Ladakh is the northern most province of the state, with a bleak terrain of barren mountains. Hilltop monasteries and a colourful way of life, completely at one with the surroundings, make Ladakh one of the best living traditions of Tibetan Buddhism in the world today.

Jammu & Kashmir

Amongst the three regions of Jammu & Kashmir State, Jammu, perhaps, offers the widest diversity of terrain and beauty. The entire region is pocketed with lakes and valleys, some still little explored. The foundation of the settlement of Jammu is attributed to King Jambulochan of the 9th century BC. In 1730 AD, it came under the Dogra rule of Raja Dhruv Deva and Jammu became an important centre for arts and culture, now renwned as the Pahari School. Religion, too, played an important part in its development, so beautifully evidenced in its various shrines and temples spread throughout the region.

HOW TO GET THERE

• Air : Indian Airlines connect Jammu with Delhi, Leh and Shrinagar.
  Fare: Calcutta-Delhi Rs.4797 (J), Rs.3445 (Y). Delhi-Jammu Rs.2865 (J), Rs.2065 (Y).
• Rail: Jammu Tawi, the railway station to reach Jammu, is connected by rail to Calcutta, Delhi, Bombay, Madras and other main cities in India.
  Fare: (Approx) Calcutta- Jammu Tawi Rs.2900 (AC-I), Rs.1300 (I), Rs.350 (II).
• Road: Jammu, on N.H.no 1A, is connected by good all-weather roads to all parts of India. Some of the road distances are:- Amritshar 243 kms, Chandigarh 436 kms, Delhi 586 kms, Katra 48 kms, Shrinagar 305 kms, Manali 428 kms.
• Bus : J & K State Road Transport Corporation as well as some other State Road Transport Corporations (Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh) service Jammu to and from various major places in North India providing deluxe & ordinary buses.
• Local Transport: Coaches, Tourist Taxis, Other Taxis, Scooter Rickshawas, Tongas, Matador Mini Buses and City Bus Services available.

WHAT TO SEE

Ranbireshwar Temple; Raghunath Temple (Raghunath Bazar); Raghunath Temple  (Purani Mandi); Ranbir Canal (3.5 kms); Bahu Fort (5 kms); Bage Bahu (5 kms); Amar Mahal Palace Museum (Ramnagar, Tel.45676, Timming: 1000-1200 & 1500-1700 hrs for six days and 1000-1200 hrs only for Sundays, Closed on State holidays, Entrance Fee: Rs.5); Dogra Art Gallery (Gandhi Bhawan, Opp. New Secretariat, Timmings: 1100-1700 in winter & 0730-1300 hrs in summer, Closed on Mondays).

EXCURSIONS

Akhnoor: 32 kms. Regular bus-services available from Jammu. Batote: 113 kms, 1560 metres. Health Resort on the Jammu-Shrinagar highway. Accommodation is available in huts (Rs.200 for double) and Tourist Bungalow (Rs.175 for double & Rs.25 per bed in dormitory). Kud: 106 kms, 1738 metres. Resort on Jammu-Shrinagar highway. Accommodation available at Tourist Bungalow (Rs.175 for double, Rs.250 for suites). Mansar Lake: 80 kms. Regular bus-services available from Jammu. Accommodation is available in huts (Rs.325 for double) and in Tourist Bungalow (Rs.175 for double, Rs.325 for suites). Purmandal (Chhota Kashi): 39 kms. Religious place connected by bus with Jammu. Accommodation is available in pilgrim shelters. Patnitop: 112 kms, 2024 metres. A resort & picnic spot on the Jammu-Shrinagar highway. Accommodation available in huts (Rs.475 for double, Rs.300 for single), Tourist Bungalow (Rs.250 for double, Rs.325 for suites) and Youth Hostel (Rs.40 per bed in dormitory). Ramban: 148 kms. Accommodation available in Tourist Bungalow (double Rs.150). Ramnagar: 102 kms. Regular bus-services available from Jammu. Sanasar: 129 kms, 2079 metres. 19 kms from Patnitop, slightly away from the National Highway. Accommodation available in huts (Rs.250), Tourist Bungalow (Double Rs.150, Rs.15 / head in dormitory without bedding). Sudhmahadev: 120 km, 1225 metres. Accommodation available at pilgrim shelters. Surinsar Lake: 42 kms. Picturesque spot. Accommodation available in huts. Kishtwar High Altitude National Park: 248 kms.

