jammu & kashmir

HILLSTATIONS OF JAMMU & KASHMIR

Pahalgam:

Pahalgam (Hindi: पहलगाम, Urdu: پہلگام) is a town and a notified area committee in Anantnag district in India's northernmost state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is a popular tourist destination, and every year, many tourists visit Pahalgam.

Geography:

Pahalgam is located at 34°01′N 75°11′E / 34.01°N 75.19°E / 34.01; 75.19. It has an average elevation of 2740 metres (8989 feet).

Demographics:

As of 2001^[update] India census, Pahalgam had a population of 5922. Males constitute 56% of the population and females 44%. Pahalgam has an average literacy rate of 35%, lower than the Indian national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 49%, and female literacy is 17%. In Pahalgam, 14% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Tourist Attraction:

Arguably one of the most beautiful places on earth, the town of Pahalgam (Village of Shepherds) offers breathtaking views. One can just relax in one of the many hotels in Pahalgam, or trek on some of the many mountains. One can trek to Lidderwat, Kolohoi Glacier or to Sonmarg. Snow skiing is an attraction during the winter months (from December to late February).

Pahalgam is also the entry point for the famous Amarnath Cave, a holy site for Hindus. There was a conflict recently involving the temple.

Kolahoi Glacier:

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. 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. 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.

Wild Life:

Wild Bears still roam much of the area and local villagers are on constant alert for their presence. Due to the constant threat of illegal boarder crossings the Indian army is always patrolling the area and is on constant high alert. As the local population can’t carry firearms this has saved the bears from being hunted to extinction. With the abundance of fresh trout in the rivers and local farm animals they have plenty to eat. Monkeys also populate the area, most monkeys are quiet shy but given an opportunity they will steal food from visitors campsites.

Plants and Forna:

During spring the abundance of wild flowers is breath taking.

Gallery:

Fresh trout caught in Pahalgam Valley

The Pahalgam valley.

Horse riding in the Pahalgam valley.

The Valley at Pahalgam (1985)

Gulmarg:

Gulmarg (or "Meadow of Flowers") is a town, a hill station and a notified area committee in Baramula district in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Geography:

Gulmarg is located 52 km from Srinagar. It is located at 34°03′N 74°23′E / 34.05°N 74.38°E. It has an average elevation of 2,690 m (8,825 ft).

Demographics:

At the 2001 India census, Gulmarg had a population of 664, though many people are required to leave by nightfall. Only tourists and those working in the tourism industry may stay overnight. Males constitute 99% of the population and females 1%. Gulmarg has an average literacy rate of 96%, higher than the Indian national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 97%, and female literacy is 22%. In Gulmarg, 0% of the population is under 6 years of age.

History:

Gulmarg has been a resort for the kings like Yousuf Shah Chak and Jahangir who used to visit frequently. The old name of Gulmarg was "Gaurimarg", the name of Lord Shiva's wife. Yousuf Shah Chak changed its name to Gulmarg, meaning the place of roses. During the early part of the 20th century the famous Central Asian explorer Sir Marc Aurel Stein (1862 – 1943), made his home here in a tent between his expeditions. It was a favourite summer holiday destination for the British stationed in India.

The surrounding areas were politically restive during the 1990s uprising in Kashmir, but since a ceasefire between India and Pakistan in 2003, the town has enjoyed a period of relative peace and quiet. The town is nestled within the imposing Himalayan peaks, and lies within miles of the Line of Control. It receives heavy snowfall during the winter season and is a popular ski resort.

With the abatement of militancy in the area, Gulmarg has quickly become one of the state's most visited destinations. The slopes of the Afarwat Hills of the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalaya Chain boast one of the longest and highest ski slopes in Asia. The total distance covered by ski lifts is five kilometres and the resort peaks at an altitude of 3,747 m (12,293 ft), accessed by an aerial gondola (telecabine). The skiing project was inaugurated by the Chief Minister on 25 December, 2004. The entire hill is guarded by the army at all times. The army, which is seen everywhere in the cities of Kashmir, is not in the town or the actual hilltop. Frisking is only done midway on the access road at 3 places: Tangmarg, near an army camp on the road from Tangmarg, and 5 km before entering Gulmarg. Gulmarg does not have any permanent residents. All living in Gulmarg are hotel employees and guests. Everyone else is required to leave the village by sunset, due to a curfew imposed by the army in 1990.

Tourism:

Gulmarg can be accessed from Srinagar (the capital of Kashmir) in about 1 hour by car or bus, though army checkpoints may increase the travel time to three hours, depending on the security situation. The buses will reach Tangmarg in about 45 minutes. From Tangmarg, for the 20 km hill road, jeeps can be hired for reaching Gulmarg hilltop in about 20 minutes. Searches and identity checks will take place about 5km before Gulmarg. There is a strict time limit in travelling between Tangmarg and Gulmarg. The last jeep down from Gulmarg is available at sunset.

