Zanskar, a remote mountain bordering Ladakh, is about 20 km to the south of Rangdum. It is located at an average altitude of 4,000 meters and can only be reached by a strenuous week-long trek or a 14 hour drive along a pitted and potholed track along the Suru… Continue reading
At an altitude of 2,704 meter, 204 km from Srinagar in the west, Kargil is the second largest urban center of Ladakh and has Kargil town as district headquarters. Surrounded by Kashmir, Kishtwar, Kullu and Gilgit-Baltistan, Kargil marks the easternmost extent of Muslim incursion into Ladakh. The streaming rivers… Continue reading
Trekking in Ladakh is unique as many routes climb above 5000 meters. Leh, the divisional headquarters, is accessible from Srinagar, Delhi and Chandigarh by air and bus. Ladakh is the land of insurmountable mountains and fascinating monasteries. It lies on the trijunction of the historic ‘Silk Route’ from Sinkiang to… Continue reading
Situated at an elevation of 2,740 meters, encompassed by snow-capped mountains the hill resort of Sonamarg, is known for its rich natural beauty since centuries. This charming little town is commonly referred to as the ‘Meadow of Gold,’ a title it is believed to have earned because of the… Continue reading
Jammu, borders Kashmirtothe north, Ladakh to the east, and Himachal Pradesh and Punjab to the south. A Line of Control in the west, separates the region from the Pakistan area called Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu, the second largest city of the district becomes the administrative capital during winters due… Continue reading
One of the most important pilgrimage sites in India, the ice lingam at Amarnath is visited by about 5,00,000 devotees every year. Being a place often targetted by terrorists, it is better to check things out carefully before visiting. The cave at Amarnath can be reached by a three-day, 36… Continue reading
■ AROUND SRINAGAR Gulmarg: The hill resort of Gulmarg, well known for its magical meadows and mountains, is located in the Baramulla district, 57 km southwest from Srinagar. At an astonishing elevation of 2,730 meters above sea level. Its gently sloping topography makes it an ultimate destination for those interested… Continue reading
Pir Dastagir Sahib: This Sufi shrine looks like a civic building than a mosque. It is located in the Khanyar Chowk area and visitors to this shrine can also take pictures with permission from the attendants. Sri Pratap Singh Museum: Established in the former summer palace of maharaja, this fabulous… Continue reading
Atop the Gopadari Hill on the southeast of Srinagar, is this beautiful Shiva temple amidst a picturesque location. The temple was named after the great philosopher Shankaracharya who visited the valley, about ten centuries ago. The Temple is built on a high octagonal plinth and can be reached by a… Continue reading
Located at the far eastern side of the Dal Lake, the Shalimar Bagh is an outstanding example of Mughal gardens in the lake city and was built by Mughal emperor Jahangir, for his beloved wife Nur Jahan. Regarded by many as a masterpiece of Mughal horticulture, the gardens step gracefully… Continue reading