Leh / Ladakh:

Area:

98,000sq km

Altitude:

7,500m Max.

Population:

250000

Religion:

Buddhism, Islam. Hindu

Locational Status:

Cold Desert

Tourist Attractions :

Buddhist Monasteries, the Leh Palace.

Best Buys :

Tibetan handicraft items.

Best Hangouts :

The Monasteries

Best Activity :

Trekking, Mountaineering, Camping, Water Rafting.

Nearby Tourist Destinations:

Jammu, Leh, Kargil, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam.

Best time to visit in Leh / Ladakh :

June To End October

Leh, was the capital of the Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh, now the Leh District in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, India. Leh, with an area of 45,110 km2, is the second largest district in the country (after Kutch, Gujarat) in terms of area.

The town is still dominated by the now ruined Leh Palace, former mansion of the royal family of Ladakh, built in the same style and about the same time as thePotala Palace. Leh is at an altitude of 3524 meters (11,562 ft). National Highway 1D connects it to Srinagar in the northwest.

Ladakh Pilgrimage:

• Rizong Monastery
• Likir Monastery
• Lamayuru Monastery
• Shey Monastery
• Stakana Monastery
• Cave Monastery
• Thiksey Monastery
• Spituk Monastery
• Stongdey Monastery

Kargil:

Kargil is a district of Ladakh, Kashmir, India. Kargil lies near the Line of Control facing Pakistan-administered Kashmir's Baltistan to the west, and Kashmir valley to the south.Zanskar is part of Kargil district along with Suru, Wakha and Dras valleys. Kargil was at the center of a conflict between India and Pakistan in 1999.

Zanskar:

Zanskar is a subdistrict or tehsil of the Kargil district, which lies in the eastern half of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The administrative centre is Padum. Zanskar, together with the neighbouring region of Ladakh, was briefly a part of the kingdom of Guge in Western Tibet.

The Zanskar Range is a mountain range in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir that separates Zanskar from Ladakh. Geologically, the Zanskar Range is part of the Tethys Himalaya, an approximately 100-km-wide synclinorium formed by strongly folded and imbricated, weakly metamorphosed sedimentary series. The average height of the Zanskar Range is about 6,000 m (19,700 ft). Its eastern part is known as Rupshu.

Nubra Valley:

Nubra Valley is about 150 km north of Leh, the capital town of Ladakh, India. Local scholars say that its original name was Ldumra (the valley of flowers). TheShyok River meets theNubra or Siachan River to form a large valley that separates the Ladakh and the Karakoram Ranges. The average altitude of the valley is about 10,000 ft. above the sea level. The common way to access this valley is to travel over the Khardung La from Leh. Non-locals require an Inner Line Permit (obtainable in Leh town) to enter Nubra.

Lakes and Gardens in Jammu and Kasmir:

Dal Lake:

Dal Lake is a lake in Srinagar, the summer capital of the northernmost Indian state ofJammu and Kashmir. The urban lake, which is the second largest in the state, is integral to tourism and recreation in Kashmir and is nicknamed the "Jewel in the crown of Kashmir" or "Srinagar's Jewel". The lake is also an important source for commercial operations in fishing and water plant harvesting.

The shore line of the lake, about 15.5 kilometres (9.6 mi), is encompassed by a boulevard lined with Mughal era gardens, parks, houseboats and hotels. Scenic views of the lake can be witnessed from the shore line Mughal gardens, such as Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh built during the reign of Mughal Emperor Jahangir) and from houseboats cruising along the lake in the colourful shikaras. During the winter season, the temperature sometimes reaches −11 °C (12.2 °F), freezing the lake.

The lake covers an area of 18 square kilometres (6.9 sq mi) and is part of a natural wetland which covers 21.1 square kilometres (8.1 sq mi), including its floating gardens. The floating gardens, known as "Rad" in Kashmiri, blossom with lotus flowers during July and August. The wetland is divided by causeways into four basins; Gagribal, Lokut Dal, Bod Dal and Nagin (although Nagin is also considered as an independent lake). Lokut-dal and Bod-dal each have an island in the centre, known as Rup Lank (or Char Chinari) and Sona Lank respectively.

At present, the Dal Lake and its Mughal gardens, Shalimar Bagh and the Nishat Bagh on its periphery are undergoing intensive restoration measures to fully address the serious eutrophication problems experienced by the lake. Massive investments of around US $275 million (Rs 1100 crores) is being made by theGovernment of India to restore the lake to its original splendour.