VAISHNO DEVI

The holy cave shrine of Vaishno devi is situated in a beautiful racess of the Trikuta Mountains forming a part of the lower Himalayas as in the state of Jammu & Kashmir at an altitude of over 5000 feet. In the cave there are images of three dieties viz. the Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati. The shrine can be visited throughout the year, but during the winter season the route is often blocked by snow-fall.

How To Reach:

• Air: Jammu (62 kms) is the nearest airport as well as the nearest railway station.
• Road: Jammu-Katra 48 kms (by road) and Katra-Vaishno Devi 14 kms (on foot). Route from Katra to Vaishno Devi: Katra - Ban Ganga (1.5 kms) Ban Ganga - Charan Paduka (1.5 kms) Charan Paduka - Adhkunwari (3 kms) Adhkunwari - Bhavan (8 kms) The 14 kms track from Katra to the shrine has been relaid and tiled. Railings have also been installed for protection. The 100 feet cave is very narrow with an average height of 5.5 feet only and has ankle deep water. The pilgrims are allowed in batches through the cave. A newly constructed exit makes the process of going out of the shrine easier. Buses leave for Katra from the General Bus Stand (Jammu), throughout the day. During peak season buses are also available from Jammu-Tawi railway station. Journey time 2 hours. Taxis are also available from Jammu.

What To See

Bhumika Temple, Darshani Darwaza, Ban Ganga Temple, Charan Paduka, Adhkunwari Temple, Kalika Temple, Ram Mandir, Shiva Goompha.Note: All pilgrims/tourists require a pass to enable them entre to the shrine. The pass is to be collected at Katra as it will be required at Ban Ganga and later at the shrine itself.

Tourist Information: Manager, Dharmasth Trust Durbar, Vaishno Devi, Tel: 23.

FESTIVALS AT JAMMU

Lohri (January), Baishakhi (April), Bahu Mela (March-April and September-October), Chaitre Chaudash (March-April. At Purmandal Mela (February-March. 39 km from Jammu), Chaitre Chaudash (March-April. At Uttar Baihni, 25 km from Jammu), Jhiri Mela (October-November. At Jhiri 14 kms from Jammu).

TOURIST INFORMATION AT JAMMU

1) Tourist Reception Centre (Dept. of Tourism), Government of Jammu & Kashmir, Jammu-Tawi Railway Station, Tel: (0191) 43803.

2) Tourist Reception Centre (Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation), Vir Marg, Jammu- 180 001, Tel: (0191) 49554, 47757.

3) J & K Information Centre, 12 J.L.Nehru Road, Calcutta-700013, Tel: 248-5791

Leh (Ladakh)

Beyond the Kashmir valley lies Ladakh, the land of unsurmountable mountains, and fascinating monastries. Ladakh is the abode of rare Kiang & highland Yak. Leh its capital city lies at the Tri junction of the historic silkroute from Sinkiang to West Asia and to the plains of India.

TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION

• Air : The nearest airport is Leh, which is connected by Indian Airlines to Delhi, Shrinagar and Jammu.
  Fare: Delhi - Leh Rs.2787 (J), Rs.2002 (Y).
• Rail: Nearest railhead Jammu (690 kms) is connected to all parts of India.
  Fare (approx) : Calcutta-Jammu Rs.1271 (AC-2A), Rs.1057 (I), Rs.324 (II)
• Road: Leh-Shrinagar National Highway officialy opens from 15th May to 15th November every year (depending on weather condition). By road Leh to Shrinagar 434 kms, Kargil 230 kms, Manali 497 kms, Keylong 380 kms.
• Bus : Jammu Kashmir Road Transport Corp. operates buses between Srinagar & Leh
  Fare (approx) : Super Deluxe- Rs.225, A Class- Rs.125, B Class- Rs.100.

