Every Dream has small Beginning

NEAR BY PLACES

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Kashmir Excursions

The Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir is a saga of nature complete with rugged mountains, blossoming valleys and pristine forests. Often referred to as the Switzerland of the East, Kashmir owes its natural beauty to the rugged mountains, which restrict mobility however, especially during the winters, when the mountain ranges are covered with a thick blanket of snow. Here, we are presenting some popular excursion points of the region. Wular Lake One of Asia's largest fresh water lakes, Wular Lake changes character with every few miles. There are the calm waters of Manasbal Lake, a bird watcher's paradise, sporting Shikaras that take you on a ride through the tranquil waters. To the right of the Wular Lake, is a delightfully laid out Mughal Garden and one may also see old women picking water chestnuts and deftly navigating the weeds in flat-bottomed skiffs. Watlab Miles way from well-traversed areas of Kashmir, lies Watlab, where there is a shrine of a Muslim mystic, Baba Shukurddin, atop the hill. It is from here that the Wular Lake stretches away, surrounded by picturesque and colorful villages and terraced paddy fields. At Watlab, there is a Forest Rest House nestled amidst sprawling apple orchards basking in the sheer natural opulence of the spectacular countryside. Achabal The erstwhile pleasure retreat of Empress Nur Jehan, Achabal is situated at a height of 1,677 m. 58 km from Srinagar, it has a fine garden laid in the Mughal (Persian) style and oozes with its own charm and character. Kashmir sports the best of the Mughal gardens of India and perhaps, Achabal is the best. Fringed by stately Chinar trees, it is situated at the foot of a hill and is a visual treat with its stepped terraces, formal elegance, ornamental shrubs, sparkling fountains and falling water. Daksum Amidst the breathtaking splendor of the springs at Kokarnag, Daksum is tucked away in a densely forested gorge with the Bringhi River passing through its heart. At an altitude of 2438 m, Daksum is a walker's paradise with coniferous trees, gurgling brooks, the music of flute of the shepherds tending their flock and the grassy meadows where sheep are taken to pasture. It has everything to rejuvenate the visitors with its bracing mountain air, solitude, densely clad hills and snow-covered mountains in the backdrop that lend to the Daksum's mystique and make it a perfect retreat. Kokernag Situated in the heart of Bringhi valley, Kokernag is situated at an altitude of 2,020 m. 70 km from Srinagar, Kokernag is set amidst sprawling gardens with its air full of fragrance that owes itself to the thousands of flowers blooming in the region. The Kokernag Spring bubbles at seven places at the foot of the forested mountain and its water is famous for its medicinal and digestive properties. Yusmarg 47 km from Srinagar, Yusmarg is a vast grassy meadow fringed by forests of pine with awesome and stately snow clad mountains in the backdrop. A favorite picnic spot, it boasts of walks of every sort, from a leisure stroll amidst the flower-strewn meadows to the mighty river of Dudh Ganga foaming white and crashes its way over the rocks. It has a beautiful lake called Nilnag, which is cradled by hills. There are several peaks nearby such as Tatta Kutti and Sang Safed and Charari- Sharief, the Shrine of Kashmir's patron saint Sheikh Noor-ud-din or Nund Reshi is a short distance from here. Aharbal The roaring waterfall of Aharbal crashes down a narrow gorge and is the highlight of the place. Several picnic spots surround the area and an excellent trekking point; it has delightful walks of varying lengths all over the hillsides. One of the most interesting treks is the high-altitude lake of Kounsernag at 13,500 ft above sea level has its starting point in Aharbal. Verinag 80 km from Srinagar, situated at an altitude of 1,876 m, Verinag boasts of a spring, which is believed to be the chief source of the River Jhelum. Mughal Emperor Jahangir started the construction of the octagonal base of the spring and the arcade around it, which was completed during the reign of his son, Shah Jahan. To the east of the stream, lie the remains of a Mughal pavilion and baths.

