the holy cave.
HOW TO REACH
Pahalgam does not have an airport or railway station. The nearest airport is at Srinagar, which is 95 km from Pahalgam. It is well connected by road with Srinagar. The travel time between the two is 2½ hours. Travelers can either use bus or taxi from Pahalgam to reach Srinagar. Tourists can hire guided ponies and horses to explore Pahalgam and the areas around it.
Tourism-of-India.com provides complete information about tourism in Pahalgam. Tourism-of-India.com offers various tour packages to make your visit comfortable. You can pick the one that suits you most.
NUBRA VALLEY
INTRODUCTION
The Nubra Valley, once on the trading route that connected eastern Tibet with Turkistan via the famous Karakoram Pass, is the most recently opened area of Ladakh. Nubra invites you to a trip back in time into a nearly forgotten 'Shangri La'. With breathtaking views and delightfully hospitable inhabitants, it is quite an experience.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Ladakh's harsh winter makes this crossing possible only during the summer months-from June to August. The valley itself lies at a lower elevation than the Leh Valley, making it very fertile so that kinds of grains and fruits including peaches being cultivated there.
TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS
Diskit is the administrative center of the Nubra Valley. It is nestled on the edge of a desert on the Shyok-side valley, eight hours away, on the other side of the Khardong La (La means Pass). To reach this place one should carry along plenty of water, because the increase in height by over 2000 meters, can give anybody severe headache and nausea. The road is paved till south Pulu, a military check post, where the permits are checked and the details entered. This is an unforgettable excursion that makes Indiana Jones look like a kindergarten excursion.
Surrounded by the majestic Himalayas, the distinct smell of smoky kitchens, goats, chang (local brew) and butter tea and the fatal edge of the 100-meter sheer cliffs always closer than one really appreciates. One can spot various modes of transportation hundred meters below, at their final resting place.
Surrounded by the rising mountains of the Himalayas and superb views down the Leh valley, the thrill is replaced by a feeling of utmost beauty. Snow lingers all year round on the mountains with prayer-flag topped peaks. A literally breathtaking experience indeed.
Descending into the valley, only the first few km are tricky. Soon, following a mellow stream, one would come into a surprisingly green landscape with rugged stone formations rising up into the sky with the peaks in the background. They look like they have been poured over with sugar. A real fairy tale landscape. As drastically as the landscape had changed from 'moon-land' on top of the Khardong La to a green oasis, one would enter a desert, easily comparable to the Thar in Rajasthan.
Diskit seems like a ghost town, an oasis of tranquility. An enjoyable day's walk brings one to Somoor, half way to Panamik. Army trucks are the only means of transportation in the valley.
A Ladakhi meal is served sitting around the massive black stove in the kitchen, the most important room in any Ladakhi house. It is the place to warm up on a freezing winter night, the place where the family meets, the homework is done and the prayers are said.
Tiger is only another three km towards Panamik. It makes an easy afternoon stroll, inhaling the beauty and the calmness of the impressive, stimulating countryside. Coming across a local, one can be sure to be greeted with a warm smile and a joyful Julee.
The furthest place the permit allows one to visit in the valley is Panamik, the last settlement of any size before the Tibetan border. It's not very wise to proceed further than the provided barrier at the northern edge of the town since this is a rather sensitive border area. It is completely controlled by the Indian Army, usually with very friendly soldiers.
The 250 years old Ensa Gompa, nestled on top of a rock overlooking snow-peaked mountains across the valley is much further away than it looks. It takes at least a six-hour walk to reach, which involves crossing the river at Hargam. The hot springs on the outskirts of Panamik invite one for a literally sizzling bath experience, which will most probably be the first contact with hot water since one leaves Leh.
The Nubra Valley is one of the last treasures of our planet, living in sheer isolation for most of the year in the heart of the great Himalayas. A real Shangri La, with no 'Baywatch', no mobile phones and no Ray Ban sunglasses.
HOW TO REACH
BY ROAD - There are regular buses run by the Jammu and Kashmir State Transport Corporation to cover the distance of 150 km from Leh to Diskit, the administrative headquarter. The roads are maintained by the army and sudden changes in the weather are common. One should be prepared to face natural hazards as such when visiting Nubra Valley.
WHERE TO STAY
We offer excellent accommodation facilities around Nubra Valley.
Tourism-of-India.com provides complete information about tourism in Nubra Valley. Tourism-of-India.com offers various tour packages to make you visit comfortable. You can pick the one that suits you most.
The Nubra Valley, once on the trading route that connected eastern Tibet with Turkistan via the famous Karakoram Pass, is the most recently opened area of Ladakh. Nubra invites you to a trip back in time into a nearly forgotten 'Shangri La'. With breathtaking views and delightfully hospitable inhabitants, it is quite an experience.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Ladakh's harsh winter makes this crossing possible only during the summer months-from June to August. The valley itself lies at a lower elevation than the Leh Valley, making it very fertile so that kinds of grains and fruits including peaches being cultivated there.
TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS
Diskit is the administrative center of the Nubra Valley. It is nestled on the edge of a desert on the Shyok-side valley, eight hours away, on the other side of the Khardong La (La means Pass). To reach this place one should carry along plenty of water, because the increase in height by over 2000 meters, can give anybody severe headache and nausea. The road is paved till south Pulu, a military check post, where the permits are checked and the details entered. This is an unforgettable excursion that makes Indiana Jones look like a kindergarten excursion.
Surrounded by the majestic Himalayas, the distinct smell of smoky kitchens, goats, chang (local brew) and butter tea and the fatal edge of the 100-meter sheer cliffs always closer than one really appreciates. One can spot various modes of transportation hundred meters below, at their final resting place.
Surrounded by the rising mountains of the Himalayas and superb views down the Leh valley, the thrill is replaced by a feeling of utmost beauty. Snow lingers all year round on the mountains with prayer-flag topped peaks. A literally breathtaking experience indeed.
Descending into the valley, only the first few km are tricky. Soon, following a mellow stream, one would come into a surprisingly green landscape with rugged stone formations rising up into the sky with the peaks in the background. They look like they have been poured over with sugar. A real fairy tale landscape. As drastically as the landscape had changed from 'moon-land' on top of the Khardong La to a green oasis, one would enter a desert, easily comparable to the Thar in Rajasthan.
Diskit seems like a ghost town, an oasis of tranquility. An enjoyable day's walk brings one to Somoor, half way to Panamik. Army trucks are the only means of transportation in the valley.
A Ladakhi meal is served sitting around the massive black stove in the kitchen, the most important room in any Ladakhi house. It is the place to warm up on a freezing winter night, the place where the family meets, the homework is done and the prayers are said.
Tiger is only another three km towards Panamik. It makes an easy afternoon stroll, inhaling the beauty and the calmness of the impressive, stimulating countryside. Coming across a local, one can be sure to be greeted with a warm smile and a joyful Julee.
The furthest place the permit allows one to visit in the valley is Panamik, the last settlement of any size before the Tibetan border. It's not very wise to proceed further than the provided barrier at the northern edge of the town since this is a rather sensitive border area. It is completely controlled by the Indian Army, usually with very friendly soldiers.
The 250 years old Ensa Gompa, nestled on top of a rock overlooking snow-peaked mountains across the valley is much further away than it looks. It takes at least a six-hour walk to reach, which involves crossing the river at Hargam. The hot springs on the outskirts of Panamik invite one for a literally sizzling bath experience, which will most probably be the first contact with hot water since one leaves Leh.
The Nubra Valley is one of the last treasures of our planet, living in sheer isolation for most of the year in the heart of the great Himalayas. A real Shangri La, with no 'Baywatch', no mobile phones and no Ray Ban sunglasses.
HOW TO REACH
BY ROAD - There are regular buses run by the Jammu and Kashmir State Transport Corporation to cover the distance of 150 km from Leh to Diskit, the administrative headquarter. The roads are maintained by the army and sudden changes in the weather are common. One should be prepared to face natural hazards as such when visiting Nubra Valley.
WHERE TO STAY
We offer excellent accommodation facilities around Nubra Valley.
Tourism-of-India.com provides complete information about tourism in Nubra Valley. Tourism-of-India.com offers various tour packages to make you visit comfortable. You can pick the one that suits you most.
LEH
FACTS & FIGURES OF LEH INDIA
Language
Ladakhi, Purig, Tibetan, Hindi, English
Best time to visit
May to October
STD Code
01982
INTRODUCTION TO LEH INDIA
Leh India is one of the favorite tourist destinations located in the northernmost parts of the country. Lapped in the snow-covered fringes of the Himalayas, Leh India has been the center of Tibeto-Buddhist culture since ages. Its colorful gompas have attracted the devout Buddhists from all over the globe. Besides, it is also a favorite hiking locale and is known for some of the best hikes in India.
LOCATION OF LEH INDIA
The capital of the Ladakh district, Leh is towards the eastern parts of Jammu and Kashmir. It is perched at a height of 3,505 m above sea level. The region is watered by the Zanskar River, which flows into the Indus River just below. The Stok mountain range lies just south of Leh, while towards the north one can find the snow-capped Ladakh range. In the winters, it is freezing cold with temperatures going below 0°C.
HISTORY OF LEH INDIA
Leh India became the regional capital in the 17th century, when King Sengge Namgyal shifted his court here from Shey (15 km southeast) to be closer to the head of the Khardung La-Karakoram corridor into China. Very soon, the town blossomed into one of the busiest markets on the Silk Route. Leh's prosperity, managed mainly by the Sunni Muslim traders, came to an abrupt end with the closure of the Chinese border in the 1950s. Only after the Indo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1971, when India rediscovered its strategic value, did Leh's fortunes begin to look up. Today, khaki-clad soldiers and their families from the nearby military and air force bases are the mainstay of the local economy in winter, when foreign visitors are few. It was in 1974 that Leh was opened up for tourists.
TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS IN LEH INDIA
A miniature version of the Potala in Lhasa, the Leh Palace is one of the major attractions here. The palace was built in the 17th century and is now dilapidated and deserted. It was the home of the royal family until they were exiled to Stok in the 1830s. Above the palace, at the top of the Namgyal hill, is the Victory Tower, built to commemorate Ladakh's victory over the Balti Kashmir armies in the early 16th century.
The Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, built in 1430, contains a three-story high Buddha image and ancient manuscripts and frescoes. The fort above this gompa is ruined, but the views of Leh from here are breathtakingly beautiful.
The Sankar gompa is located a couple of kilometers north of the town center. The gompa belongs to the Gelukpa order and has an impressive impression of the Buddhist deity Avalokiteshwara Padmahari or Chenresig, with 1,000 arms and an equal number of heads.
The Shanti Stupa was built by a Japanese order and was opened by the Dalai Lama in 1985. From the top, one can view the exotic locales nearby. The stupa is located at a distance of 3 km from the Fort Road.
The Mughal emperor Aurangzeb commissioned the mosque at the head of the Leh Bazaar. The Soma gompa lies near the mosque.
PLACES AROUND LEH INDIA
Seventy kilometers from Leh India, on the banks of river Indus, is the Alchi gompa dating back to the 11th century. It is one of the largest and a famous monastery with a widely renowned collection of paintings.
At a distance of 45 km south of Leh, Hemis is one of the biggest gompas in Ladakh. Built in 1630, it belongs to the red sect, Brokpa. It is also known as Chang Chub Sam Ling or "the lone place of the compassionate person." To commemorate the birth of the renowned Indian sage, Padmasambhava, the annual Hemis festival is held in the month of June/July.
Situated on the opposite bank of the Indus across Thikse, the Matho gompa was established in the first half of the 16th century and has a valuable collection of old and beautiful thangkas, some in the form of 'mandalas.' Its annual festival of oracles in early March is an important event in the Ladakhi religious calendar.
Until the 16th century, the Shey gompa was the royal residence. It is located at a distance of 15 km south of Leh. This Palace Monastery has the largest statue of Maitreya Buddha (the Buddha to come) in Ladakh. Erected in the mid-17th century, worked out of gold and gilded copper sheets with blue hair, it stands 17.5 m high.
At a distance of 8 km from Leh, standing majestically on top of a hillock overlooking the Indus Valley, lies the Spituk Gompa. It was built in the 15th century and houses a collection of ancient masks, antique arms, icons and thangkas. Higher up the hill is the Mahakal Temple, containing the shrine of Vajrabhairava.
About 20 km south of Leh, Thikse gompa is an imposing monastery and one of the finest examples of Ladakhi architecture. It belongs to the Gelukpa order. The 12-story monastery complex contains numerous stupas, statues, thangkas, wall paintings, swords and a large pillar engraved with the Buddha's teachings.
Belonging to the Brokpa sect, the Phyang gompa was built in the 16th century. Located at a distance of 16 km from Leh, it houses hundreds of statues, thangkas, old manuscripts and some old weapons.
The Bagso gompa is located 40 km downstream from Leh, and was the seat of power of a branch of the Namgyal family. It is here in AD 1680 that invading Mongol and Tibetan armies were held in check over a three-year-long siege. Original 16th-century murals and other arts of Bagso are worth seeing.
About 45 km from Leh, the Chernry gompa is situated in a picturesque valley leading to Changia. It was constructed upon Sengge Namgyal's death in 1645. A large collection of scriptures with title pages in sterling silver and the text in gold letters is kept here.
Precariously perched atop a 200-meter-high crag, the Mulbekh gompa has an imposing rock carving of the future Buddha. On the other end of the valley is a phallus-shaped rock with a monastery at its base.
At a distance of 50 km east of Leh, the Thak Thog gompa is the only monastery belonging to the Nying-ma-pa order. Gum Rinpoche (Padma Sambhava) is said to have founded this monastery and the temple where he meditated is still to be seen here. Tu-Phuk houses the images of Guru-Tsan-gyet (eight forms of Padma Sambhava), Guru Takpo Tsahl and the 11-headed Avalokitesvara. The new monastery is built on ground level and contains the image of Guru Nang Srith Zilon in a central position. To its right is an image of Guru Dorje Dolo and on the left is an image of Guru Padma Gyalpo. There are seats for the Dalai Lama and Taklung Rinpoche (the incarnate Lama of the monastery). The monastery stages two festivals every year. Thak Thog Tse Chu is held from the ninth to the eleventh day of the sixth Tibetan month. Thak Thog Wangchogis is held from the 26th to the 29th day of the ninth Tibetan lunar month.
Near Leh, the town of Choglamsar is an important center for Tibetan Buddhism and the study of Tibetan study and culture. One can find here a Tibetan library, medical center, handicraft shops, study center, bookshops, plenty of restaurants and the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies.
HOW TO REACH LEH INDIA
There are regular flights from Delhi to Leh. There are two overland routes to Leh-the roads from Srinagar and Manali. The Leh-Srinagar road is usually open from June to October, while the Leh-Manali route is open from July to September. We would provide you all India tourist permit vehicles for the local transportations and also for the intercity drives too.
