Jammu & Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir is the spectacular, far north, semi-autonomous region of India. The Himalaya mountains of Jammu and Kashmir are filled with breathtaking scenery and are ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, road-trippers or those seeking a quiet escape into the beauty and freshness of nature. Much of the area is disputed between India, Pakistan, China and even its own Kashmiri independence movement. Very recently, in 2019, India declared Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh as Union Territories. Due to these factors violent riots and protests can erupt quite quickly so it is important to stay aware of current events when traveling to this region. Fortunately, it is incredibly rare for tourists to be a target of any kind of political unrest in Jammu and Kashmir.

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Srinagar

Srinagar is the summer capital city of Jammu and Kashmir and is located in the Kashmir Valley on the Jhelum River and Dal and Anchar Lakes. The city is famous for its waterfronts, house boats and gorgeous scenery. Srinagar is also a great place to purchase famous Kashmiri wool shawls. Check out its Central Asian style bazaars and its delectable cuisine.

Kashmir Valley

The Kashmir Valley is the epitome of a stunning mountain landscape. Everywhere you turn your head you will want to take a picture to show people back home. The Kashmir Valley is ideal for hiking, camping and adventure sports such as rafting on the Lidder or Sindh River, paragliding, skiing and snowboarding in Gulmarg, Sonmarg or Pahalgam.

Jammu

Jammu is the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir as it lies further to the south than Srinagar and is not as mountainous. Jammu is sometimes referred to the City of Temples because of its plentiful temples and shrines. Visitors can explore Bahu Fort and Bhimgarh Fort or the mountain side Vaishno Devi Temple.

Ladakh

Ladakh is the northern most region of Jammu and Kashmir and is now considered a Union Territory of India. Portions of Ladakh are also claimed by China. Like the Kashmir Valley, Ladakh is the outdoorsman’s paradise. Marvel at Tso Moriri and Pangong Lakes, Nubra Valley and Hemis National Park (the Snow Leopard capital of India). Visit austere Buddhist monasteries like Diskit, Namgyal Tsemo or Lamayuru Town. Of course one must also visit the capital city, Leh, perched at over 11,000 ft. Explore the Leh and Stok Palaces; both fascinating examples of Tibetan architecture.

Leh-Manali Highway

For road-trippers, motorcycle enthusiasts or anyone who wants to experience awe inspiring vistas and valleys, take the Leh-Manali Highway that connects the capital of Ladakh (Leh) to the capital of Himachal Pradesh (Manali). However, most of the highway is extremely remote so fueling stations are rare. The journey will take careful planning but the memories and stories will last a lifetime.

For further study and detail about Jammu and Kashmir:
Kashmir, by Sir Francis Edward Younghusband
Kashmir: including Ladakh and Zanskar (Bradt Travel Guides), by Max Lovell-Hoare
India, Pakistan, and the Kashmir Dispute: On Regional Conflict and its Resolution, by Robert Wirsing
Off to Jammu and Kashmir (Discover India), by Sonia Mehta

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