10. Gurez
Valley
Gurez Valley is a valley
located in the high Himalayas, about 86 kms from Bandipore and 123 kms from
Sirnagar in northern J&k, India. At about 8,000 feet (2,400 m) above sea
level, the valley is surrounded by snow capped mountains. It has diverse fauna
and wildlife including the Himalayan brown bear and the snow leopard. The
kishanganga river flows through the valley.
The road to Gilgit
runs through Gurez is divided into three regions. The area from Toabat to Sharda
Peeth is administered by Pakistan and Neelum District, that between Kamri and
Minimarg is part of the Astore District, Northem Areas, Pakistan, and that from
Toabat to Abdullae Tulail is known as Tehsil Gurez. The trekking routes from
Gurez and Tilel lead upto Gangabal and Sonamorg to its east and Drass, Dahanu
and Zanskar to its north.
9. Lolab Valley
Lolab Valley is a Himalayan sub-valley and forms the north-western
corner of the Vale of Kashmir formed by the Lahwal River in the state of
Jammu & Kashmir of India. The entrance to the valley lies 114
km (71 m) northwest of Srinagar, the capital of Jammu & Kashmir. It is an
oval-shaped valley 15 miles (24 km) long with an average width of 2 miles (3.2
km).
It is a
poet like refer to Lolab asa true destination and as “land of love and beauty”.
Lolab valley is 5 km wide and 26 km log. It is located at a distance of 120 km
from Srinagar in Kupwara district. Lolab is a combination of three valleys,
Potnai valley, Brunai valley and Kalaroos valley. There are beautiful Nagmarg
meadows, which separate Lolab from Bandipora district.
The headquarters of
Lolab is situated at Sogam. It is said that Sogam was very densely populated a
long time ago, when Kashmir valley was still a lake called “Satisar”. Travelers
visiting Lolab also visit the resting place of a famous saint Kashyap reshi,
which is located at a distance of 1 km from village Lalpur.
8. Doodhpathri
Doodhpathri is a bow – shaped valley about 42 kms form Srinagar.
It is a recent discovery in the valley covered with green carpeted meadows. An
adjoining river resounds the soft wind passing through pin trees of the
surrounding forests.
It is said
that the cattle grazing in the meadows of Dodhpather, produces rich milk in
large quantity, and for this reason it is also called the “valley of milk”.
Shepherds from different areas travel to this place along with their cattle’s
and stay there for days together. This area also connected to Gurez valley on
its north.
7. Kokernag
Kokernag is a
sub-district town and a notified area committee in Breng Valley of Anantnag
district of the Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir. The etymology of the word
‘Kokernag’ is controversial and there are various theories and none has any
conclusive historical proof.
Kokernag is the most beautiful place, is one of
popular weekend getaways from Srinagar. It is located at an altitude of around
2012 m above sea level. This is the most important tourist place in Kashmir. The
moment you enter the green valley of Kokernag, you are welcomed by cool and
fragrant air of the mountains, an air that brings with it the perfume of the
blossoming flowers which you see all around this picturesque
vale. This place is famous for gardens, largest fresh
water springs in Kashmir and for its trout streams. Towns and village situated
around Kokernag are Wangam, Hangalgund, Sagam, Zalergam, Dacksum,
etc.
6. Verinag
Verinag is a town and a
notified area committee in Anantnag district in the state of Jammu &
Kashmir, India. It is about 26 km away from Anantnag and 78 km
south-east from Srinagar, state of Jammu & Kashmir. Verinag is also the
first tourist spot of Kashmir Valley. The word Verinag is derived from
two words “very” or “virah” meaning “to go back” and “nag” means water
spring.
Legend has
it that the “Goddess vitasta” also known as Jhelum wished to have her conception
from this site but she learned that “The Mighty Lord Shiva” was already residing
there and therefore she had to go back from there and hance Verinag got its
name. Mughal Garden of Verinag located about 61 km south of Srinagar at the
foothill of Banihal Mountain ranges. Covering a total area of 5.30 hectares, the
gardens fascinates the tourists with its beautiful manicured lawns, flower beds,
majestic chinar trees and gushing spring at the backdrop of lush and dense
forest.
5. Yusmarg
Yousmarg or Yusmarg is a hill station in
the western part of Kashmir Valley in the Indian state of Jammu
& Kashmir. It is situated 47 km south of Srinagar the capital of
the state. Yousmarg, mesmerizes tourists with its scenic beauty and mountains
comparable to European Alps.
Situated amidst Sang
Safed valley, Yousmarg is reputed for having some unique spring flowers. It also
has some of the highest peaks in PirPanjal range like Tatakoti 4725 mtrs and
Sunset Peak 4746 m. The mighty river Doodh Ganga makes this destination more
thrilling. The natural slopes of Yousmarg offer skiing opportunities to
experts.
4. Sonmarg
Sonamarg is situated in Jammu & Kashmir, in
India. It is hill station in Ganderbal district. Sonamarg, located at a
hefty altitude of 2,740 m above level, literally means “Meadow of Gold”. The
picturesque natural beauty of the region brought this name to Sonamarg. The town
is surrounded by breathtaking glaciers and serene lakes, is a snow covered
beautiful flower-laden meadow in the majestic Himalayan mountain region.
Sonamarg in the Kashmir valley is the gateway to Ladakh and situated just before
the Zojii La pass. This area is famous for trekking and hiking
trails.
The town is
surrounded by breathtaking glaciers and serene lakes, is a snow covered
beautiful flower-laden meadow in the majestic Himalayan mountain region.
Sonamarg in the Kashmir valley is the gateway to Ladakh and situated just before
the Zojii La pass. This area is famous for trekking and hiking
trails.
3. Pahalgam
Pahalgam is a town in
Anantnag district, state of Jammu & Kashmir, in India. It is most popular
tourist destination, and many tourist visit here. This the world famous hill
station and it is 45 km from the district at Anantnag and located on the banks
of Lidder River at an altitude of 7200 ft. from sea
level.
Pahalgam is
one among the Five tehsild of Annantnag district and tehsil. It was once a
tourist attraction and a favourite place for shooting of Bollywood films. This
place is Pahalgam are many places of interest, and the most beautiful of these
is the huge, undulating meadow of Baisaran, surrounded by thickly wooded forests
of pine. “Betaab Valley”, on the way to Chandanwari, is an idyllic spot for a
picnic.
2. Gulmarg
Gulmarg Leh is a famous hill
station in Baramulla of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is also
referred as the “Meadow of Flowers” for having colorful, vivid flowers in spring
season. A huge cup shaped meadow, lush and green with slopes where the silence
is broken only by the tinkle of cowbells, Gulmarg looks like a fantasy set in a
film. The name means ‘Meadow of Flowers’ and in the spring, it’s just that, a
rolling meadow dotted with countless colorful Bluebells, Daisies, Forget Me
Not’s and Buttercups. The place, all around are snow-capped mountains, here many
people come for trekking, Skiing & Heliskiing and enjoy
lot.
1. Srinagar