WHERE TO STAY IN LEH INDIA
There is no shortage of eating joints in Leh, and one can enjoy many different cuisines here. Indian cuisine, especially Kashmiri, is cheap and delicious. Tibetan cuisine is also very popular. Western food can be obtained in the hotels along the Fort Road. Leh is also famous for its bakeries and their sweetmeats. There are a couple of bars as well.
There are a large number of hotels and guesthouses in Leh and they are mostly open in the peak season (July-mid-September). Local tourist authorities decide the price of accommodation. Budget lodging is available in three main areas: the old town, the newer areas along the Fort Road, and within the peaceful village of Changspa. The lodges can be very romantic, being made of wood. There are many mid-range and top-end lodges as well.
We offer excellent accommodation facilities in and around Leh.
Tourism-of-India.com provides complete information on Leh, tourism in Leh. Tourism-of-India.com offers package tours in order to make your visit to Leh pleasant.
Language
Ladakhi, Purig, Tibetan, Hindi, English
Best time to visit
May to October
STD Code
01982
INTRODUCTION TO LEH INDIA
Leh India is one of the favorite tourist destinations located in the northernmost parts of the country. Lapped in the snow-covered fringes of the Himalayas, Leh India has been the center of Tibeto-Buddhist culture since ages. Its colorful gompas have attracted the devout Buddhists from all over the globe. Besides, it is also a favorite hiking locale and is known for some of the best hikes in India.
LOCATION OF LEH INDIA
The capital of the Ladakh district, Leh is towards the eastern parts of Jammu and Kashmir. It is perched at a height of 3,505 m above sea level. The region is watered by the Zanskar River, which flows into the Indus River just below. The Stok mountain range lies just south of Leh, while towards the north one can find the snow-capped Ladakh range. In the winters, it is freezing cold with temperatures going below 0°C.
HISTORY OF LEH INDIA
Leh India became the regional capital in the 17th century, when King Sengge Namgyal shifted his court here from Shey (15 km southeast) to be closer to the head of the Khardung La-Karakoram corridor into China. Very soon, the town blossomed into one of the busiest markets on the Silk Route. Leh's prosperity, managed mainly by the Sunni Muslim traders, came to an abrupt end with the closure of the Chinese border in the 1950s. Only after the Indo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1971, when India rediscovered its strategic value, did Leh's fortunes begin to look up. Today, khaki-clad soldiers and their families from the nearby military and air force bases are the mainstay of the local economy in winter, when foreign visitors are few. It was in 1974 that Leh was opened up for tourists.
TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS IN LEH INDIA
A miniature version of the Potala in Lhasa, the Leh Palace is one of the major attractions here. The palace was built in the 17th century and is now dilapidated and deserted. It was the home of the royal family until they were exiled to Stok in the 1830s. Above the palace, at the top of the Namgyal hill, is the Victory Tower, built to commemorate Ladakh's victory over the Balti Kashmir armies in the early 16th century.
The Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, built in 1430, contains a three-story high Buddha image and ancient manuscripts and frescoes. The fort above this gompa is ruined, but the views of Leh from here are breathtakingly beautiful.
The Sankar gompa is located a couple of kilometers north of the town center. The gompa belongs to the Gelukpa order and has an impressive impression of the Buddhist deity Avalokiteshwara Padmahari or Chenresig, with 1,000 arms and an equal number of heads.
The Shanti Stupa was built by a Japanese order and was opened by the Dalai Lama in 1985. From the top, one can view the exotic locales nearby. The stupa is located at a distance of 3 km from the Fort Road.
The Mughal emperor Aurangzeb commissioned the mosque at the head of the Leh Bazaar. The Soma gompa lies near the mosque.
PLACES AROUND LEH INDIA
Seventy kilometers from Leh India, on the banks of river Indus, is the Alchi gompa dating back to the 11th century. It is one of the largest and a famous monastery with a widely renowned collection of paintings.
At a distance of 45 km south of Leh, Hemis is one of the biggest gompas in Ladakh. Built in 1630, it belongs to the red sect, Brokpa. It is also known as Chang Chub Sam Ling or "the lone place of the compassionate person." To commemorate the birth of the renowned Indian sage, Padmasambhava, the annual Hemis festival is held in the month of June/July.
Situated on the opposite bank of the Indus across Thikse, the Matho gompa was established in the first half of the 16th century and has a valuable collection of old and beautiful thangkas, some in the form of 'mandalas.' Its annual festival of oracles in early March is an important event in the Ladakhi religious calendar.
Until the 16th century, the Shey gompa was the royal residence. It is located at a distance of 15 km south of Leh. This Palace Monastery has the largest statue of Maitreya Buddha (the Buddha to come) in Ladakh. Erected in the mid-17th century, worked out of gold and gilded copper sheets with blue hair, it stands 17.5 m high.
At a distance of 8 km from Leh, standing majestically on top of a hillock overlooking the Indus Valley, lies the Spituk Gompa. It was built in the 15th century and houses a collection of ancient masks, antique arms, icons and thangkas. Higher up the hill is the Mahakal Temple, containing the shrine of Vajrabhairava.
About 20 km south of Leh, Thikse gompa is an imposing monastery and one of the finest examples of Ladakhi architecture. It belongs to the Gelukpa order. The 12-story monastery complex contains numerous stupas, statues, thangkas, wall paintings, swords and a large pillar engraved with the Buddha's teachings.
Belonging to the Brokpa sect, the Phyang gompa was built in the 16th century. Located at a distance of 16 km from Leh, it houses hundreds of statues, thangkas, old manuscripts and some old weapons.
The Bagso gompa is located 40 km downstream from Leh, and was the seat of power of a branch of the Namgyal family. It is here in AD 1680 that invading Mongol and Tibetan armies were held in check over a three-year-long siege. Original 16th-century murals and other arts of Bagso are worth seeing.
About 45 km from Leh, the Chernry gompa is situated in a picturesque valley leading to Changia. It was constructed upon Sengge Namgyal's death in 1645. A large collection of scriptures with title pages in sterling silver and the text in gold letters is kept here.
Precariously perched atop a 200-meter-high crag, the Mulbekh gompa has an imposing rock carving of the future Buddha. On the other end of the valley is a phallus-shaped rock with a monastery at its base.
At a distance of 50 km east of Leh, the Thak Thog gompa is the only monastery belonging to the Nying-ma-pa order. Gum Rinpoche (Padma Sambhava) is said to have founded this monastery and the temple where he meditated is still to be seen here. Tu-Phuk houses the images of Guru-Tsan-gyet (eight forms of Padma Sambhava), Guru Takpo Tsahl and the 11-headed Avalokitesvara. The new monastery is built on ground level and contains the image of Guru Nang Srith Zilon in a central position. To its right is an image of Guru Dorje Dolo and on the left is an image of Guru Padma Gyalpo. There are seats for the Dalai Lama and Taklung Rinpoche (the incarnate Lama of the monastery). The monastery stages two festivals every year. Thak Thog Tse Chu is held from the ninth to the eleventh day of the sixth Tibetan month. Thak Thog Wangchogis is held from the 26th to the 29th day of the ninth Tibetan lunar month.
Near Leh, the town of Choglamsar is an important center for Tibetan Buddhism and the study of Tibetan study and culture. One can find here a Tibetan library, medical center, handicraft shops, study center, bookshops, plenty of restaurants and the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies.
HOW TO REACH LEH INDIA
There are regular flights from Delhi to Leh. There are two overland routes to Leh-the roads from Srinagar and Manali. The Leh-Srinagar road is usually open from June to October, while the Leh-Manali route is open from July to September. We would provide you all India tourist permit vehicles for the local transportations and also for the intercity drives too.
WHERE TO STAY IN LEH INDIA
There is no shortage of eating joints in Leh, and one can enjoy many different cuisines here. Indian cuisine, especially Kashmiri, is cheap and delicious. Tibetan cuisine is also very popular. Western food can be obtained in the hotels along the Fort Road. Leh is also famous for its bakeries and their sweetmeats. There are a couple of bars as well.
There are a large number of hotels and guesthouses in Leh and they are mostly open in the peak season (July-mid-September). Local tourist authorities decide the price of accommodation. Budget lodging is available in three main areas: the old town, the newer areas along the Fort Road, and within the peaceful village of Changspa. The lodges can be very romantic, being made of wood. There are many mid-range and top-end lodges as well.
We offer excellent accommodation facilities in and around Leh.
Tourism-of-India.com provides complete information on Leh, tourism in Leh. Tourism-of-India.com offers package tours in order to make your visit to Leh pleasant.
Ladakh- The Land Of Wilderness
INTRODUCTION
Ladakh, the land of jagged peaks and barren landscape is alluring and awe-inspiring. Hidden behind this harsh and forbidding façade is an ancient civilization and captivating people. Beyond the old frontiers lies the land of wilderness with its unaltered character and overwhelming natural beauty beckoning the more intense and adventurous of travelers. This awesome wildness and magic belongs to that great land of towering mountains and Buddhist simplicity-Ladakh.
The largest of the 10 provinces of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh is bordered by the Karakoram chain of mountains in the north and the Himalayas in the south. With the great Indus flowing right through Ladakh, the province is divided into Leh, the capital, Nubra, Zanskar, lower Ladakh and Rupshu. The many distinctive features of Ladakh are its uplands, craggy, barren cliffs and plateaus. Governed by a climate that provides about 50mm of rainfall each year, Ladakh is cold and dry. One, therefore, will be faced with a long and bitter winter of frozen landscape but yet very beautiful, and a short, hot summer when the precious glaciers melt.
For complete and comprehensive information and tours to Leh and Ladakh, please visit Leh Ladakh India
TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS
The Ladakh Festival organized on a large scale is now a regular tourist event on the tourist calendar. There are several schemes to promote tourism to the Ladakh region. These include opening up of inner line areas such as the beautiful Pangong Tso lake on the Indo-China border, Baima, whose villagers trace their descent to the early Aryan settlers and Nubra Valley which is situated near the strategic Siachen glacier on the Indo-Pak border. Along with the Ladakh festival, adventure tourism will figure prominently in the tourism package. A white water river rafting expedition along the 26-kilometre stretch from Fhey to Nimo along the mighty Indus River is a thrilling experience. It the highest point where river rafting is possible in the world. The high altitude and mountains make it an ideal spot for paragliding, mountaineering, trekking and even skiing. The Ladakhis are keen sportsmen and archery contests are frequently arranged at the village level, which draws all aspiring marksmen. Another popular game, polo, is played with great gusto reminiscent of the Mongol horsemen. The no holds-barred, robust game is far removed from the watered down version seen in today's polo circuits.
PLACES AROUND LADAKH
Visitors to Skara village near Leh are treated to a local archery contest. As the contestants draw bow and arrow, bowls filled with the delectable apricot, apple and dry fruits are served to the visitors followed by chang, a heady brew made of barley and gur tea, a regional favorite. There is a change of scene as the Festival shifts to the Nubra Valley. The sleepy pastoral countryside of Nubra which has recently been thrown open to tourism is located on the Indo-Pak border. A trip by helicopter over flies an intricate network of mountains including the Khardungla Pass, the highest motor able pass in the world. The mountains have a reddish hue.
Nubra boasts of a more liberal and progressive attitude having been on the ancient silk route and thus open to outside influence. The people are educated and speak fluent Hindi. Nubra is also the home of the double humped Bactrian camel rarely seen elsewhere in Ladakh. It is in Nubra that one sees the co-existence of water, mountain and desert-a rare sight. But then as many will testify, Ladakh is indeed a rare destination.
HOW TO REACH
BY AIR - The nearest airport is Leh. There are flights from Delhi, Chandigarh and Srinagar.
BY ROAD - It is a two-day journey from Srinagar to Leh (434 kilometers) with an overnight halt at Kargil. The road is open from June to October. There is also a road from Manali to Leh via Keylong open from June-October.
We would provide you all India tourist permit vehicles for the local transportations and also for the intercity drives too.
WHERE TO STAY
We offer excellent accommodation facilities in and around Ladakh.
Tourism-of-India.com provides complete information on tourism in Ladakh. Tourism-of-India.com offers package tours in order to make your visit to Ladakh Pleasant.
Ladakh, the land of jagged peaks and barren landscape is alluring and awe-inspiring. Hidden behind this harsh and forbidding façade is an ancient civilization and captivating people. Beyond the old frontiers lies the land of wilderness with its unaltered character and overwhelming natural beauty beckoning the more intense and adventurous of travelers. This awesome wildness and magic belongs to that great land of towering mountains and Buddhist simplicity-Ladakh.
The largest of the 10 provinces of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh is bordered by the Karakoram chain of mountains in the north and the Himalayas in the south. With the great Indus flowing right through Ladakh, the province is divided into Leh, the capital, Nubra, Zanskar, lower Ladakh and Rupshu. The many distinctive features of Ladakh are its uplands, craggy, barren cliffs and plateaus. Governed by a climate that provides about 50mm of rainfall each year, Ladakh is cold and dry. One, therefore, will be faced with a long and bitter winter of frozen landscape but yet very beautiful, and a short, hot summer when the precious glaciers melt.
For complete and comprehensive information and tours to Leh and Ladakh, please visit Leh Ladakh India
TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS
The Ladakh Festival organized on a large scale is now a regular tourist event on the tourist calendar. There are several schemes to promote tourism to the Ladakh region. These include opening up of inner line areas such as the beautiful Pangong Tso lake on the Indo-China border, Baima, whose villagers trace their descent to the early Aryan settlers and Nubra Valley which is situated near the strategic Siachen glacier on the Indo-Pak border. Along with the Ladakh festival, adventure tourism will figure prominently in the tourism package. A white water river rafting expedition along the 26-kilometre stretch from Fhey to Nimo along the mighty Indus River is a thrilling experience. It the highest point where river rafting is possible in the world. The high altitude and mountains make it an ideal spot for paragliding, mountaineering, trekking and even skiing. The Ladakhis are keen sportsmen and archery contests are frequently arranged at the village level, which draws all aspiring marksmen. Another popular game, polo, is played with great gusto reminiscent of the Mongol horsemen. The no holds-barred, robust game is far removed from the watered down version seen in today's polo circuits.
PLACES AROUND LADAKH
Visitors to Skara village near Leh are treated to a local archery contest. As the contestants draw bow and arrow, bowls filled with the delectable apricot, apple and dry fruits are served to the visitors followed by chang, a heady brew made of barley and gur tea, a regional favorite. There is a change of scene as the Festival shifts to the Nubra Valley. The sleepy pastoral countryside of Nubra which has recently been thrown open to tourism is located on the Indo-Pak border. A trip by helicopter over flies an intricate network of mountains including the Khardungla Pass, the highest motor able pass in the world. The mountains have a reddish hue.
Nubra boasts of a more liberal and progressive attitude having been on the ancient silk route and thus open to outside influence. The people are educated and speak fluent Hindi. Nubra is also the home of the double humped Bactrian camel rarely seen elsewhere in Ladakh. It is in Nubra that one sees the co-existence of water, mountain and desert-a rare sight. But then as many will testify, Ladakh is indeed a rare destination.
