Kashmir Beauty

Neelum/ Baltistan/Gulmarg/Sonmarg in Srinagar Kashmir
For all those adventure loving people who wish to enjoy camping at a hill station, Sonmarg is the ideal destination. Tourists flock to this small hill resort in heavy numbers to see the enchanting natural beauty and snow clad peaks. Known as the 'Meadow of Gold', Sonmarg is set amidst a valley of flowers and lakes. The word “Son” literally means “Gold” in Hindi, and this golden beauty covered with white snow is most attractive in the spring.

RETTI GALI NEELUM VALLEY

The Ratti Gali Lake is located in Neelam Valley, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan at the altitude of 12,130 feet (3,700 m).

The lake is accessible from Dowarian by a 19 kilometers (12 mi) hiking trek. Dowarian is the base camp to this lake

Taobat Neelum Valley

Taobut is one of the most beautiful point of Neelum valley, it is the end point of Pakistan, Excellent scenic beauty, panoramic views, towering hills on both sides of the noisy Neelum river, lush green forests, enchanting streams and attractive surroundings make the valley a dream come true.

KEL NEELUM VALLEY

19 kilometers journey from Sharda upstream takes one to Kel. It is a small valley at a height of 2097 meters. This is another picturesque place in the Neelum Valley . The Shounter Nallah joins river Neelum at this place and leads to Gilgit Agency over the Shandur Pass (4420 meters above sea level).

Buses ply daily on this route in good weather. It is advisable to hire a jeep from Authmuqam for a trip into the Valley. Horses and ponies can also be hired locally for travel to the interior of the Neelum Valley . Banks college hospital, bazaar and a rest house are available for accommodation.

Kel is also having a beautiful place named as “Arang Kel” which is one of the most attractive place from tourism point of view. Thousands of the tourists visiting Arang Kel each year with families and education trips.

From Kel you can visit to Shounter Valley a breathtaking beauty, you will love to see all beauty there…

HALMAT NEELUM VALLEY

Halmat Neelum Valley is one of the beautiful village in Neelum Valley, it started after end of Shundas Village due to vast area it is covering maximum area of the villages…. This Village is the most facilitated after Kel, A Inter College is there in Halmat which produce the Dozens of Scholars who are working the most uper posts of the Pakistan Departments. Halmat is also famous after kel because it is the center of residence for the tourists. From Halmat tourists can visit Nikron apart with Halmat, Karim Abad and “Two-but” the most beautiful Village ever.

Halmat Neelum Valley is the the border village about 49 kilometers ahead of Kel, is a fascinating but unexplored sight Janawai, Sardari and Halmat are the most beautiful places of this area. A tourist rest house has been constructed of Halmat to provide accommodation facilities to the visitors.

BAITAB VALLEY

Betaab Valley – is the part of the Kashmir region, was ruled by the Mughals since the 15th Century.
The picturesque valley with its gurgling streams, that got its name from the Sunny Deol-Amrita Singh hit debut film Betaab
Srinigar is a modern waterworld, dominated by Dal Lake and its twisting waterways, tree-lined Nagin Lake, and the Jhelum River. Engulf yourself in local culture by embracing your sea legs and renting one of the wooden boats called shikaras for a daytime or twilight cruise. On land, stroll through the terraced hillsides of the 400-year-old Mughal Gardens, created by Emperor Jehangir for his wife, and shop for indigenous crafts like hand-woven silks and embroidered shawls.

BAITAB PAHALGAM KASHMIR

This valley gets its name after the famous Hindi movie - Betaab (1983), starring Sunny Deol and Amrita Singh, which was shot extensively in this valley. The film was a super hit. And so is this beautiful valley -well maintained and stunning.

Apart from Betaab, many other movies/songs have been shot in this valley.
You can cover most of Srinagar the day you plan to drive from Pahalgam to Sringar provided you are prepared to leave early.
It can be covered, Chasme shahi, Parimahal, Shalimar, Nishat bagh on the same day after reaching from Pahalgam.

This will leave you with 2 days for things around Srinagar.

If you want to experience the houseboat, you could pick one of the 2 - Sonmarg or Gulmarg in 1 day and cover the house boat stay plus shikara ride on the other day.

