Kashmir

Kashmir is the northernmost state of the India. Known for its extravagant natural beauty this land formed a major caravan route in the ancient times. Nature has lavishly endowed Kashmir with certain distinctive favors which hardly find a parallel in any alpine land of the world.

The Mughal had a deep influence on this land and introduced various reforms in the revenue industry and other areas that added to the progress of Kashmir.

Art and crafts also developed through encouragement. After, independence of India in 1947 this region formed a part of the Indian Territory and is an integral region that contributed its part to preserve the unity and integrity of India.

Come, see for yourself, and you may fall in love with her as countless do. But you cannot forget her. There is so much you will take back ? not just bargain in silk and silver but warmth of spontaneous friendship and traditional hospitality which is peculiarity of this land of charm and enchantment.

House Boats

When we think of Kashmir, the first thing that comes to our Mind is “Houseboats”. Many tourists are attracted to Srinagar by the charm of staying on a houseboat, which provides the unique experience of living on the water in a cedar-panelled elegant bedroom, with all the conveniences of a luxury hotel. Staying on a Houseboat means like living in Paradise, an experience one is not likely to find anywhere else on the surface of the earth. “Blue Tours Pvt Ltd.” has luxurious houseboats each beautifully furnished with 2 to 3 bedrooms a sitting room, a dinning room (attached bathrooms having modern amenities) and a front lake view balcony. The Houseboats are moored on the most charming sites on of Dal Lake as well as Nageen Lake.

A luxury houseboat, like a luxury hotel has fine furniture, good carpets and modern bathroom fittings, all houseboats, regardless of category, have highly personalized service. Not only is there always a “houseboy” for every boat, but the owner and his family are never far away.

Shikara Tour

Shikara’s are used for getting back and forth from the houseboats or for longer tours.

A shikara ride is one of the most soothing, relaxing aspects of a holiday in Kashmir.

If you like to have some fun and adventure while touring Srinagar, opt for a Shikara ride. This is marvelous, enjoyable and unforgettable.

Shikaras are long boats which crowd the Srinagar lakes. It is worth to take a pleasure ride around the lake in shikara. Shikara is a Gondola type light rowing boat. The two hour boat ride takes you on a relaxing sightseeing tour of interior parts of the calm and placid waters of Dal Lake, Don’t forget to capture the superb beauty around the Lake by taking relaxed holidays on a Shikara.

While riding on Shikara you can often observe white breasted Kingfishers (Halycon smyrnensis), large striking birds with robust bills perched on the branches of willow trees. These birds concentrate their efforts to hunting on the floating Gardens.

Wular Lake

Wular Lake is approximately 60 km away from the city of Srinagar. Spreading over an area of 125 km, Wular Lake is said to be one of the largest fresh water lakes in India. The Wular Lake of Kashmir changes character after every few miles of its course. The deepest part of the lake is known as Mota Khon, The Lake serves as a natural flood reservoir for Jhelum River, draining off the excess water. The beauty of Wular Lake is beyond description of words. Devoid of any artificial feature, the Wular Lake in Kashmir reflects the beauty of nature at its best. Set amongst scenic locales, the Wular Lake is also home to an exotic and wide variety of avian life. At one time there was an artificial island on the lake, where boatmen could shelter if the weather turned bad, but silting on that side of the lake has joined the island to the lakeside. It’s now a popular picnic spot.

Manasbal Lake

Manasbal Lake is located in the Jhelum valley, north of Srinagar. The lake is a good place for bird watching as it is one of the largest natural stamping grounds of Aquatic birds in Kashmir and has the sobriquet of “supreme gem of all Kashmir Lakes. The rootstocks of lotus plant which grows extensively in the lake are harvested and marketed, and also eaten by the local people. The Manasbal Lake falls under the third series of high altitude lakes of the Himalayas [In summer the lake, which averages 12 metres deep, is covered with lotus flowers and in winter it is a bird watchers paradise as it is one of the largest natural haunts of aquatic birds in Kashmir.