HOW TO REACH
BY AIR - The nearest airport is Leh. There are flights from Delhi, Chandigarh and Srinagar.
BY ROAD - It is a two-day journey from Srinagar to Leh (434 kilometers) with an overnight halt at Kargil. The road is open from June to October. There is also a road from Manali to Leh via Keylong open from June-October.
We would provide you all India tourist permit vehicles for the local transportations and also for the intercity drives too.
WHERE TO STAY
We offer excellent accommodation facilities in and around Ladakh.
Tourism-of-India.com provides complete information on tourism in Ladakh. Tourism-of-India.com offers package tours in order to make your visit to Ladakh Pleasant.
KASHMIR
FACTS & FIGURES
Area
222,236 sq km
Religion
Islam
Capital
Srinagar (Summer), Jammu (Winter)
Languages
Urdu, Kashmiri, Hindi, Dogri, Pahari, Ladakhi
Best time to visit
April to June (Kashmir Valley), October to March (Jammu Region)
INTRODUCTION
Situated in the northern part of India, Jammu & Kashmir is the essence of everything that is Indian-its culture, history, tradition, people, and natural splendor. The state has a long history encompassing around 4,000 years and there are many prehistoric sites, which give indication of human settlement in this region in those times.
The state was integrated as a part of India in 1948, when the then ruler of Jammu & Kashmir agreed to join the Indian federation and the state was given a special status under article 370 of the Indian constitution.
LOCATION
Situated in the North India, Jammu and Kashmir is bordered by Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan from West to East. From South to East, the boundary of the state touches Punjab and Himachal. The state extends between the latitudes 32°17¢N to 36°58'N and longitudes 37°26¢E to 80°30¢E.
The state can be divided into four major regions: the sub-mountain and semi-mountain plain known as kandi or dry belt; the Shivalik ranges, the high mountain zone constituting the Kashmir Valley; Pir Panchal range and its off-shoots including Doda, Poonch and Rajouri districts and part of Kathua and Udhampur districts; and the middle run of the Indus River comprising Leh and Kargil.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Although a small state, the climate of this state varies from one region to another. The climate of Jammu region is tropical while it is semi-arctic in Ladakh and temperate in Srinagar region. Accordingly, rainfall also varies from region to region and while there is almost no rainfall in Ladakh, Jammu receives a rainfall of above 1,100 mm and Srinagar around 650 mm.
HISTORY
The history of Jammu & Kashmir is quite old. Kashmir is mentioned in the epic Mahabharata. In 250 BC, Ashoka, the great Mauryan king, established the city of Pandrethan and built many viharas and chaityas. This says much about the strategic importance that this region held even in that time. Some sources claim that Buddha also visited this region, though no proof is available to validate this theory. Kanishka, the great Kushana king, called the Third Buddhist Council at Harwan, near Srinagar, in the first century AD. This Council saw the division of Buddhism in two distinct streams called Hinayana and Mahayana.
Kalhana, the first Indian history writer, gave a vivid account of the history of Kashmir before the 10th century AD. Local kingdoms ruled extensively in this region until the 12th century AD when Muslims invaded the region. The greatest Muslim king of early medieval age in Kashmir was Zain-ul-Abidin, who ascended the throne in AD 1420 and ruled up to 1470. His long rule contributed extensively to the spread of art, culture, music, and every other sphere in the life of Kashmir people. He also created a strong army and annexed many regions nearby Kashmir. These were the time of golden rule in Kashmir when peace and harmony prevailed. After the death of King Zain-ul-Abidin, a period of destruction came calling to Kashmir and many raiders from outside looted the state and made the people and local rulers their captive.
In 1587, Akbar annexed Kashmir into his vast empire. Jahangir, son of Akbar and next Mughal ruler, visited Kashmir 13 times and created two beautiful gardens on the bank of Dal Lake, namely, the Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh. After two centuries of peace and development, Kashmir came into the hands of the Pathans in 1752, when the Afghan ruler Abdul Shah Abdali attacked this region on the request of local noblemen. The Pathans established a rule of terror here, no better than that of Aurangzeb, the last important Mughal ruler.
In 1819, the Sikhs under Maharaja Ranjit Singh annexed this region, but their empire remained in place only for 27 years. From 1846 to 1957, the Dogras ruled over this region when British defeated Ranjit Singh and handed over the administration of this region to Maharaja Gulab Singh. The Dogra rule also for the first time put in reality the modern state of Jammu & Kashmir. During India's freedom struggle, people from this state participated extensively under the leadership of Sheikh Abdullah and decided to go with India in 1948 after the country became independent.
TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS
Srinagar, the state capital, is the most famous tourist destination in the state. An ancient city, there are many attractions that can attract even the most unwilling of tourists to this magical land. Dal Lake, Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, and Chashme Shahi are some of the best-known tourist spot in Srinagar.
Jammu is the winter capital of the state and next in importance after Srinagar. Most of the tourists who come to the Jammu region have the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine as their destination, which is quite close by. However, the spirit of holiness permeates through the entire city, so much so that Jammu is also known as the 'City of Temples'. If Bahu Mata is the presiding deity of Jammu, the dargah of Peer Budhan Ali Shah is the other shrine that is believed to protect the local people. The other major tourist attraction is the Raghunath Temple Complex, which is the largest temple in North India devoted to Lord Rama. The construction of this temple was begun by Maharaja Gulab Singh in 1851 and completed by his son Ranbir Singh six years later.
The temple of Maha Kali (better known as Bahu or Bawey Wali Mata), located in the Bahu Fort, is considered second only to Mata Vaishno Devi in terms of mystical power. The temple was built shortly after the coronation of Maharaja Gulab Singh in 1822.
Other temples in the city include the Gauri Kund Temple, Shudh Mahadev Temple, Shiva Temple, Peer Khoh Cave Temple, Ranbireshwar Temple, and the Parmandal Temple Complex.
The most stunning site in Jammu is the Sheesh Mahal. The Pink Hall of the palace now houses the Dogra Art Museum, which has miniature paintings of the various hill schools. The museum also has the handwritten Persian manuscripts of the Shahnama and Sikandernama. The palace was once the royal residence of the Dogra kings. Built as a group of buildings around a courtyard, the palace has a commanding view of river Tawi on one side and the city on the other.
The Amar Mahal Palace Museum is a beautiful palace of red sandstone, which stands amidst the most picturesque environs of Jammu. It offers a beautiful view of the Shivaliks in the north and the river Tawi in the south. This was once the residential palace of Raja Amar Singh, but now it has been converted into a museum. The museum has a golden throne made of 120 kg of pure gold.
A treat for those interested in history is the town of Akhnoor, 32 km southwest of Jammu. Standing on the banks of the mighty river Chenab, the town tells the tragic tale of the lovers Sohni and Mahiwal. Along the riverbank are the majestic ruins of the Indus Valley Civilization that are of great historical importance.
Patnitop, near the Vaishno Devi Temple, is fast becoming a busy hill station and a good place to enjoy the nature in its eternity.
Ladakh is home to the minority Buddhist community in the state. They have preserved their unique culture for the past hundreds of years. Leh is the headquarters of this region. The major points of attraction are the Leh Palace, Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, Sankar Gompa, Shanti Stupa, and Soma Gompa.
FAIRS & FESTIVALS
The Hemis Festival is held in the month of July when tourists in large numbers converge here from all over the world to watch the famous masked dances. The music is characteristically punctuated with sounds of cymbals, drums and long, unwieldy trumpets. The masked dancers move around slowly, very slowly, and the most vital part of the dance is the masks and not so much the actual movements of the dance. The dances end with Good vanquishing Evil and the evil one is brought into the protective fold of Buddhism.
Like the Hemis festival, monasteries like Lamayuru, Thiksey, Spitook, Likir and many others also have their individual festivals. Since they follow the lunar calendar, the actual dates of the festivals vary from one year to another. Other than these religious celebrations, Ladakh has also been host to a 15-day festival each year to bring forward the many nuances of this rich and exotic culture that is peculiar to this high part of the world. The Jammu and Kashmir tourism department organizes the Ladakh Festival in the month of September bringing forward the region's folk dances, art and craft, sporting events and rituals.
HOW TO REACH
BY AIR - The state has three major civil airports at Srinagar, Jammu, and Ladakh connected to Delhi and other places in the country. Indian Airlines and its subsidiary Alliance Air operate in the Delhi-Chandigarh-Ladakh and Delhi-Jammu-Srinagar routes.
BY RAIL - Jammu Tawi is the main railhead of Jammu & Kashmir. It is connected to most of the important towns and cities of the country. Moreover, the longest rail route that stretches from Jammu Tawi to Kanyakumari and touches almost all the main cities and towns of the country originates from here.
BY ROAD - One can easily reach Jammu by the National Highway 1A that goes from Punjab and runs through this city, connecting it to the rest of the state, including the capital Srinagar. The state transport corporation runs several buses to most of the big towns and cities in north India.
Ladakh is connected to Srinagar and Manali by some of the most difficult road networks in the world. The Manali-Leh road is considered as the highest motorable road in the world.
WHERE TO STAY
We offer excellent accommodation facilities in and around Kashmir.
Tourism-of-India.com provides complete information about tourism in Kashmir Tourism-of-India.com offers various tour packages in north india to make you visit to Kashmir comfortable. You can pick the one that suits you most.
Area
222,236 sq km
Religion
Islam
Capital
Srinagar (Summer), Jammu (Winter)
Languages
Urdu, Kashmiri, Hindi, Dogri, Pahari, Ladakhi
Best time to visit
April to June (Kashmir Valley), October to March (Jammu Region)
INTRODUCTION
Situated in the northern part of India, Jammu & Kashmir is the essence of everything that is Indian-its culture, history, tradition, people, and natural splendor. The state has a long history encompassing around 4,000 years and there are many prehistoric sites, which give indication of human settlement in this region in those times.
The state was integrated as a part of India in 1948, when the then ruler of Jammu & Kashmir agreed to join the Indian federation and the state was given a special status under article 370 of the Indian constitution.
LOCATION
Situated in the North India, Jammu and Kashmir is bordered by Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan from West to East. From South to East, the boundary of the state touches Punjab and Himachal. The state extends between the latitudes 32°17¢N to 36°58'N and longitudes 37°26¢E to 80°30¢E.
The state can be divided into four major regions: the sub-mountain and semi-mountain plain known as kandi or dry belt; the Shivalik ranges, the high mountain zone constituting the Kashmir Valley; Pir Panchal range and its off-shoots including Doda, Poonch and Rajouri districts and part of Kathua and Udhampur districts; and the middle run of the Indus River comprising Leh and Kargil.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Although a small state, the climate of this state varies from one region to another. The climate of Jammu region is tropical while it is semi-arctic in Ladakh and temperate in Srinagar region. Accordingly, rainfall also varies from region to region and while there is almost no rainfall in Ladakh, Jammu receives a rainfall of above 1,100 mm and Srinagar around 650 mm.
HISTORY
The history of Jammu & Kashmir is quite old. Kashmir is mentioned in the epic Mahabharata. In 250 BC, Ashoka, the great Mauryan king, established the city of Pandrethan and built many viharas and chaityas. This says much about the strategic importance that this region held even in that time. Some sources claim that Buddha also visited this region, though no proof is available to validate this theory. Kanishka, the great Kushana king, called the Third Buddhist Council at Harwan, near Srinagar, in the first century AD. This Council saw the division of Buddhism in two distinct streams called Hinayana and Mahayana.
Kalhana, the first Indian history writer, gave a vivid account of the history of Kashmir before the 10th century AD. Local kingdoms ruled extensively in this region until the 12th century AD when Muslims invaded the region. The greatest Muslim king of early medieval age in Kashmir was Zain-ul-Abidin, who ascended the throne in AD 1420 and ruled up to 1470. His long rule contributed extensively to the spread of art, culture, music, and every other sphere in the life of Kashmir people. He also created a strong army and annexed many regions nearby Kashmir. These were the time of golden rule in Kashmir when peace and harmony prevailed. After the death of King Zain-ul-Abidin, a period of destruction came calling to Kashmir and many raiders from outside looted the state and made the people and local rulers their captive.
In 1587, Akbar annexed Kashmir into his vast empire. Jahangir, son of Akbar and next Mughal ruler, visited Kashmir 13 times and created two beautiful gardens on the bank of Dal Lake, namely, the Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh. After two centuries of peace and development, Kashmir came into the hands of the Pathans in 1752, when the Afghan ruler Abdul Shah Abdali attacked this region on the request of local noblemen. The Pathans established a rule of terror here, no better than that of Aurangzeb, the last important Mughal ruler.
In 1819, the Sikhs under Maharaja Ranjit Singh annexed this region, but their empire remained in place only for 27 years. From 1846 to 1957, the Dogras ruled over this region when British defeated Ranjit Singh and handed over the administration of this region to Maharaja Gulab Singh. The Dogra rule also for the first time put in reality the modern state of Jammu & Kashmir. During India's freedom struggle, people from this state participated extensively under the leadership of Sheikh Abdullah and decided to go with India in 1948 after the country became independent.
TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS
Srinagar, the state capital, is the most famous tourist destination in the state. An ancient city, there are many attractions that can attract even the most unwilling of tourists to this magical land. Dal Lake, Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, and Chashme Shahi are some of the best-known tourist spot in Srinagar.
Jammu is the winter capital of the state and next in importance after Srinagar. Most of the tourists who come to the Jammu region have the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine as their destination, which is quite close by. However, the spirit of holiness permeates through the entire city, so much so that Jammu is also known as the 'City of Temples'. If Bahu Mata is the presiding deity of Jammu, the dargah of Peer Budhan Ali Shah is the other shrine that is believed to protect the local people. The other major tourist attraction is the Raghunath Temple Complex, which is the largest temple in North India devoted to Lord Rama. The construction of this temple was begun by Maharaja Gulab Singh in 1851 and completed by his son Ranbir Singh six years later.
The temple of Maha Kali (better known as Bahu or Bawey Wali Mata), located in the Bahu Fort, is considered second only to Mata Vaishno Devi in terms of mystical power. The temple was built shortly after the coronation of Maharaja Gulab Singh in 1822.
Other temples in the city include the Gauri Kund Temple, Shudh Mahadev Temple, Shiva Temple, Peer Khoh Cave Temple, Ranbireshwar Temple, and the Parmandal Temple Complex.
The most stunning site in Jammu is the Sheesh Mahal. The Pink Hall of the palace now houses the Dogra Art Museum, which has miniature paintings of the various hill schools. The museum also has the handwritten Persian manuscripts of the Shahnama and Sikandernama. The palace was once the royal residence of the Dogra kings. Built as a group of buildings around a courtyard, the palace has a commanding view of river Tawi on one side and the city on the other.