Tulip Festival 2013

Tulip Festival 2013

Two million tulips adorn and add color to 20 acres of the Kashmiri Landscape at 5600 feet altitude in Asia’s largest Tulip Garden - the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden. A delightful sight - the Flower bed sprawls all over the foothills of the towering Zabarwan Mountain Range, and overlooks the beautiful and the world famous Dal Lake in Srinagar – the Capital of Jammu and Kashmir State . Located at 34.964N, 74.8791E, the Tulip Garden is surrounded on three sides by the Nishat Bagh and Chashma Shahi Mughal Gardens of Srinagar

Nishat Bagh Mughal Garden

Nishat Bagh (Urdu: نشات باغ‎, Hindi: निशात बाग़), is a terraced Mughal garden built on the eastern side of the Dal Lake, close to Srinagar in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is the second largest Mughal garden in the Kashmir Valley. The largest in size is the Shalimar Bagh, which is also located on the bank of the Dal Lake. ‘Nishat Bagh’ which means "Garden of Joy," "Garden of Gladness" and "Garden of Delight.

Visitor information

Nishat Bagh located in the Srinagar District is 11 kilometres (6.8 mi) from the city centre. The nearest Airport is 25 kilometres (16 mi) away at Badgam. The Airport connects to all major cities of India. Jammu is the nearest Rail Head which is 300 kilometres (190 mi) away. The National Highway NH1A connects the Kashmir valley with rest of the country. One way of visiting the Bagh is through the Dal Lake using the famous "water taxi" of Kashmir, the Shikara.^[9]

Gulf Palace Hotel

Main Khaigala Town Rawalakot

Gulf Palace Hotel Rawalakot is one best hotels in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. It is located at about 11 KMs from Rawalakot, 117 Kilometers from Islamabad, 148 kilometers from Muzaffarabad, 100 Kilometers from Kotli,only six Kilometers from famous Banjosa Natural Lake. Hotel offers delicious Pakistani meals at its Restaurant with professional staff, and also has an open air B.B.Q, Room Service, Gift Shop, International Lift System, Internet Facility, Parking Marraige Hall, Conference Hall, Best View, Best Security System, Outdoor Cattering Services,Varriety of Lunch Boxes,24 hrs services, laundary, rent a car, sports facility and other menities

SUKOON HOUSEBOAT ON DAL LAKE

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-paneled elegant bedroom, with all the conveniences of a luxury hotel. Srinagar's thousand or so houseboats are moored along sections of the Dal and Nagin Lakes and the Jhelum River, each decorated fancifully and named romantically and even whimsically. Like hotels, houseboats vary in degree of luxury and have been accordingly graded by the Department of Tourism. A luxury houseboat, like a luxury hotel has fine furniture, good carpets and modern bathroom fittings, while the 'D category' (the lowest category) of houseboats, like low-budget hotels, is spartanly furnished. Like hotels too, houseboats vary widely in their locations. Some overlook the main road, others look out onto lotus gardens and yet others face tiny local markets and villages, which are also floating on the lake. 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 often close by. The cost per day of hiring a houseboat includes all meals and free rides from the houseboat to the nearest jetty and back, as no houseboat on the lakes is directly accessible from the banks.

SRINAGAR

The Kashmir valley or Vale of Kashmir is a valley between Himalayas and the Pir Panjal Range. It is around 135 km long and 32 km wide, formed by the Jhelum River.[1] It was called “Paradise on Earth” by Jahangir. Kashmir is a very beautiful place in the earth .Other main cities is Anantnag and Baramulla. Among the popular tourist places in the valley are Gulmarg, Dal Lake, Amalgam, and the Amarnath Temple.

Travelling to Srinagar

Srinagar is connected by flights to the Srinagar Airport. Indian Airlines provides daily flight service to Srinagar from Delhi, Mumbai and Jammu. The nearest rail station is at Jammu which is almost 300 km away. Bus services are provided by quite a few tour operators from neighbouring regions toreach Srinagar. Tourists can avail private c

abs to travel around the city and to nearby places.