Harwan

Harwan Garden is situated in the district of in Srinagar. A beautiful and massive garden. The canal is bordered with blossoming flowerbeds and chinar trees. A beautiful canal, fed from a lake just behind the garden, passes through its center. Kashmir Harwan Garden does not have the usual terraces, artificial fountains, etc, like the other gardens of Kashmir. It has been deliberately kept devoid of these man-made things. The main attraction of the Harwan garden of Kashmir is its natural beauty that is present in plenty. The big lawns, carpeted with green grass, draw people automatically towards this place. Harwan is a popular picnic spot. Harwan is the perfect place to take long walks in the lap of nature. Here one comes across remarkable remains of the ancient civilization underthed during recent times. It also serves as a take-off point for visiting Dachi Gam Wild life sanctuary and a starting point of a Mahadev Mountain trek.

Dachigam

It is one of the most charming meadows of Kashmir. The variation in altitude is vast, ranging from 5500 ft to 14000 ft above mean sea level. Due to this vast variation, the park is very clearly demarcated into an upper and lower region.

Dachigam is one sanctuary that cannot be seen in all its glory with just one visit. This is due to the fact that the park changes its entire appearance with the onset of each season, every one of which is as beautiful as the one before or the next to arrive.

The national park at Dachigam contains the last viable Hangul (deer) population in the world. Related to the red Deer of Europe, this breed is characterized by its white rump patch and impressive spread of antlers.

Over 150 species of birds inhabiting park’s vicinity. Colorful pheasants include the Crimson Tragopan, the iridescent Monal Pheasant with its glittering plumage, the Blood Pheasant and the Koklass Pheasant. The golden Eagle and the bearded Vulture or Lammergeier is seen circling the brilliant blue skies.

Anchar Lake

Anchar is a small lake full of marshy spots thick weeds. Lotus and lily are plentiful in August, and wild duck and snipe in winter.

Daksum

A forest retreat girdled by mountains. Daksum is standing at an altitude of 2438 m in a densely forested gorge, Daksum offers peace and tranquility. It presents an awe-inspiring sight. The only sound heard there is that of the Bringhi River, rushing right through its center. A walk in Daksum will take you up to the hills enveloped in lush coniferous trees and past gurgling brooks. The landscape of Daksum is quite erratic. From the tree-covered hills, you will suddenly find yourself in grassy meadows serving as host to the sheep coming for pasture. The simple music coming out of the flute of an unseen shepherd tending to his flock will keep you mesmerized. The invigorating mountain air, the calm and serenity, the densely clad hills, all make the trip to Daksum a memorable experience. Then, there are the snow-capped mountains in the background that further enhance the beauty of this place.

Kokernag

The heart of the bringhi Valley is Kokernag, situated at a height of 1,972 m, The water of Kokernag in Kashmir is believed to have medicinal and digestive properties, and because of these properties only, the spring is also known as Papashudan Nag or the sin-cleansing spring. Kokernag has Blooming gardens surround this spring, which bubbles at seven places at the foot of the forested mountain There is also a botanical garden and a rose garden near Kokernag, overflowing with fragrances of flowers and shrubs. Kokernag is also the largest fresh water spring of the Kashmir valley. The word Kokernag is a combination of the two words, Koker meaning ‘fowl’ and Nag meaning ‘serpent’. Kokernag is a collection of many small springs and collectively, they all look like the claw foot of a Koker (cock). And the flowing stream resembles a moving serpent. Hence, the name “Kokernag”. The spring of Kokernag comprise of 300 canals, 129 canals for garden purposes and 171 canals for forest area. A heaven for anglers.

Verinag

Verinag is famous for its springs and it is located at a height of 1,886 m. It is believed that the Verinag spring is the chief source of the river Jhelum. The Mughal Emperor Jehangir started the construction work on both the base as well as the arcade and was completed in the times of shah Jehan.

Shankaracharya

The Shankaracharya temple is situated in the Srinagar district on the hill known as Takht-e-Suleiman. It is housed at a height of 1100 ft.. It is believed that Raja Gopadatya got the temple constructed in 371 BC, The Shankracharya Mandir is dedicated to Lord Shiva. From here one can have the bird eye view of the Srinagar City.

