Kashmir Hill Station

Though,
the whole of Jammu & Kashmir, India is pleasant, few of the places are truly
a haven for the tourists to Jammu & Kashmir, India. Travel to the hill stations
of Jammu & Kashmir and experience the outstanding heights and engaging climate.
Tour to the hill stations of Kashmir and indulge in the most challenging wild
sports in the mild surroundings. Enjoy the trips to Sonamarg and Patnitop in
Kashmir , still uneplored. Enjoy every bit of it while on your most flavoured
tour to Jammu & Kashmir. Reach few of the highest points of the world in
Kashmir, India and be the most privileged to have seen this glittering crown
of India - Jammu & Kashmir.
Sonamarg Hill Station
Location : Situated in the state of Jammu & Kashmir.
Altitude : 2,740 m
Major Importance : Hill Station
Best time to Visit : May To June in the Summers.
The Meadow Of Gold
At a height of 2,740 m, Sonamarg in the state of Jammu & Kashmir is the
last major point in the Kashmir

valley
before the Zoji La pass into Ladakh . At the pass the green, lush Kashmiri landscape
abruptly switches to the barren, dry landscape of Ladakh. Sonamarg is thus not
only a good base for treks but also a jumping off point for trips into Ladakh.
The passage to Sonamarg is through the Sindh Valley which presents yet another
bewitching facet of countryside in Kashmir. Situated at an altitude of 2,740
m, Sonamarg in Kashmir is framed by snowy mountains against a sapphires sky.
Sonamarg literally means the 'Meadow of Gold' and although this could be due
to the profusion of flowers that wraps the meadow in the spring it is also
possible that the name originates from Sonamarg's decisive trading position
in the days when this was a main route into central Asia. The Sindh River
flows through the place and is bountiful with Trout and Mahseer.
Arriving At Sonamarg
By Flight : Sonamarg is in Srinagar District on the Srinagar Leh Highway,
81-km from Srinagar. The nearest airport is in Badgam District, connecting
the capital city with all the major cities in India.
By Trackways : The nearest Railhead is at Jammu and from there National Highway
NH1A connects the Kashmir valley with India.
By Roadways : Every sort of transport to suit every budget from Buses to Taxis
ply on National Highway NH1A. Bus service is available from Srinagar and Anantnag,
which leave at fixed time from the Bus stands. Taxis and other sort of transport
can be hired from Srinagar at pre-fixed rates.
Patnitop Hill Station
Location: 110 km From Jammu, J&K
Altitude: 2,024 m
Major Attractions: Trekking, Skiing & Aerosports
Best Time To Visit: Summer- May To June
The Beautiful Serene Hill Station

Patnitop
a beautiful hill station in the state of Jammu & Kashmir is no less beautiful
or serene. If one is aiming to get away from it all for some time, this place
is hard to beat. With all its beauty as a hill station, it is a charming plateau
at an altitude of 2, 024 m. The grassland is surrounded by dense forest and
lush green Pines.
Arriving At Patnitop
By Roadways : Buses and taxis are available from Jammu, Katra, Udhampur. By
a taxi it takes about 3 and a half hours to reach Patnitop and bus takes about
5 hours.
The Major Fascinations At Patnitop
Trekking : Picturesquely situated at a high altitude, there are many pleasant
walks around this popular hill station. Patnitop is a good starting place
for many short or longer treks into the nearby mountains. An attractive one-day
walk is to Shiva Garh, about 11-km from Patnitop at an altitude of almost
3,500 metres.
Other Fascinations At Patnitop
Patnitop is a perfect spot for walks and picnics. Sanasar, 19-km away was
chosen by J&K Tourism for major development. Situated in a Gulmarg-like
meadow it has picnic spots around. The 6-hole golf course is being expanded
to 9-holes.
Pony rides along little known trails, camping and walks can be indulged in
by those with a less adventurous interest. One who is interested in extreme
sports can opt for Para gliding and basic skiing, introduces in recent years.
Srinagar Hill Station
Location : 56-km From Srinagar, Kashmir, Jammu & Kashmir
Significance: Capital Of Jammu & Kashmir
Main Attractions : Houseboats & Mughal Gardens
Best Time To Visit : In Summer - June To Early November; In Winter - December
To Februar
Srinagar, the crowning glory of hill stations, is the celebrated capital
city of Jammu & Kashmir. Srinagar is called the city of lakes, which has
facinated tourist's from centuries, with its beautiful picturesque Himalayan
backdrop, glittering lakes that are surrounded by houseboats and Shikaras
and the grandeur of Mughal architectural. This summer capital of the state
Jammu & Kashmir is also a business centre and a favourite oliday resort.
More...!
Gulmarg
Hill Station
Location : Gulmarg is located in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir.
At an amazing altitude of 2730 meters above sea level the hill resort has
a gently sloping topography. Gulmarg is 57 km southwest from the capital city
of Srinagar and is close to the Indo-Pakistan border.
Altitude : 2730 meters
State : Jammu and Kashmir
Major Attractions : Skiing
Best Time to Visit : Throughout the year
The Meadow of Flowers
Gulmarg a prime location in the state of Jammu & Kashmir is about 52 Kms.
from Srinagar, the capital of Jammu & Kashmir. At an altitude of 2,653
m., Gulmarg is exquisitely situated in a pine surrounded basin of the Pir
Panjal range. Gulmarg or the `Meadow of Flowers' is a lovely blooming sight
where an opulence of flora displays various colours with the changing seasons.
Gulmarg's astounding beauty, prime location and closeness to Srinagar naturally
make it one of the prime hill stations in the country. Originally called Gaurimarg
by shepherds, its present name was given in the 16th century by Sultan Yusuf
Shah, who was impressed by the sight of its green slopes embellished with
wild flowers. Today, Gulmarg is not only a mountain resort of exemplary beauty
- it also has the highest green golf course in the world, at an altitude of
2,650 m, and is the country's major ski resort in the winter.
Arriving at Gulmarg
By Flight : The airport at Srinagar at 57 km is nearest to Gulmarg. The airport
caters to the air transport to the hill resort. Regular flights connect Srinagar
with the other major cities in India.
The Trackways : The railway station in Jammu is the nearest to Gulmarg that
caters to the rail transport to the hill resort.

