Monday 25 May 2015

Floating clouds over the snow covered mountains, a gushing river and a thick forest cover of pine and fir trees is how this picturesque town of Pahalgam greets its visitor. A popular tourist destination in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, Pahalgam is situated at an altitude of 2,130metres. Interestingly, Pahalgam the well -known and well visited destinations in Kashmir Valley of today was once a quaint shepherd’s village.
 Pahalgam is also known by the name of "shepherd's village ". Bathing in fascinating natural beauty, this exclusive tourist destination will make you rejuvenate your energies and feel relaxed in nature's lap.
 Surrounded by alpine peaks, the Lidder and Seshnag rivers tumble down picturesque, deep-cut mountain valleys covered with giant conifers.
 Serving as the base camp during the Amarnath Yatra, the Pahalgam-Chandanwati-Amarnath route is preferred by tourists trying to reach the mountain cave of Lord Shiva. The town also holds an amazing two-day long Snow Festival that showcases winter sports like skiing, snow-sledging and many more which tourists can participate in. Other activities that tourists can indulge in are golf, trekking and angling.
 The ice laden mountain peaks that form the exceedingly beautiful backdrop of the place are worth the admiration. It is because of the abundant natural beauty that this place is considered among the most beautiful places on earth.
 It is one of the most beautiful places on earth with breath taking views. The region is famous for Kashmir handmade gabbas  and exquisitely designed wooden toys.
 The Village of nomad is unspoilt by the ravages of progress. This is a quaint little village nestled on the banks of river Lidder. This place is an angler's delight and even an amateur can catch a rainbow trout from the rushing streams. the large brown bear is a natural inhabitant of the thick Pine and Cedar forests.
Mother Nature has blessed Pahalgam with the encompassing mountain ranges, high rising hills and lakes. An abode of such natural beauty, Pahalgam, located in the Kashmir valley attracts plenty of tourists every year.
How to Reach
By Air
Srinagar airport is the closest domestic airport to Pahalgam which is approximately 95 kilometres away. The Srinagar airport is well-connected to other major cities like New Delhi, Jammu, Leh, Mumbai and Chandigarh. Once you reach at the airport, you can hire a taxi or a cab which will take you to the town.
By Bus
Pahalgam is well-connected with neighboring  cities of Srinagar and Jammu. Regular bus services are available from Srinagar and Anantnag. You can choose from the routine state-run buses or a special luxurious coach by any private vendor.
By Train
There are no train stations in Pahalgam. The nearest railhead is Jammu Tawi, which is at a distance of 157 kilometres and is well-linked with most of the Indian cities. Some of the trains that ply regularly from the Jammu railway station are Uttar Sampark Rajdhani, Jammu Rajdhani and Jhelum Express. From here, you would need a vehicle which can drive you to Pahalgam via Srinagar. You can either hire a private cab or opt for a shared taxi which is an economical option and preferred by most of the travellers.
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Pahalgam - Jammu and Kashmir - India

Thursday 21 May 2015

Chandanwari lies at an elevation of 2923 m above sea level. This is at a distance of 15 km from Pahalgam. It will take 30 minutes to reach Chandanwari. The road passes through old Pahalgam town with traditional Kashmiri houses. At your right side Lidder river will be flowing and you will be passing through hills and bend roads. 
 It is a place of immense religious and tourist significance. It is the commencement point of the annual Amarnath Yatra, which is an important pilgrimage held in the Hindu month of Sawan.
 Blessed with ethereal natural beauty, this place has always been a delightful destination for visitors coming to the Kashmir valley. Undulating terrains and sparse greenery dominate the topography of this small and scenic hamlet.
 Many waterfalls will be there at both sides of the road. These falls are created by melting ice from the snow peaks. Lidder river will be flowing from Chandanwari towards Pahalgam.
 While driving to this place from Pahalgam, visitors are greeted with stunning vistas of snow-capped peaks and the Lidder River flowing through the vale.
 Its snow covered mountains and breathtaking scenic beauty attracts numerous visitors.
Chandanwari offers ample of opportunities for engaging activities like trekking, hiking, pony ride, palanquin ride and snow sledging.
Blessed with Goddess Nature in its full bloom, the valley is mainly known as the starting point of he sacred Amarnath Temple expedition, which is an annual event held during the months of July – August. 
How to Reach
By Taxi : This place is Well connected by road.Chandanwari is Situated 16-km from Pahalgam. to reach pahalgam Taxi from Srinagar Airport or town centre to should be Rs 2,200 and is a 2 1/2 hour trip one way.
By Bus : Pahlagam is connected by Jammu and Kashmir state owned road transport corporation buses. Pahalgam is well connected to Srinagar (95 km, Rs 50) by buses. Special luxurious buses will also be available from Jammu and Srinagar to Pahalgam.to reach Chandanwari you can get taxi or poni ride.
By Train : The nearest major railhead is at Jammu, which is 255 km away from pahalgam. One can reach Pahalgam from railway station by taxis or buses. Taxi fare is about Rs 3,000.and Chandanwari can be reached by taxi
By Air : The nearest airport to Pahalgam is at Srinagar. It is placed at a distance of about 95 km from Pahalgam. Srinagar is air connected to Delhi with regular flight services. Taxi services are available at the airport and taxi fare from Srinagar to Pahalgam.
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Chandanwari - Jammu and Kashmir - India