PLACES OF INTEREST

At Leh
Leh Khar Palace, Leh Monastery, Leh Mosque, Tsamo Gompa.

At Kargil
Kargil has beautiful Imambaras at Trespone and Sankho representing Turkish architecture. Attached to these Imambaras there are famous  Arabic and Persian speaking Muslim divines known as ghas.

EXCURSIONS

Mulbak Monastary 190 kms, Lamayura 125 kms, Alehi Gompa 135 kms, Likir Gompa 140 kms, Phiyang Gompa 20 kms, Spitak Monastary 8 kms, Snaker Gompa 3 kms, Shey Palace Monastary 15 kms, Thiksey Monastary 19 kms, Hemis 49 kms.

SPORTS ACTIVITIES

Ladakh is a virtual paradise for Adventure sports-Mountaineering, trekking White water rafting / canoeing etc. For mountaineering the Zanskar Range,  the Ladakh range and recently opened Karakoram range offer some of the finest challenges and schedule for reservation is available with Indian Mountaineering Foundation, Banito Juaraz marg, New Delhi, Tel: 671211.For Trekkers, Ladakh has immense possibilities.

Some well known treks around Leh are :
1. Leh-Lamayuru-Wanla-Ursi-Tar La-Mangyur-Saspol-Leh (7 days)
2. Leh-Stok-Zachan-Runbagh Pass-Shingo-Skiu-Shaluk-Markha-Nimaling-Longmaru-La-Churkirmo-Shang-Hemis-Leh (14 days)
3. Padam-Tongde-Zangla-Sher Sher La-Chup Cha-Shang Kong Ma-Kurna Sumdo-Nari Narsa-Lang Tan-Hankar-Nima Ling-Shakdo-Hemis (14 days) Trekking equipment can be hired from Leh Tourist Office, on nominal charges and its recommended that they should be consulted for information & guidance. Indus and its tributaries provide exciting opportunities for rafting/caneoing.

POLO : Ladakh has its own version of polo which is played during the summer months in Leh.

MISCELLANEOUS

1) Tourist Information Centre Jammu & Kashmir Department of Tourism, Leh, Tel: 95/97.

2) Jammu & Kashmir Tourist office, 12 Jawahar Lal Nehru Road, Calcutta, Tel: 248-5791.

Srinagar

The Mughals aptly called Kashmir, Paradise, and they journeyed acroos the tortuously hot plains of India,to summer in the cool environs of srinagar. And here they laid, with great love and care, Srinagar's many formal, water-front gardens, now collectively known as the Mughal Gardens. Today's Srinagar is a pleasure resort for the tourist who can experience, at first hand, the peculiar beauty of the valley that has attracted the Chinese, the Mughals and the British to it.

HOW TO GET THERE

Note: All foreigners entreing Jammu and Kashmir State are required to register their arrival and departure with the Foreigners' Regional Registration Office located at the airport and in the city.

• Air : Srinagar Airport (14 kms from the Srinagar city) is connected by Indian Airlines to Delhi, Amritsar, Jammu, Leh, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Bombay.
  Fare: Calcutta-Delhi Rs.4797 (J), Rs.3445 (Y). Delhi-Srinagar Rs.3106 (J), Rs.2238 (Y).
• Rail: Nearest railhead Jammu Tawi (293 km from the Srinagar city) is connected to all parts of the country with mail and express trains.
  Fare (Approx): Calcutta-Jammu Tawi Rs.2900 (AC-I), Rs.1300 (I), Rs.350 (II).
• Road: Srinagar, on National Highway, is connected with all the major places in India and in the State, viz. Jammu 293 kms, Leh 434 kms, Kargil 204 kms, Gulmarg 52 kms, Pahalgam 96 kms, Delhi 876 kms, Chandigarh 630 kms etc.
• Bus : J.& K. State Road Transport Corporation and other State Road Transport Corporation and other private bus connects Jammu & Srinagar as well as all the major places in State and in the country.
• Local Transport: J.& K. State Road Transport Corporation's Coaches (at Tourist Reception Centre); Tourist Taxis (J.& K. State Tourism Deve. Corpn., Tourist Reception Centre); Scooter Rickshaws, Matador Mini-Buses; City Buses and Shikaras are available. Helicopter Service is also there as Local Transport (J&K Tourist Office)