The Amar Mahal Palace Museum is a beautiful palace of red sandstone, which stands amidst the most picturesque environs of Jammu. It offers a beautiful view of the Shivaliks in the north and the river Tawi in the south. This was once the residential palace of Raja Amar Singh, but now it has been converted into a museum. The museum has a golden throne made of 120 kg of pure gold.
A treat for those interested in history is the town of Akhnoor, 32 km southwest of Jammu. Standing on the banks of the mighty river Chenab, the town tells the tragic tale of the lovers Sohni and Mahiwal. Along the riverbank are the majestic ruins of the Indus Valley Civilization that are of great historical importance.
Patnitop, near the Vaishno Devi Temple, is fast becoming a busy hill station and a good place to enjoy the nature in its eternity.
Ladakh is home to the minority Buddhist community in the state. They have preserved their unique culture for the past hundreds of years. Leh is the headquarters of this region. The major points of attraction are the Leh Palace, Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, Sankar Gompa, Shanti Stupa, and Soma Gompa.
FAIRS & FESTIVALS
The Hemis Festival is held in the month of July when tourists in large numbers converge here from all over the world to watch the famous masked dances. The music is characteristically punctuated with sounds of cymbals, drums and long, unwieldy trumpets. The masked dancers move around slowly, very slowly, and the most vital part of the dance is the masks and not so much the actual movements of the dance. The dances end with Good vanquishing Evil and the evil one is brought into the protective fold of Buddhism.
Like the Hemis festival, monasteries like Lamayuru, Thiksey, Spitook, Likir and many others also have their individual festivals. Since they follow the lunar calendar, the actual dates of the festivals vary from one year to another. Other than these religious celebrations, Ladakh has also been host to a 15-day festival each year to bring forward the many nuances of this rich and exotic culture that is peculiar to this high part of the world. The Jammu and Kashmir tourism department organizes the Ladakh Festival in the month of September bringing forward the region's folk dances, art and craft, sporting events and rituals.
HOW TO REACH
BY AIR - The state has three major civil airports at Srinagar, Jammu, and Ladakh connected to Delhi and other places in the country. Indian Airlines and its subsidiary Alliance Air operate in the Delhi-Chandigarh-Ladakh and Delhi-Jammu-Srinagar routes.
BY RAIL - Jammu Tawi is the main railhead of Jammu & Kashmir. It is connected to most of the important towns and cities of the country. Moreover, the longest rail route that stretches from Jammu Tawi to Kanyakumari and touches almost all the main cities and towns of the country originates from here.
BY ROAD - One can easily reach Jammu by the National Highway 1A that goes from Punjab and runs through this city, connecting it to the rest of the state, including the capital Srinagar. The state transport corporation runs several buses to most of the big towns and cities in north India.
Ladakh is connected to Srinagar and Manali by some of the most difficult road networks in the world. The Manali-Leh road is considered as the highest motorable road in the world.
WHERE TO STAY
We offer excellent accommodation facilities in and around Kashmir.
Tourism-of-India.com provides complete information about tourism in Kashmir Tourism-of-India.com offers various tour packages in north india to make you visit to Kashmir comfortable. You can pick the one that suits you most.
KARGIL
INTRODUCTION
Seeking a holiday in the lap of nature? Consider the kaleidoscopic Kargil. The trade and transit center of the Pan-Asian trade network is situated at an altitude as high as 2,704 m. The wonderful valley with its amazing apricots is a dream destination. Though today Kargil is the second largest urban center of Ladakh it was the gateway for caravans of silk, brocade, carpets, felts, tea, poppy, ivory et al to China, Tibet, Yarkand and Kashmir in the past.
TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS
Kargil is indeed a heaven for the adventure seekers. In fact the entire Himalayan region offers excellent opportunities for adventure activities. Kargil itself acts as a base for the trekking tours. You may take up trekking, mountaineering, camping, river rafting et al. The kaleidoscopic Kargil is the entry point to the wondrous Zanskar Valley. At a distance of 204 kms from the capital city of Srinagar and 234-km from Leh Kargil is the perfect night stop for the tourists traveling between Srinagar and Leh. Kargil hosts the popular archery contest in the month of May every year. The less adventurous of you may take resting walks along the riverbank and up the hillside.
The local market of Kargil offers a variety of products ranging from raw sugar, to exotic spices and other trinkets. Though for souvenirs the best bet is the easily available dry apricot. As it is the apricot jam is a delicacy. Pashmina shawls, local carpets and woolen handicrafts also make good bargains. The fine quality and the abundance of the woolens available at Kargil can be attributed to the long fleeced mountain goats in the area.
PLACES AROUND KARGIL
At a distance of 45 kms is Mulbek. On the banks of the Wakha river the area is worth visiting for its Buddhist monuments. On the highway Mulbek Chamba an ancient 9 m high rock sculpture of the future Buddha Maitreya is a major tourist attraction.
The Buddhist monastery of Mulbek Gompa is one place that will surely sweep you off your feet with its fabulous frescoes and splendid statues. Situated on a rocky cliff the monastery that overlooks the valley earlier acted as a guard of the caravan route.
Then there is Wakha Rgyal in the Wakha Valley ahead of Mulbek where the Drass and Wakha tributaries of the Suru River meet. Here the terrace gardening of barley, wheat, peas, a variety of vegetables and other cereals add beauty to the landscape. The month of May sees the entire Kargil turn white with the blooming apricots. By August the apricots ripen and turn orange on the trees that grow on the intensively cultivated fields.
Then there is the spectacular village of Shergol in the Wakha River valley. The cave monastery happens to be a major tourist attraction at Shergol. Close by is another Buddhist nunnery. For all the adventure seekers Shergol acts as a base camp for trekking across the mountain range into the Suru valley. You may even take to Urgyan Dzong from Shergol.
A little higher in the Zanskar range is the meditation retreat of Urgyan Dzong. The nature is at its best at Urgyan Dzong. The neighboring hillside is dotted with caves that were the seat of meditation of several Buddhist saints. The cave of Padmasambhava, the patron saint of Tibetan Buddhism is amongst the most renowned caves.
There are two imambaras in Kargil namely, Trespone and Sankhoo. Both happen to be places of tourist attraction. The buildings follow the Turkish style of architecture and are home to the Muslim 'Aghas'. Besides the imambaras the Muslims of Kargil flock to the Jama Masjid.
WHERE TO STAY
The various classes of hotels available in Kargil suit the budget of all the tourists. Besides the hotels tourist bungalows and circuit house also make excellent accommodation options. Basic medical, communicational and banking facilities are available.
We offer excellent accommodation facilities in and around Kargil.
Please click here to get more information....
HOW TO REACH
BY ROAD - Traveling to and from Kargil is easy. Regular buses of the state road transport of Jammu and Kashmir ply between Srinagar and Kargil. You may even hire cars or jeeps for road transportation. Local buses like the mini coaches make the other options for travel. It is the capital city of Srinagar that connects the major cities of India with Kargil through air.
Tourism-of-India.com provides complete information on tourism in Kargil. Tourism-of-India.com offers package tours in order to make your visit to Kargil Pleasant.
Seeking a holiday in the lap of nature? Consider the kaleidoscopic Kargil. The trade and transit center of the Pan-Asian trade network is situated at an altitude as high as 2,704 m. The wonderful valley with its amazing apricots is a dream destination. Though today Kargil is the second largest urban center of Ladakh it was the gateway for caravans of silk, brocade, carpets, felts, tea, poppy, ivory et al to China, Tibet, Yarkand and Kashmir in the past.
TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS
Kargil is indeed a heaven for the adventure seekers. In fact the entire Himalayan region offers excellent opportunities for adventure activities. Kargil itself acts as a base for the trekking tours. You may take up trekking, mountaineering, camping, river rafting et al. The kaleidoscopic Kargil is the entry point to the wondrous Zanskar Valley. At a distance of 204 kms from the capital city of Srinagar and 234-km from Leh Kargil is the perfect night stop for the tourists traveling between Srinagar and Leh. Kargil hosts the popular archery contest in the month of May every year. The less adventurous of you may take resting walks along the riverbank and up the hillside.
The local market of Kargil offers a variety of products ranging from raw sugar, to exotic spices and other trinkets. Though for souvenirs the best bet is the easily available dry apricot. As it is the apricot jam is a delicacy. Pashmina shawls, local carpets and woolen handicrafts also make good bargains. The fine quality and the abundance of the woolens available at Kargil can be attributed to the long fleeced mountain goats in the area.
PLACES AROUND KARGIL
At a distance of 45 kms is Mulbek. On the banks of the Wakha river the area is worth visiting for its Buddhist monuments. On the highway Mulbek Chamba an ancient 9 m high rock sculpture of the future Buddha Maitreya is a major tourist attraction.
The Buddhist monastery of Mulbek Gompa is one place that will surely sweep you off your feet with its fabulous frescoes and splendid statues. Situated on a rocky cliff the monastery that overlooks the valley earlier acted as a guard of the caravan route.
Then there is Wakha Rgyal in the Wakha Valley ahead of Mulbek where the Drass and Wakha tributaries of the Suru River meet. Here the terrace gardening of barley, wheat, peas, a variety of vegetables and other cereals add beauty to the landscape. The month of May sees the entire Kargil turn white with the blooming apricots. By August the apricots ripen and turn orange on the trees that grow on the intensively cultivated fields.
Then there is the spectacular village of Shergol in the Wakha River valley. The cave monastery happens to be a major tourist attraction at Shergol. Close by is another Buddhist nunnery. For all the adventure seekers Shergol acts as a base camp for trekking across the mountain range into the Suru valley. You may even take to Urgyan Dzong from Shergol.
A little higher in the Zanskar range is the meditation retreat of Urgyan Dzong. The nature is at its best at Urgyan Dzong. The neighboring hillside is dotted with caves that were the seat of meditation of several Buddhist saints. The cave of Padmasambhava, the patron saint of Tibetan Buddhism is amongst the most renowned caves.
There are two imambaras in Kargil namely, Trespone and Sankhoo. Both happen to be places of tourist attraction. The buildings follow the Turkish style of architecture and are home to the Muslim 'Aghas'. Besides the imambaras the Muslims of Kargil flock to the Jama Masjid.
WHERE TO STAY
The various classes of hotels available in Kargil suit the budget of all the tourists. Besides the hotels tourist bungalows and circuit house also make excellent accommodation options. Basic medical, communicational and banking facilities are available.
We offer excellent accommodation facilities in and around Kargil.
Please click here to get more information....
HOW TO REACH
BY ROAD - Traveling to and from Kargil is easy. Regular buses of the state road transport of Jammu and Kashmir ply between Srinagar and Kargil. You may even hire cars or jeeps for road transportation. Local buses like the mini coaches make the other options for travel. It is the capital city of Srinagar that connects the major cities of India with Kargil through air.
Tourism-of-India.com provides complete information on tourism in Kargil. Tourism-of-India.com offers package tours in order to make your visit to Kargil Pleasant.
JAMMU
FACTS & FIGURES
Area
20.36 sq km
Language
Dogri, Hindi, English, Urdu, Kashmiri, Punjabi
Best time to visit
Round the Year
STD Code
0191
LOCATION
Jammu is the second largest city of the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir and is also its winter capital. Divided into two separate cities, the old town of Jammu is located on a hilltop overlooking the river Tawi while the new town is situated across the river, several kilometers away.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Being near the Himalayas, the climate of the entire area is cold though summers are markedly warm. The temperatures range from 26.2°C to 4.3° C in winters and from 43.0°C to 23.4°C during summers. The recommended clothing for winters would be heavy/medium woolens while light cottons would be the best for summers in Jammu. Summers in Jammu are a sweltering, uncomfortable contrast to the cool climes of Kashmir. However, from October onwards, it becomes quite pleasant.
HISTORY
The city of Jammu is named after Jambu Lochan, the brother of Bahu, a powerful local chieftain who ruled during the ninth century. It is said that on becoming king, Jambu Lochan went on a hunt and, crossing the Tawi, found a deer and a tiger drinking water from the same tank. His ministers explained that this meant that the soil of the place was so virtuous that no living creature bore enmity against another. Raja Jambu Lochan, decided to build his capital, Jambupura, on this soil, on the right bank of the Tawi overlooking his brother king Bahu's fort. Jambupura later came to be known as Jammu.
Through the middle ages, Jammu prospered. Changes of rule at Delhi or Lahore passed over without disturbing the affluence of the town. The fertile cultivable land around the town constantly generated wealth and unlike many medieval towns, Jammu was never depopulated. The town was also a major stopover for caravans on the trade routes to Kashmir, Asia Minor and beyond and was a base for the fabled Silk Route.
The state of Jammu & Kashmir, which was earlier under the rule of Hindus and Muslims, came under the rule of Mughals under emperor Akbar. After the period of Afghan rule from 1756, it was annexed to the Sikh kingdom of the Punjab in 1819. In 1846, Ranjit Singh made over the territory of Jammu to Maharaja Gulab Singh and Jammu and Kashmir came into being as a single political and geographical entity following the Treaty of Amritsar between the British Government and Gulab Singh signed on March 16, 1846.
Since then, the state remained under the Dogra rule till the time India gained independence. At the time of independence, like all the state, Jammu and Kashmir was also given the option of either joining India or Pakistan. However, the then ruler, Maharaja Hari Singh decided not to exercise the option immediately but had to sign the instrument of accession when Pakistan attacked the territory later the same year.
TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS
Most of the tourists who come to the Jammu region have the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine as their destination, which is quite close by. However, the spirit of holiness permeates through the entire city, so much so that Jammu is also known as the 'City of Temples'. If Bahu Mata is the presiding deity of Jammu, the dargah of Peer Budhan Ali Shah is the other shrine that s believed to protect Jammuites. The other major tourist attraction is the Ragunath Temple Complex, which is the largest temple in North India devoted to Lord Ram. The construction of this temple was begun by Maharaja Gulab Singh in 1851 and completed by his son Ranbir Singh six years later.
The temple of Maha Kali (better known as Bahu or Bawey Wali Mata), located in the Bahu fort, is considered second only to Mata Vaishno Devi in terms of mystical power. The present temple was built shortly after the coronation of Maharaja Gulab Singh, in 1822. The existing fort, as well as the Manasabdar's palace inside it, were constructed in 1820 and are major tourist attractions of the city.
Other temples in the city include the Gauri Kund temple, Shudh Mahadev temple, Shiva temple, Peer Khoh Cave temple, Ranbireshwar temple and the Parmandal temple complex.
The most stunning site in Jammu is the Sheesh Mahal. The Pink Hall of the palace now houses the Dogra Art Museum, which has miniature paintings of the various hill schools. The museum also has the hand written Persian manuscripts of the Shahnama and Sikandernama. The palace was once the royal residence of the Dogra kings. Built as a group of buildings around a courtyard, the palace has a commanding view of river Tawi on one side and the city on the other.