Gulmarg has around 40 hotels of all grades. The peak season starts with the snow fall in December and lasts until April. The charges for one night stay in off season range between Rs500 - Rs4000+. The off-season rates usually have a discount of about 60%.

 

Gulmarg boasts Asia's 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 (4,200 m (13,780 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 resort at 2,600 m (8,530 ft) 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 3,747 m (12,293 ft) on Kongdoori Mountain, a shoulder of nearby Afarwat Peak (4,200 m (13,780 ft)). The second stage was completed in a record time of about two years at a cost of Rs 11 crore and opened on May 28, 2005. The French company had also built the first phase of the gondola project, connecting Gulmarg to Kongdoori, in 1998.

Skiing is normally offered from mid-December to mid-May. The JKSCCC also proposes to construct chair lifts which will connect Kongdoori with Merry Shoulder peak for beginners and intermediate skiers. Gulmarg is being mooted as a possible host for the 2010 Commonwealth Winter Games. There are a few places of religious importance near the resort within a 5 to 20 km radius like Baba Reshi, Haji Murad at Kreeri etc.

Patnitop:

Patnitop or Patni Top, is a hill top tourist location in Udhampur district on the National Highway 1A, on the way from Udhampur to Srinagar. It is located in the Shiwalik belt of the Himalayas, and is in Jammu and Kashmir, India. The river Chenab flows in close proximity to this location.

Origin of the name Patnitop is a distortion of the original name of "Patan Da Talab" meaning "Pond of the Princess". In olden times a pond existed in the meadows and the kings princess often used to have her bath there. Part of the pond still exists near the youth hostel. It may be that the British had difficulties recording an English spelling of an Indian name correctly in their revenue records. Over the years the name changed from "Patan Da Talab" to Patnitop.

Location:

It is in the Lower Himalayan Range close to the Pir Panjal range, 35 kilometers from Udhampur and 112 km from Jammu. This famous hill resort is perched on a beautiful plateau, at an altitude of 2024 metres across which the Jammu-Srinagar Highway passes. The towns of Kud and Batote are nearby. Kud is a very small town where a sweet shop makes fresh Patissa (a sweet). It can be bought hot from the shop and melts in one's mouth. Batote is known as a place for quality rajma or the kidney bean.

 Details:

Enveloped by thickly wooded Cedar/Deodhar forests, Patnitop offers beautiful picnic spots, peaceful walks and breathtaking views of the mountainscape of the Chenab basin. In winter, the resort is generally covered with a thick mantle of snow thus providing opportunities for various snow games including skiing. It is the closest winter resort to Jammu and to Udhampur and is second to none in its natural charm, climate, pine forests and lush green cover. J&K Tourism as well as the army have some holiday homes here. The region has also had a rash of houses built by people staying in Jammu and building a house here for the holidays.

Eco-Adventure activities:

Paragliding Joyrides at Patnitop Now you can enjoy the thrill of flying, at Patnitop. The paragliding joyrides rides are conducted at Dawariyai, 2 km landmark, on the Patnitop-Sanasar road.You can ask for paragliding, at the Patnitop Development Authority (PDA) barrier. The take off site is at Dawariyai, on the Patnitop-Sanasar road. The area often called as the "Billoo Di Powri" point. Approx 400 plus steps have been carved out along the rock face to make the steep slope negotiable.The stairs eventually leading to Dawariyai, the "gateway". The exact dating of the work is still debatable. Any tourist can experience Paraglidng, because you will be flying with a pilot.The flight will take off from Patnitop and land at Kud.The flight will last for 7min to 15 mins, depending upon the wind conditions.One is retrieved by car to the take off area. The organizers also give a good quality video of your, memorable flight.

High Flying from Natha Top Take off is from Natha Top and landing at Kud.The flight can be from 15 mins to an hour depending on the wind conditions.

Sanasar 20 km from Patnitop offers Paragliding, Camping, Trekking, Abseiling, Rock Climbing and scenic nature walks. "Extreme Himalayan Adventures" is promoting eco-adventure in Sanasar.

Leh:

Leh, situated at an altitude of 3,500 m, is in a fertile side valley of the Indus about 10 km from the river. Located in the state of Jammu & Kashmir, it developed as a trading post and market. It's population size is 90,000., while It receives annual rainfall of 1,780 mm. It's quite hot when sun is up but in the shade it can still be very cold. Leh has worldwide direct dial telephone facility. Ladakh is a high altitude cold desert with a low level of atmospheric oxygen.

Srinagar

Srinagar is the capital city of Jammu & Kashmir. It is situated at an altitude of 1,730 m. Srinagar's population size is 725,000. It receives over 650 mm rainfall per annum. More than 50% of this is due to western disturbances. Srinagar is located around a number of lakes, of which Dal lake is the best known. The city is divided into two by the river Jhelum.