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Jammu Kashmir Hill Stations
The state of Jammu and Kashmir is declared a ‘paradise on earth’ because of its marvellous natural beauty. Majestic Himalayas, snowy valleys, plenty of pilgrims and stunning lakes form the identity of this ‘crown of India’. J&K’s hill stations make you experience the outstanding heights and engaging climate. A few destinations offer tranquil peace in cool natural surroundings, while some are known for various adventure sports. Kashmir hills and valleys have a number of beautiful lakes, flower gardens and steep mountains to explore, and Jammu has plenty of lakes and steep hills. Ladakh region is highly influenced by Buddhism, therefore you can find countless monasteries surrounded by snow clad high mountains and snow deserts.
The natural beauty of the hills of Jammu and Kashmir is out of this world, simply incredible. Trying out the challenging wild sports in the mild surroundings is the most crazy thing to do for adventure enthusiasts. Feel privileged in the divine natural beauty of J&K !!
Aru
Far from the stress, dust and pollution of he urban life, Aru welcomes you to the tranquil and serene meadow, approximately 107 km from Srinagar. Located at a height of around 2408 meters, Aru is famous for the Lidder River, Lidderwat meadow, Kolahoi Glacier, conifer spread mountains and trekking opportunities. The dense woods is home to various birds and wild animals. The best period for blooming of nature during summer is considered between May To September, while in winter it is November To February. The melodious chirp of birds, the cool breeze, open blue skies, green-golden grass, crystal clear waters and misty mountains all around make Aru one of the best hill stations in the Kashmir region.
Dah And Hanu
Enjoying sheer isolation, Dah and Hanu are beautiful hilly villages in the Ladakh Region. The places witness the maximum tourists between the months of October To June. They provide you with an opportunity to visit the gigantic Hindukush mountains and the great Indus River. Dah Hanu is basically the main village of the Dards. The landscapes are full of apricot ans apple trees. The villges offer an enchanting and romantic view of the sunrise and sunset from the hills.
Kishtwar
The upland valley of Kishtwar, comprising Kishtwar National Park as well, is a major hill station in Jammu region. The area boasts of The Pir Panjal range, Great Himalayan Ranges, and the Chenab river that not only form a unique ecosystem and bio-geographical pattern but also draws lakhs of tourists every season. The hills are ideal for trekking and mountaineering, while the lands are perfect for growing saffron. The wooded hills are provided contrast with beautiful waterfalls. These wooded hills and the Kishtwar National Park are rich in wildlife like snow-deer, leopard, Neel Gai and musk-deer. Although a small region, Kishtwar is rich in all such attractions as well as pilgrims.
Patnitop
This beautiful serene hill station has all the attractions that an ideal hilly tourist destination should have. The place is rich in dense pines, snow clad peaks, waterways, freshwater springs, adventure sports and a unique climate. At an altitude of 2024 metres, you will find a huge golf course too. Sudh Mahadev is another sacred spot situated close to Patnitop. May-June in summer and September-October in autumn is the best time to visit Patnitop to explore nature at its best. If seeking snowboard joys, December to March is the time to be here.
Sonmarg
Known as the ‘Meadow of Gold’, Sonmarg is an ideal place for camping. Countless colourful flowers and the holy Sindh river form a perfect gateway to Ladakh. Nature lovers can spot dense forests of alpine flowers, silver birch, fir and pine, and various lakes. Most importantly, this hill station serves as a base camp for the holy Amarnath yatra, which is organized in July-August every year. People also visit the nearby Nilagrad river, which is pure red in colour and is believed to have curative powers for skin ailments.
Srinagar
The summer capital of Kashmir is situated on the banks of the Jhelum river. Srinagar is considered the most beautiful and most visited city of the state of J&K, the year round. The famous Dal Lake and Nagin Lake are the assets and identity of Srinagar. These lakes are visited for an enchanting view of Mughal gardens and unique houseboats and shikara rides. The Dal Lake gets frozen in winter and offers an opportunity for various adventure sports. The city is a leading player in handicrafts too. Srinagar, undoubtedly the best hill station in J&K, gives you a totally different experience.