The Amar Mahal Palace Museum is a beautiful palace of red sandstone, which stands amidst the most picturesque environs of Jammu. There is beautiful view of the Shivaliks in the north and river Tawi flows to the south adding to the grandeur. This was once the residential palace of Raja Amar Singh but now has been converted into a museum and is looked after by Hari-Tara Charitable trust. The museum has a golden throne made of 120 kg of pure gold.
A treat for those interested in history is the town of Akhnoor, 32 km southwest of Jammu. Standing on the banks of the mighty river Chenab, the town tells the tragic tale of the lovers Sohni and Mahiwal. Also along the riverbank are the majestic ruins of the Indus-Valley Civilization that are of great historical importance and command a beautiful view of the area around.
The Jujjar Kotli Tourist Complex, built on the banks of Jujjar rivulet, is at a distance of 35 km from Jammu. The crystal clear, cool water of Jujjar attracts picnickers in large numbers during the summer. A tourist cafeteria, a bar and a small tourist bungalow are the facilities provided here by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation (JKTDC).
PLACES AROUND JAMMU
The Mansar Lake, situated 60 km away from Jammu is a beautiful lake fringed by forest-covered hills. Boating facilities are available here. Another attraction here is the Surinsar Mansar Wildlife, named after the two lakes on each corner of it. The sanctuary is spread over an area of 98 sq km and is home to species like the goral, wild boar, barking deer, leopard and a multitude of birds like, black partridge, red jungle fowl, peafowl, gray partridge, green pigeon, blue rock pigeon, Rufus turtle dove etc. Besides these, the forest area also houses some rare species of trees and orchids.
The small town Katra is 50 km away from Jammu and serves as the base camp for those visiting the holy shrine of Mata Vaishnodevi in the Trikuta Hills. The shrine can be reached on foot after traversing a 12 km long well laid footpath. Every year, nearly four million pilgrims pass through Katra on their way to the shrine. Accommodation in all the ranges is available for the pilgrims.
Kud is at a distance of 106 km from Jammu. This popular resort is situated on the Jammu-Srinagar highway, at an altitude of 1,738 meters. An ideal picnic spot, this place has a beautiful climate. Heavy woolens are required in winters while light/medium clothing is required in summers here. It is a very well developed hill station in the Udhampur district.
Patnitop is 112 km from Jammu. This famous hill resort is perched on a beautiful plateau, at an altitude of 2,024 meters across which the Jammu-Srinagar Highway passes. Enveloped by thickly wooded forests, Patnitop offers beautiful picnic spots, peaceful walks and breathtaking views of the mountains and the Chenab basin. In winter, the resort is generally covered with a thick blanket of snow thus providing opportunities for various adventure sports like skiing.
Sanasar is cup shaped meadow surrounded by gigantic conifers, situated at a distance of 119 km from Jammu. The right place for a quite holiday, the meadow has now been developed as a golf course. It also provides facilities for paragliding.
Batote, 125 km from Jammu, is situated at an altitude of 1,560 metres on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and is a popular health resort. Due to the panoramic view of the scenic areas around and the facilities provided for the tourists, this place is a favorite with travelers.
FAIRS & FESTIVALS
There is no city specific festival of Jammu as such. Normally, all the Hindu and other religious festivals are celebrated here with gaiety. However, what makes any celebration in Jammu different is the traditional dance and music of the Dogra Pahari region of Jammu. These songs and dances are performed on the occasion of feasts, festivals and marriages by the rural folk of this region. Men and women clad in their traditional costumes, participate in this musical revelry.
Besides, every year during Baisakhi in the month of April, a food and craft festival is organized near the Mansar Lake by the JKTDC.
WHERE TO STAY
There are a number of hotels and lodges available for tourists. The price range is such that all kinds of travelers can kind the right accommodation that also suits their pockets.
We offer excellent accommodation facilities in and around Jammu.
HOW TO REACH
BY AIR - Jammu is well connected with the rest of the country by all the major means of transport. The city is accessible by air and the city has an airport. A number of flights are available to and from several of the major cities in the country.
BY RAIL - Jammu Tawi is the main railhead that has a number of trains for most of the important towns and cities of the country. Moreover, the longest rail route that stretches from Jammu Tawi to Kanyakumari and touches almost all the main cities and towns of the country, originates from here.
BY ROAD - One can easily reach Jammu by the National Highway 1A that goes from Punjab and runs through this city, connecting it to the rest of the state including the capital Srinagar. We would provide you all India tourist permit vehicles for the local transportations and also for the intercity drives too.
Tourism-of-India.com provides complete information about hotels in Jammu. Tourism-of-India.com offers package tours in order to make your visit to Jammu Pleasant.
Area
20.36 sq km
Language
Dogri, Hindi, English, Urdu, Kashmiri, Punjabi
Best time to visit
Round the Year
STD Code
0191
LOCATION
Jammu is the second largest city of the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir and is also its winter capital. Divided into two separate cities, the old town of Jammu is located on a hilltop overlooking the river Tawi while the new town is situated across the river, several kilometers away.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Being near the Himalayas, the climate of the entire area is cold though summers are markedly warm. The temperatures range from 26.2°C to 4.3° C in winters and from 43.0°C to 23.4°C during summers. The recommended clothing for winters would be heavy/medium woolens while light cottons would be the best for summers in Jammu. Summers in Jammu are a sweltering, uncomfortable contrast to the cool climes of Kashmir. However, from October onwards, it becomes quite pleasant.
HISTORY
The city of Jammu is named after Jambu Lochan, the brother of Bahu, a powerful local chieftain who ruled during the ninth century. It is said that on becoming king, Jambu Lochan went on a hunt and, crossing the Tawi, found a deer and a tiger drinking water from the same tank. His ministers explained that this meant that the soil of the place was so virtuous that no living creature bore enmity against another. Raja Jambu Lochan, decided to build his capital, Jambupura, on this soil, on the right bank of the Tawi overlooking his brother king Bahu's fort. Jambupura later came to be known as Jammu.
Through the middle ages, Jammu prospered. Changes of rule at Delhi or Lahore passed over without disturbing the affluence of the town. The fertile cultivable land around the town constantly generated wealth and unlike many medieval towns, Jammu was never depopulated. The town was also a major stopover for caravans on the trade routes to Kashmir, Asia Minor and beyond and was a base for the fabled Silk Route.
The state of Jammu & Kashmir, which was earlier under the rule of Hindus and Muslims, came under the rule of Mughals under emperor Akbar. After the period of Afghan rule from 1756, it was annexed to the Sikh kingdom of the Punjab in 1819. In 1846, Ranjit Singh made over the territory of Jammu to Maharaja Gulab Singh and Jammu and Kashmir came into being as a single political and geographical entity following the Treaty of Amritsar between the British Government and Gulab Singh signed on March 16, 1846.
Since then, the state remained under the Dogra rule till the time India gained independence. At the time of independence, like all the state, Jammu and Kashmir was also given the option of either joining India or Pakistan. However, the then ruler, Maharaja Hari Singh decided not to exercise the option immediately but had to sign the instrument of accession when Pakistan attacked the territory later the same year.
TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS
Most of the tourists who come to the Jammu region have the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine as their destination, which is quite close by. However, the spirit of holiness permeates through the entire city, so much so that Jammu is also known as the 'City of Temples'. If Bahu Mata is the presiding deity of Jammu, the dargah of Peer Budhan Ali Shah is the other shrine that s believed to protect Jammuites. The other major tourist attraction is the Ragunath Temple Complex, which is the largest temple in North India devoted to Lord Ram. The construction of this temple was begun by Maharaja Gulab Singh in 1851 and completed by his son Ranbir Singh six years later.
The temple of Maha Kali (better known as Bahu or Bawey Wali Mata), located in the Bahu fort, is considered second only to Mata Vaishno Devi in terms of mystical power. The present temple was built shortly after the coronation of Maharaja Gulab Singh, in 1822. The existing fort, as well as the Manasabdar's palace inside it, were constructed in 1820 and are major tourist attractions of the city.
Other temples in the city include the Gauri Kund temple, Shudh Mahadev temple, Shiva temple, Peer Khoh Cave temple, Ranbireshwar temple and the Parmandal temple complex.
The most stunning site in Jammu is the Sheesh Mahal. The Pink Hall of the palace now houses the Dogra Art Museum, which has miniature paintings of the various hill schools. The museum also has the hand written Persian manuscripts of the Shahnama and Sikandernama. The palace was once the royal residence of the Dogra kings. Built as a group of buildings around a courtyard, the palace has a commanding view of river Tawi on one side and the city on the other.
The Amar Mahal Palace Museum is a beautiful palace of red sandstone, which stands amidst the most picturesque environs of Jammu. There is beautiful view of the Shivaliks in the north and river Tawi flows to the south adding to the grandeur. This was once the residential palace of Raja Amar Singh but now has been converted into a museum and is looked after by Hari-Tara Charitable trust. The museum has a golden throne made of 120 kg of pure gold.
A treat for those interested in history is the town of Akhnoor, 32 km southwest of Jammu. Standing on the banks of the mighty river Chenab, the town tells the tragic tale of the lovers Sohni and Mahiwal. Also along the riverbank are the majestic ruins of the Indus-Valley Civilization that are of great historical importance and command a beautiful view of the area around.
The Jujjar Kotli Tourist Complex, built on the banks of Jujjar rivulet, is at a distance of 35 km from Jammu. The crystal clear, cool water of Jujjar attracts picnickers in large numbers during the summer. A tourist cafeteria, a bar and a small tourist bungalow are the facilities provided here by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation (JKTDC).
PLACES AROUND JAMMU
The Mansar Lake, situated 60 km away from Jammu is a beautiful lake fringed by forest-covered hills. Boating facilities are available here. Another attraction here is the Surinsar Mansar Wildlife, named after the two lakes on each corner of it. The sanctuary is spread over an area of 98 sq km and is home to species like the goral, wild boar, barking deer, leopard and a multitude of birds like, black partridge, red jungle fowl, peafowl, gray partridge, green pigeon, blue rock pigeon, Rufus turtle dove etc. Besides these, the forest area also houses some rare species of trees and orchids.
The small town Katra is 50 km away from Jammu and serves as the base camp for those visiting the holy shrine of Mata Vaishnodevi in the Trikuta Hills. The shrine can be reached on foot after traversing a 12 km long well laid footpath. Every year, nearly four million pilgrims pass through Katra on their way to the shrine. Accommodation in all the ranges is available for the pilgrims.
Kud is at a distance of 106 km from Jammu. This popular resort is situated on the Jammu-Srinagar highway, at an altitude of 1,738 meters. An ideal picnic spot, this place has a beautiful climate. Heavy woolens are required in winters while light/medium clothing is required in summers here. It is a very well developed hill station in the Udhampur district.
Patnitop is 112 km from Jammu. This famous hill resort is perched on a beautiful plateau, at an altitude of 2,024 meters across which the Jammu-Srinagar Highway passes. Enveloped by thickly wooded forests, Patnitop offers beautiful picnic spots, peaceful walks and breathtaking views of the mountains and the Chenab basin. In winter, the resort is generally covered with a thick blanket of snow thus providing opportunities for various adventure sports like skiing.
Sanasar is cup shaped meadow surrounded by gigantic conifers, situated at a distance of 119 km from Jammu. The right place for a quite holiday, the meadow has now been developed as a golf course. It also provides facilities for paragliding.
Batote, 125 km from Jammu, is situated at an altitude of 1,560 metres on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and is a popular health resort. Due to the panoramic view of the scenic areas around and the facilities provided for the tourists, this place is a favorite with travelers.
FAIRS & FESTIVALS
There is no city specific festival of Jammu as such. Normally, all the Hindu and other religious festivals are celebrated here with gaiety. However, what makes any celebration in Jammu different is the traditional dance and music of the Dogra Pahari region of Jammu. These songs and dances are performed on the occasion of feasts, festivals and marriages by the rural folk of this region. Men and women clad in their traditional costumes, participate in this musical revelry.
Besides, every year during Baisakhi in the month of April, a food and craft festival is organized near the Mansar Lake by the JKTDC.
WHERE TO STAY
There are a number of hotels and lodges available for tourists. The price range is such that all kinds of travelers can kind the right accommodation that also suits their pockets.
We offer excellent accommodation facilities in and around Jammu.
HOW TO REACH
BY AIR - Jammu is well connected with the rest of the country by all the major means of transport. The city is accessible by air and the city has an airport. A number of flights are available to and from several of the major cities in the country.
BY RAIL - Jammu Tawi is the main railhead that has a number of trains for most of the important towns and cities of the country. Moreover, the longest rail route that stretches from Jammu Tawi to Kanyakumari and touches almost all the main cities and towns of the country, originates from here.
BY ROAD - One can easily reach Jammu by the National Highway 1A that goes from Punjab and runs through this city, connecting it to the rest of the state including the capital Srinagar. We would provide you all India tourist permit vehicles for the local transportations and also for the intercity drives too.
Tourism-of-India.com provides complete information about hotels in Jammu. Tourism-of-India.com offers package tours in order to make your visit to Jammu Pleasant.
HEMIS HIGH ALTITUDE NATIONAL PARK
FACTS & FIGURES
Area
600 sq km
Languages
Spoken Hindi, Ladakhi, Kashmiri, Urdu, English
Altitude
3,500 to 6,930 m above sea level
Rainfall
160.5 mm
Minimum Temperature
-20ºC
Best time to visit
March to September
STD Code
01982 (Leh)
INTRODUCTION
Hemis High-Altitude National Park is the largest high-altitude reserve of India. Very close to Leh, in the area of Markha and Rumbak Valleys, the area in general is rocky and sparsely covered. The park comes under the district of Ladakh and represents the Trans-Himalayan ecosystem. The park was established in the year 1981 to preserve the dwindling population of wildlife in Ladakh region with an area of 600 sq km. The park has been earmarked as one of the snow leopard reserves under a central government project to conserve the species, its prey population, and fragile mountain habitat.
The conservation efforts in the Ladakh region are of recent origin. Apart from the park, the region also has one of the better-known Buddhist monasteries of Ladakh, the Hemis Gompa. Coupled with exotic wildlife, culture and art, and natural splendor, the Hemis High-Altitude National Park can make a perfect holiday destination.
LOCATION
The Hemis National Park is located in the Ladakh division of the Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir. Situated at a distance of around 40 km southeast of Leh, it takes its name from the world famous Buddhist Gompa situated here. The National Park is situated at the bank of river Indus and includes the catchments areas of Markha, Sumdah, and Rumbak streams. The park extends from the latitude 33º38'-34º11' in the North to longitude 77º00'-77º44' in the East.
CLIMATE
The climate of this region is one of the extremes with great variations and changes in the temperature at daily and seasonal levels. During the winters, the temperature goes down well below the normal at around -40ºC in the nights and near freezing point during the daytime. All the major rivers in the Ladakh region become frozen during this season. The annual rainfall is very low at around 160.5 mm of rain. Summer is best season to explore the region.