Monuments of Kashmir

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Jammu & Kashmir has a good share of Indian historical and archaeological legacy. There has been a very unique and glorious tradition of the people of the State of preaching and worshipping of each other's religions and pilgrimage centres. There are well-renowned Hindu shrines co-existing with the equally famous Muslim pilgrimage centres that are held in highest esteem by the people of every faith. Buddhism, which is still followed in the Ladakh region of the State, has its origin in the valley and was preached and disseminated by the Kashmiri scholars in its earlier days. There are some wonderful examples of this communal harmony in pilgrimage centres like the one at Hari Parbat where monuments of all three religions - a temple, mosque and gurudwara are standing side by side. Some of the important shrines and monuments of the region have been covered below: Hazratbal Mosque Situated in a village on the western shores of the Dal Lake opposite Nishat Bagh, it is a pristine white marble edifice casting its reflection in the waters of the lake. It is revered for the fact that it houses a hair of the prophet Muhammad, which is displayed to the public on religious occasions. Fairs are held on such occasions. People throng to the place every Friday to offer their prayers. Unlike the other mosques in Srinagar, which have a pagoda like roof, Hazratbal is the only mosque to have a domed roof. mosque in Srinagar; the others having distinct pagoda like roofs. Jami Masjid Situated in the heart of the old city of Srinagar, this huge mosque is visited by thousands of people who congregate here for the Friday prayers. The largest mosque in Kashmir, it is built around a courtyard with 370 wooden pillars to support it. Originally built by Sultan Sikandar in 1400, and enlarged by his son, Zain-ul- Abidin, it is a typical example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. Destroyed thrice by fire in 1479, 1620 and 1674 respectively and rebuilt each time, the mosque of today was repaired during the reign of Maharaja Pratap Singh. The principal features of the mosque are the four minars and eight wooden columns as support Shankaracharya Temple Believed to have been built at the auspicious site of Takht-e-Sulaiman, the sacred temple of Shankaracharya occupies the top of the hills in the southeast of Srinagar. Dating back to 250 BC, it is believed that it was the place where the great philosopher and saint Shankaracharya stayed when he visited Kashmir ten centuries ago to revive Sanatan Dharma. It was then that this place came to be known by his name instead of its former name Gopadri, an earlier edifice built on the same site by king Lalitaditya in the 6th century AD. Built on a high octagonal plinth and approached by a flight of steps, it has sidewalls that once bore inscriptions and the main surviving shrine consists of a circular cell. A modern ceiling covers the inner sanctum and an inscription in Persian traces its origin to the reign of Emperor Shah Jehan. The original ceiling was dome- shaped and the brick roof is not more than a century old. Khanqah of Shah Hamadan Situated on the banks of the River Jhelum, it is the first mosque ever built in Srinagar. The Shah Hamadan whose full name was Mir Sayed Ali Hamadni built the original mosque in 1395. Shah-i-Hamdan came from Persia in the 13th century and was responsible for the spread of Islam in Kashmir. Khanqah-i-Mualla was the place where he used to offer prayers. The Khanqah is a wooden structure whose chief aesthetic feature is its beautifully carved eaves and hanging bells. The interiors are richly carved and painted, and the antique chandeliers give it an air of magnificence. Hari Parbat Fort & Temple of Sharika Devi Built in the 18th century, atop the Sharika Hill, Atta Mohammed Khan constructed the fort from 1776 though the surrounding wall was built by Akbar in the 16th century and is much older. It has two gates, the Kathi and Sangin Darwaza. The Kathi is the main entrance with Persian commemorative inscriptions surrounding it while the Sangin is more ornate with sculptured windows on either side. Mow used as an arsenal, the fort contains a temple revered for its image of the Goddess Sharika, a form of Durga. Makhdoom Sahib The shrine, situated to the south of Hari Parbat, is dedicated to Makhdoom Sahib or Hazrat Sultan and is revered by Muslims and Hindus alike. Chhatti Padshahi Gurudwara Situated just outside the southern gate of Hari Parbat fort, Chatti Padshahi is one of the most important Sikh Gurudwaras in Kashmir. It is dedicated to the sixth guru of Sikhism who stopped here to preach occasionally while he was traveling through Kashmir. Martand The most memorable and beautiful work of Emperor Lalitaditya of Surya (meaning 'solar') dynasty is the construction of spacious Martand temple dedicated to the Sun god, Bhaskar. The style of the construction of the temple and the skill of the makers are rare in the history of the world. Now, in ruins, it is still appreciable for its design, beauty and art. Martand temple is a mirror of the art and skill of Kashmiri Hindus. In its backdrop are the snow-capped mountains and it is built with strong and square limestone. Its pillars have a Greek pattern that lends gorgeousness to this edifice. Kheer Bhawani Situated at Tullamulla in the Srinagar district, this spring is the most sacred place for Hindus in Kashmir. Hindus must abstain from meat on the days when they visit Kheer Bhavani or the milk goddess and offer her sugar, milk, rice and flowers. An annual festival is held here in May or June when a number of devotees visit the place to offer prayers and seek the blessings of the deity. The beautiful spring of clear water overshadowed by splendid shady trees and full of sacred fish adds an ethereal beauty to the place. Awantipur 29 km from Srinagar, the famous Awantipur temples are believed to have been built in honor of God Mahadev by Awanti Varman. The temples, although in ruins, are of great archaeological interest. King Avantivarman founded the city in the 9th century. There are two main temples, one of which is Shiva-Avantishvara, which is larger and marked by massive walls some half a mile beneath the town on the outskirts of village Jaubror. Reduced to ruins now, the place almost lost its previous grandeur. and has been reduced to ruins, though it is still visited by the devout. The sculptured reliefs principally found on the walls of the entrance and the flank walls of the stairs depict men and women in the acts of drinking, lovemaking and other such merriments. 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.

Jammu Kashmir Wildlife

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Jammu Kashmir Wildlife

Dachigam National Park A beautiful reserve, 22 km Srinagar, the capital city of Jammu and Kashmir, it stretches across an area of 141 square kilometers. With abundance of the most scenic natural beauty, the variation in its altitude is vast, ranging from 5500 ft to 14000 ft above the sea level. Thus, it is very clearly marked into an upper and lower region and the best times to explore these two areas are summers and winters respectively. The park has been a protected area since 1910 and its name literally means 'ten villages', which stands for the number of villages that were relocated for its formation. It was finally declared a National Park in the year 1981. Initially created to ensure clean drinking water supply for the city of Srinagar, it now houses many rare species within its premises including Hangul, or Kashmir Stag. The entire appearance of park changes with the onset of each season. In the wintes, during the months of November to February, the park adorns a white cloak of snow. Hangul moves down to the lower regions in this season and is more easily sighted. Spring arrives in March and the ample greenery of the park stands in contrast with the preceding snow of the mountain slopes. Wild Cherry and other fruit trees give the lower regions a splash of pastel colors. Short summer season thaws out snow to unveil waterfalls and streams and even the higher regions are covered with vast grassy meadows and beautifully scented flowers. This is also the mating season for the Hanguls, which have already moved to the higher region are followed by the females and their recently born young ones during this season. August invites Autumn and the tree leaves turn to bright shades of red, gold, yellow and orange. The flora of the park includes wild trees like Wild Cherry, Pear, Plum, Peach, Apple, Apricot, Walnut, Chestnut, Oak, Willow, Poplar, Chinar, Birch, Pine and Elm while the fauns includes, besides Hangul, Musk Deer, Leopards, Himalayan Gray Langurs, Leopard Cats, Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Brown Bear, Jackals, Hill Fox, Himalayan Weasel, Yellow Throated Martens, Jungle Cats, Long Tailed marmots and Otters. Some of the main bird species found here consist of Cinnamon Sparrows, Black Bulbuls, Monal Pheasants, Golden Orioles, Kokla Pheasants, Choughs, Warblers, Buntings, Streaked Laughing Thrushes, Minivets, Pygmy Owlets, Woodpeckers, Babblers, Wall Creepers, Black and Yellow Grossbeaks, Himalayan Griffons, Bearded Vultures, Redstarts, Wagtails, Laughing Thrushes, Red Browed Finches, Himalayan Ruby Throats, Long Tailed Blue Magpies and Tits.
DACHIGAM NATIONAL PARK

Location: 22-km From Srinagar, Kashmir Region, J&K Area : 141-sq-kms. Attractions: Kashmir Stag, Himalayan Black Bear, Markhor, Ibex, Exotic Birds Best Time To Visit: Upper Dachigam - May-August Lower Dachigam - September- December Bird Viewing - March To May