Gulmarg
Spreading the sweet fragrance and aroma in Baramula district, the meadow of flowers- Gulmarg is quite close to Srinagar. This hill station is popular for its grassy slopes of flowers and the highest golf course in the world. The name of the city was coined by Sultan Yusuf Shah in the 16th century because of countless Bluebells, Daisies, Forget Me Not and Buttercups. These flowers blossom in the months of December to April. Apart from this, adventure seekers can enjoy various activities from skiing and horse riding to trekking. The Khilanmarg valley of countless colourful flowers is the most refreshing and peaceful area of the city.
The state of Jammu and Kashmir offers wonderful hill stations at an altitude of thousands of metres above sea level. A place that offers you snowy Himalayas, majestic rivers, stunning lakes, vast green-golden landscapes, hundreds of pilgrims, numerous adventure activities and enticing flora and fauna, is certainly the best tourist destination.
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Lakes of Jammu and Kashmir
Visit the water bodies in the lower Shiwalik Himalayas, Kashmir valley and the high mountains of the Kashmir Himalayas for a complex and vibrant ecosystem. The center of life for the inhabitants of the state, these lakes are credited for the emergence of a unique culture of the state of J&K. One can almost see the whole city travelling through these lakes. These tranquil and snowy lakes have been a major attraction of this paradise on earth. Surrounded and protected by the Himalayan Mountains on all sides, these natural treasures offer a unique experience of living on water in the specially designed houseboats. Several scenic lakes with multi-faceted eco-system and grandeur, which epitomize the state of Jammu and Kashmir are-
Dal Lake
Popular as the jewel in the crown of Kashmir, the Dal Lake is the most famous and most visited lake in the state. Lined with Mughal-era gardens, the lake is rich in lotus, water lillies and water chestnuts. It is among those major destinations that let you free to enjoy life on water in the houseboats. One can have the pleasure of Shikara rides, kayaking, canoeing and other water activities in the Dal. Surrounded by mountains on three sides, the lake gives a paradisiacal view when frozen in winter.
Nagin Lake
Located east of Kashmir, the lake lies on the foothills of the mountain Zabarwan. A number of willow and poplar trees lining the lake, Shankaracharya hill on the south and Hari Parbat on the west provide a charming view to the surroundings. Along with several water activities and Shikara rides, one can also hire boats, a romantic experience. Several salesmen can also be seen selling fruit, nuts, fresh flowers, baked goods, woolen shawls, silk carpets, leather goods and other materials on their boats.
Wullar Lake
With a width and length of approximately 10 and 24 km respectively, Wullar Lake is one of the largest fresh water lakes in Asia. The lake gives about 60 percent of the fish yield of the region. Its perfect location between the cities of Sopore and Bandipore provides a marvellous view of the majestic hills on one side and steep valleys on the other. Wullar Lake, which draws water from the northern river Jhelum, lies at a distance of 60 km from Srinagar. Moreover, a renowned bird watcher’s paradise, Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary is also situated near the Lake.
Surinsar Lake
With wooded hills all around, thick forests in the backdrop and countless lotus flowers on the surface, the beautiful Surinsar lake is a great picturesque tourist spot situated about 42 km from Jammu. The lake appears like a lotus garden in summers. The lake is a much sought after by nature lovers. According to Hindu mythology, the lake originated when Arjuna, the hero of the epic Mahabharata, shot an arrow to the land.
Mansar Lake
Popular for the food and crafts festival, the Mansar lake draws thousands of tourists every year around Baisakhi. Apart from the scenic beauty and landscapes, the lake has several religious values too. Situated about 40 km south of Udhampur, the Mansar lake is surrounded by dense forests and hills. The lake is counted among major tourists destinations because of boating facilities and its religious values owing to Sheeshnag shrine. Newly wed couples perform three ‘Parikramas’ (circumambulations) around the lake to seek the blessings of the lord of serpents. Flickering of seasonal birds, tortoise and fish of different species can be observed while boating in the calm Mansar lake.
Pangong Lake
Located in an isolated area at a 5 hr drive (160 km) from Leh, this 134 km long lake extends from India to China. Tourists mostly visit this lake during May to September with a special permit. The Pangong lake boasts of being the world’s highest brackish lake at a height of about 4,250 m (13,900 ft) from sea level. Villagers can be seen with their large herds of Pashmina sheep and long-tailed yaks. Despite being a salt water lake, it surprisingly gets frozen in winter. With such a wonderful location and a scarcity of oxygen, the Pangong Lake is a geologist’s domain too.
