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| Hill Stations of Jammu and Kashmir |
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| There is plenty of choice in J&K if one is really digging to see the beauty of the Himalayan ranges. The major places to check out in the Kashmir region are Srinagar , Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Sonamarg. While Srinagar is a best stop over for a week, the other three also make nice hop over destinations for a day from the capital city. While Jammu has got plenty of options for pilgrims, check around it too, especially Patnitop & Kishtwar, which are considered to be the best Holiday Resorts of this region. Not leaving Ladakh behind, tourist looking for some seclusion can visit Aru, Dah and Hanu to enjoy some peaceful quite retreats. These hilly sites also offer abundant adventure expedition options. |
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  GULMARG
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.
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.
 PAHALGAM
Situated at the confluence of the streams flowing from Sheshnag Lake and the Lidder river, Pahalgam (2,130 m) was once a humble shepherd's village with breathtaking views. Now it is Kashmir's premier resort, cool even during the height of summer when the maximum temperature does not exceed 250C. A number of hotels and lodges cater to all preferences and budgets, from luxurious hotels to unpretentious trekkers' lodges.
The most beautiful of these is the huge, undulating meadow 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.
Pahalgam has within it no fewer than eight tiny villages, one of which is Mamal. There is a Shiva temple here, generally considered to be Kashmir's oldest existing temple, dating to the 5th century.
 DAH & HANU
Dah & Hanu are places, at a far side of the great Indus River. Surrounded by the great Hindukush mountains and inhabited by a dynamic & gentle people who have a bank of strange legends to relate for the weary traveller's ears. Living in almost sheer seclusion, Dah & Hanu, the two villages can be accessed only by a really backbreaking road ride, which skirts a sheer cliff face with the river flowing fast and furious below.
 SONAMARG - The Meadow of Gold.
The drive to Sonamarg is through the Sindh Valley which presents yet another spectacular facet of countryside in Kashmir. Situated at an altitude of 2730 m, Sonamarg ('The meadow of gold') has, as its backdrop, snowy mountains against a cerulean sky. The Sindh River that meanders through the valley abounds with trout and mahaseer. Ponies can be hired for the trip up to Thajiwas glacier, which is a major local attraction during the summer months.
Sonamarg is the base of a major trek that passes along several mountain lakes -Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Gangabal. Sonamarg is also the take off station for the drive to Ladakh across the Zojila, a major pass in the Great Himalayan Range, through which the Srinagar-Leh Road passes.
ARU
Aru is a grassland surrounded by a gorge on one side. Aru is a beautiful shaded valley of the Lidder river. Encircling and protecting Aru, are the conifer spread mountains with occasional flash of high, snow-covered peaks rising against the blue sky. The one of the most beautiful hill resort of Kashmir is still, serene and idyllic.
There are small hamlets of wood-and-stone houses, some of them in the typical Gujjar-shepherd style with flat roofs, squat and backed against the hillside.
Aru is on the shepherd's trail to the high Kashmiri meadows. |
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