Located very close to Srinagar (22-km), Dachigam National Park with its splendid forests and magnificent scenery is easily accessible. Of all the many sanctuaries in the state, the one at Dachigam is the best known. At one time the exclusive hunting preserve of the Maharaja of Kashmir, it was declared a national park in 1951, and owing to a strictly enforced conservation programme, the Hangul population, once 150, now stands at over 400 animals. TheSectors The two sectors of the Park - Upper and Lower Dachigam are spread over an area of 141-sq-km. and altitudes vary between 1,700 and 4,300 metres. Two steep ridges enclose the Park with its great topographical variety - deep ravines, rocky outcrops, steep wooded slopes and rolling alpine pastures. Tumbling down from the Masrar Lake (4,300m), up in the high ranges, the Dachigam River winds through Lower Dachigam. Flora The Park is the habitat of the endangered Hangul or the Kashmir stag - the only species of red Deer to be found in India. Winter is the best time to view the Hangul, when they congregate in the shelter of the lower valleys. Other inhabitants include the Himalayan Black Bear, species of wild Goat like the Markhor and Ibex and varieties of exotic Himalayan birds. The leopard, which is the only predator in this paradise, is rarely seen as also the elusive snow leopard, which is found in the higher altitudes. Other animals include the rare musk deer and the Himalayan marmot. A metalled road takes visitors from Srinagar into Lower Dachigam. Upper Dachigam can only be explored on foot. Avifauna There over 150 species of birds inhabiting park's vicinity. Colourful pheasants include the Crimson Tragopan, the iridescent Monal Pheasant with its glittering plumage, the Blood Pheasant and the Koklass Pheasant. The golden Eagle and the bearded Vulture or Lammergeier are seen circling the brilliant blue skies.
PRIME ATTRACTION
Amidst forests of silver birch and conifer roams the Hangul. Rare and on the verge of extinction till a few years ago, the national park at Dachigam contains the last viable Hangul population in the world. Related to the red Deer of Europe, this breed is characterised by its white rump patch and impressive spread of antlers.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: The nearest town and airport is Srinagar 22-km away. Rail: It is 310-km from Jammu, the nearest railway station. Road: A metalled road links Srinagar with Lower Dachigam. Upper Dachigam can be reached on foot. WHERE TO STAY
Two lodges and rest houses in the sanctuary are available for accommodation. For those staying in Srinagar, hotels and houseboats are available in plenty.
GULMARG BIOSPHERE RESERVE

Location: 48-km Southwest Of Srinagar, Kashmir Region, J&K Coverage Area: 180-sq-kms Main Attraction: Musk Deer Best Time To Visit: Mammal Viewing - September To March Bird Viewing - March To May
The reserve area is located at a distance of 48-km from Srinagar , to its southwest. It is famous for retaining several rare and endangered species such as the musk deer, and a rich and varied avifauna
Flora
The area holds a rich cover of vegetation, the dominant forest consisting of conifers, which account for over 90%. The principal species are Cedrus Deodara, Pinus Griffithii, Abies Pindrow, Aesculus Indica, etc. The major shrubs are Indigofera Heterantha, , Sorbaria Tomentosa, etc. The ground cover over here is also very rich and Dicotyledonus herbs dominate the area, comprising of Rumex Patientia, etc.

Fauna
Nature has gifted this Biosphere Reserve with multiple species of rare, endangered and protected species. The main species found over here are Hangul, Musk Deer, Serow, Brown Bear, Leopard, Black Bear and Red Fox, etc.
Avifauna
The area houses a good population of pheasants and upland birds apart from other species, both resident and migratory. The common birds are Griffon Vulture, Monal, Snow Cock, Koklas, Blue Rock Pigeon, Kashmir Roller, European Hoopoe, Jungle Crow, etc.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: Nearest airport is Srinagar (57-km). Rail: Nearest railhead is Jammu (342-km). Road: Regular buses ply from Srinagar, which is 48-km away from the reserve area
KISHTWAR HIGH ALTITUDE NATIONAL PARK

Location: on Jammu-Srinagar Road, Jammu Region, J&K Altitude: 1,700m To 4,800m Main Attractions: Waterfalls, Trekking, Sapphire Mines Of Paddar Best Time To Visit: June To October
Well off the Jammu Srinagar road, Kishtwar is connected to Srinagar by a trekking route, which goes through Banderkot, Dadhpeth, Mughal Maidan, Chhatru, Sinthan and Daksum; crossing the 3,797 metres Sinthan pass. One can also trek from Kishtwar into Zanskar. The town is noted for its natural beauty, history and art.

PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Kishtwar is sited on a plateau above the Chenab River and below the Nagin Sheer glacier. It is noted for the fine saffron grown in the area and for the many waterfalls close by. A fall only 3-km from the town drops over 700m in a series of cascades. The Falls are a marvelous sight, visible even from the town. Saffron, a very colourful sight in spring and summer, grows only in a limited area and the cultivation and harvesting is accompanied by merry festivals and ceremonies. Sarthal Devi The pilgrimage site of Sarthal Devi, with its 18-armed goddess statue, is 19 km from the town. Kishtwar also has the tombs of two important Muslim saints. Sapphire Mines Of Paddar Situated 115-km beyond Kishtwar at an altitude of over 4,000 metres, are the blue sapphire mines of Paddar. There is a road leading up to this area from Kishtwar. Sapphire mines were only discovered in the 1880s and have been worked only intermittently since this time because of the difficult terrain and unscientific mining techniques. Now the mines are open regularly and are more productive.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: The nearest airport is situated in Jammu (250-km). Rail: The nearest railhead is situated in Jammu (248-km). Road: The road is constructed upto Ikhala, but bus services are only operated up to Plamer, which is 20-km away, in the north of Kishtwar.

Jammu Kashmir Gardens

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Impressed with abundant natural beauty, Mughals loved this place so much that they have contributed many beautiful gardens to the city of Srinagar. Well-planned and vast, these gardens are home to a variety of flora and delightful water systems. They retain something of the elaborately planned Persian gardens and are mostly terraced to suit the environs of the mountainous slopes. Shalimar Garden Emperor Jehangir built this beautiful Garden for his beloved wife Nur Jehan. It has four terraces and stretches across 539 by 182 meters, watered by the Harwan through canal lined with beautiful fountains. The fourth terrace is the best one and was once reserved for royal ladies and innumerable varieties of flowers bloom in spring and autumn. Chashmashahi Shah Jehan laid the Chashmashahi or the Royal spring in Srinagar in 1632. Renowned for the spring of refreshing digestive mineral water, this terraced garden has fountains in the middle and houses multiple kinds of fruits and flowers plants. The tall trees of Chinar can also be seen here. The picnic delights and long walks in the gardens, strolling hand in hand with your partner and treating all your five senses with the unforgettable pleasures are just a modest account of the place. Nishat Garden The brother of Mughal Empress Nur Jehan, Asif Khan laid the Garden in Srinagar in 1633. Set on the banks of world famous Dal Lake, in the backdrop of Zabarwan hills, this terraced garden offers some magnificent views of the lake. The Garden has a beautiful water channel flowing right through its middle. Not a minute in the garden can be dull with its gorgeous Shikara rides up to the Nehru Park from here. The favorite picnic spot of the natives, a long walk amidst the lush greenery of this well-planned Garden refreshes oneself. There are also some shopping stalls opposite the garden. Harwan Located in Srinagar, Harwan is a huge garden with a beautiful canal passing through its heart. Lined with flowerbeds and massive Chinar Trees, the canal is fed from a beautiful lake, which lies just behind the garden. Purposefully kept devoid of fanciful things and artificial fountains, the abundant natural beauty of the place complete with vast big green-carpeted lawns, makes it an ideal spot for picnics and excursions. Besides the delightful long walks in the Garden itself, it is also a take-off point for visiting Wild life sanctuary of Dachi Gam and a starting point of trekking up to Mahadev Mountain. Pari Mahal The erstwhile royal observatory, Pari Mahal boasts of a well planned and is just a five-minute drive from Cheshmashahi. The place also houses a Buddhist monastery of the olden times, converted later to a school of astrology by Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan. This ancient monument retains a dream-like quality, illuminated at nights and placed on the very edge of a mountain casting its reflection in the waters of the Dal Lake with a well-laid spacious garden in front.