The
Major Fascinations at Gulmarg
Golf Club : Gulmarg boasts of a magnificent grassy golf course that is the
world's highest too. One can even hire the golf sets from Gulmarg too. The
Golf Club offers short-term memberships to the players.
Trekking : Gulmarg is an excellent base for trekking in the northern Pir
Panjal Range. Nanga Parbat can be viewed to the north from several view points,
including Khilanmarg, west and over 1,500 feet up the woody hillside from
Gulmarg.
Skiing : Gulmarg is amongst the best skiing resorts in India. Gulmarg is
also a good skiing sight for learners. Ski enthusiasts can easily get all
required gear and equipments as well as professional ski instructors in Gulmarg,
to try out a hand on skiing. The longest ski run in Gulmarg is provide by
the Gondola Cable Car Lift, where skiers can swoosh down the slopes from the
height of 2, 213m.
Excursions from Gulmarg
Gulmarg Biosphere Reserves : This is located at a distance of 48-km from Srinagar,
to the southwest of Gulmarg. It is famous for storing several rare and endangered
species such as the musk deer, and a brilliant and varied fauna.
Alpather Lake : This lake is frozen until mid-June and even later in the
year one can see rocks of ice floating in its cold waters.
Pahalgam Hill Station
Location : In the state of Jammu & Kashmir
Pahalgam is situated at the junction of the streams flowing from Sheshnag
Lake and the Lidder river. Pahalgam (2,130 m) was once a humble shepherd's
village with astounding views. Today, Pahalgam is Kashmir's prime tourist
resort. It is cool even during the height of summer when the maximum temperature
does not exceed 25 degree C. Pahalgam is bountiful with many places of interest,
and because the resort is set between fairly steep hills, it is worth hiring
a pony rather than walking.
The Major Fascinating Sights At Pahalgam
Baisaran : The most beautiful of these is the huge, unspoiled grassland of Baisaran,
surrounded by thickly wooded forests of pine. Hajan, on the way to Chandanwari,
is an

idyllic
spot for a picnic. Filmgoers will recognize it instantly as it has been the
location of several movie scenes.
Mamal : Pahalgam has eight tiny villages within its surroundings, one of
which is Mamal. There is a Shiva temple here, generally considered to be Kashmir's
oldest existing temple, dating back to the 5th century.
The Amarnath cave : The Amarnath cave is 6 kms away from there. During the month
of Sawan, an ice stalagmite forms a natural Shiva-Ling in the Amarnath cave.
Tarsar Lake : It can be reached from Lidderwat. There are delightful camping
sites and flower meadows at Sikiwas, 24 kms from here. To reach the nearby
Mansar lake one has to cross a 243 mts high bridge.
Adventure Sports At Pahalgam
Trekking : The ambience of Pahalgam offer exciting trekking opportunities,
the best known being Pahalgam - Chandanwari- Sheshnag- Panchtarni- Amarnath
Cave Temple- Sonamarg trek.
Golf : Pahalgam Club has a 9-hole golf course, which can be used by tourists.
Golf sets can be hired from the Tourist Office.
Fishing : One can go for fishing in the Lidder.