Hari Parbat Hill

The first fortifications on the site were constructed by the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1590. He built an outer wall for the fort, and planned a new capital called Nager Nagor to be built within the wall. That project was never completed. The present fort was built in 1808 under the reign of Shuja Shah Durrani. The hill consists of a type of a Basaltic Rock favorable to the growth of Almond Tree. Durung the Almond blossoms in April the place goes gay with pink and white blossoms.

Yusmarg

The two-hour drive to the place is an enjoyment in itself. Grassy pastures stretching to acres of land, the dense forests full of pine trees, with the backdrop of splendid snow capped mountains leave you almost speechless. Yusmarg is the perfect place to go for a picnic. It is possible that after reaching this place, you may want to even stay for a few days. Specially, for the lovers of long walks in picturesque locales,. Another venue for the walkers is a river, known by the name of Dudh Ganga. Frothing and crashing on its way over the rocks, the river makes a little white foam, which gives it this name.

Charar-e-sharief

Tours and travel to the Charar-e-sharief shrine can be an educative experience. This pilgrimage is a 600 year-old wooden shrine. It is a beautiful structure and from a distance it gives the impression like an Italian monastery. All sides of the mausoleum have intricately carved woodwork. The town is famous for its willow industry-basket weaving and kangri making.

Amarnath Yatra

Making Every year in the month of Shravana (July-August) when the moon is full, thousands of devout pilgrims undertake the Amarnath Yatra. The seat of Lord Shiva at height of 3,880 meters in the Himalayas. The cave enshrines a naturally formed Ice Lingam, symbol of Lord Shiva, which waxes and wanes with the moon, reaching its maximum size on the day of pilgrimage. It is believed, Lord Shiva here explained the secret of salvation to his consort parvati on a full moon night. Two of the God’s Servants overheard and were turned into pigeons, and these according to common belief can still be seen flying over the cave.

The traditional route to this mysterious cave starts from Pahalgam, a scenic tourist resort. The 45 Km long route passes through some of the most breath taking scenery but at times it becomes steep, arduous, muddy and slippery in starkly desolate mountains. The orgin of the holy trek is lost in antiquity but there is evidence that is was being undertaken as far back as 1000 B.C… The government of Jammu & Kashmir has provided all essential amenities enroute, simple accommodation for the night in sheds, and tents, ration and fuel, free medical aid and police protection and other facilities like ponies and laborers are all arranged at the time of the annual pilgrimage.

The first stop on the trek is chandan-wari at a height of 2,895 M 16 km from Phalgam, A small valley girdled by high mountains with the sheshnag streeem gushing through it. Chandan-wari is famous for its snow bridge & picnic spots.

Sheshnag 3,718 M with an emerald-lake which remains covered with ice till June, is 12 Km from chandan-wari and second stage of Yatra. The 13 Km journey onward from here to Panjtarni 3,657 M passes through gorgeous scenery. At Panjtharni is a spacious and picturesque camping ground with Amarnath cave only 6 km away. A dip before Darshan in the clear-ice-cold water of the Amaravati stream is considered auspicious. Inside the cave is a scene of clam tranquility. White and glistening the massive lingam stands erect, symbol of Lord Shiva.

The entire ‘Yatra usually’ takes 5 to 6 days but however in recent years people undertake the yatra in a single day through a much difficult route via BALTAL. Tourists are advised not to take Yatra with childrens.

Nishat Garden

Nishat garden is one of the largest Mughal gardens in Kashmir. Also known as “the garden of bliss”, Nishat garden of Kashmir offers a splendid view of the Dal Lake as well as the snow capped Pir Panjal mountain range. The Nishat gardens have the Zabarwan Mountains forming its backdrop. Asaf Khan designed the Kashmir Nishat Bagh in 1633 AD. Within the garden are ruins of some of the buildings dating back to the Mughal period. One of them is a double story pavilion enclosed on two sides with latticed windows. The garden has terraces, each representing a different Zodiac sign. There is also a beautiful water channel flowing right in the middle of the garden. Other attractions of the Nishat garden of Kashmir include its blooming flowerbeds, trees, fountains, etc.

