Friday 25 February 2022

 Calm, clear waters provide the perfect foil to the majestic Himalayan slopes which surround the entirety of the Kashmir Valley. Welcome to the Manasbal Lake, a fresh water of gigantic proportions and a favorite haunt of bird watchers from all around the world. A tour to Manasbal is a definite must-visit if you are planning an excursion from Srinagar. 
Nestled in the beautiful and serene Jhelum Valley, Manasbal Lake is a picturesque water body that lies towards the north of Srinagar. It is named after the sacred and mythological lake of Mansarovar. 
Three villages named Kondabal, Jakorbal and Gratbal encompass this lake, which is the deepest of its kind in Kashmir. The green waters of this lake are dotted with beautiful flowers of lotus that add to its beauty. Several birds can be spotted on the shore of this lake, which make it a paradise for birdwatchers and ornithologists. 
Manasbal Lake is best visited in the months of July to October, when tourists experience good weather and heightened levels of natural beauty around them. This is the best time for taking digital captures of thousands of lotuses floating on the surface of the lake and indulging in varied water sports like boating, water skiing and so forth.
How to Reach
By Air
The easiest way of reaching Manasbal is by air. The nearest airport is at the Badgam District around 30 kms away from the village of Manasbal.
By Rail
The nearest railhead to Manasbal is at Jammu from where it takes an approximate time of around half an hour to reach Manasbal.
By Road
Manasbal is well-connected to a number of other regions of Jammu and Kashmir. There are a number of well maintained roads which lead to Manasbal.
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Manasbal Lake,Jammu and Kashmir,India

Wednesday 23 February 2022

Located just 21 km from Sonamarg and sitting at a height of 3,801 m, Krishansar is one of the most beautiful lakes in Kashmir Valley. Surrounded by dense forest and snowcapped mountains, the reflections make it an astonishing site.
This picturesque lake is adjoining to Vishansar Lake as it’s back are covered with mountains continuing which are densely covered with snows within it lies the Gadsar Pass. The Krishnasar Lake is amidst 115 km northeast of Srinagar and 35 km from Sonamarg.
Krishnasar Lake in Hindi words the lake of Krishna and is home to numerous types of fishes a part of them the amber trout are actual acclaimed one. During the winter this lake is aloof during this season owing to heavy snowfall as the result the Lake remains frozen from the months of December to April.
This beautiful Lake is worth to visit on your Sonmarg trip and the lake is best visited between the months of April to June. 
How to Reach
By Air- The Srinagar airport is 14 km from the city. Jet Airways, Air Deccan, SpiceJet, Kingfisher Airlines, Go Air, Jet Lite and Indian Airlines from Delhi and Mumbai to Srinagar. 
By Rail- Jammu Railway station is the closest rail station which is around 60 km from the fascinating lake.
By Road- Srinagar is linked by the National Highway 1A to the rest of the country. Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation operates comfortable buses from Jammu.
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Krishansar Lake,Jammu and Kashmir,India

Kolahoi Glacier, the largest glacier in Kashmir, is spread over an area of 11 sq km at an elevation of 4700 m. Part of the mighty Kolahoi Peak, this glacier is also the source of the Lidder River, the main source of Kashmir's largest river, Jhelum.
Kolahoi Glacier, other than being a hanging glacier, is also known for its breath taking views and is a major trekking destination. The trek to Kolahoi Glacier starts from Aru, 10 km from Pahalgam, and passes through terrain mostly under snow, along the course of Lidder River, through thick forests inhibited by wild animals.
The trail to the glacier is considered arduous and it is advised to take a guide on the trek. Since the trail is under snow throughout the year, snow trekking gear including gumboots will be necessary.
It is beautiful trek starts through the pine forests and beautiful meadows of breath taking views on the way to Kolahoi Glacier. It is also biggest and highest glacier peak in Kashmir.
The trip also provides an opportunity to observe the nomadic Gujjars and Bakarwals who travel vast distances for their cattle to graze on the rich summer grass.
How to Reach
By Air
Srinagar Airport is open throughout the year. There are daily flights operating on this route. Flights can sometimes get delayed and cancelled due to bad weather. 
By Train
The nearest railway station is Jammu which is 293 Kms away from Srinagar. There are daily trains from Delhi to Jammu. To check train timings and to book online, log on to www.irctc.co.in   
By Road
Srinagar is connected by road with Delhi throughout the year and with Leh for about 4 months in a year, usually from June to October. Heavy snowfall on the high passes blocks the highway for rest of the months. When the route is open, there are daily government and private buses from Leh to Srinagar via Kargil. The total distance between Leh and Srinagar is 434 Kms and takes 2 days to cover with a stopover for the night usually at Kargil.
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Kolahoi Peak,Jammu and Kashmir,India

