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WEATHER

Once the jewel in the crown of himlayan states for tourist, Kashmir has seen it's fortunes slip over the years as the decades old conflict in the area dissuades tourist. In latter years things has improved slightly but the situation remains fluid and it's always best to catchup on the latest news on security issues. that said what is available to the tourist is worth the trip and many still have glowing reports to relate about this troubled state.

entering through Jammu, many tourist tend to just pass trough this town on the Tawi river. A shame because this city of temples also offers a few hidden delights.

The Raghunath Mandir is a old huddled collection of temple, gigantic deities and linga. It contains representatives of almost the entire Hindu pantheon, which makes it an unusual destination.

On the opposite bank of the Tawi river, on an upland plateau, is situated the majestic Bahu Fort, and the highly unusual Amar Mahal Palace, with it's museum and library are also worth some of your time

The Peer Mitha Muslim shrine is a major draw for Muslim visitors to Jammu and the Vir Marg, Raghunath Bazaar and Hari Market .are the places to find Kashmiri handicrafts and superlative Basmati rice.

Katra Town, lying in the foot of Trikuta Mountains, 48 kms. from Jammu, is the base for visiting the famous shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Dev. The cave shrine of Mata Vasihnodeviji or Trikuta Bhagwati (alt: 5,200 ft.) is a major pilgrimage site for Hindus and as with all religious towns offers the kind of atmosphere that raises the hairs on the back of ones neck.

Moving on into Kashmir you'll arrive at Srinigar.,at 1,730 m above sea level, spread on both sides of the river Jhelum. The Dal and Nagin lakes enhance this towns picturesque setting,

Places to see include The mughal Gardens

With terraced lawns, cascading fountains, paint-box-bright flowerbeds and the panorama of the Dal in front of them - the three Mughal Gardens of Chesmashahi, Nishat and Shalimar are a quit place to spend some time. The Jama Masjid at Nowhatta, in the heart of the old city amidst the busy bazaars is one of the most important Mosques in the city.

With Its labyrinthine roads and bustling bazaars, the old city are a photographer's delight., few could be left unmoved by the old crumbling brick buildings crowding onto the river Jhelum. At Habba Kadal, shop after shop sells nothing but skeins of wool, mainly to carpet weavers. The old city is where you'll find many of the ancient shrines like Shah-i-Hamdan, situated between Habba Kadal and Fateh Kadal, is probably the most important. Shah-i-Hamdan, who came from Persia in the 13th century, was responsible for the spread of Islam in Kashmir. Khanqah-i-Mualla, on the banks of the Jhelum, was the very spot where Shah-i-Hamdan used to offer prayers. Upon his death, a shrine, ornately decorated with papier-mache on the walls and ceiling, was built in his memory.

Other shrines include Makhdoom Sahib, Patthar Masjid, Jama Masjid and Pir Dastagir

Most tourists who come to Srinigar like to stay in a houseboat, and there's certainly something to be said to staying on one of these throw backs to the sumptuous past.

Around Srinigar there are several places frequented by tourists. like Gulmarg with it's quiet countryside it is not merely a mountain resort of exceptional beauty- it also has the highest green golf course in the world, at an altitude of 2,650 m, and is the country's premier ski resort in the winter.

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

It's now a resort town with various activities. Like Fishing and trekking.

The drive to Sonamarg is through the Sindh Valley is positively staggering an offers another side of the countryside in Kashmir. Situated at an altitude of 2730 m, Sonamarg (‘The meadow of gold’)

is surrounded by the snowcapped Himalayas and pony trip to the Thajiwas glacier can be arranged here it's also the starting point for a major trek that passes along several mountain lakes –Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Gangabal.

The Amarnathji Yatra also starts here, to see the ice Shiva linga at certain time of the year.

A visit to Kashmir may give you pause for thought but the rewards are there for the daring explorer!