There is also a small spring behind the garden, known as Gopi Tirth. It is a source of supply of crystal clear water to the garden.

Shalimar Garden

Emperor Jehangir built the Shalimar Garden for his wife Nur Jahan in 1616. A second garden Faiz Baksh, (The Bountiful) was added to it later during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (1628-1658). The Shalimar garden offers an amazing view over the other gardens, lakes and shallow terraces. Also known as the “garden of love”, the Shalimar Gardens has four terraces, rising one above the other. The fourth terrace of the garden was, at one point of time, reserved for the Mughal Emperor and the royal ladies only. In fact, the top terrace was the most wonderful, one out of all the terraces. The terrace has a tank with a black stone pavilion in its middle. The pavilion, which once served as a banquet hall, is supported by fluted pillars made up of black marble. There is also a canal lined with polished stones running through the center of the Shalimar garden. Other attractions of the Shalimar Bagh of Kashmir include a number of fountains, shaded trees and innumerable varieties of flowers that blossom in spring and autumn. Last but not the least,The garden is considered to be very beautiful during the Autumn and Spring seasons due to the colour change in leaves of the famed Chinar trees.

Upon completion of the gardens, the emperor is said to have recited the famous Persian expression in praise of Kashmir’s beauty.

Pari Mahal

Pari Mahal has a beautiful and well-planned garden. At one point of time, the Pari Mahal served as Buddhist monastery but later Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of Mughal Emperor Shahjahan, converted it into a school of astrology for his teacher Mulla Akhun. You can have the breath taking view of the Dal Lake as well as Asia No one Royal Spring Golf Course, and it environs from this calm and scenic locale. A terraced garden heightens the beauty of the place making it the most idyllic spot.

Jamia Masjid

Jamia Masjid is known as one of the sacred mosques in Srinagar.The Jamia Masjid of Srinagar is situated at Nowhatta, in the middle of the old city. The area of Jamia Masjid extends up to an area of 384 feet X 381 feet. An important mosque in Srinagar, it was built by Sultan Sikandar in 1400 AD. Later, the son of Sultan Sikandar, Zain-ul-Abidin got the mosque extended. The attractions of the Jamia Masjid of Srinagar include beautiful Indo-Saracenic architecture, a magnificent courtyard and 370 wooden pillars. Another feature of the mosque is the peace and tranquility inside it, standing out against the hustle of the old bazaars around it. Be it the holiness or the constructional elegance, Jamia Masjid is quite unparalleled in every aspect. Jamia Masjid symbolizes one of the best architectural specimens which survived the ravages of time ever since it was constructed in the valley of Jammu & Kashmir. Thousands of Muslims assemble at the mosque every Friday to offer their prayers.This spacious mosque holds a capacity to accommodate more than thirty thousand people offering prayer at a time.

Hazratbal Shrine

Hazratbal shrine is situated on the banks of the Dal Lake in Srinagar. Visit to this shrine can be a special experience as the Prophet Mohammad’s hair called Moi-e-Muqqadus, is preserved in this shrine. The history of this shrine dates back to the seventeenth century. The Hazratbal shrine is a marble structure that was specifically constructed by Muslim Auqaf Trust with the objective of preserving the Prophet’s hair Moi-e-Muqqadus, this piece of hair Moi-e-Muqqadus, arrived in Kashmir in the year 1699.This pilgrimage destination is known by a number of names viz. the Assar-e-Sharif, Madinat-us-Sani and the Dargah Sharif. Mughal emperor Shahjahan’s brother constructed the Ishrat Mahal at the site of the shrine sometime in the year 1623, later when the emperor himself visited the site he ordered the place to be converted into a prayer house. The shrine as such was built by the Muslim Auqaf trust. Before the Hazratbal shrine was constructed the sacred hair Moi-e-Muqqadus, was placed in the shrine of Naqshband Sahib. The architecture of the shrine is a combination of Mughal and traditional Kashmiri.

