There are some beautiful getaway places around Srinagar. The drive from Srinagar will take you to the calm waters of Manasbal Lake, where there is no other sound but birdsong. Manasbal has often been described as the bird watcher's paradise, and as your shikara glides through this mirror of tranquility, you will experience yet another facet of Kashmir. Further there are other quite natural enchantments like Watlab, Achabal, Daksum, Kokernag, and Yusmarg whose silence is broken by the Aherbal falls which is the source of river Jhelam.
Jammu
The summer capital and the gateway to the rest of the state, Jammu is nestled between the dusty plains of Punjab and the imposing Trikuta range, which rises in the north. The Tawi River meanders through the valley, which is the heart of the Dogra culture. Legend has it that when Raja Jambulochan was riding in the region looking for a site to build his capital, he saw a sight that left him wonderstruck. A deer and a tiger were drinking water side by side in a stream. Impressed by the harmony of the place he decided to build his capital there. Over the years Jammu has come to be known as a pilgrim centre - famous for its innumerable temples. Right in the middle of the city is the imposing complex, the Raghunath Temple. The Ranbireshwar Temple and The Durgha of Peer Baba are other revered sites in the city, visited by pilgrims and tourists alike. Jammu is most famous for being the starting point for the pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi Temple in the Trikuta Hills, which is visited by millions of devotees every year. Pilgrims travel to Katra which is 48 km from Jammu and then onward to the shrine 13km away. The Bahu Fort and the surrounding gardens, on a plateau on the banks of the Tawi River and the Amar Mahal Palace, which has now been converted into a museum, are other popular sights in the city.
Jammu is the last railhead in the state and is also the alighting point for a number of resort towns in the area. Patnitop, 112 km away, is a popular hill town in the region and ideal for walks and excursions. Sanasar, 18 km away from Patnitop, is known for its Gulmarg-esque green meadows. Kud (102 km), a quaint hill station and the lake resort of Manasar(80 km) are other popular getaways from Jammu.
Jammu is slowly turning into the commercial hub of the state. It is extremely well connected with the rest of the country by air, rail and road. Other than the regular spices, dry fruits and walnut wood and papier mache items, Dogri styled gold and silver jewellery, carpets and rugs with kashmiri patterns and pashmina shawls are good buys from the town. The area around the Raghunath Temple is a good place to shop, though you must bargain to get good deals.
Angling in Tawi River is a popular sport and permits can be obtained from Deputy Director, Fisheries Department, Old Secretariat.
Ladakh
In the northern most part of the country nestled between the mighty mountains of Himalayas, the Karakoram, the Zanskar and the Ladakh ranges is the high altitude desert expanse of Ladakh. Make sure to work in extra days into your holiday here to get used to the altitude, especially if you are flying in. Every sight here is a picture postcard. The barren treeless stretches dominated by the majestic mountains, the friendly faces and colourful way of life that is so unique and unlike anything else in the country, quaint monasteries where time stands still, bazaars replete with vibrant handicrafts - are the images one carries back of Ladakh.
The passes leading to this region are snow bound almost six months of the year. Perhaps this geographical isolation that has helped the Ladakhis, who follow an Indo - Tibetan culture, preserve their unique way of life, which even today seems untouched by the rush of the outside world. Buddism and Islam are the main religions of the area. Many villages are crowned with a Gompa or monastery, which may be anything from an imposing complex of temples, prayer halls and monks' dwellings, to a tiny hut housing a single image and home to a solitary lama. Oracles and astrologers are common in the villages and monasteries.
These Gompas come alive during winter when religious mimes and dances are performed in the courtyards with Lamas wearing colourful robes and masks. People from nearby villages flock to see these festivities. Archery and Polo are popular summer activities in this region and are often accompanied by song and dance. Monastery centric itineraries are very common among visitors to Ladakh. The Tourism Department also organises the Ladakh Festival between Sept 1st -15th and the Sindhu Darshan between June 1st and 3rd , a cultural display of the region and a complete treat to the visitors. In the towns, filled with tourists especially in summer, modernity and tradition go hand in hand.
Leh, the capital of the region is also the entry point for tourists who from here head out to high altitude lakes like the Pangong Tso (154 km from Leh) and the Tso Moriri (240km from Leh) and the picturesque valleys of Nubra and Lower Indus. The main tourist season is from June to early October. Kargil (204km from Srinagar and 234km from Leh), the second largest town in the region is an important halt for adventure enthusiasts and those wanting to explore the Suru and Zanskar Valleys.