PLACES OF INTEREST
(Distances are from The Tourist Reception Centre)

Pather Masjid 6kms, Shah Hamdan Mosque 5 kms, Jamia Masjid 5 kms, Hari Parbat Fort 5 kms, Nagin Lake 8 kms, Hazratbal 9 kms, Shalimar Bagh 15 kms, Harwan 19 kms, Nishat Bagh 11 kms, Cheshma Shahi 9 kms, Pari Mahal 11 kms, Shankaracharya Temple 5 kms, Daal Lake 0.5 km and Shri Pratap Singh Museum at Lal Mandi (1000 to 1700 hours, Closed on Wednesdays & Govt. holidays).

EXCURSIONS

• Pampore: 13 kms. The only place in the world, where saffron is grown.
• Mattan : 61 kms on Pahalgam road. Accommodation available at a Tourist Sarai.
• Martand: 64 kms on a plateau,has the most impressive ancient ruines in Kashmir
• Achabal: 58 kms via Anantnag, altitude 1677 metres. Accommodation available at Tourist Huts (Rs.100 per hut) and in a Cafteria.
• Kokernag: 70 kms, altitude 2020 metres. Accommodation available at Tourist Hut (Rs.225 per hut), Tourist Bungalow (Rs.125 Double) and in Cafteria.
• Verinag : 80 kms, altitude 1876 metres. Accommodation available at Tourist
• Bungalow (Rs.100 Double) and in Cafteria `Qahwa-Khana'.
• Daksum : 85 kms, altitude 2513 metres. Accommodation available at Tourist Bungalow (Rs.100 Double) and in a Cafteria.
• Yusmarg : 40 kms, altitude 2377 metres. Accommodation available at Tourist Bungalow (Rs.100 Double) and Rest House (Rs.75 per room).
• Acharbal: 51 kms, altitude 2400 metres. Famous for Waterfall falling from a hight of 24.4 metres. Accommodation available at Tourist Bungalow (Rs.100 Double) and PWD Rest House. Kounsernag Lake,11 kms away from Acharbal, remains frozen and covered with icebergs till late June.
• Manasbal: 32 kms, altitude 1560 metres. Lake with flowering lotus plants and is a bird-watchers paradise. Accommodation available at Tourist Huts (Rs.225 per hut) and Rest House (Rs.75 per room).
• Burzahon: 24 kms. Excavations reveal settlements dating back to about 2500 BC.
• Ganderbal : 19 kms. Situated on the bank of the River Sindh (Indus).
• Wular Lake: 60 kms, altitude 1580 metres, area 125 sq.km. Lagest in India.
• Charari-Sharif: 30 kms. On the road to Yusmarg.
• Dachigam National Park: 21 kms, altitude 2400 metres. Accommodation available at Tourist Huts (Rs.125 Double, Rs.40/bed dormitory).
  
  Permits and Reservations from Chief Wildlife Warden, Tourist Reception Centre, Srinagar, Tel: 75411.

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE

J & K GovernmentTourist Reception Centre, Shervani Road, Tel: 77303/05, 73468.
J & K Government Tourist Reception Counter, New Airport, Tel: 31521-29.
J & K Tourist Development Corporation, Tourist Reception Centre, Tel: 76107.

Amarnath Trek

HOW TO REACH

• Air : The nearest airport Jammu is connected with Delhi, Shrinagar and Leh.
  Fare: Calcutta-Delhi-Jammu Rs.5510 (Y).
• Rail: The Nearest railway station Jammu is connected with all the main cities in India.