Chashmashahi

Chashmashahi means Royal Spring is the smallest of the three Mughal gardens of Kashmir. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan set up the Kashmir Royal Spring in 1632 AD. The garden is quite famous for spring of energizing digestive mineral water inside it. This Royal Spring offers a striking view of the scenic Dal Lake and the neighboring mountains. The garden has a number of terraces, with several fountains built right through its center.

Apart from the three terraces and fountains, the other attractions of Royal Spring include an aqueduct and some waterfalls. The water for the fountains comes from the spring. This water then goes through the floor of the pavilion and falls over to the lower terrace, over a polished black stone chute. Also, a number of fruits, flowers and chinar trees grow in the garden.

Sonamarg

Kolohoi Glacier situated up the Lidder Valley, just below Mount Kolohoi, is currently a hanging glacier. It is basically hollowed out from global warming, the Asian brown cloud, and local environmental factors associated with mountain hydrology. According to the mountaineers from Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering (JIM)in 2008, the glacier has receded by half since 1985. The glacier is not safe to study because it is hollow and in places has 200 foot deep crevasses. The sounds of cracking can be heard from either side of the ice field, which indicates an imminent collapse. The preferred method of approach for viewing is to take the right side. Reaching Kolohoi, trekking up the Lidder Valley, you will encounter some of the most difficult terrain in the western Himalaya, but the views are breathtaking. This approach offers less boulder fields on the approach, and the occasional goat/horse/cattle herder can be approached for cheese and Kashmiri tea on the way.

Dal Lake

Dal Lake is one of the most beautiful and picturesque lakes in India, and is also the second largest lake in the State of Jammu Kashmir and Ladhak. It has been and continues to be a part of the poetry by some renowned poets. The lake itself is connected to a number of other lakes of the Kashmir valley. It is well known for its approximately 500 Victorian-era wooden houseboats, originally built as vacation homes for British administrators during the King Rule. The lake covers 18 square kilometers, Dal Lake has an island each in the centre, known as Rup Lank (or Char Chinari) and Sona Lank. Along most of the shore of the lake is a boulevard, lined with Mughal-era gardens, parks, and hotels. During the winter season the lake sometimes freezes over. The lake has some interesting flora and fauna. The flora include lotus flower, water lillies and water chestnuts. Notable birds are kingfishers and heron. The Lake and Waterways Authority allows kayaking, canoeing, water surfing and licensed angling on the lake. The floating gardens of the Lake are considered a beauty in themselves. Dal Lake Adventurous tourists as well as the tourists looking for cool, natural secluded atmosphere can venture to this natural wonder. Dal Lake is encircled by magnificent mountains on three sides. Adorning the banks of the Dal Lake is a number of blooming gardens and orchards. Five basins and a number of channels well linked with each other are some of the features of the lake. Dal Lake is approximately 6 km by 3 km in size and changes its moods and scenery after every few 100 meters. The other unique features of the Dal Lake are the famous Shikaras. The Shikaras provide ferry ride of the Dal Lake. Shikaras form an indelible part of the scenery of the Dal Lake that are always ready to take tourists to a romantic and peaceful ride of the lake and soothe their nerves as the Shikara floats over the slightly rippling waters. Dal Lake also supports the second largest industry of the region, fishing. The plethora of fishes in the lake provides occupation to a large number of people in the valley. It is believed Dal Lake originated from the Pleistocene Oligotrophic Lake, which at one point of time covered the entire Kashmir valley.