Kashmir Lakes

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Dal Lake and Nagin Lake Kashmir

The Kashmir valley is gifted with exotic natural scenic beauty of landscape and water bodies, out of them, the most famous are Dal Lake and Nagin Lake. These water bodies are of great ecological and socio-economic significance. These lake with its multi-faceted eco-system and grandeur has been inviting the attention of national and international tourists. Dal Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes of India and the second largest in the J&K state. Its three sides are surrounded by majestic mountains and a large number of gardens and orchards have been laid along the shores. The campus of University of Kashmir is also located along the shores of the lake. Dal Lake is unique in having hundreds of houseboats, which afford an opportunity to tourists to reside on the lake in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. Areas of the Dal Lake are clustered with sloping roofed houses on islands, while other parts appear lush and green like well-tended gardens. As the eye travels onwards, houseboats, houses and vegetation cease abruptly, and two enormous sheet-like expanses of water, the Bod Dal & Lokut Dal, come into view. Leading from the Dal lake is the smaller Nagin Lake. Here, the waters are edged by trees of willow and poplar whose reflection is mirrored in the lake. The waters of the lakes are pleasantly cool from mid-May to mid-September. Nagin Lake, which is farther from town, have magnificent views of the mountains. Salesmen paddle from boat to boat, selling everything you could want such as cold drinks, fruit, nuts, fresh flowers, film, baked goods, papier-mache boxes, woolen shawls, silk carpets, leather goods, money-changing services and on and on. The gentle soothing motion of the boat, as it glides along the water of these lakes, is unbelievably romantic.

Kashmir Dal Lake

Dal Lake has rightfully become an icon of the Kashmir tourism industry. A Himalayan urban lake, it has five basins and a number of channels that are well linked with each other. There are plenty of fishes in Dal Lake and fishery is the second largest industry of the region centered on the lake. The sparkling quiet waters of Dal surrounded by snow-capped mountains on its three sides, undoubtedly mark it as one of the most beautiful lakes of India. It is also the second largest lake in the State of Jammu and Kashmir with numerous gardens and orchards all along its shores. Houseboats form an indelible part of the scenery of the Dal Lake that are always ready to take tourists to a romantic and peaceful ride of the lake and soothe their nerves as the houseboat floats over the slightly rippling waters. They also offer some of the most exotic views of the splendid scenery of the Dal Lake. There are Shikaras that look like small ornate versions of the gondolas of Venice that offers ferry rides to and from the banks of the lake to the houseboats. The shores of the Lake houses the distinct Moghul monuments and the campus of the University of Kashmir while the two hillocks overlooking the lake house Shankaracharya and Hari Parbat temples. The glorious Mughal gardens on its shores contribute to the beauty of the Dal Lake. Out of about five hundred gardens laid down in 16th to 17th century, only a few still survive. There have been controversies about the origin of the Dal Lake. While some geologists believe that the origins of Dal Lake lie in the Pleistocene Oligotrophic Lake that once covered the entire valley of Kashmir, others just believe it to be a flood plain lake. The floating gardens of Dal Lake are considered a beauty in themselves. One can find a number of restaurants and hotels at the lakefront that have sprung up, encouraged by the large influx of tourists here.

Tourist Destinations in Wullar Lake

The tourist destination of Wullar Lake lies at a distance of 60 kilometers from Srinagar, Kashmir. This lake draws water from the northern river, Jhelum. This lake is the largest fresh water lake in India. This lake has a width of 10 kilometers and it has a length of 24 kilometers. The shores of this lake are not clearly defined. Several small streams, viz. Harbuji, the Aarah, Erin and Pohru. The Harbuji, Aarah, Erin and Pohru streams flow into the Wullar Lake. Tours and travel to the Wullar Lake in Srinagar, Kashmir, India includes a visit to the town of Bandipora that lies near the Wullar Lake.
Kashmir Hub attempts to make your travel to the picturesque Wullar Lake a memorable one by offering you all information about this beautiful and peaceful tourist destination. Tours to the Wullar Lake involve a visit to a number of tourist spots around the Wullar Lake. Bandipora is a popular tourist attraction. This township is situated on the eastern bank of the Wullar Lake. It is popular for its woolen blankets.
Tours to Wullar Lake usually involves a visit to the Nal Sarovar bird sanctuary that is situated near the Lake. This is also an important tourist destination.

Pilgrimage Destinations in Jammu & Kashmir

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Kashmir Hub offers a clear picture of the several pilgrimage destinations in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The state has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in the lifestyles of the native people who live in the villages in the different districts of the state. Tours and travel to Kashmir includes visits to a number of ancient Hindu, Muslim and Sufi and Buddhist temples, shrines and monasteries. The Ladakh region has a number of important Gompas or monasteries. The village of Krimchi situated in the Udhampur district has the three most ancient Hindu temples in the state of Kashmir. Jammu is known as the city of temples. There are a number of places of worship in the Srinagar area.
Tours and travel to pilgrimage destinations includes a visit to the most frequented, popular and perhaps the most important Hindu place of worship, that is, Mata Vaishno Devi, which is located at a height of 5, 300 feet above the sea level. The Vaishno Devi shrine is located inside a cave in the Trikuta Mountains in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Tours and travel to pilgrimage destinations in Kashmir involves visits to other important places of worship. These are Amarnath, Charar-e-sharif, Hazratbal mosque, Khanqah-e-moulah, Kheer Bhawani, the Shankaracharya temple and the Gompas in Ladakh.
The Amarnath shrine is located inside a cave in the Himalayas. The mythological and historical importance of this sacred place according to mythology is the fact that lord Shiva recounted the secret of creation to the Goddess Parvati in this cave.
The Charar-e-sharif was a 600 year-old wooden shrine, which was destroyed as a consequence of an armed battle between the Indian Army and the Pakistani Army.
The Shankaracharya temple is situated at a great height atop a hill in the southeast of Srinagar. The Kheer Bhawani pilgrimage is located in the village of Tulla Mulla near Srinagar. The Gompas in Ladakh and Zanskar are of special importance as these give the tourist an insight into the Buddhist culture, beliefs and tradition.
Hazratbal