FLORA AND FAUNA
Flora
The vegetation in the Hemis High-Altitude National Park can be characterized as high-altitude desert with sparse grasslands and herbaceous vegetation on mountain slopes and in harmony with rest of Ladakh. In the lower valley of the park, one can find scrublands and patchy forests.
Dense mixed scrubs (5-10 m high) of buckthorn (Hippophae salicifolia), willows (Salix spp.), Myricaria elegans, and rose (Rosia webbiana) occur in patches on moist valley bottoms up to 3,500 m. About 20% of valley bottomland is covered with this scrub but it represents less than 10% of the total land area. Poplars (Populus spp.) are cultivated on moist valley bottoms up to 3,700 m. Some juniper (Juniperus macropoda) occurs on valley bottoms and slopes at 3,300-4,000 m, and is best developed in the catchments of the lower Khurnak Chu.
From 3,500 m to 4,000 m, this mixed scrub becomes progressively shorter (less than 5 m) and grades into almost pure H. salicifolia and H. rhamnoides on the valley bottoms, or pure Salix spp. in the case of some side valleys. Above 4,000 m, H. rhamnoides forms dense low (30 cm) thickets and Myricaria squamosa occurs as isolated plants. Scattered individuals of R. webbiana, Lonicera spp., Ephedra gerardiana and J. macropoda occur on mountain slopes up to 4,000 m. Caragana sp. occurs in patches on uplands at 4,300 m-5,000 m. Scrublands cover less than 5% of the total land area. Graminaceous and herbaceous plants form the main vegetation type, usually covering less than 15% of the total area. The dominant species include woundwort (Stachys tibetica), cinquefoils (Potentilla spp.), worm weeds (Artemesia spp.), Bistorta spp. and Agrostis spp. The meadows on valley bottoms are dominated by sedges, namely Carex spp. and Koresia spp.
Fauna
Most of the endangered species of Ladakh have their home in Hemis. Some 11 species have been recorded, including wolf (Canis lupus), Pallas' cat (Felis manul), snow leopard (Panthera uncia), ibex (Capra ibex), bharal (Pseudois nayaur), Tibetan argali (Ovis ammon hodgsoni) and Ladakh urial (Orientalis vignei). Some snow leopards have also been recorded in the national park. There is a good population of bharal and urial in the park, as well as some ibex west of the Zanskar River.
Around 30 species of avifauna have been identified in the park, including Himalayan snowcock (Tetraogallus himalayensis) and chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar).
Hemis Monastery
The famed monastery of Hemis is tucked away among rocks and concealing poplars inside the Hemis National Park. There are a number of shrines around the great courtyard, all of them of considerable interest. Some scholars even believe that Hemis holds ancient documents which speak of the hidden years of Jesus Christ. Hemis, however, it best known to tourists because of its colorful festival held in July. At this time, monks perform their traditional dances to celebrate the birth anniversary of the monastery's founder, Padmasambhava.
PLACES NEARBY
Leh
Leh is one of the favorite tourist destinations located in the northernmost parts of the country. Lapped in the snow-covered fringes of the Himalayas, Leh has been the center of Tibeto-Buddhist culture since ages. Its colorful gompas have attracted the devout Buddhists from all over the globe. Besides, it is also a favorite hiking locale and is known for some of the best hikes in the country. The main attractions in Leh are the Leh Palace, Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, Victory Tower, Shankar Gompa, Shanti Stupa, Soma Gompa, and a mosque constructed by Aurangzeb.
REACHING THERE
By Air
The nearest airport is Leh, which is connected by Indian Airlines to Delhi, Chandigarh, Srinagar, and Jammu.
Rail
The nearest railhead is Jammu, situated at a distance of around 690 km. Jammu is connected to all parts of India.
Road
The Leh-Srinagar National Highway officially opens from May 15 to November 15 every year (depending on weather condition). The distances of some important destinations from Leh by road are: Srinagar, 434 km; Kargil, 230 km; Manali, 497 km; and Keylong, 380 km.
Bus
The Jammu Kashmir Road Transport Corporation operates buses between Srinagar and Leh.
STAYING THERE
The park does not provide regular accommodation facilities. Some dormitories and tented accommodation has been proposed. It is better to make prior arrangements for accommodation. However, camping is allowed in Hemis High-Altitude National Park. Another option is the visit the park as a day excursion from Leh, where one can find good accommodation options.
Area
600 sq km
Languages
Spoken Hindi, Ladakhi, Kashmiri, Urdu, English
Altitude
3,500 to 6,930 m above sea level
Rainfall
160.5 mm
Minimum Temperature
-20ºC
Best time to visit
March to September
STD Code
01982 (Leh)
INTRODUCTION
Hemis High-Altitude National Park is the largest high-altitude reserve of India. Very close to Leh, in the area of Markha and Rumbak Valleys, the area in general is rocky and sparsely covered. The park comes under the district of Ladakh and represents the Trans-Himalayan ecosystem. The park was established in the year 1981 to preserve the dwindling population of wildlife in Ladakh region with an area of 600 sq km. The park has been earmarked as one of the snow leopard reserves under a central government project to conserve the species, its prey population, and fragile mountain habitat.
The conservation efforts in the Ladakh region are of recent origin. Apart from the park, the region also has one of the better-known Buddhist monasteries of Ladakh, the Hemis Gompa. Coupled with exotic wildlife, culture and art, and natural splendor, the Hemis High-Altitude National Park can make a perfect holiday destination.
LOCATION
The Hemis National Park is located in the Ladakh division of the Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir. Situated at a distance of around 40 km southeast of Leh, it takes its name from the world famous Buddhist Gompa situated here. The National Park is situated at the bank of river Indus and includes the catchments areas of Markha, Sumdah, and Rumbak streams. The park extends from the latitude 33º38'-34º11' in the North to longitude 77º00'-77º44' in the East.
CLIMATE
The climate of this region is one of the extremes with great variations and changes in the temperature at daily and seasonal levels. During the winters, the temperature goes down well below the normal at around -40ºC in the nights and near freezing point during the daytime. All the major rivers in the Ladakh region become frozen during this season. The annual rainfall is very low at around 160.5 mm of rain. Summer is best season to explore the region.
FLORA AND FAUNA
Flora
The vegetation in the Hemis High-Altitude National Park can be characterized as high-altitude desert with sparse grasslands and herbaceous vegetation on mountain slopes and in harmony with rest of Ladakh. In the lower valley of the park, one can find scrublands and patchy forests.
Dense mixed scrubs (5-10 m high) of buckthorn (Hippophae salicifolia), willows (Salix spp.), Myricaria elegans, and rose (Rosia webbiana) occur in patches on moist valley bottoms up to 3,500 m. About 20% of valley bottomland is covered with this scrub but it represents less than 10% of the total land area. Poplars (Populus spp.) are cultivated on moist valley bottoms up to 3,700 m. Some juniper (Juniperus macropoda) occurs on valley bottoms and slopes at 3,300-4,000 m, and is best developed in the catchments of the lower Khurnak Chu.
From 3,500 m to 4,000 m, this mixed scrub becomes progressively shorter (less than 5 m) and grades into almost pure H. salicifolia and H. rhamnoides on the valley bottoms, or pure Salix spp. in the case of some side valleys. Above 4,000 m, H. rhamnoides forms dense low (30 cm) thickets and Myricaria squamosa occurs as isolated plants. Scattered individuals of R. webbiana, Lonicera spp., Ephedra gerardiana and J. macropoda occur on mountain slopes up to 4,000 m. Caragana sp. occurs in patches on uplands at 4,300 m-5,000 m. Scrublands cover less than 5% of the total land area. Graminaceous and herbaceous plants form the main vegetation type, usually covering less than 15% of the total area. The dominant species include woundwort (Stachys tibetica), cinquefoils (Potentilla spp.), worm weeds (Artemesia spp.), Bistorta spp. and Agrostis spp. The meadows on valley bottoms are dominated by sedges, namely Carex spp. and Koresia spp.
Fauna
Most of the endangered species of Ladakh have their home in Hemis. Some 11 species have been recorded, including wolf (Canis lupus), Pallas' cat (Felis manul), snow leopard (Panthera uncia), ibex (Capra ibex), bharal (Pseudois nayaur), Tibetan argali (Ovis ammon hodgsoni) and Ladakh urial (Orientalis vignei). Some snow leopards have also been recorded in the national park. There is a good population of bharal and urial in the park, as well as some ibex west of the Zanskar River.
Around 30 species of avifauna have been identified in the park, including Himalayan snowcock (Tetraogallus himalayensis) and chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar).
Hemis Monastery
The famed monastery of Hemis is tucked away among rocks and concealing poplars inside the Hemis National Park. There are a number of shrines around the great courtyard, all of them of considerable interest. Some scholars even believe that Hemis holds ancient documents which speak of the hidden years of Jesus Christ. Hemis, however, it best known to tourists because of its colorful festival held in July. At this time, monks perform their traditional dances to celebrate the birth anniversary of the monastery's founder, Padmasambhava.
PLACES NEARBY
Leh
Leh is one of the favorite tourist destinations located in the northernmost parts of the country. Lapped in the snow-covered fringes of the Himalayas, Leh has been the center of Tibeto-Buddhist culture since ages. Its colorful gompas have attracted the devout Buddhists from all over the globe. Besides, it is also a favorite hiking locale and is known for some of the best hikes in the country. The main attractions in Leh are the Leh Palace, Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, Victory Tower, Shankar Gompa, Shanti Stupa, Soma Gompa, and a mosque constructed by Aurangzeb.
REACHING THERE
By Air
The nearest airport is Leh, which is connected by Indian Airlines to Delhi, Chandigarh, Srinagar, and Jammu.
Rail
The nearest railhead is Jammu, situated at a distance of around 690 km. Jammu is connected to all parts of India.
Road
The Leh-Srinagar National Highway officially opens from May 15 to November 15 every year (depending on weather condition). The distances of some important destinations from Leh by road are: Srinagar, 434 km; Kargil, 230 km; Manali, 497 km; and Keylong, 380 km.
Bus
The Jammu Kashmir Road Transport Corporation operates buses between Srinagar and Leh.
STAYING THERE
The park does not provide regular accommodation facilities. Some dormitories and tented accommodation has been proposed. It is better to make prior arrangements for accommodation. However, camping is allowed in Hemis High-Altitude National Park. Another option is the visit the park as a day excursion from Leh, where one can find good accommodation options.
GULMARG
FACTS & FIGURES
Language
Kashmiri, Hindi
Best time to visit
Throughout the year (November-February for skiing)
INTRODUCTION
Gulmarg derives its root from "the meadow of flowers" and is indeed a picturesque location. Known for its unparalleled beauty, Gulmarg's virgin forests are a welcoming sight to all tourists. The lush green slopes, their silence broken by the occasional tinkling of cowbells, have been the locale for several films. The rich verdure with the snow-capped tips provide an ideal ambience for the skiing and winter sports.
LOCATION
Located in the northernmost state of Jammu and Kashmir, Gulmarg is in the Baramulla district, 57 km southwest from the capital city of Srinagar. It is perched at an altitude of 2730 meters above sea level and is not very far from the Indo-Pakistan border. It has a gently sloping topography generally identified with European skiing of the 1940s and 1950s.
TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS
From Gulmarg, a pony track leads upwards to Khilanmarg, Kongdori and Seven Springs. It takes a couple of hours by pony, and slightly longer on foot. Khilanmarg offers an unparalleled view of the great Himalayan range. From here, across the Apharwat-the peak that looks up from this point-is Alpather Lake, a picturesque alpine lake that remains frozen until late June. It is located at a distance of about 13 km from Gulmarg. For horse riding freaks, Alpather Lake makes an exciting day's excursion, and one has to start early morning and return by late evening. Slightly lower than Gulmarg is the shrine of Baba Reshi (a Muslim mystic saint), which is visited by people of all faiths.
HOW TO REACH
BY AIR - The nearest airport is in Srinagar. This airport is connected with major cities of the country. The nearest railhead is at Jammu. We would provide you all India tourist permit vehicles for the local transportations and also for the intercity drives too.
WHERE TO STAY
Gulmarg houses a number of hotels that offer good accommodation and meals. Hotels of international standards are also available. JKTDC (Jammu and Kashmir Tourist Development Corporation) has huts on the offer at Gulmarg and all these properties require advance booking from Srinagar when the season is onThe accommodation available there suits all budgets. One should not miss the opportunity of tasting the traditional Rogan Josh and other preparations in non-vegetarian and sweetmeats while visiting Gulmarg.
We offer excellent accommodation facilities in and around Gulmarg.
Tourism-of-India.com provides complete information about hotels in Gulmarg. Tourism-of-India.com offers package tours in order to make your visit to Gulmarg Pleasant.
Language
Kashmiri, Hindi
Best time to visit
Throughout the year (November-February for skiing)
INTRODUCTION
Gulmarg derives its root from "the meadow of flowers" and is indeed a picturesque location. Known for its unparalleled beauty, Gulmarg's virgin forests are a welcoming sight to all tourists. The lush green slopes, their silence broken by the occasional tinkling of cowbells, have been the locale for several films. The rich verdure with the snow-capped tips provide an ideal ambience for the skiing and winter sports.
LOCATION
Located in the northernmost state of Jammu and Kashmir, Gulmarg is in the Baramulla district, 57 km southwest from the capital city of Srinagar. It is perched at an altitude of 2730 meters above sea level and is not very far from the Indo-Pakistan border. It has a gently sloping topography generally identified with European skiing of the 1940s and 1950s.
TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS
From Gulmarg, a pony track leads upwards to Khilanmarg, Kongdori and Seven Springs. It takes a couple of hours by pony, and slightly longer on foot. Khilanmarg offers an unparalleled view of the great Himalayan range. From here, across the Apharwat-the peak that looks up from this point-is Alpather Lake, a picturesque alpine lake that remains frozen until late June. It is located at a distance of about 13 km from Gulmarg. For horse riding freaks, Alpather Lake makes an exciting day's excursion, and one has to start early morning and return by late evening. Slightly lower than Gulmarg is the shrine of Baba Reshi (a Muslim mystic saint), which is visited by people of all faiths.
HOW TO REACH
BY AIR - The nearest airport is in Srinagar. This airport is connected with major cities of the country. The nearest railhead is at Jammu. We would provide you all India tourist permit vehicles for the local transportations and also for the intercity drives too.
WHERE TO STAY
Gulmarg houses a number of hotels that offer good accommodation and meals. Hotels of international standards are also available. JKTDC (Jammu and Kashmir Tourist Development Corporation) has huts on the offer at Gulmarg and all these properties require advance booking from Srinagar when the season is onThe accommodation available there suits all budgets. One should not miss the opportunity of tasting the traditional Rogan Josh and other preparations in non-vegetarian and sweetmeats while visiting Gulmarg.
We offer excellent accommodation facilities in and around Gulmarg.