Nagin Lake:

Nagin Lake of Kashmir is an offshoot leading from the Dal Lake. The Nagin Lake is located to the east of the city, at the foothill of the mountain Zabarwan. On the edges of the Nageen Lake are a number of willow and poplar trees. The reflection of these tees in the water of the lake lends it a beautiful view. Surrounded by Shankaracharya hill (Takht-e-Suleiman) on the south and Hari Parbat on the west, the Nagin Lake of Kashmir presents a charming sight.Shikaras, ferrying people to and from the lake, are a fascinating feature of the lake. Bathing boats as well as water-skis and motor launches are also available for hire at the lake.

Wullar Lake:

Wular Lake (also spelt Wullar) is a large fresh water lake in Bandipore district in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The lake basin was formed as a result of tectonic activity and is fed by the Jhelum River. The lake's size varies from 12 to 100 square miles (30 to 260 square kilometers), depending on the season. 

Surinsar Lake:

Surinsar is a beautiful lake situated about 42 km from Jammu, on the Jammu-Srinagar road, in Jammu and Kashmir.

Bordered by hills and covered with dense forest, the lake is a favorite picturesque spot in the state. During summer, the lake is covered with lotus flowers.

Legend says that Arjuna, the legendary hero of the Mahabharat, shot an arrow into the ground at Mansar. The arrow came out at Surinsar and thus both lakes -Surinsar Lake and Mansar Lake were created.

Mansar Lake:

Located just off the Jammu-Srinagar highway, some forty-two kilometers from Jammu, the Surinsar Lakeis considered as a ‘twin lake’ of the more famous and popular lake of Mansar. Some believe that the lake of Mansar is connected by underground waterways to the lake of Surinsar. Legend has it that Kunti, the mother of the five Pandava brothers in the epic, Mahabharata was beset with thirst while in the area and there was no water to be had. Arjuna, considered to be the bravest of the brothers, shot an arrow into the ground at Mansar and the arrow emerged in Surinsar; water gushed out of the earth and Kunti was able to assuage her thirst – and this was responsible for the creation of both these lakes. Another legend goes that Vabruvahan, a son of Arjuna had to go to the netherworld to bring back the ‘Mani’ that belonged to the serpent-king to heal Arjuna who had been wounded in a battle. The serpent king would not allow this. Vabruvahan shot one set of arrows to enter the earth and another set to escape from it. The channel of one becameMansar and the other became Surinsar.

Pangong Lake:

Pangong Tso (or Pangong Lake; Tso: Ladakhi for lake) is an endorheic lake in the Himalayas situated at a height of about 4,350 m (14,270 ft). It is 134 km (83 mi) long and extends from India to Tibet. 60% of the length of the lake lies inTibet, which is today underChina's rule. The lake is 5 km (3.1 mi) wide at its broadest point. During winter the lake freezes completely, despite being saline water.

The lake is in the process of being identified under the Ramsar Convention as a wetland of international importance. This will be the first trans-boundary wetland in South Asia under the convention.

TSo Moriri Lake:

Also Known as ‘Mountain Lake’, Tso Moriri is located in the Rupshu valley situated in Changthang sub division of leh district, The Lake is about 28 km in length from north to south and is about 4-6 km in breadth and about 100 feet average in depth. Maximum depth of  Tso Moriri Lake is 248 feet. It’s surrounded by barren hills with backdrop of snow-covered mountains. A Short range of snow covered mountains, which rise about 21000 feet, extends some distance to the north-west and terminates somewhat to north of the southern end of Tso moriri.

Gangasagar Lake:

The Ganga Sagar Lake is an artificial lake, constructed during the empire of Chhatrapati Shivaji, a Maratha King. According to myths, this small lake was designed at the time of Shivaji’s coronation with theholy water of river Ganges. Situated at Pachad, in Raigad district, the lake boasts of being in Shivaji's unconquerable capital.

The Raigad fort was the place where Shivaji was crowned and where spent the rest of his life. Shivaji's samadhi and the remnants of his palace can be seen besides the fort today as well. The Ganga Sagar Lake flows in front of the fort. Covered with the snow clad peaks, the region is also famous for the Jijamata Palace. The splendid natural beauty of the lake and the Raigad Fort enable the place to be a traveller's paradise.

Tsokar Lake:

Tsokar Lake is a well known salt lake in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, located near Rupso in Leh district. Spotting a white water lake surrounded by several hot water springs at an altitude of about 5000 metres is simply a wonder of the nature. Tsokar, the salt water lake, covers an area of about 10 sq km.