The climate of Srinagar is pleasant throughout the year, apart from the winters; with summer temperatures staying within 35° Celsius. The proximate presence of the Hokersar wetland influences the climate of Srinagar and keeps it balanced. The best time to visit Srinagar is from April to June.

About Srinagar Tourism

Located in the heart of the Kashmir Valley, which is called 'Paradise on Earth', Srinagar’s landscape is interspersed with greenery, lakes and hillocks. The city is spread out along the banks of the Jhelum River and is famous for its surrounding natural beauty and postcard tourist spots. The two parts of the city are connected by nine bridges. The Hari Parbat and the Shankar Acharya hills lie on either side of the city.

SHARDA NEELUM VALLEY

Located at a distance of 30 kilometers from Dowarian. It is a breath-taking green spot at an altitude of 1981 meters. Shardi and Nardi are two mountain peaks overlooking the valley, reputedly named after legendry princess Sharda, it has a captivating landscape with numerous springs and hill sides covered with trees. On the right bank, opposite to Sharda, the Neelum is joined by the Surgan Nallah along which a track leads to Nurinar Pass and through it to the Kaghan Valley . 
In Sharda, one also finds ruins of an old Budhist University . Facilities of a small bazaar, post office, health centre, public call office and rest house are available in Sharda. The AJK Tourism Department has launched a huge programme under the name of “ Tourist Village at Sharda” . The entire project is nearing towards culmination. Tourist rest houses, youth hostel, cafeteria, game room, bridal path etc. near the jungle have been completed.

Shangrila Resort Skardu

Shangrila Resort Skardu, also known as “Heaven on Earth”, is nestled amongst some of the world’s highest peaks. It encircles the heart shaped “Kachura Lake” and is surrou-nded by fruit laden orchards and flower filled gardens.

Shangrila Hotel Resorts offers 60 spacious rooms which are uniquely designed to include luxurious amenities.All our cottages have private balconies over looking the Kachura Lake.

Lake Site Cottages
As per the name, Shangrila Lakeside cottages have an astounding view of the Lake. These cottages consists of all amenites and facilities of a Suite such as telephone, tv, room service, laundary etc.

Asia's largest tulip garden

Asia's largest tulip garden opened to visitors in Kashmir

Srinagar, Mar 27: Asia's largest tulip garden on the banks of Dal lake here was thrown open to visitors today, marking the beginning of the new tourism season in the Valley
.

SONMARG

 Sonmarg Kashmir

History

Sonamarg had historical significance and was a gateway on ancient Silk Road along with Gilgit connecting Kashmir with China and other Gulf countries. The Zojila pass lies 15 kilometers east and is one of the highest passes for road transport. It still is a base camp for Ladakh on NH 1D, and is strategically important for Indian army who holds control over this part of Kashmir

Tourism

Sonamarg, 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 Sonamarg is open for road transport, the visitors can have access to snow which is furnished all over like a white carpet. Ponies can be hired for the trip up to Thajiwas glacier a major attraction during the summer months. However, there is need for some stricter regulation to save the environment of the area from over tourism. Litters such as plastic bottles, etc., are strewn all over along the track

View of Village in Kashmir Phalgram

Kashmir Pahalgram Valley/ Village
Pahalgam is a beautiful valley, and the Lidder River running through it makes it even more picturesque. The river is one of the favorite spots for trout fishing in the country. Rafting is also organized at this river. 

1. Visit Club Park: Club Park is one of the oldest parks in Pahalgam. It is crowded, specifically on weekends. The garden blends perfectly with its surrounding hills and river running nearby and looks more like a naturally created garden. 

2. Stop at Aru Village: Aru village is around 12 km from Pahalgam. Taxis are available from Pahalgam on shared basis. It is a beautiful village, visited by far lesser tourists and is more peaceful than Pahalgam. Some scenes from the film ‘Jaab Tak Hai Jaan,’ were shot here. The ride from Pahalgam to Aru has some of the most picturesque viewpoints. Pony rides are organised on the gentle slopes at Aru. 

3. Go camping at Lidder Valley: Lidder valley is a popular camping site. It is around 12 km from Pahalgam and 12 km from the nearest motor accessible village, Aru. 