Tourism-of-India.com provides complete information about hotels in Gulmarg. Tourism-of-India.com offers package tours in order to make your visit to Gulmarg Pleasant.
DACHIGAM NATIONAL PARK
FACTS & FIGURES
Area
141 sq km
Languages
English, Hindi
Best Time to Visit
Upper Dachigam, May-August;
Lower Dachigam, September-December
INTRODUCTION
Dachigam National Park enjoys a proximity to the beautiful city of Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir state. Its forests and picturesque landscape have always attracted tourists. The park is divided into two large sectors-the Lower and Upper Dachigam regions with altitudes of 1700 and 4300 meters, respectively. Two steep ridges enclose the parks parameters. The landscape at Dachigam varies from deep ravines, rocky ridges, steep slopes and alpine pastures. The Masrar Lake, in higher Dachigam, is at the mouth of the Dachigam River. The river is regarded as the lifeline of the park, for its winds through Lower Dachigam region from its originating point, thus replenishing the entire lower region. The park is home to the endangered hangul or the Kashmiri stag, the only species of red deer to be found in India. Various efforts are being made to save this rare and beautiful species.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The region remains cold throughout the year. The summer season (from May to August) is cool and very pleasant with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 14°C; however, winters (September and December) are particularly harsh when the temperature drops to a range of -2 to 4°C.
TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS
Apart from its unspoiled natural beauty, its most important wildlife remains the hangul (Kashmiri stag), an endangered species of red deer. Despite its substantial harshness, the winter season is the best time to view the hangul, when it gathers in the shelter of the lower valleys. The leopard, which is the only predatory animal in the area, has been rarely spotted. It is the same with the hard-to-pin-down snow leopard found in the higher altitudes. However, tourists with resilience, patience and a little luck have had the fortune of seeing these unique wild cats. Apart from the hangul and the two varieties of leopards, various other species like Himalayan black bear, musk deer, Himalayan marmot and species of wild goats like the makhor are found at Dachigam. Various exotic Himalayan birds, colorful pheasants like the crimson tagopan, monal pheasant, blood pheasant and koklass pheasant, golden eagles and bearded vultures (lammergeier) are also seen encircling the beautiful blue skies above Dachigam forest.
PLACES AROUND DACHIGAM
Areas of interest near Dachigam include the picturesque city of Srinagar (22 km) Jammu city (200 km), the alighting point for Vaishno Devi (an important place of pilgrimage for Hindus), and Patnitop, a scenic hill resort.
HOW TO REACH
The Lower Dachigam region is accessible via a metaled road, but Higher Dachigam areas are accessible only on foot. The nearest rail junction is Jammu at a distance of 200 km away from Dachigam National Park. The nearest town is Srinagar at a distance of 22 km and is well linked to Dachigam by a proper metaled road. Srinagar airport is the closest air link to the National Park.
WHERE TO STAY
Accommodation is available at Srinagar city. There is a choice of hotels, rest houses and lodges that are reasonably priced and have options for the budgeted tourist as well as the luxury holiday seeker. Apart from these, there are many other hotels, rest houses and lodges in and around Srinagar.
We offer excellent accommodation facilities around Dachigam National Park.
Tourism-of-India.com provides complete information about tourism in Dachigam National Park. Tourism-of-India.com offers various tour packages to make you visit comfortable. You can pick the one that suits you most.
Area
141 sq km
Languages
English, Hindi
Best Time to Visit
Upper Dachigam, May-August;
Lower Dachigam, September-December
INTRODUCTION
Dachigam National Park enjoys a proximity to the beautiful city of Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir state. Its forests and picturesque landscape have always attracted tourists. The park is divided into two large sectors-the Lower and Upper Dachigam regions with altitudes of 1700 and 4300 meters, respectively. Two steep ridges enclose the parks parameters. The landscape at Dachigam varies from deep ravines, rocky ridges, steep slopes and alpine pastures. The Masrar Lake, in higher Dachigam, is at the mouth of the Dachigam River. The river is regarded as the lifeline of the park, for its winds through Lower Dachigam region from its originating point, thus replenishing the entire lower region. The park is home to the endangered hangul or the Kashmiri stag, the only species of red deer to be found in India. Various efforts are being made to save this rare and beautiful species.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The region remains cold throughout the year. The summer season (from May to August) is cool and very pleasant with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 14°C; however, winters (September and December) are particularly harsh when the temperature drops to a range of -2 to 4°C.
TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS
Apart from its unspoiled natural beauty, its most important wildlife remains the hangul (Kashmiri stag), an endangered species of red deer. Despite its substantial harshness, the winter season is the best time to view the hangul, when it gathers in the shelter of the lower valleys. The leopard, which is the only predatory animal in the area, has been rarely spotted. It is the same with the hard-to-pin-down snow leopard found in the higher altitudes. However, tourists with resilience, patience and a little luck have had the fortune of seeing these unique wild cats. Apart from the hangul and the two varieties of leopards, various other species like Himalayan black bear, musk deer, Himalayan marmot and species of wild goats like the makhor are found at Dachigam. Various exotic Himalayan birds, colorful pheasants like the crimson tagopan, monal pheasant, blood pheasant and koklass pheasant, golden eagles and bearded vultures (lammergeier) are also seen encircling the beautiful blue skies above Dachigam forest.
PLACES AROUND DACHIGAM
Areas of interest near Dachigam include the picturesque city of Srinagar (22 km) Jammu city (200 km), the alighting point for Vaishno Devi (an important place of pilgrimage for Hindus), and Patnitop, a scenic hill resort.
HOW TO REACH
The Lower Dachigam region is accessible via a metaled road, but Higher Dachigam areas are accessible only on foot. The nearest rail junction is Jammu at a distance of 200 km away from Dachigam National Park. The nearest town is Srinagar at a distance of 22 km and is well linked to Dachigam by a proper metaled road. Srinagar airport is the closest air link to the National Park.
WHERE TO STAY
Accommodation is available at Srinagar city. There is a choice of hotels, rest houses and lodges that are reasonably priced and have options for the budgeted tourist as well as the luxury holiday seeker. Apart from these, there are many other hotels, rest houses and lodges in and around Srinagar.
We offer excellent accommodation facilities around Dachigam National Park.
Tourism-of-India.com provides complete information about tourism in Dachigam National Park. Tourism-of-India.com offers various tour packages to make you visit comfortable. You can pick the one that suits you most.
AVANTIPUR
FACTS & FIGURES
Languages
Kashmiri, Hindi, and English
Best Time to Visit
April to July
INTRODUCTION
Avantipur is situated in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir around 29 km south of Srinagar, the capital of the state. Avantipur extends between latitude 33°50' in the north and longitude 74°57' in the east. The place is connected to Srinagar by a good road network.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Summers are mild in Avantipur with the temperature averaging around 25°C. Winters are harsh and the temperature can go below 0°C quite a few times. Light cottons are the recommended clothing for the summers and heavy woolens for winter.
TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS
Avantipur was founded by king Avantivarman who reigned from AD 855 - 883. The site has two temples. The larger one, Shiva-Avantishvara, is marked by massive walls some half a mile beneath the town on the outskirts of village Jaubror. The subsidiary shrines are to the rear corner of the courtyard. But the complex has, over the years, lost its grandeur and has been reduced to ruins, though it is still visited by the devout.
The temples here have groups of figures of both sexes, engaged in drinking, making love, and other such things. The sculptured reliefs are principally found on the walls of the entrance and the flank walls of the stairs. It is probable that not only the plain wall surfaces but also the reliefs were covered with a fine coat of lime plaster, on which the addition of colour defined the more delicate details of decoration. The base is either a plain square block with the upper edge rounded off or is elaborately molded. Half a mile up is Avantisvami-Vishnu, a better-preserved temple.
PLACES AROUND AVANTIPUR
Dating back to the third century BC, founded by Emperor Ashoka, Srinagar grew on both banks of the river Jhelum in the heart of the Kashmir valley. It is the state capital and the Dal Lake is its waterfront. Between the lake and the mountain ranges are the Mughal gardens; Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, Chasm-e-Shahi, and Pari Mahal.
Pahalgam, at a distance of around 70 km from Avantipur is a famous hill station and trekking base for the shrine of Amarnath.
WHERE TO STAY
We offer excellent accommodation facilities in and around Avantipur.
HOW TO REACH
BY AIR - The nearest airport is Srinagar 29 km away and connected to Delhi, Chandigarh, and Jammu by regular flights.
BY RAIL - The nearest railway station is Jammu around 329 km away. There are many trains that connect Jammu with the other parts of the country.
BY ROAD - There are regular buses that connect Avantipur with Srinagar, the state capital.
Tourism-of-India.com provides complete information about tourism in Avantipur.Tourism-of-India.com offers various tour packages to make you visit comfortable. You can pick the one that suits you most.
Languages
Kashmiri, Hindi, and English
Best Time to Visit
April to July
INTRODUCTION
Avantipur is situated in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir around 29 km south of Srinagar, the capital of the state. Avantipur extends between latitude 33°50' in the north and longitude 74°57' in the east. The place is connected to Srinagar by a good road network.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Summers are mild in Avantipur with the temperature averaging around 25°C. Winters are harsh and the temperature can go below 0°C quite a few times. Light cottons are the recommended clothing for the summers and heavy woolens for winter.
TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS
Avantipur was founded by king Avantivarman who reigned from AD 855 - 883. The site has two temples. The larger one, Shiva-Avantishvara, is marked by massive walls some half a mile beneath the town on the outskirts of village Jaubror. The subsidiary shrines are to the rear corner of the courtyard. But the complex has, over the years, lost its grandeur and has been reduced to ruins, though it is still visited by the devout.
The temples here have groups of figures of both sexes, engaged in drinking, making love, and other such things. The sculptured reliefs are principally found on the walls of the entrance and the flank walls of the stairs. It is probable that not only the plain wall surfaces but also the reliefs were covered with a fine coat of lime plaster, on which the addition of colour defined the more delicate details of decoration. The base is either a plain square block with the upper edge rounded off or is elaborately molded. Half a mile up is Avantisvami-Vishnu, a better-preserved temple.
PLACES AROUND AVANTIPUR
Dating back to the third century BC, founded by Emperor Ashoka, Srinagar grew on both banks of the river Jhelum in the heart of the Kashmir valley. It is the state capital and the Dal Lake is its waterfront. Between the lake and the mountain ranges are the Mughal gardens; Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, Chasm-e-Shahi, and Pari Mahal.
Pahalgam, at a distance of around 70 km from Avantipur is a famous hill station and trekking base for the shrine of Amarnath.
WHERE TO STAY
We offer excellent accommodation facilities in and around Avantipur.
HOW TO REACH
BY AIR - The nearest airport is Srinagar 29 km away and connected to Delhi, Chandigarh, and Jammu by regular flights.
BY RAIL - The nearest railway station is Jammu around 329 km away. There are many trains that connect Jammu with the other parts of the country.
BY ROAD - There are regular buses that connect Avantipur with Srinagar, the state capital.
Tourism-of-India.com provides complete information about tourism in Avantipur.Tourism-of-India.com offers various tour packages to make you visit comfortable. You can pick the one that suits you most.
AMARNATH
FACTS & FIGURES
Altitude: 3888 m
Language: Hindi, Urdu, & English
Best time to visit: July-August
Dates: 21st June 2005 to
19th August 2005
and 6th July 2005
to 19th August 2005
Map of the Amarnath Yatra
LOCATION
The holy shrine of Amarnath is situated 145 km from Srinagar, the capital of the North Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir. Located at an altitude of 3888 m above sea level, the Amarnath Cave is considered holy by Hindus. Every year a giant stalagmite or pillar of ice in the shape of a phallus, forms within this cave. This ice pillar is worshipped as a lingam - a symbol of Shiva - and thousands of pilgrims travel across the mountains to pray at the holy Amarnath cave shrine, in July and August every year.
LEGEND
In Hinduism the three most important Gods are Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver and Shiva the Destroyer. Shiva is mentioned in the Rig Veda - one of the earliest religious books of India and continues to be worshipped to the present day. Shiva is depicted as an ascetic clad in a deerskin. He carries a trident and is accompanied by his consort, the female deity Parvati, and his son, the elephant- headed God Ganesha.
According to legend, Shiva was asked by Parvati to tell her the secret of immortality. He resisted for a long while, however her repeated insistence led to his agreeing to reveal the secret to her. They traveled to an isolated location in the Himalayas, where no one could overhear the secret. On the way Shiva left Nandi the Bull, at Pahalgam (Bail gaon). He released the moon from his hair at Chandanwari. At Sheshnag peak, he released his snakes and Ganesh was left behind at Mahagunas Hill (Mahaganesh Hill). At Panchtarni, Shiva left behind the five elements (Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Sky) and accompanied by Parvati entered the cave. Here he meditated seated on his deer skin. To ensure that no living creature heard the secret he created a fire to destroy all life around him and then began to disclose the secret of immortality to Parvati. However a pigeon's egg hidden beneath Shiva's deerskin remined unharmed by the fire. A pair of pigeons, who overheard the secret of immortality, were born from this egg and even today pilgrims who visit the holy cave can see a pair of pigeons nesting here. Since the secret of immortality (Amar Katha) was revealed within this cave, it came to be known as Amarnath.
Instant Hotel Booking for Amarnath
Hotels in Srinagar
Hotels in Pahalgam
Tour Packages for Amarnath Yatra
Helicopter Darshan Package
3 Nights / 4 Days - 6th July to 19th August
Amarnath Yatra Via Pahalgam
5 Nights / 6 Days - 6th July to 19th August
Amarnath Yatra with Srinagar
5 Nights / 6 Days - 6th July to 19th August
Amarnath Yatra Via Baltal
4 Nights / 5 Days - 21 June to 19th August
AMARNATH CAVE
The Amarnath cave is about 45 m (150 feet) high, 27 m (90 feet) long and faces south. Inside the cave, there are four to five ice formations resembling figures of various gods. According to the tradition, the largest one is worshipped as Amarnath or Shiva, one on the left side of the lingam is an ice formation worshipped as Ganesha, and on the right is an ice formation worshipped as Parvati. Inside the Amarnath cave is another small cave to the left of the image, from which a chalk-like substance is given out to pilgrims as Vibhuti or holy ash.
AMARNATH YATRA ROUTE Map of the Amarnath Yatra
Around 150,000 pilgrims undertake the Amarnath Yatra every year. A priest carrying the Chari Mubarak or holy scepter of Shiva, leads the yatris up to the cave. There are 2 routes to the holy Amarnath Cave. The routes are as follows:
Route 1: Srinagar - Pahalgam - Chandanwari - Pissu Top - Sheshnag - Panchtarni - Amarnath
Route 2: Srinagar - Sonamarg - Baltal - Domail - Barari - Amarnath
more...
WHERE TO STAY
Pilgrims who travel to the Holy Amarnath cave shrine can stay overnight at tented camps along the routes. Panchtarni, which is the last stop before the holy cave, is where pilgrims can stay at night and visit the Amarnath Cave during the day, before beginning their return journey.