Kashmir Hub offers you an opportunity to explore the sacred Muslim pilgrimage destination of the Hazratbal shrine that is situated on the banks of the Dal Lake in Srinagar opposite Nishat Bagh. Tours and travel to this shrine can be a special experience as the Prophet Mohammad's hair, that is the Moi-e-Muqqadus, is preserved in this shrine. The history of this shrine dates back to the seventeenth century. The Hazratbal shrine is a marble structure that was specifically constructed by Muslim Auqaf Trust with the objective of preserving the Prophet's hair, this piece of hair arrived in Kashmir in the year 1699.
The Hazratbal shrine lies at a distance of 25 kilometers from the Badgam district in Srinagar, Kashmir. This pilgrimage destination is known by a number of names viz. the Assar-e-Sharif, Madinat-us-Sani and the Dargah Sharif. Mughal emperor Shahjahan's brother constructed the Ishrat Mahal at the site of the shrine sometime in the year 1623, later when the emperor himself visited the site he ordered the place to be converted into a prayer house. The shrine as such was built by the Muslim Auqaf trust. Before the Hazratbal shrine was constructed the sacred hair was placed in the shrine of Naqshband Sahib. The architecture of the shrine is a combination of Mughal and traditional Kashmiri.
The Moi-e-Muqqadus is usually on public display inside a glass casket on certain sacred and holy days. Tours and travel to the Hazratbal shrine gives you an opportunity to participate in the colorful and vibrant fairs that are held at Hazratbal every year, the most important among these is the Shab-e-Meraj. The Watul mela is also very popular among the tourists and the pilgrims.
Khanqah Mosque

Kashmir Hub offers you a unique opportunity to visit the ancient pilgrimage destination of Khanqah-e-moulah mosque. The Khanqah-e-moulah is popularly known as the Khanqah mosque or the Shah Hamdan Masjid. This mosque is located on the banks of the river Jhelum. Tours and travel to this pilgrimage destination gives you the thrill of watching this ancient monument on the banks of the river Jhelum in its complete rustic glory. This mosque was constructed by Sultan Shah Sikander in the year 1395 to honor Mir Sayyid Ali Hamdani, popularly known as Shah Hamdan who used to visit Kashmir for meditation. The word Khanqah basically means a lodge or resting place for Sufi saints.
Tours and travel to this pilgrimage gives you a chance to appreciate the most attractive feature of this mosque, and that is its intricate and characteristic woodwork and carvings. Cedar wood was used for the construction of this Khanqah. The medieval wooden style of Kashmir's Muslim architecture is best reflected in the Khanqah-e-moulah in Srinagar. There is a lot of papier machie work on the walls and ceilings of the mosque. The original structure of the mosque does not exist, in fact it has been rebuilt a number of times. The present structure is shaped like a cube with a pyramidal roof and was built by Sultan Hassan Shah. An inscription on the doorway of the shrine states 786 Hijrah as the year of death of the Sufi saint Shah Hamdan.
Kashmir Hub attempts to offer tourists comprehensive details on tour packages and travel options to the Khanqah mosque in Srinagar, Kashmir, India.
Kheer Bhawani

Kashmir Hub offers tourists an opportunity to visit the holy temple of the Goddess Ragnya Devi. This pilgrimage destination is located in the village of Tulla Mulla, that is at a distance of 27 kilometers from Srinagar.
This temple is popularly known as the Kheer Bhawani temple. Devotees fast and gather here on the eighth day of the full moon in the month of May when, according to common belief, the goddess changes the color of the spring's waters. The temple complex is known as Kheer Bhawani because of the thousands of devotees who offer milk and kheer, a form of Indian desert, to the sacred spring, which magically turns black to warn of impending disaster. Pilgrims who have faith in the divine powers of the goddess usually undertake tours and travel to this pilgrimage.
Travel and tours to the Kheer Bhawani pilgrimage during the annual festival can be the most thrilling experience. The festival of the Kheer Bhawani temple is extremely famous and devotees gather from far and wide to participate in the worship of the goddess Ragnya Devi. The festival ends with a maha yagnya. It has been a tradition among the Kashmiri pundits to visit the temple of Kheer Bhawani on all the nine days of the navratras. The tenth day of the festival is celebrated as Vijaya Dashami.
Kashmir Hub attempts to offer tourists relevant information on tours and travels to the Kheer Bhawani temple in Srinagar, Kashmir, India.
Vaishno Devi

The shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi is one of the most important pilgrimages of the Hindus. This sacred shrine is located at a height of 5, 300 feet above the sea level. The site is located inside a cave in the Trikuta Mountains in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, 62 kilometers from Jammu and 14 kilometers from Katra.
Mata Vaishno Devi is a form of the Hindu goddess Durga. According to legend a young girl Vaishno was created by the Gods to fight the demons in the Treta yug. According to common Hindu religious belief Mata Vaishno grants the four important boons of righteousness, material pursuits, contentment and enlightenment to all those who visit this sacred place of worship. Usually devotees offer coconuts, dry fruits and red net scarves as a token of worship to the deity.
The shrine as mentioned above is located in the Trikuta Mountains. Once at the entrance to the cave; the path turns into a narrow tunnel with a cold stream running through it. This stream is called the Charan Ganga. There are rock cut idols of three deities inside the cave, viz. Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati. These idols have crowns made of gold and silver.
Kashmir Hub offers you all the relevant details regarding tour packages to Vaishno Devi, Kashmir, India.