Pahalgam

Pahalgam is situated at an altitude of 2,133 meters amidst lofty deodars, fir, pine, junipers and many other conifers. The place gets lively during the tourist months of the summer; there is something about the pure and re-vitalizing air of Pahalgam. Perhaps dense pine and cedar forests make it oxygen rich. Limited accessibility combined with limited telecom connectivity makes it an ideal getaway from the grind of daily life and professional stress. The town is at the junction of the Aru and Sheshnag Rivers and surrounded by soaring, fir-covered mountains with bare, snow-capped peaks rising behind them. The Aru flows down from the Kolahoi glacier beyond Lidderwat while the Sheshnag from glaciers along the great Himalayas. Pahalgam also comprises of a part of the only saffron growing areas of Asia. There are a number of activities one can undertake, while in Pahalgam. One of them is trekking. Some of the famous treks of Pahalgam are the Pahalgam-Sonamarg Trek and the treks to Chandanwari, Kolahoi Glacier and Sheshnag Lake. Have a look at some other tourist attractions of Pahalgam and plan your trip to the hill station.

What makes it one of the most famous and worthy-of-a-visit-and-a-stay hill stations in the entire Himalayas? Even so, what really is a hill station? A “hill-station” is a very colonial era name given to a town which is at a higher elevation such that people can go there to escape the heat of the plains in the months of summer. Pahalgam is not a mere hill-station. It’s a recreation resort. It is like going into the lap of nature to do many things – one of the best – that “do-nothing”. You want to have a romantic trip with your beloved, want to get together with you family, and have what they call a ‘quality’ family time, you want to do those little interesting things with the family and kids, like take a pony ride, just picnic next to a beatiful river, just lie down under the sun next to your ‘hut’ with fresh breeze blowing, and read a book, or have a game of cards.

• Horse Riding
• Fishing (at Lidder River)
• Sledging at the frozen Glaciers
• Long walks in the jungles
• Alpine Skiing
• White Water Rafting (Lidder River)
• Golf is still there

Gulmarg

Gulmarg the “Meadow of Flowers” counts amongst some of the best tourist spots of the world. Gulmarg is being mooted as a possible host for the 2010 Commonwealth Winter Games. The beauty of this place can easily enchant the mind of any individual. It is said that the emperor once collected 21 different varieties of flowers from here. The snowy mountains, lush green grasses, forest etc. together creates a memorable moment in the life of a person. And that is the reason why thousands of tourists are attracted towards this destination every year. Gulmarg is the most beautiful place in the Kashmir to watch, in the month of December and January, this place is covered with snow. Doing skiing here is just fabulous. The Snowy Mountains and valley together creates a fabulous beauty. Gulmarg hill resort boasts of not only picturesque locales, but also of the highest golf course in the world. Situated at a height of 2,650 m, Gulmarg golf course is one of the major attractions of the awesome hill station. Along with that, Gulmarg boasts world highest and longest cable car project, the Gulmarg Gondola. The two-stage ropeway ferries about 600 people per hour to and from Kongdoori Mountain, a shoulder of nearby Afarwat Peak 4,400 m.( 13780 ft ) The ropeway project is a joint venture of the Jammu and Kashmir government and French firm Pomagalski. The first stage transfers from the Gulmarg to Kongdoori Station in the bowl-shaped Kongdori valley. The second stage of the ropeway, which has 36 cabins and 18 towers, takes skiers to a height of 4400 m on Kongdoori Mountain, a shoulder of nearby Afarwat Peak (4,400 m (13,780 ft)).Skiing is normally offered from mid-December to mid-May. The hill resort of Gulmarg is rated as one of the unrivaled tourist spots in the world.

Aru Valley

Aru, 105 kms from Srinagar, and 15 Kms from Phalgam is situated at an altitude of 2411 m. Aru is conifer covered mountains with occasional glimpses of high, snow-covered, peaks rising against the blue sky. It is a meadow bordered on one side by a gorge with a small hamlet of wood-and-stone houses, some of them built in the typical Gujjar-shepherd style; flat roofed, squat and backed against the hillside. Aru is a serene and idyllic natural paradise devoid of heat, dust, pollution, vehicles, crowds, etc. Aru is on the shepherds’ trail to the high Kashmiri meadows. One can often come across the shepherds or Gujjars tribes moving with their flocks of goat, sheep and fierce sheep dogs. It is a ravine of the Lidder River with a small stream running through its golden-green meadows.

Alternatively one can go for a walk in the whispering woods with sunlight filtering through the leaves or stretch out on pine needles or enjoy the magnificent sunrise and sunsets. There are a few eating houses or dhabas in the hamlet.