HOW TO REACH
Amarnath is not directly linked by road or rail. The nearest airport is at Srinagar (145 km), which is connected to Delhi and other Indian cities. Jammu (300 km) is the common starting point for the Amarnath Yatra and is connected by road, rail and air to all major Indian cities. Reaching Amarnath is not an easy trek due to the difficult weather conditions and the steep climb up along the Himalayas. Porters, Ponies and Dandies (Chairs carried by porters) are available along the route.
CLIMATE
The climate along the route to the Amarnath Cave is very cold. Though days may be sunny, rain or snowfall may occur at any time. The night temperature can drop to -5 Degrees Celcius.
PRECAUTIONS
Every traveler has to be registered with the government before starting the Amarnath Yatra
Only physically fit pilgrims should attempt the Amarnath Yatra.
Acclimatize yourself for a day at the base camp before beginning the trek. The altitude can cause breathing problems while traveling.
All pilgrims should carry adequate warm clothing.
Pilgrims should carry nourishing food such as dry fruits, chocolates etc., to consume on the trip
Comfortable walking shoes, a walking stick, torch, raincoat, windcheater and medical kit are essential supplies on the Amarnath Yatra
Carry enough money to pay for any additional needs.
Pay heed to warning signs about falling rocks or avalanches. Only travel with an experienced guide, and with a group of pilgrims.
REGISTRATION
All yatris must be registered with the Jammu and Kashmir Government and are issued a registration-cum-identity slip, which they should carry with them at all times.
Altitude: 3888 m
Language: Hindi, Urdu, & English
Best time to visit: July-August
Dates: 21st June 2005 to
19th August 2005
and 6th July 2005
to 19th August 2005
Map of the Amarnath Yatra
LOCATION
The holy shrine of Amarnath is situated 145 km from Srinagar, the capital of the North Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir. Located at an altitude of 3888 m above sea level, the Amarnath Cave is considered holy by Hindus. Every year a giant stalagmite or pillar of ice in the shape of a phallus, forms within this cave. This ice pillar is worshipped as a lingam - a symbol of Shiva - and thousands of pilgrims travel across the mountains to pray at the holy Amarnath cave shrine, in July and August every year.
LEGEND
In Hinduism the three most important Gods are Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver and Shiva the Destroyer. Shiva is mentioned in the Rig Veda - one of the earliest religious books of India and continues to be worshipped to the present day. Shiva is depicted as an ascetic clad in a deerskin. He carries a trident and is accompanied by his consort, the female deity Parvati, and his son, the elephant- headed God Ganesha.
According to legend, Shiva was asked by Parvati to tell her the secret of immortality. He resisted for a long while, however her repeated insistence led to his agreeing to reveal the secret to her. They traveled to an isolated location in the Himalayas, where no one could overhear the secret. On the way Shiva left Nandi the Bull, at Pahalgam (Bail gaon). He released the moon from his hair at Chandanwari. At Sheshnag peak, he released his snakes and Ganesh was left behind at Mahagunas Hill (Mahaganesh Hill). At Panchtarni, Shiva left behind the five elements (Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Sky) and accompanied by Parvati entered the cave. Here he meditated seated on his deer skin. To ensure that no living creature heard the secret he created a fire to destroy all life around him and then began to disclose the secret of immortality to Parvati. However a pigeon's egg hidden beneath Shiva's deerskin remined unharmed by the fire. A pair of pigeons, who overheard the secret of immortality, were born from this egg and even today pilgrims who visit the holy cave can see a pair of pigeons nesting here. Since the secret of immortality (Amar Katha) was revealed within this cave, it came to be known as Amarnath.
Instant Hotel Booking for Amarnath
Hotels in Srinagar
Hotels in Pahalgam
Tour Packages for Amarnath Yatra
Helicopter Darshan Package
3 Nights / 4 Days - 6th July to 19th August
Amarnath Yatra Via Pahalgam
5 Nights / 6 Days - 6th July to 19th August
Amarnath Yatra with Srinagar
5 Nights / 6 Days - 6th July to 19th August
Amarnath Yatra Via Baltal
4 Nights / 5 Days - 21 June to 19th August
AMARNATH CAVE
The Amarnath cave is about 45 m (150 feet) high, 27 m (90 feet) long and faces south. Inside the cave, there are four to five ice formations resembling figures of various gods. According to the tradition, the largest one is worshipped as Amarnath or Shiva, one on the left side of the lingam is an ice formation worshipped as Ganesha, and on the right is an ice formation worshipped as Parvati. Inside the Amarnath cave is another small cave to the left of the image, from which a chalk-like substance is given out to pilgrims as Vibhuti or holy ash.
AMARNATH YATRA ROUTE Map of the Amarnath Yatra
Around 150,000 pilgrims undertake the Amarnath Yatra every year. A priest carrying the Chari Mubarak or holy scepter of Shiva, leads the yatris up to the cave. There are 2 routes to the holy Amarnath Cave. The routes are as follows:
Route 1: Srinagar - Pahalgam - Chandanwari - Pissu Top - Sheshnag - Panchtarni - Amarnath
Route 2: Srinagar - Sonamarg - Baltal - Domail - Barari - Amarnath
more...
WHERE TO STAY
Pilgrims who travel to the Holy Amarnath cave shrine can stay overnight at tented camps along the routes. Panchtarni, which is the last stop before the holy cave, is where pilgrims can stay at night and visit the Amarnath Cave during the day, before beginning their return journey.
HOW TO REACH
Amarnath is not directly linked by road or rail. The nearest airport is at Srinagar (145 km), which is connected to Delhi and other Indian cities. Jammu (300 km) is the common starting point for the Amarnath Yatra and is connected by road, rail and air to all major Indian cities. Reaching Amarnath is not an easy trek due to the difficult weather conditions and the steep climb up along the Himalayas. Porters, Ponies and Dandies (Chairs carried by porters) are available along the route.
CLIMATE
The climate along the route to the Amarnath Cave is very cold. Though days may be sunny, rain or snowfall may occur at any time. The night temperature can drop to -5 Degrees Celcius.
PRECAUTIONS
Every traveler has to be registered with the government before starting the Amarnath Yatra
Only physically fit pilgrims should attempt the Amarnath Yatra.
Acclimatize yourself for a day at the base camp before beginning the trek. The altitude can cause breathing problems while traveling.
All pilgrims should carry adequate warm clothing.
Pilgrims should carry nourishing food such as dry fruits, chocolates etc., to consume on the trip
Comfortable walking shoes, a walking stick, torch, raincoat, windcheater and medical kit are essential supplies on the Amarnath Yatra
Carry enough money to pay for any additional needs.
Pay heed to warning signs about falling rocks or avalanches. Only travel with an experienced guide, and with a group of pilgrims.
REGISTRATION
All yatris must be registered with the Jammu and Kashmir Government and are issued a registration-cum-identity slip, which they should carry with them at all times.
ALCHI
FACTS & FIGURES
STD Code
01982 (Leh)
Languages
Ladakhi, Hindi, and English
Best Season
May to September
LOCATION
A busy village in the Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir, Alchi is tucked away in the Himalayan region of Ladakh at an altitude of around 3,500 m above sea level. Alchi is nestled in the valley of the Indus River along the ancient trade route and is famous for its gompas. It is connected to Leh with a road network.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Alchi has an extreme climate with icy winters and normal summers. In summer, the maximum temperature can rise to 25°C and go down to a minimum of around 12°C. Protection against sunburn is necessary in this time of the year. In winters, the maximum temperature hovers around 15°C and minimum temperature can drop to -30°C. The best season to visit this place is from May to September.
HISTORY
The region around Alchi was once vital for trade and cultural contact with the rest of India. When Islamic armies entered the subcontinent, what first captured their attention were the Buddhist monuments. Islam disallows idol worship and their word for idol was, in fact, the term Buddha. It was, therefore, the Buddhist monuments and monasteries that suffered most under the hand of iconoclasm. However, Alchi, set amidst the barren gorges of the Indus River and desolate mountains, escaped destruction and some of the 900-year-old paintings and murals are so well preserved that they appear to have been painted just yesterday.
TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS
The shrines at Alchi, some of which date back to the late eleventh century, are considered by scholars to be among the most extensive examples of Buddhist art in Kashmir. Du-Khang is the earliest temple at Alchi, founded by Kal-dan Shes-rab around the 11th century AD. There is an elaborately carved doorway with panels of tiny Bodhisattvas and guardian figures. The walls are adorned with mandalas and sacred forms that illustrate the structure of Buddhist cosmology.
Sum-tsek is a triple-storied temple with a carved wooden façade consisting of pillars, carved brackets, and capitals. The walls of the halls are covered with mandalas in vibrant colors, standing figures of Bodhisattvas, Manjushri (the embodiment of wisdom), Avalokiteshvara, and Maitreya Buddha.
Lotsawa Lha-Khang and Manjushri Lha-Khang are two adjoining shrines that share a similar plan. The square shrine has four central columns that hold up the raised roof. Within the shrine of Manjushri are four large plaster images of the Bodhisattva. The murals of the temple follow the theme of the thousand Buddha while gods and goddesses dominate the wall space.
Lha-Khang Soma is a structure constructed later in comparison to other shrines of Alchi. Within the small square room is a chorten or votive stupa. Columns that support the roof have wonderful carved brackets with lion faces. Walls of the shrine are painted with the images of Vairochana, Buddha, Bodhisattvas, and guardian figures. The doorway is decorated and protected as usual with the image of Mahakala.
PLACES AROUND ALCHI
The region has several spectacular monasteries that seem to grow out of the rugged escarpments and mountain ridges. There are monasteries at Shey, Thikse, and Hemis, which have a wealth of Buddhist images, murals, and carvings.
Leh is the capital of Ladakh Autonomous Council and the most convenient gateway to Ladakh. The sites to visit include Leh Palace, Leh Mosque, and many gompas.
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
Hemis festival is celebrated at Hemis monastery every year in the month of June. This three-day festival provides a spectacle of Ladakhi culture and living traditions.
Ladakh Festival is celebrated all over the region for 15 days every year. Many cultural and sports events are held during this festival. Major attractions include the masked dances and polo and archery competitions.
WHERE TO STAY
We offer excellent accommodation facilities in and around Alchi.
HOW TO REACH
BY AIR - Leh is the nearest airport from Alchi, which can be reached by either bus or taxi. Alliance Air flights connect Leh with Delhi, Chandigarh, Jammu, and Srinagar through regular flights.
BY ROAD - Alchi is connected to Leh through regular buses. Taxis are also available on hire to reach Alchi. The Alchi-Manali road is one of the two major road networks that connect this place with the rest of India. This is the world's second highest motorable road, reaching 5328 m at Taglang La. The road is usually open between the months of June and mid-October.
Tourism-of-India.com provides complete information about tourism in Alchi. Tourism-of-India.com offers various tour packages to make your visit comfortable. You can pick the one that suits you most.
STD Code
01982 (Leh)
Languages
Ladakhi, Hindi, and English
Best Season
May to September
LOCATION
A busy village in the Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir, Alchi is tucked away in the Himalayan region of Ladakh at an altitude of around 3,500 m above sea level. Alchi is nestled in the valley of the Indus River along the ancient trade route and is famous for its gompas. It is connected to Leh with a road network.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Alchi has an extreme climate with icy winters and normal summers. In summer, the maximum temperature can rise to 25°C and go down to a minimum of around 12°C. Protection against sunburn is necessary in this time of the year. In winters, the maximum temperature hovers around 15°C and minimum temperature can drop to -30°C. The best season to visit this place is from May to September.
HISTORY
The region around Alchi was once vital for trade and cultural contact with the rest of India. When Islamic armies entered the subcontinent, what first captured their attention were the Buddhist monuments. Islam disallows idol worship and their word for idol was, in fact, the term Buddha. It was, therefore, the Buddhist monuments and monasteries that suffered most under the hand of iconoclasm. However, Alchi, set amidst the barren gorges of the Indus River and desolate mountains, escaped destruction and some of the 900-year-old paintings and murals are so well preserved that they appear to have been painted just yesterday.
TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS
The shrines at Alchi, some of which date back to the late eleventh century, are considered by scholars to be among the most extensive examples of Buddhist art in Kashmir. Du-Khang is the earliest temple at Alchi, founded by Kal-dan Shes-rab around the 11th century AD. There is an elaborately carved doorway with panels of tiny Bodhisattvas and guardian figures. The walls are adorned with mandalas and sacred forms that illustrate the structure of Buddhist cosmology.
Sum-tsek is a triple-storied temple with a carved wooden façade consisting of pillars, carved brackets, and capitals. The walls of the halls are covered with mandalas in vibrant colors, standing figures of Bodhisattvas, Manjushri (the embodiment of wisdom), Avalokiteshvara, and Maitreya Buddha.
Lotsawa Lha-Khang and Manjushri Lha-Khang are two adjoining shrines that share a similar plan. The square shrine has four central columns that hold up the raised roof. Within the shrine of Manjushri are four large plaster images of the Bodhisattva. The murals of the temple follow the theme of the thousand Buddha while gods and goddesses dominate the wall space.
Lha-Khang Soma is a structure constructed later in comparison to other shrines of Alchi. Within the small square room is a chorten or votive stupa. Columns that support the roof have wonderful carved brackets with lion faces. Walls of the shrine are painted with the images of Vairochana, Buddha, Bodhisattvas, and guardian figures. The doorway is decorated and protected as usual with the image of Mahakala.
PLACES AROUND ALCHI
The region has several spectacular monasteries that seem to grow out of the rugged escarpments and mountain ridges. There are monasteries at Shey, Thikse, and Hemis, which have a wealth of Buddhist images, murals, and carvings.
Leh is the capital of Ladakh Autonomous Council and the most convenient gateway to Ladakh. The sites to visit include Leh Palace, Leh Mosque, and many gompas.
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
Hemis festival is celebrated at Hemis monastery every year in the month of June. This three-day festival provides a spectacle of Ladakhi culture and living traditions.
Ladakh Festival is celebrated all over the region for 15 days every year. Many cultural and sports events are held during this festival. Major attractions include the masked dances and polo and archery competitions.
WHERE TO STAY
We offer excellent accommodation facilities in and around Alchi.
HOW TO REACH
BY AIR - Leh is the nearest airport from Alchi, which can be reached by either bus or taxi. Alliance Air flights connect Leh with Delhi, Chandigarh, Jammu, and Srinagar through regular flights.
BY ROAD - Alchi is connected to Leh through regular buses. Taxis are also available on hire to reach Alchi. The Alchi-Manali road is one of the two major road networks that connect this place with the rest of India. This is the world's second highest motorable road, reaching 5328 m at Taglang La. The road is usually open between the months of June and mid-October.
Tourism-of-India.com provides complete information about tourism in Alchi. Tourism-of-India.com offers various tour packages to make your visit comfortable. You can pick the one that suits you most.
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