Tso Moriri Lake
Providing a majestic natural view of Ladakh in the north, Tibet in the east and Zanskar in the west, Tso Moriri lake is mostly visited in summer. Changthang plateau, with snow peaks, provides the source of water for the Lake. The lake is popular for being the largest of the High Altitude Lakes in the Trans-himalayan region, entirely within India. It was earlier a salty lake whose salt was extracted by the end of 1959 for the consumption by the local people. Tourists flock to the lake to visit the Korzok Monastery, situated on the western bank of the lake, believed to be about 400 years old.
While on a tour to the lakes of Jammu and Kashmir, you may also visit the Tsokar Lake and the Gangasagar Lake. Tsokar Lake is popularly called the “White lake” because of the salt content in it. Situated approximately 45 km northwest of the Tsomoriri Lake at a height of 4,485 m, the Tsokar lake covers an area of about 10 sq km. The whitish surface of this lake is the main element that makes it so charming and attractive. The local people extract salt content from the lake .The Gangasagar lake is an artificial lake, which is believed to have been constructed during the time of Sivaji’s coronation with the holy water of river Ganges. The lake provides an enchanting view of the Raigad Fort and the snow clad peaks forming the backdrop.
These waterways, surrounded by majestic mountainous ranges, form the uniqueness of the state of Jammu and Kashmir with their charming houseboats, blossoming gardens, and water sports activities. All these specialties are ideal to make your holiday memorable for a lifetime.
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Kashmir Houseboats
The state of Jammu and Kashmir has became a great tourist destination because it has developed and taken care of its uniqueness in a perfect manner. Houseboats in J&K serve as the best meduim to fulfill your dream of staying as close to nature as possible. They have made people’s fantasy of living on the water come true. Facing the majestic Himalayas and offering the pleasant sounds of rolling waters, these houseboats are the greatest attraction in Kashmir.
One can experience the stunning beauty of these houseboats and the natural surroundings on Dal Lake, Nagin Lake and Jhelum River. Houseboats as old as 50 years can also be seen in Kashmir. Earlier used by the people of fishing communities only, these boats today are not merely a tourist attraction rather a place where the use of unique Kashmiri handirafts can be seen (in furniture, carpets etc.). They are completely made of wood and provide guests with homely environment, quiet surroundings and enchanting views outside. Quite similar to a fully furnished house, they offer you proper living rooms, drawing and dining rooms, carved wooden furnitures, and beautifully decorated interiors.
Generally you will find two or more bedrooms with attached bathroom, common eating-place and a balcony. The interiors are decorated in typical Kashmiri style with vibrant colors and art. A few boats may have a separate cook boat attached to the main houseboat that serves a variety in Chinese, Continental and authentic Kashmiri dishes. You can find a wide variety of houseboats and you can easily find the one that suits your requirements.
Firdous: These houseboats are very grand and huge in their looks as well as construction. The royal Firdous has three double bedrooms with attached bathrooms, hot and cold water, living room. There are proper facilities for electricity and cooking. The balcony space is big enough to seat a group of friends. The interiors are decorated with Kashmiri handicrafts. The silent atmosphere, breathtaking natural beauty and the homely comfort is capable of providing freshness to any exhausted traveller.
Kushal: Khushal is comparatively smaller than Firdous. It has two double bedrooms and all other desired comforts similar to a three or four star hotel room. The design of the rooms and furniture is unique. It is perfect for family holidays.
Nishat: Nishat is the favorite houseboat for honeymooners. It comprises of one double bedroom and offers all the comforts of privacy, facing the lake.
Kushdil: Kushdil is again the favorite of newly wed couples or honeymooners, and it too has one double bedroom. It has all modern facilities for its guests.
Gulshan: It is a two double bedroom boat with a verandah in front. Meant for family vacations, this houseboat provides outstanding view of the snow clad peaks from the verandah.
Clermont Too: Another two double bedroom boat, the Clermont Too offers vacations with ultimate cozy atmosphere and privacy. It is perfect for those who love to spend their holidays on waters in solitude.
The credit for initiating the trend of living in a houseboat in Kashmir goes to the British residents who were prohibited to own land by the Maharaja of Kashmir. As a result, they built their residences on water. Today, it is more than just a house on the lake. Almost all the major rivers and lakes in Kashmir offer houseboat cruises to the tourists. These houseboats can also be used for shikara rides (simply wandering in the lake), or sunbathing on the top-deck.
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