4. Trout fishing at Lidder River: If you want to indulge in some fishing, there is no better place than Pahalgam. As much fun as it is, it doesn’t come cheap. Fishing permits are issued only in Srinagar by the Fisheries Department. If you are a first timer you can hire the service of a shikara (offered by fishermen in this case) but it can be quite expensive. With a permit I’m told that one can catch more than six fishes. So more or less it is a give and take process but a fun-filled adventure altogether. Pahalgam is thus also known as a ‘anglers paradise.’

5. Rafting at Lidder River: River rafting is one popular sport here. Some people just come here to indulge in the sport. The white frothing water makes it more enticing.

6. Jamia Masjid Mosque: The green roof mosque just near the main bazaar (market) with its beautiful design is a major attraction. The location of the mosque also adds another dimension to its aura. The Lidder River below and the mountain as the backdrop make it a peaceful place to worship. 

7. Gauri Shankar Temple: This temple is one of the oldest temples in Pahalgam. The Amarnath Yatra also begins here. The temple is small but much revered by the Hindus.  

8. Visit the zoo: Around 1 km from Pahalgam town, wildlife lovers can see different species of deer, leopard and bear at the zoo.  

9. Visit Betaab Valley: Betaab Valley is 15 km from Pahalgam town and is one of the most beautiful valleys around Pahalgam. The valley is famed as a setting for a popular Bollywood film, Betaab. 

10. Visit Amarnath Cave: Amarnath is a famous cave where myth and beliefs meet. It is believed that Lord Shiva is seated in the cave. The cave was first discovered in 19th century by a local Buta Malik of Batakote. The cave and the naturally formed ice Shiva Linga has become a revered and one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in India. Most pilgrims stop at Pahalgam before continuing their journey to Amarnth. Tourism has flourished here richly after the insurgency problems have dissipated. 

Spring Outdoor Activities

Spring View of Kashmir

Spring Outdoor Activities

• Take advantage of the warm spring weather to spend time outdoors with your child. Take her on a walk in a scenic park or other area where she can see trees and flowers bloom. Point out the buds on the trees and talk to her about their life cycle. Name the different types of blossoming flowers you see. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the springtime breeze near a local lake. Feed the ducks. Lay back on blankets outside on a cloudy day and point out shapes in the clouds.

Read more: http://www.ehow.com/info_12272861_easy-spring-activities-games-kids.html#ixzz2yM5cogIO

START OF SPRING IN KASHMIR

Spring season starting in Kashmir
After a long, cold winter, the first signs of spring are a welcome sight and a perfect opportunity for you to get your child excited about the warm months to come. Engage your child in spring-themed activities and get her outdoors to enjoy the weather and the beauty of of the season.

Read more: http://www.ehow.com/info_12272861_easy-spring-activities-games-kids.html#ixzz2yM6EhSDg

SARDARI VILLAGE NEELUM VALLEY

ARANG KEL VILLAGE

Arang Kel a beautiful tourist spot in the Neelum valley Muzaffarabad AJK

Arang Kel: - is situated at the hill top near Kel, about 1500 feet ascend from River Neelam. It is also a village full of beautiful sceneries. Beyond this mountain, the next mountain is a part of Indian occupied Kashmir. It is a piece of utmost beauty, one can find in Kashmir. Visit Neelum Valley for Arang Kel.

SOLAR IN KASHMIR

Solar photovoltaic (PV) modules generate electricity from sunlight. Using an electronic device called an inverter, this electricity can be fed into the mains electrical supply of a building, or directly into the public electricity grid. Grid-connected PV systems therefore cut the use of electricity from fossil-fuel and nuclear sources, with its associated pollution. They can also help boost inadequate grid supplies.

AJK LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

AJK Legislative Assembly Building Muzzafarabad

Azad Jammu and Kashmir  abbreviated AJK or, for short, Azad Kashmir (literally Free Kashmir) is a self-governing territory controlled by Pakistan, it lays west of Indian controlledJammu and Kashmir. It was part of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, which ceased to exist as a result of the first Kashmir war in 1947, fought between India and Pakistan.