Tuesday 15 February 2022

Nestled at the foothills of Haramukh mountain range in Kashmir, Gangabal lake is one of the popular tourist destinations in the region, which is nourished by glaciers and rainfall. 
The pristine lake resides at an altitude of 3500 meters above sea level and is advised that one must trek to this scenic point. For this, Ganderbal, Narang and Bandipores serve as closest trekking routes to Gangabal Lake.
Home to several species of fishes, Gangabal lake is a famous fishing spot as well. Prime attraction amongst its vivid species is the Brown Trout.
Besides fishing, Gangabal lake is also a famous trekking and hiking spot. The green meadows located little high from the enchanting lake can be easily walked down.
Apart from its scenic beauty and tranquility, Gangabal lake holds a deep religious history within itself.  Its significance is such that the lake is as important as the sacred Haridwar in Hindu mythology. Owing to this, every  year Kashmiri Pandits organize a three day long religious Yatra by the lake. If lucky, you also can be a part of it.   
How to Reach
 By Air
The nearest airport is Srinagar at a distance of 70 kilometres, which is connected to all major airports and flights. Taxis are available from Sonmarg to Srinagar airport on a daily basis.
By Bus
State-run buses from Jammu and Srinagar are available daily. You can also take the special deluxe buses available from Jammu and Srinagar to Sonmarg.
By Train
The nearest train station is Jammu, which is well connected by all the major train routes in the country.
By Road/Self Drive
The distance from Jammu is around 400 kilometres which takes approximately 10 to 12 hours. You will be witness to some spectacular vistas on the way to Sonmarg and cross the famous Jawahar Tunnel, which links the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India.
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Gangabal Lake,Jammu and Kashmir,India

Sunday 13 February 2022

Also known as the lake of flowers, the Gadsar lake is a picturesque high-altitude lake located 5,000 m above sea level, in the Himalayan Ranges. It is considered as one of the highest altitude lakes in the Kashmir region. 
Situated in the Himalayan mountain ranges, Gadsar Lake is a high altitude lake that is known for its stunning natural beauty. It covers 0.85 km long and 0.76 km wide area in the outskirts of Sonamarg – the golden meadow.
The name of this scenic water body translates to 'the lake of fish', which is justified by its huge trout fish population. Owing to the bloom of alpine flowers around the lake, the region is referred to as the 'valley of flowers'. During winters, the lake remains frozen and gets covered with a crystal-like sheet of ice.
It is advised to keep the camera handy while visiting the picturesque site of Gadsar Lake. The sparkling water and blossoming flowers provide some stunning vistas to capture in the camera.
Some of the mere attractions of the Gadsar Lake are angling, trout fishing and brown coloured game fishes. In addition to that, the Gadsar Lake is one of the hotspots for photography. Anybody would love to take a shot of this Valley of flowers. Nobody abandons the Gadsar Lake without capturing its gorgeousness. 
One can visit between the months of June and September as the lake abounds with such lovely flowers that take you into a totally different world. It is difficult to access the Lake during the other months of the year as it would be wrapped in snow. One can also view the floating icebergs during summers, which is truly a sight to behold. 
How to Reach
By Air
One of the simplest ways of accessing Sonamarg is by air. Located at a distance of about 80kms from the Srinagar International Airport, Sonamarg is well connected to different parts of the Kashmir Valley.
By Rail
One can also reach Sonamarg via railways. The nearest railway station is at Srinagar which is 80kms from Sonamarg. From here one can hire local taxi in order to reach Sonamarg and from there one can enjoy trekking to Gadsar Lake. 
By Road
Sonamarg is well connected to the other places of the northern state of Jammu and Kashmir via roads. Roads are one of the fastest and easiest ways to reach Sonamarg. One needs to cover a distance of about 370km to reach Jammu via roadways.
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Gadsar Lake,Jammu and Kashmir,India

Thursday 3 February 2022

Aharbal is situated on the streams that are formed from the river Jhelum and this stream has been named as river Veshu. The near by areas is rich in flora and fauna and majorly is beautified with pine and fir trees and is part of Pir Panjal mountain range situated 2266 meters above the sea level.
The famous waterfall at Aharbal is located some 75 kms Aharbal, kashmir from Srinagar and towards the south. By its dimensions the fall is not what can be called a gigantic one, just some 20 metres or so. However, the volume of water that comes crashing down on the rocks below does amuse one. Topography resembles to other tranquil villages of kashmir.
The stream that flow just 50 m from the fall is known for yet other amusement, the trout fishing. The water isn't too deep and trout fishes breed in small rock crevices. The stretch extends for several kilometers.
The water falls from height of 15 meters and is at the foot hill it is spread over a distance of 3 km. The other view that sooths eyes of the visitor to this fall is while standing on the top of the hill or viewing river from the height of 60 meters and gives the magnificent view of both waterfall and river.
Aharbal is also famous for trekking as the treks leading to the beautiful lake called Kounsernag. Treks alongside the lake in the Pir Panjal range are quite popular among the trekkers. The most pleasing features remain to be the tranquility of the place, the beautiful stream running through the region, small hamlet and coniferous trees.
There are few lush meadows at Aharbal and one among them called Kungawatan is very popular. Aharbalcan be reached either taking the Pulwama Shopian road or taking the Anantnag road. As was mentioned earlier, the entire trip is plasing filled with all kinds of surprises. The hillside, landscapes and orchards reveal some fantastic faces of the nature.
How to Reach
The Aharbal hill station can be reached via road that is 8 km and is well connected to Srinagar and is named as Mughal Road. If one travels to Aharbal from Pulwama and Shopian it takes 3 hours to travel a distance of 75 kms via road by bus, car or taxi. The other road route is through Kulgam. The railway station that is closest to reach Aharbal and is located at a distance of 26 kms from Aharbal is the Awantipora rail line.

Aharbal,Jammu and Kashmir,India