One can trek or ride to the Lidderwat meadow, 11 km away. The trek to Kolahoi Glacier (3,200 m), 24 kms from Aru, is challenging and enthralling.

Aru is the base camp for the Expeditions like:

• Aru – Lidderwath
• Aru – Tarsar & Marsar
• Aru – Kolohai & Sonmarg
• Aru – Kungwattan
• Aru – Some lake on top of mountain
• Aru – Chandarwari
• Aru – Nag Beeran And Moreee

Lidder Valley

The Lidder valley forms the north-eastern corner of the Kashmir vale. It has a pleasant and mild look and a calm and peaceful atmosphere is radiated from sober forest-covered slopes and woodlands which border this valley. This valley is surrounded by pine-covered mountains from whose lap rushes down a sparkling stream whose beauty is indescribable. Lidder valley is a beautiful place at Pahalgam. It is a picturesque valley that forms one of the main attractions among the sight seeing destinations in and around the pleasant hill station of Pahalgam. The picturesque Lidder Valley in Pahalgam has derived its name from the graceful Lidder River that flows through the Pahalgam town. The scenic valley of Lidder is adorned with beautiful brooks and streams. The valley of Lidder is protected by lofty mountains. One remarkable feature of the Lidder Valley is the presence of pleasing glaciers that enhance the beauty of the lovely val-ley of Lidder largely. The visitors to Pahalgam must make a trip to the exquisite Lidder Valley. It would indeed be a very gratifying and soul satisfying experience. The peaceful ambiance and the solitary atmosphere of the Lidder Valley will be an experience almost divine. One can also take a solitary walk along the virgin pine forests and get lost in one’s dream world. Watching the pristine waters of the mountain brooks amidst the sublimity of the Lidder Valley will surely make one rediscover one’s soul. One fulfilling experience for the tourists would be to go fish-ing in the beautiful river of Lidder. Trout is found in abundance in this river, so much so that, not even a novice will go back empty handed.

Tarsar Lake

Going along Tarsar stream we enter Dandabari where stones smoothened by weather are scattered all over the valley. In between them grows floral vegetation. The birch trees are not in a prosperous condition. The stream flows over boulders and to avoid these it is necessary to leave the stream and walk high up over grassy spur till we reach Tarsar Lake (12,500 ft.). Tarsar lies among mountains open from one side. It is shaped like an almond. It is not awe-inspiring like Konsar Nag. The shores are low and form an excellent camping ground. The mountains are not high but are devoid of trees. They are covered with herbal vegetation and the water is transparent and very sweet. This is a calm and quiet place. The appetite is apt to acquire a sharp edge here. There is no fuel available. To prepare tea one should bring some fuel along with one. It is worthwhile to bathe in the lake, but one should not venture into its deeper parts unless one is a strong swimmer and can resist cold. One is enveloped by Nature and she permeates the whole of his being -physical as well as mental. When the wind ruffles the surface of water a little, the crests of wavelets catching the sun’s rays turn the water into a sheet of sparkling diamonds. This is the most beautiful camping spot on the trek. The highlight of the dinner will be a fresh catch from the lake.

Kolahoi Glacier

Kolahoi Glacier situated up the Lidder Valley, just below Mount Kolohoi, is currently a hanging glacier. It is basically hollowed out from global warming, the Asian brown cloud, and local environmental factors associated with mountain hydrology. According to the mountaineers from Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering (JIM)in 2008, the glacier has receded by half since 1985. The glacier is not safe to study because it is hollow and in places has 200 foot deep crevasses. The sounds of cracking can be heard from either side of the ice field, which indicates an imminent collapse. The preferred method of approach for viewing is to take the right side. Reaching Kolohoi, trekking up the Lidder Valley, you will encounter some of the most difficult terrain in the western Himalaya, but the views are breathtaking. This approach offers less boulder fields on the approach, and the occasional goat/horse/cattle herder can be approached for cheese and Kashmiri tea on the way.