 

 

Nishat Garden:

Nishat Bagh, is a Mughal garden built on the eastern side of the Dal Lake, close to the Srinagar city in the state of Jammu and Kashmir in India. It is the second largest Mughal garden in the Kashmir Valley. The largest in size is theShalimar Bagh, which is also located on the bank of the Dal Lake. ‘Nishat Bagh’is a Hindustani word, which means "Garden of Joy," "Garden of Gladness" and "Garden of Delight".

Shalimar Garden:

Shalimar Bagh, is a Mughal garden linked through a channel to the northeast of Dal Lake, on its right bank located at 34°08′56″N 74°52′23″E / 34.149°N 74.873°E / 34.149; 74.873 near Srinagar city in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Its other names are Shalamar Garden, Shalamar Bagh, Farah Baksh and Faiz Baksh, and the other famous shore line garden in the vicinity is Nishat Bagh. The Bagh was built by Mughal Emperor Jahangir for his wife Nur Jahan, in 1619. The Bagh is considered the high point of Mughal horticulture. It is now public park.

Chashma Shahi:

Among the Mughal gardens of Kashmir Chashma Shahi fascinated Shahjahan, the fourth Mughal emperor, the most owing to the fact that it haunted him with the sweet memories of his beloved queen, Mumtaj Mahal who always accompanied him during his visit to these gardens. Once she fell ill and could not be cured despite several efforts of the royal Vaidyas and Haqueems and the chief of the medical staff of the court suggested that she must be allowed to visit some health resort especially during summer months and for that matter there was none the better than the valley of Kashmir that too Shahjahan preferred to stay at Pari Mahal along with his queen leaving behind all the busy schedule of political maneuvering. She enjoyed the fresh air and fresh vegetables and drank sweet water of Chashma Shahi resulting into miraculous recoupment in her health. 

Pari Mahal:

A historical place and monument to visit is Pari Mahal or Quntilon, meaning “House of Fairies”, situated above the Chashmashahi gardens nearby Srinagar. The Mahal is surrounded by a lovely large garden overlooking the Dal Lake and has lots of flowers and fruits and a spring in the middle. The Mahal is of brilliant architecture and styles and was once a Buddhist monastery before being an astrology school promoted by Dara Shikoh, the eldest of Emperor Shah Jahan’s sons. 

Harwan Garden:

Harwan is huge Garden lined with flower beds and massive Chinar Trees with a beautiful canal flowing right through the middle. The canal is fed from a beautiful lake which lies behind the garden. there is not much clutter of fountains and other fancy things but vast big green carpeted green lawns which form an ideal spot for picnics. This spot is very popular with the locals for picnics and excursions.

Bhaga Bhu Garden:

Situated 5 kms away from the Jammu city center, Bahu Fort stands on a rock face on the left bank of the river Tavi. Perhaps the oldest fort and edifice in the city, it was constructed originally by Raja Bahulochan over 3,000 years ago.

Inside, there is a temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali. An extensive terraced garden, known as Bagh-e-Bahu, has been developed around the fort.

Adventure Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir:

Mountaineering in Jammu and Kashmir:

There are several mountain ranges in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. Among them are Pir Panjal, Himalayas, Zanskar, Ladakh and Karakoram. Climbing in these Himalayas can be very invigorating. An expedition can take a month, Srinagar to Srinagar. Rich in flora and fauna, the summits of most peaks are a spine-tingling experience with views of the neighboring countries of Pakistan and Tibet.

One can climb the peaks of Kolahoi(5,425 m) and Harmukh (5,148 m), quickly making an alpine ascent. Similarly peaks in the Kishtwar region are not too high but offer technically complicated climbing with many challenging faces and ridges. The popular peaks are Sickle Moon 6,575 m ,Riger 6,001m, Brammah-I 6,416m,Crooked Finger 5,630m, Arjuna 6,230m, Katori 6,138m and Flat Top 6,100m.

In the Zanskar region peaks are located at the head of the Shafat glacier and include the famous peaks of Nun 7,135m and Kun 7,077m. Around these areWhite Needle 6,500m, Pinacle 6,930m and Z-1 6,400m. The 'Z' series also cluster around the Drang Drung glacier which is visible from the Pensita. In the Ladakh region are Stok Kangri 6,153m, Parcha Kangri 6,065m and Kanglcha6,400m.