Hilton Tour And Travels

SOME FAMOUS PLACES

AHARBAL

Among the most popular tourist attractions in Kashmir, the sheer magnificence of Aharbal, located on the River Veshav, is a sight to behold and befitting of its sobriquet – ‘Niagara falls of Kashmir ‘The rumble of fierce white water gushing through, amplified by the tranquil environs, are like beats of nature that merge into a pool of calm, azure blue water, after the 25 metre fall. This one promises to mesmerize not just nature lovers but avid photographers too and with fishing spots and trekking options closeby, it has something for everyone.

GULMARG

With rolling green meadows carpeted by bushes of wild flowers blending into snow-clad mountains, whose peaks peep into the clouds, and mountain streams rushing by, Gulmarg is sheer poetry in nature. While this is the summer landscape of this tiny hamlet in Jammu and Kashmir, in winter, it is transformed into a white wonderland, with skiers making a beeline for its famous slopes. The scenic valley of Gulmarg is a little piece of paradise cocooned by the mighty snow-clad mountains of the Pir Panjal range. Emerald green meadows, deep ravines and pine-forested hills make this meadow of flowers (the meaning of Gulmarg) an ethereal sight that has inspired poets and artists for centuries.

Located only 52 km from Srinagar, Gulmarg sits at an altitude of 2,730 m above sea level, and gets completely covered in snow during winter. This makes it a hub of winter adventure sports like snowboarding, heli-skiing (skiing down a mountain after being taken up by a helicopter), off-piste skiing (skiing on unconventional ski runs) etc. Its slopes have been declared as the 7th best for skiing in Asia.

Gulmarg lies in the lap of the towering Apharwat peak, which is accessible via the Gulmarg Gondola – the second highest cable car ride in the world. A ride on this gondola is a unique experience as it glides above hills and valleys and seems to gets lost in mist and clouds!

Gulmarg had once been a vacation spot for royalty and aristocracy. It is said that Sultan Yousuf Shah, who ruled Kashmir in 1579-1586 AD, was the first to have spotted this valley. And inspired by its rolling grassy slopes emblazoned with wild flowers, named it Gulmarg. It was also a favourite of Mughal emperor Jehangir. Skiing arrived in Gulmarg in 1927, when the British established the Ski Club of India.

KOKERNAG

This health resort lies in the South East of the District at a distance of 25 Kms. A famous spring called “Kokernag” gushes out from the foot of the nearby hill covered with evergreen pine trees. A terraced garden and a Botanical garden with delicately maintained flower beds of different varieties and hues covered and protected with beautifully pruned evergreen shrubs and the existence of lofty and majestic chinars is an enchanting sight to be imbibed. The music of the health giving, refreshing and appetizing running waters of the stream have left little chances of not to be enchanted and mesmerized by this heavenly touch. This beautiful garden has been developed during the rule of Bakhshi Ghulam Mohammad. Keeping this attraction and irresistible appeal of this tourist spot in view, Tourism infrastructure is also being developed through Tourist Development Corporation by way of construction of rest houses, tourist huts and expansion of other facilities. While enjoying the rejuvenating and invigorating feast of this destination one cannot miss to notice the Asia’s biggest trout rearing farm situated on the western side of this garden.

PAHALGAM

Pahalgam is famous for its scenic beauty and is the jewel of the picturesque Liddar valley located in the high Himalayas. It provides an ideal setting for activities like hiking, trekking, and fishing. It is also the starting point of the annual pilgrimage to the holy cave of Amarnath.

Pahalgam is located in the western part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, in the northern region of India. It is located at an altitude of 2130 m above sea level amidst the great Himalayan range. It is positioned beside the Liddar River, in the Liddar valley. Pahalgam is 95 km east of Srinagar. The weather in Pahalgam is alpine. Summers (April-June) are mild while winters (November-February) are cold. It experiences rains between July and September. It experiences heavy snowfall from December to February.

The natural beauty of Pahalgam and the verdant Liddar valley attracts the traveler towards it. The sparkling water of River Liddar, which flows near Pahalgam, has a number of picnic spots around it. Pahalgam is a part of Asia's only saffron growing area. One can see the saffron plants in full bloom in the month of November. There are a number of hiking and trekking trails around Pahalgam. One can even explore these places on horseback. Pahalgam provides a panoramic view of the mighty Himalayan range with its lush green pine forests and snow-capped peaks.

Adventure - The Liddar River is popular among travelers interested in angling. Stretches of this river are suitable for trout fishing. Travelers interested in fishing have to obtain a fishing license from the Directorate of Fisheries in Srinagar. Pahalgam is the starting point of a number of trekking and hiking trails to the surrounding mountains. Trekking around Pahalgam is exhilarating, as it takes the traveler through virgin pine forests, clear mountain streams, and meadows of wildflowers.

SONMARG

Sonmarg, which means ‘meadow of gold’ has, as its backdrop, snowy mountains against a cerulean sky. The Sindh meanders along here and abounds with trout and mahseer, snow trout can be caught in the main river. In late April when Sonmarg is open for road transport, the visitors can have access to snow which is furnished all over like a white carpet. Private vehicles are not allowed. Visitors have to hire taxi and it is controlled by taxi mafia. Ponies can be hired for the trip up to Thajiwas glacier a major attraction during the summer months.

The climate of Sonmarg is very bracing; but the rainfall is frequent though not heavy, except for two or three days at a time in July and August with fine spell in between. From Sonmarg, trekking routes lead to the Himalayan lakes of Vishansar Lake, Krishansar Lake, Gangabal Lake and Gadsar Lake, stocked with Snowtrout and Brown trout and Satsar, glacier-fed and surrounded by banks of alpine flowers.

A close by excursion is to Baltal, 15 km east of Sonmarg. This little valley lies at the foot of the Zojila, only a day’s journey away from the sacred cave of Amarnath is a base camp for Amarnath yatra. Trekkers can also reach the starkly splendid roof-top of the world Leh, by crossing over the Zoji La pass.

At Sonmarg the Jammu and Kashmir tourism department organizes river rafting tournaments yearly, which has recently seen the participation of teams abroad.

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SOME FAMOUS PLACES

AHARBAL

GULMARG

KOKERNAG

PAHALGAM

SONMARG

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