It shares border with Gilgit Baltistan, which along with itself is referred by United Nations as "Pakistani-controlled Kashmir". Azad Jammu and Kashmir borders the Indian-controlled state of Jammu and Kashmir to the east (separated from it by the Line of Control), Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province to the west and Pakistan's Punjab Province to the south. With its capital at Muzaffarabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir covers an area of 13,297 square kilometres (5,134 sq mi) and has an estimated population of about four million.

The centre of one of the worlds largest disputes, Azad Kashmir has a parliamentary form of Government. The president is the constitutional head of the state, while the prime minister, supported by a Council of Ministers, is the chief executive. Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elects both the prime minister and president. The state has its own Supreme Court and a High Court. The Ministry of Kashmir affairs serves as a link between theGovernment of Pakistan and the Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.^[4]

The 2005 earthquake left the region in unparalleled devastation, including 3 million people were displaced and 100,000 deaths. Since then with help from Islamabad and foreign donors reconstruction of infrastructure is underway. Currently, its economy largely depends on agriculture, services, tourism and remittances sent each year by members of the large Kashmiri diaspora. There are approximately 1880 hospital beds, the total number of doctors, including administrative doctors, health managers snf dentists is 702. Azad Kashmir's literacy rate is well 64%. At present the gross enrolment rate at primary level is 95% for boys and 88% for girls (between the age of 5-9).^[5]

SAFE WAY TO GANGA CHOTI

Ganga Choti Summer View

Distt.Bagh AJK

• About Trek

Ganga Peak, more commonly known as Ganga Choti among locals is located in the Bagh district of Azad Kashmir. It is also visible from Bagh city and is often called as the Crown of Bagh. Ganga Choti is approachable from Sudhan Gali, Dist Bagh, it is four hours trek and it is strenous trek since you have to gain hight at every step, there is very rare flat grounds on this trek. Ganga Choti is a scenic peak village Bani Minhasan in Bagh District, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. It is 10200 feet (3045 meters) high. It is an attraction for tourists in that area. It is situated in the Pir Panjal Range.

Hike for Ganga peak starts from the town of Sudhan Gali which is at a height of 2200 meters from sea level. From there, the peak can be reached through a 3-4 hours easy hike. People in Chanari climb Ganga from that side.

The hike to Ganga offers some very nice views of the valley and meadows. From the peak one can have a 360 degree panoramic view of the whole area. The nearest peak higher from Ganga Peak is called Pir Kanthi, which is at an aerial distance of about 10 km from it. .

Trip Duration: 2 Days
Grade: Moderate

YUSMARG SRINAGAR

Yuamarg Serinagar

Yusmarg in Kashmiri means The Meadow of Jesus. It is believed by the natives that Jesus came to Kashmir and stayed at Yusmarg for some time It is an alpine valley covered with snow clad mountains and the meadows of Pineand Fir, It lies 13 km south of Charari Sharief a town of Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated at the bank of Doodganga River which is a tributory of Jehlum River. It is a popular tourist destination, nestled with in the imposing Pir Panjal peaks, a sub range of Himalaya. The Peaks are: the Sunset Peak and the Tatakooti Peak for which the expeditions lead from this hill station. It lies at an altitude of 2396 metres above sea level.^[4]

Access

Yusmarg is easily accessible from Srinagar or Srinagar Airport the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, 47 km drive in under 2 hours by car or bus leads throughCharari Sharief town. During winter the road gets sometimes closed due to snowfall and remains cut off from the Valley of Kashmir for weeks.

HEAVEN ON EARTH

It is said to be the heaven on earth. It has the accolade of being “The Switzerland of Pakistan AJK/Occupied Kashmir”. wonderstruck to see the ravishing beauty of Kashmir. With snow-clad mountains, tall-trees of deodar/ Chinar, lush green plains and valleys, Kashmir is one of the most bewitching places on earth. It has been a great attraction for the tourists all across the country and abroad as well.

Introduction of Solar Energy

Cheap solar can bring electricity to a major chunk of subcontinent's people who still live off-grid, bypassing the need of installation of expensive grid lines. Also since the costs of energy consumed for temperature control squarely influences a regions energy intensity, and with cooling load requirements roughly in phase with the sun's intensity, cooling from intense solar radiation could make perfect energy-economic sense in the subcontinent