Tourist Destinations in Srinagar

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Srinagar, the summer capital of the state of Jammu and Kashmir is located on the western side of the state and is a favorite tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir. Srinagar is popular among tourists for its lakes and the charming rows of houseboats floating on them. It is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dry fruits. The best time to visit Srinagar is from June to early November in summer and from December to February in winter. Other interesting tourist attractions are the Hazratbal mosque and the Hari Parbat fort.
The commonly spoken languages in the Kashmir Valley are Hindi, Urdu, Kashmiri, and English. The people of Srinagar are tall and fair and the sight of rosy-cheeked children going to school or rowing small boats on the Dal Lake is a picturesque sight. Srinagar is popular among tourists for its lakes, scenic beauty and the Mughal gardens. The Nishad and Shalimar Gardens are popular venues for picnics in Srinagar. The area around Dal Lake is also a favorite place for visitors who sit on the banks of the Dal Lake and watch boats float by, or venture out on a boat ride.
Srinagar basically has an alpine weather, as the summers are mild and winters are cold. In winter the local people, wear thick loose coats called Phirans. They carry a small basket within which a clay pot is kept. The clay pot has burning coal which is kept alight by feeding it small twigs and leaves of the Chinar tree. This device called the Kangri is carried under the phiran like a portable heater by Kashmiris as they go out on work every day. It is the traditional method of coping with the winter in Kashmir. Srinagar is known for its shops where fine Kashmiri furnture and wood carvings are sold. Kashmiri embroidery is a favorite of tourists who buy phirans, kurtas and shawls decorated with intricate embroidery. Designs such as the paisley motif, lotuses, chinar leaves, birds and flowers are stitched by hand in fine silk threads on woolen garments and shawls.
Srinagar has several tourist attractions; some of these are the Dal Lake, the Nagin Lake, Shankaracharya Hill, the Hari Parbat Hill that is situated on top of the Sharika Hill and the Charar-e-Shareif shrine, which is situated on the way to Yusmarg. The Dachigam National Park is situated at some distance from Srinagar. There are several travel packages for those interested in visiting Srinagar. Srinagar also offers adventure sports facilities for tourists to Kashmir.
Tourist Destinations in Gulmarg

The tourist destination of Gulmarg lies at a distance of 56 kilometers from Srinagar, Kashmir. Gulmarg is one of the most frequented hill resorts in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The word gul means flowers, and thus the name Gulmarg stands for a meadow of flowers. Flowers that bloom in this meadow include bluebells, daisies, forget-me-nots and buttercups. Tours to the meadow of Gulmarg will transport you into a beautiful world of flowers. Those who aim to embark on a tour to the Gulmarg region must make it a point to travel to the picturesque Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve and the Alpather Lake. In fact the prime tourist attractions for those who travel to Gulmarg include skiing and Heliskiing, green golf courses and the gondola lift.
Gulmarg has a beautiful golf course that is situated at a height of 2,650 meters above the sea level. Tourists who travel to Gulmarg visit this beautiful and panoramic golf course, if not to actually play the game, but to admire the lush green land slopes that incline gradually and form a sight to behold. Tours to Gulmarg usually offer you a temporary membership at the golf course.

As far as adventure sports is concerned Gulmarg is a trekking base for those who trek to the Pir Panjal Range, Nanga Parbat and Khilanmarg. Tours to Gulmarg offer you facilities for hiring trekking equipment and local guides. Most of the resorts in Gulmarg provide all the facilities along with world-class equipment for those keen on skiing. Khilanmarg is an important skiing center. The skiing season commences in December and goes on till the month of April. The Gulmarg biosphere reserve is located at a distance of 48 kilometers from Srinagar and offers one of the most attractive wildlife tour and travel packages.
The Alpather Lake lies frozen till the month of June and it lies at the base of the Apharwat Mountain. This lake is located at a distance of 13 kilometers from Gulmarg. The Alpather Lake and the melting snow and ice from the Apharwat Mountain form the Ningli Nallah. This stream also forms an attractive tour site.
Tourist Destinations in Pahalgam

The Pahalgam valley is situated at the confluence of the Seshnag Lake and the Lidder River. Pahalgam is basically a cluster of eight villages. The word Pahalgam literally means, the Valley of Shepherds.
Tours to Pahalgam is associated with the annual Amaranth yatra. The region is extremely popular among tourists for its outdoor activities like fishing, horse riding, golf and trekking. Pahalgam is a popular take off point for treks to the Kolahoi glacier, to several high altitude lakes, to the Amarnath cave and to Sonmarg.
Pahalgam offers several tourist attractions. Tours and travel to Pahalgam usually include a visit the Baisaran meadow that is surrounded by pine forests on all sides. Tours to Pahalgam should definitely include a visit to the village of Mamal that is significant as it has an ancient Shiva temple. It is believed that this is Kashmir's oldest temple.
There are excellent fishing opportunities at the Lidder River. Tourists are issued permits to go fishing on the Lidder River. These permits are issued for maximum three days at a time. Most tours and travel packages to Pahalgam offer opportunities to tourists for outdoor activities such as fishing. There are ample opportunities for tourists to enjoy horse riding upto the Thajwas glacier.
Tourist Destinations in Sonamarg

The word Sonamarg literally means the meadow of gold. The tourist destination of Sonamarg lies at a distance of 84 kilometers from Srinagar, Kashmir, India. Sonamarg lies at an altitude of 2740 meters above the sea level. To be precise it lies on the Srinagar-Ladakh road. The Sindh River flows through the region.
Sonamarg is a hill resort. It is also a base camp for those visiting Ladakh.
As far as activities for tourists are concerned, travel to the Sindh River in Sonamarg offers ample opportunities for fishing. The Krishnasar Lake is also a site for fishing. Sonamarg is also a trekking base. A number of hiking and trekking trails makes Sonamarg an interesting place to travel to. Sonamarg is known for its natural beauty; in fact it is popular for its alpine flowers, sycamore, silver birch and pine trees. Kashmir Hub aims to make tours and travel to Sonamarg a memorable experience by providing you with all the relevant details.
Tours and travel to Sonamarg involves a visit to several tourist attractions. One of these is the Baltal camping base. Nilagrad is another tourist spot, where a small stream meets the Sindh River. The glaciers at Thajiwas are also an important tourist attraction. Sonamarg is well connected by road to Srinagar. The travel time in between the Sonamarg and Srinagar is about two hours.
Hari Parbat Fort