Sunday 17 May 2015

Betaab valley is situated at a distance of 15 kilometers from Pahalgam in Anantnag district in India’s northernmost state of Jammu and Kashmir. It falls between Pahalgam and Chandanwadi and is en route Amarnath Temple yatra. The valley surrounded by lush green meadows, snow clad mountains and covered with dense vegetation. 
Encircled by mountains featuring deodar and pine forests. It is a perfect gateway to enjoy the heavenly pleasure of Mother Nature. The sights of coloring beds of flowers amid the lush walnut and willow vistas make the entire panorama quite stunning casting a spell of magic on this land of eternal beauty.
For those who love trekking, Betaab valley is definitely a heaven. This is one of the passing landmark if you are going towards Amarnath. In fact, you can also trek to Betaab Valley starting from Pahalgam, which is not just comfortable but easy and would make you less tired, keep you safe and you can also enjoy the beautiful surroundings at your own ease.
     In Betaab Valley pictures become more beautiful when you have someone in it
The crystal clear & chilly water of the stream bubbling down from the snowy hills is delightful, locals here drink this water too. Baisaran and Tulian Lake are few nearby attractions that can be visited.
Set amid picture perfect environs complete with snowcapped mountains, gurgling streams, colorful willow trees & the warm sun; making it an ideal for an artist’s canvas!
The ideal time to pay visit to director’s paradise is between Oct-April. You can visit here most probably anytime of the day. Sunsets are more beautiful than sunrise but keeping out after dark can be risky as the area is still impacted by militancy. If you are a nature lover, you can spend your entire day in the valley and get some fabulous pictures clicked.
How to Reach
By Flight
Srinagar airport which is located at a distance of 95 km from Pahalgam is the nearest airport. Srinagar is well connected with cities like Delhi, Jammu and Chandigarh by air. Several low fare airlines and the national carrier have regular flights to Srinagar. Once in Srinagar, you can take pre paid taxi to reach Pahalgam. The taxi charges are approximately Rs 1,000.
By Rail
The nearest railway link is Jammu which is located at a distance of 255 km from Pahalgam. Tourists can also hire a taxi or bus from Jammu to directly reach Pahalgam. The taxi charges are approximately Rs 3,000.
By Road
Pahalgam is well connected from Srinagar (95 km) and Jammu (255 km) by road. JKSRTC buses from both Jammu and Srinagar are available in plenty at very nominal fares.
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Betaab Valley - Jammu and Kashmir - India

Tuesday 12 May 2015

Aru Valley is a small yet self-sufficient scenic village located 12 km from Pahalgam. The drive up to the village is alluring too. The location of the village among the grasslands, make this place a tourist delight. It is reachable by walking along a mountain path. The village also serves as the start point for trekking to Kolahoi glacier. 
 Overlooking the majestic snow-capped peaks of Himalayan Range, Aru Valley is a pristine scenic village situated in the region of Trans-Himalaya. Clear blue canopy over the head, misty surroundings, whispers of the native pines and conifer forests and beautiful meadows create a captivating diorama for travelers thronging the place.
The village is located among the grasslands which give a picturesque beauty to the village, making it a famous tourist destination.
Aru Valley is a rather peaceful locale. Like other villages of Kashmir this too is acclaimed for its glistening lakes, meadows and ice-capped that it looks upon.
Hiking, fishing and horse-riding are other popular activities in Aru Valley. If someone is interested in wildlife safari, there is Overa-Aru Biosphere 76 kilometers away.
It is one of the most unforgettable experiences you will ever have. While visiting this place, the natural beautiful sceneries, greenery, refreshing air, peaceful silence of this place will capture your mind for a long lasting time, and once you are here you may want to come back to this place again and again.
Aru Valley enriches the glory of Jammu and Kashmir tourism by being the starting point of trekking expeditions to Kolahoi Glacier and Sonmarg.
Apart from the trekkers, the village also caters to the skiing desires of tourists who love to visit the place during winters.
It is also a wonderful place for photography enthusiasts- the sheer beauty of the green grass, the vast meadow, and the grazing horses make for a very picturesque location.
It is surrounded by mountains on three sides and is famous for trout fishing. One can often see animals like the snow leopards, Himalayan wolf and black bear while travelling through this uninhibited place on earth.
Though the village is the smallest hill station in the state, but still its breathtaking beauty and interesting activities like trekking, hiking and horse riding make it one of the most popular tourist places to visit in Pahalgam.
How to Reach
By Taxi
This place is Well connected by road. Aru valley is 15 km from pahalgam to reach pahalgam Taxi from Srinagar Airport or town center to should be Rs 2,200 and is a 2 1/2 hour trip one way. From Jammu is 8 hours to get Pahalgam. To reach aru valley you can get taxi or poni ride.
By Bus 
Pahlagam is connected by Jammu and Kashmir state owned road transport corporation buses. Pahalgam is well connected to Srinagar (95 km, Rs 50) by buses. Special luxurious buses will also be available from Jammu and Srinagar to Pahalgam.
By Train 
The nearest major railhead is at Jammu, which is 255 km away. One can reach Pahalgam from railway station by taxis or buses. Taxi fare is about Rs 3,000.and Aru can be reached by taxi for an onward track to Lidderwat, Kolohoi Glaciers, etc.
By Air 
The nearest airport to Pahalgam is at Srinagar. It is placed at a distance of about 95 km from Pahalgam. Srinagar is air connected to Delhi with regular flight services. Taxi services are available at the airport and taxi fare from Srinagar to Pahalgam will be about Rs 1,000.
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Aru Valley - Jammu and Kashmir - India

