The Valley of Jammu & Kashmir is the first Himalayan state of India, but its not another hill land of India. Jammu and Kashmir is really three regions: the foothill plains of Jammu; the lakes and blue valleys of Kashmir rising to alpine passes, the high altitude plains and starkly beautiful mountains of Ladakh, which lies beyond those passes. It's enough to move one to poetry.

Among the most attractive part that this Indian state has is the adventure opportunities that can be segregated into trekking, mountaineering and Trans Himalayan Jeep Safari. The Himalayan range offers some of the most rigorous mountaineering challenges one can ever come across. The glaciers of Ladakh and Kashmir regions can test one's survival to the fittest and most testing of them all is the Siachen glacier, known as the largest glacier outside the Polar Regions.

» Biafo Glacier » Siachen Glacier » Baltoro Glacier » Hispur Glacier » Nubra Glacier

Jammu & Kashmir has always been a centre of conflict for independent India. When India and Pakistan became independent, there was much controversy over whether the region should be annexed to India or Pakistan.  The population was predominantly  Muslim but J & K was not a part of 'British India'. In 1990 the J&K state government was dissolved and the state was placed under direct rule from Delhi (President's Rule). In November 1995, the independent Election Commission rejected the Indian Government's request for elections in the province because J&K was too unstable.  The Kashmiri opposition parties (and the Pakistan Government, which assists the Muslim secessionists) planned to boycott the elections went ahead in September 1996 and were won by the National Conference Party (a pro-India, regional party), under the leadership of Farooq Abdullah.

Kashmir is an area on the northern borders of India and Pakistan; officially known as Jammu & Kashmir.  Kashmir is famous for its natural beauty and has often been referred to as the 'Switzerland of the East'. The heart of the area is the fertile Vale of Kashmir (known as The Valley), which lies between the Himalayas and the Pir Panjal mountain range. About 12 million people live in Kashmir, of which around 70% are Muslims. The rest include Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists. Hindus live mostly in the south and around the city of Jammu. To the east is the Ladakh region, where the majority of the people are Buddhists and of Tibetan origin. Most of the Kashmiri people work on farms. Others are engaged in small industries making shawls, rugs and carpets. Kashmir is well known for its wool and, in particular, its shawls and carpets.

Jammu Kashmir is the first Himalayan state of India, but its not another hill land of India. Jammu and Kashmir is really three regions: the foothill plains of Jammu; the lakes and blue valleys of Kashmir rising to alpine passes, the high altitude plains and starkly beautiful mountains of Ladakh, which lies beyond those passes. It's enough to move one to poetry. Among the most attractive part that this Indian state has is the adventure opportunities that can be segregated into trekking, mountaineering and Trans Himalayan Jeep Safari, Motorbike Safari, Pilgrimage Amarnath, Skiing in Gulmarg etc.

Gulmarg & Sonamarg

The large meadow of Gulmarg is 52 km south-west of Srinagar at 2730 m. The name means Meadow of Flowers and in spring it's just that. Also once a popular trekking base, Gulmarg used to be India's premier skiing resort. M o r e  I n f o.

Pahalgam

Pahalgam is about 95km east of Srinagar, at an altitude of 2130m.  At the junction of the East and West Lidder rivers, Pahalgam was a popular trekking base before the present roubles. The Sri Amarnath Yatra (pilgrimage) endures, however, and each year in July/August thousands of Hindu pilgrims approach the Amarnath cave from this area.

Amarnath Cave (Pilgrimage)

The pilgrimage destination of Amarnath shrine is located inside a cave in the Himalayas. in Kashmir the mythological and historical importance of this sacred place according to mythology is the fact that lord Shiva recounted the secret of creation and immortality to the Goddess Parvati in this cave. This secret is of immortality is known as the amar katha and according to legend lord Shiva made sure that no living being was around when he narrated this story to the Goddess Parvati.

Srinagar

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. Srinagar is located in the western part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, in the northern region of India. M o r e  I n f o.

Sonamarg

Sonamarg is a place of enthralling beauty. Three lakes viz Kishensar,Vishensar and Gangabal can be viewed from Nichnai Pass. 20 Kms east of Sonamarg is Zoji-La Pass at 3540 mtrs which leads into Ladakh Plateau.

M o r e  I n f o.  a b o u t   J a m m u   &   Ka s h m i r

b Back to Main Index