The Mughal fort situated on the banks of the Dal Lake of Srinagar, it is positioned on top of the Sharika Hill. Originally, it was built during the reign of Akbar but its present structure owes itself to the Afghan governor of Kashmir in the 18th century. It has a Parvati temple on the western slope and the Muslim shrines of Khwaja Makhdoom Sahib and Akhund Mullah Shah on the southern one. On the southern side of the outer wall there is a Guru Dwara, which commemorates the visit of Guru Hargobind Singh. Presently the fort is under army occupation. According to the local legend, this hill was once a lake as large as a sea and was inhabited by the abominable demon known as Jalobhava. The inhabitants called on Goddess Sati, spouse of Lord Shiva for her help. She took the form of a bird and dropped a pebble on the demon's head, which kept on increasing in size until the demon was crushed by it. Hari Parbat is revered as that pebble and it is said to have become the home for all 33 crore gods of the Hindu pantheon. Another version of the myth that involves the hill, says that two demons, Tsand and Mond occupied the fair valley. Tsand conceded himself in water near the present location of Hari Parbat and Mond somewhere above the present Dal Gate. They were a menace to the people of the valley, which could not be inhabited owing to their dreaded presence. Thus, the gods invoked Goddess Parvati who assumed the form of a Hor (myna) and flew to Sumer from where she got a pebble in her beak and threw it on the demon Tsand to crush him. The pebble grew into a mountain. She is worshipped as Sharika in Shri Tsakra (an emblem of cosmic energy pervading the universe) occupying the middle part of the western slope of the hill. The hill is also called Predemna Peet or Kohi Maran. Akbar the Great built the outer wall of the fort in 1590 at a cost of one crore and ten lakh of rupees. The inscription in Persian at the Kathi Darwaza commemorating this work can be read even today. Akbar intended to lay the foundation of a new capital inside the fort and call it Nagar Nagor. The ruins of certain terraces can still be seen on the side of the Pokhiri Bal. The views of the Dal lake and a part of the valley from the fort are spectacular.

Winter Sports in Kashmir

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Kashmir Hub offers you details of winter sports that are extremely popular in the state of Kashmir. The winter sports that attract tourists to Kashmir from far and wide include skiing, heliskiing, ice-skating and snow boarding.
Gulmarg and Khilanmarg are the skiing hot spots in Kashmir, India. Skiing here usually begins around the beginning of December and goes on till the end of March. Gulmarg has earned the distinction of being the best ski resort in the Himalayas. This resort was established in the year 1927 by two British Army officers who set up the first skiing club in Gulamarg, Kashmir. Festivals like Christmas and Easter are occasions for organized skiing races. The first National Winter Games were held in Gulmarg in the year 1998. Gulmarg is situated at a distance of 56 kilometers from Srinagar. Gulmarg has the reputation of being the highest lift-served ski resort in India. Ski lifts and chair lifts take skiiers up to the top of the ski slopes from where skiiers can choose the beginnners, intermediate or more advanced slopes.

Gulmarg also offers heliskiing for winter sports lovers. It is Asia's only heliskiing resort and in fact after Canada, Kashmir is the best option for those inclined towards heliskiing. Heliskiing comprises of being dropped by a helicopter on the summit of a high, snow-covered peak and then skiing down the slopes. Heliskiing in Kashmir can be a breathtaking experience. Heliskiing is the ultimate winter sports thrill for the adventure sports lover. This extreme winter sport has some element of risk but the thrill experienced while indulging in heliskiing is said to be unequalled by any other winter sport.
Other activities you can enjoy in Kashmir are ice-skating, ice-hockey and cross country skiing. Pahalgam and Srinagar in Kashmir are extremely popular sites for ice-skating. Ice skating and ice-hockey which involves playing hockey while wearing skates on an ice-rink or on the frozen surface of a lake, is a popular winter sport played by two teams who try to manoeuvre a smooth puck, (instead of the ball used in ordinary hockey) to score goals against the opposing team. A game of great swiftness and dexterity, ice hockey is a popular spectator sport among winter sports in Kashmir.
Kashmir Hub provides details on travel packages for winter sports to various places in Kashmir.
Skiing

Skiing in Jammu and Kashmir is a thrilling and exciting experience for any adventure enthusiast. The Ski Club of India was established in Gulmarg in 1927, which is now considered as the ski paradise of India. Just 50 km from Srinagar, situated at an altitude of 2,730 m, Gulmarg changes its scenery from a flowery meadow to that pf a small ski resort in winters. Ski-lovers from all over the country flock to the place because it is the only ski-resort in the mighty Himalayas where you can ski with a magnificent view of the Karakorams and also the cheapest one in the whole world to learn skiing. Gulmarg provides an altitude difference of over 1,500 m with lengths of more than 10 km. However, only a ski-mountaineer can reach these higher slopes. The beginners may hire any of the four ski lifts or a chairlift. Here, the latest Austrian and French equipment is available on hire and the ski school known as the Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering, which conducts 10 day and 21-day short ski courses for beginners and advanced skiers. The best season for skiing is mid-December to mid-April and the road is kept open to Gulmarg with the help of powerful German machines throughout the winter. There are cross-country runs apart from downhill skiing and there are delightful excursions to the shrine of Baba Reshi through the 'powder chute'. Heli-skiing is the recent addition to the place and there are numerous possibilities of finding new tracks throughout the winter season. A look for a helicopter is even more majestic. There are other places apart from Gulmarg, where one may find the pleasure of skiing including Srinagar. Ski tours from Pahalgam to Sonamarg through high mountain passes are not only demanding but also exciting. Wardwan Valley of Ladakh also attracts some ski-enthusiasts during the season.

RESORCES
DESTINATIONS
Tourist Destinations in Jammu

Jammu is an important tourist destination in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. According to ancient history the King Jambu Lochan discovered this area while on a hunting trip. Jammu is situated close to the Shivalik ranges on the banks of the Tawi river. This tourist destination lies at a height of 305 meters above the sea level.Tours to Jammu must include a trip to the important tourist destinations in and around Jammu. These include travel to the Vaishno Devi temple, the Raghunath Mandir, the Dogra Art gallery and the Amar Mahal Palace.
The most frequented and important is the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. Tours and Travel to the panoramic region of Jammu offer you an opportunity to visit the Buddhist monasteries. The monks living in these monasteries along with the local people who live in the nearby regions have a distinct lifestyle of their own. Jammu serves as a base for those who trek to Kargil and for pilgrims to Vaishno Devi. Travel packages to Jammu invariably include trekking trips for both amateurs and professionals.