Ladakh is the adventure capital of the state - white water rafting, trekking, mountaineering - its all here. River rafting in Ladakh in the Indus and the Zanskar is very popular. The surrounding landscapes, the mountains, gorges, monasteries, villages and occasional wildlife sighting can make your trip truly memorable. From Karu to Spituk is the easy stretch for beginners and continues to be fairly easy till Saspol but further down the rapids get rougher and are strictly for professionals. The expedition between Padum and Nimu on the Zanskar is a good challenge for trained rafters. There are many tourist operators who organise rafting trips in Leh, you can also check with the city Tourist Office (01982-253462). There are a wide plethora of trekking and mountaineering options in Ladakh. From day trips to professional expeditions, many tourists come here every summer to experience the mountains. Amongst mountaineers the Nun-Kun Massif and the Stok-Kangri Massif are popular destinations. Climbing season is generally from mid-May to mid-October. There are applications, waiting lists and permissions to be had for climbing expeditions. Enquire with the Indian Mountaineering Federation (01982-2671211/2602245) for details. The 10-day Markha Valley trek and the 20-day trek from Lamayuru to Darcha in Himachal Pradesh, through the Zanskar Valley, are popular treks from this region. There are many other treks that are organised by operators depending on how much time you have and what region you would like to visit. If you want a less exerting holiday you can always take day walks around the villages in the countryside. Whatever your agenda is in Ladakh, it is sure to be memorable and will make you want to stay longer than you had planned.
Leh
The capital city of Ladakh and the entry point to this mysterious land - Leh is an interesting mix of both the worlds - of tradition and modernity. The town is well connected by Air to Delhi, Chandigarh, Srinagar and Jammu. By road, Leh is connected by a National Highway to Srinagar (434km away). Regular bus service is run by J&K SRTC and taxis are also available. Another approach to Leh is from Manali, Himachal Pradesh (473 km away), the road is open from June to October depending on the weather (Check exact dates before you plan your journey) and both the J&K SRTC and H P Tourism operate buses on this route. Both the routes are picturesque making the long journey worth the time and effort. It is advisable to plan enough time into your travel to allow for any delays due to weather during your travel to Leh. Also for those traveling onwards from Leh, especially if you are heading out on a trek or a mountaineering expedition, it is best to halt at Leh for acclimatising to the high altitude weather.
Leh is essentially a tourist town that serves as a stop over for the rest of the region. The town centre is full of shops, restaurants, bakeries, travel agencies, curio shops, and everything else a tourist would want from supplies to internet cafes to chemists. At most times you will see more tourists than locals in the town centre! Towering over the town centre is the Leh Palace, a brisk 10 minute walk can get you there. The Shanti Stupa on the road to Khardung La offers great views and a serene atmosphere. You can climb the 537 steps or take the road to the Stupa. The nearby Changspa and Sangkar villages are interesting to walk around. For the spiritually inclined the Tushta Meditation Centre (8 km away) is worth visiting. The Stok Palace (17 km away) is the Royal family's residence and houses the Palace Museum which displays many old weapons, the King's armour, Queens jewellery, head dresses, prayer instruments of the Namgyal Kings and other paraphernalia.
Leh has many monasteries within driving distances. These can either be covered in circuits in 2-3 days or if you like to spend more time can be done at a more leisurely pace. The most famous ones are Shey, Thikse, Stakna, Chemday, Tak-Thok, Hemis, Matho, Spituk, Phyang, Likir, ALchi, Ridzong and Lamyuru. The villages of Dah and Bemu (170 km away) are known to be the home of the last Aryan race, the Drokpas, who are culturally, linguistically very different from the rest of the Ladakhis. It is a 2-3 day trip and requires Inner Line Permit. Popular buys in Leh are Pattu, the rough warm local wool, Tibetan carpets, pashmina shawls, Tibetan handicrafts and trinkets and apricot. Check for authenticity and bargain while shopping.
Amarnath
Amarnath Cave - one of the Holiest shrines of the Hindus is situated in the Lidder Valley near Pahalgam. Every year, during the months of May to August thousands of devotees brave harsh climate and difficult terrain to come here to have a glimpse of the naturally formed 'ice linga' which is believed to be a personification of Shiva, one of the Hindu Trinity. The Amarnath Cave is said to be the sacred location where Lord Shiva chose to tell his consort Parvathi the secret of immortality, the sacred Amarkatha. According to legend the cave was discovered by a Muslim Shepherd Buta Malik about 150 years ago.
The Caves are situated at a height of 3,888m and are 46 km from Pahalgam and another route is from Sonmarg via Bal-Tal (16km ). Though the original pilgrimage used to be from Srinagar, the routine now is to do the trek from Pahalgam to Amarnath and back in about 5 days. The road from Pahalgam to Chandanwari, 16 km away, is on fairly flat terrain and can be undertaken by car. From Chandanwari onwards the track becomes much steeper, and can be negotiated on foot or by pony. About 11 kms from Chandanwari is the mountain lake of Sheshnag (3,574 m), after which, 13 kms away is the last stop, Panchtarni. The Amarnath cave is 6 kms away from here.
During these months the region around Phalgam turns into a tented township that is set up to accommodate the pilgrims. The Jammu & Kashmir State Government organizes the annual Yatra to the Amarnath Cave and interested people are required to register in advance at any of the J&K Tourist Offices.