Tuesday 5 May 2015

Apharwat Peak is around 13500 feet above sea level. Positioned at approximately 13 km from Gulmarg, it is a prominent tourist destination. This snow enclosed mountain is remotely placed near the LOC with Pakistan.
Apharwat Peak is one of the beautiful summits, situated at a height of nearly 4200 m above the sea level. It receives heavy snowfall and remains covered with snow for most parts of the year.
Being one of the highest places in the world, you will love your ride on gondola here. The second phase takes you above the clouds and it is indeed a breathtaking sight to watch clouds move below you.
 This peak is situated near the Alpathar Lake and provides a magnificent view during winters.
 Apharwat Peak has one of the most attractive locales in Gulmarg and is popular with the ski-loving population, ultimately providing an enthralling experience to every skier.
 As you reach the top of the peak one can see the attractive and impressive view of the lovely town of Gulmarg and the neighboring valleys.
There is no entry fee for visiting the Apharwat peak. The place can be visited on all days of the week from 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM. 
How to Reach
By Road
Apharwat Peak is well-connected to all nearby foremost places within the state Jammu- Kashmir or neighboring states by Road network.
By Air
The closest airport is Srinagar Airport to Apharwat Peak.
By Train
The closest junction is Jammu Railway Station to Apharwat Peak.
By Bus
Apharwat Peak is easily accessible by Jammu & Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation bus, local bus or local taxi to all nearby foremost places within the state Jammu- Kashmir or neighboring states.
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Apharwat Peak - Jammu and Kashmir - India

Sunday 3 May 2015

Gulmarg, ‘a meadow of flowers’ is a small yet refreshingly enchanting city of immense natural beauty. Surrounded by pine forests and beautifully ensconced within the majestic Pir Panjal range at a height of around 2600 meters, it is a natural gem of the Himalayan region and the snow-capped mountains only add to the magnificence of the view of this idyllic hill station.
The hill station of Gulmarg,  literally means “the meadows of flowers”. Some one has rightly said that if there is heaven on earth then it is in Kashmir and it aptly applies to Gulmarg. Its lovely landscapes, snow-clad peaks, lush green forests and its prime location and proximity to Srinagar, make it one of the best hill resorts in the country.
The pleasant climate, magnificent landscapes, gardens of blooming flowers, dense pine forests, and beautiful lakes of Gulmarg attract tourists from all over the world. The tranquillity of the atmosphere and the lush green backdrop makes this place an ideal picnic and camping spot.
The slopes near Gulmarg, varying between heights of 8,700 and 10,500 ft, make it the only heli ski-ing resort in Asia and the highest ski-ing location in India.
The town also takes great pride in owning Asia’s largest and world’s second largest cable car project called Gulmarg Gondola. It connects Gulmarg with Aparwath Mountain, from where one can ski down on a long snow-trail. Shark Fin is another brilliant place for powder skiing in the town.
The ageless beauty of Gulmarg reflects the purity of nature. This small yet magnificent town is haven for the adventure seekers and a paradise for nature lovers.
Gulmarg charms you with something new to offer in every season. In spring there is a dash of colour and the valley is full of forget-me-nots, buttercups and blue bells. Autumn brings with it hues of yellow and brown and in winter, all is calm white.
A picture perfect landscape, sprawling valleys, beautiful snow capped sky high mountains, serene lakes and lovely people describe Gulmarg at its best.
The best time to visit Gulmarg for sightseeing, is between May and September. The best time for skiing and other winter sports, is from November to February.
How to reach
By Air
The nearest airport to Gulmarg is in Srinagar which is 56 kilometres away. It is a domestic airport and is well connected to major cities in India by regular flights from Delhi, Mumbai and Amritsar. Outside the airport, you can hire a prepaid cab which will cost you around Rs. 1500 one-way. You can also hire a shared taxi which will cost less.
By Bus
Gulmarg is well-connected with regular bus services from Srinagar, Sonmarg and other neighbouring towns in Kashmir. You can choose from regular, deluxe and luxury buses operated by both government and private companies.
By Train
Jammu is the nearest railway station, at a distance of 290 kilometres. Jammu railway station is well connected to the most of the railheads in major Indian cities. Some of the popular trains are Jammu Rajdhani, Himgiri Express, Swarak Express, Andaman Express and Himsagar Express which connects the farthest railhead in Trivandrum city.
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Gulmarg - Jammu and Kashmir - India