Tours to the Amar Mahal Palace situated near Ramnagar is a special treat for tourists who travel to Jammu, as it showcases Pahari paintings and other ancient artifacts that shed light on the lifestyle of the rulers of Kashmir. The Dogra rulers patronized the Pahari paintings in ancient Jammu. This travel destination was the residential palace of Raja Amar Singh at one point of time in history.
Jammu is popular among tourists for its water sports, especially rafting and canoeing. Other adventure sports for tourists are mountaineering and trekking. Water sports are a special attraction to those who travel to Kashmir on holiday tours and most tour packages offer facilities for these outdoor activities.
There are various resorts and hotels that provide accommodation facilities for visiting tourists

Mountaineering in Kashmir

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Kashmir Hub offers you details on mountaineering activities in the different regions of Kashmir. The mountains in Kashmir may be categorized as Alpine and Himalayan. The four important mountaineering zones in the state of Jammu and Kashmir are Kashmir, Zanskar, Kishtwar and Ladakh. Mountain climbing is a very popular adventure activity in this region. Proper expeditions have been conducted in the past and are still being conducted by professional mountain climbers to climb their way up to peaks that lie at great heights in the shortest possible time period.
There are a number of tour and travel packages that provide ample opportunity for amateur mountain climbers to enjoy mountaineering trips and expeditions.
There are a number of trekking trails from Kishtwar to a number Himalayan peaks that are not at a very great altitude. In fact these treks can be completed within a weeks time. Most of these trekking tours offer packages that include all the trekking and camping equipment.
Several joint trekking expeditions have been conducted in the Karakoram ranges. Every Foreign mountaineering expedition in the state of Jammu and Kashmir requires the issuance of a written permission from the Indian Mountaineering Foundation.
The popular peaks of Ladakh and Kashmir where mountaineering expeditions are organized on a regular basis are Apsarasas, Chong Kumdan, Teram Kangri Group, Tughmo Zarpo and Saser Kangri. Places like Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Sonamarg serve as base camps for trekking tours to mountain peaks.

Adventure Sports

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Golfing
River Rafting
Mountaineering In Ladakh
Trout Fishing
Skiing & Heli Skiing (in Kashmir)
Water Skiing
Trekking
Kashmir offers a series of a little less rigorous adventure sports, such as Water Skiing, on Srinagar's Dal and Nagin Lakes, a popular part time in the valley. Water trekking is calculated to delight anyone wanting to explore the valley in a boat. A Gondala, locally known as Shikara, takes sightseers along a five-day route along rivers and lakes situated within the valley. Enjoy spending nights camping along the way. Trout fishing is another delightful water sport in Kashmir and fishing season lasts all through summer.

(ADVENTURE SPORTS)

Ladakh offers great scope for undertaking adventure activities amidst landscapes of breathtaking, rugged beauty. The most popular and best established among these are trekking , mountaineering and river-rafting .

Golf Gulmarg also has one of the world's highest green golf courses, as well as a clubhouse, which is a historical building in its own right. For the would-be golfer, there are golf sets on hire, pros to instruct one in the game, and temporary memberships. Naturally, these facilities are available to players as well, except that serious golfers usually carry their sets along

River Rafting A range of rafting options is available on the Indus and its major tributaries. The best stretch for professionally guided runs in white water is on the Indus between Spituk and Saspol. Beyond Saspol, the river becomes difficult and funning it requires technically skilled participants and careful organisation. Upward of Spituk, the Indus has the easiest stretch up to Karu, ideal for basic training and for day-return "scenic floating" for amateurs.

Mountaineering In Ladakh The area most frequented by foreign climbers is the Nun-Kun Massif in the Great Himalayan Range. Its easy accessibility from the Kargil-Pudum road and the shortest possible approach march to the base camps makes this massif the most attractive climbing destination in the Great Himalayas, necessitating advance booking years ahead.

Trout Fishing Fishing is big business in Kashmir through spring and summer. The British introduced the brown and rainbow trout to the streams of Kashmir, where they have thrived. At the same time they introduced the system of anglers reserving ' beats' on their favorite river. Reservations for beats should be made before one arrives in Kashmir, through an Indian Government Tourist Office or directly to the Tourist Reception Centre in Srinagar

Water Skiing Water sports are the 'fun' aspect of Kashmir. The Dal and Nagin lakes in Srinagar and the Manasbal Lake, 32-km from Srinagar are the best places for water-skiing. The largest expanse of the Dal, the Boddal, has privately owned 'bathing boats' which hire out motor launches, water-skies and trained instructors. There are more bathing boats at the Nagin Lake and also a government run Institute of Water Sports. The Nagin lake too has trained instructors and is more popular because of its clean water.

Trekking Trekking possibilities include short, daylong walks up and down mountain slopes to visit isolated villages or monastic settlements, or across a ridge to enjoy the sheer beauty of the lunar mountainscape. Or long, trans-mountain treks involving weeks of walking and camping in the wilderness. For example, the trek from Lamayuru in the Indus valley to Darcha in Lahaul across Zanskar takes nearly three weeks. Most of the established routes traverse the Zanskar range, which separates the Indus valley from separates the Indus valley from Zanskar.

Students Camps

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OUR INSTRUCTORS:

Comes from different backgrounds and cultural set-ups. This provides a variety in cultural exchange and first hand 'feel' of various societies and cultures of India. All instructors are certified MOI ( Method of Instruction) which is highest professional course in India.
Climbing Course: Depending upon duration of course asked for following subjects are covered along with lectures and demos. In last session- climbing of the course peak, in alpine style.
Field Training

Lectures
* Basics of rock climbing & Principles
* Introduction to Himalayas( Formation of Himalayas, Various Ranges)
* Use and management of climbing equipment
* Basics of rock climbing & Principles
* Holds, Aided Climbing
* Use and management of climbing equipment
* Trek to Base Camp of Peak
* Himalayan Weather
* Snow Craft, Survival in Snow
* Health in Altitude, Health Hazards in Altitude
* Crevasse Rescue, Self Arrest
* How to make a expedition.
* Glacier Walking, Survival in Ice
* Mountain Medicine
* Alpine Style Climbing
* Survival in Jungle, Snow & Ice ( Forced / Planned Bivouac )
* How to make a expedition.
Instructors From Abroad: are welcome to come and join us to provide better communication and understanding along with their know-how to enrich students with life long memory of a ideal course !!
* Climb of course peak
* Winding up & retreat
Student Trekking- Short and comfortable trails...
Kindly Note: You are free to modify following trekking plans. Special treks are arranged for students and we add some educational activities in them. Information about Himalayas, Ecology & Pollution free Himalayas, Besides trekking -they are encouraged to self cooking, camp fires, camp games and of course night navigation are added flavor.
Student Summer Camps :
From most common to lesser known places in Himalayas-we offer students a unique experience in Himalayas. As all activities are conducted, supervised and demonstrated by qualified and experienced instructors-students learn in best way possible.

Educational Tours -Student Theme Tours of India
Educational tours are a media where students will come through a experience of witnessing 'in real' what they read or should know about India.
Besides Tah Mahal and Delhi-you can make your tour plan to Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh and lesser known tribal area.
YOU CAN CUSTOMIZE YOUR EDUCATION TOUR FOR VARIOUS THEMES
For Example: Tribals of Kashmir and Ladakh, Wild Life Sanctuaries of Jammu & Kashmir, Archeological Jammu and Kashmir, Kashmiri Architecture,.
River rafting For Students -School Trips for River rafting
Rafting 4-5 hours each day, we set up camp on secluded on our way down river, do if you are looking for a great river.