India Tourism » Kashmir Travel

Kashmir in summer is a paradise waiting to be discovered by the romantic at heart and intrepid in spirit.

Nestling in the lap of the dazzling, snow capped Himalayas, Jammu & Kashmir is a glittering jewel in the Himalayan necklace. An inspiration for so much art, music and poetry, it is also a honeymooners’ paradise, a nature lover’s wonderland and a shopper’s dream come true. Over the years, Kashmir has come to love and look after its tourists, fulfilling their every whim. Tourists are everywhere, soaking up all that Kashmir has to offer – the walks, the pony treks, the cable car rides over Gulmarg Resort, the shikara rides at sunset on the Dal Lake.

The Dal is famous not only for its beauty, but for its vibrancy, because it sustains within its periphery, a life that is unique anywhere in the world. Chashma Shahi is the first Mughal garden you will pass after Nehru Park. Built at a height above the city, its views are as stupendous as its layout. The next garden along the road that encircles the Dal is the Nishat, built by Empress Nur Jahan’s brother Asaf Khan.

Meadow of flowers
Gulmarg looks like a fantasy set in a film, and not surprisingly, has been the venue of several films. Summer carpets the landscape with emerald and also multi-hued blossoms, and on a clear day you can see all the way to Nanga Parbat in one direction and Srinagar in another. From Gulmarg, a pony track leads upwards to Khilanmarg, Kongdori and Seven Springs.

Valley of Shepherds
At the confluence of the streams flowing from the river Lidder and Sheshnag lake, Pahalgam was once a sleepy hamlet, a humble shepherd’s village with breathtaking views. Now it is Kashmir’s premier resort, cool even during the height of summer. A number of hotels and lodges cater to all preferences and budgets, from luxurious to unpretentious trekkers’ lodges, including JKTDC’s delightfully romantic huts.

Meadow of gold
Sonamarg, which means meadow of gold has, as its backdrop, snowy mountains against a cerulean sky. The Sindh meanders along here and abounds with trout and mahseet. Ponies can be hired for the trip up to Thajiwas glacier a major attraction during the summer months.

Shopping
Srinagar is the hub of Kashmir handicrafts carpets, wood carving, papier mache, embroidery, jewellery. Indeed, the range of selection is vast, from a simple embroidered item to an exquisite silk carpet costing a fortune.

... And once you have visited Kashmir in summer, you will agree that what began as a fantasy lives on as an unforgettable experience.