Jammu and Kashmir is well-known for the variety of offerings it makes to a tourist, including important places of worship, trekking expeditions in the mountainous terrains and beautiful landscapes. It is probably one of the few places in the world that gives so many options to its visitors. Read on to learn about the various kinds of experiences you may encounter while touring the land of Jammu and Kashmir.
Spiritual Experience:
This place is one of the most prominent pilgrimage sites in India attracting thousands of devotees from across the entire country to show their devotion and gain spiritual experience from the numerous important holy shrines in this land. Old and young come to visit the Temple of ‘Vaishnodevi’ to seek her blessings. They cover the rough travel route to reach this temple located high in the caves. Although, arrangements are made by the ‘Vaishnodevi Shrine Board’ for the pilgrims to supply them with necessities like medical assistance and warm clothes to brave the cold temperatures along with restrooms, souvenir and Prasad shops in and around the temple so the pilgrims do not face any inconvenience, there are many casualties and cases of fatalities every year owing to the bad weather and accidents. There are even provisions of armed guards to offer security form terrorist attacks while the devotees get busy in gaining spiritual rejuvenation. However, the entire experience is worth taking the risk once you reach the temple and seek blessings and strengthen your religious beliefs.
Trekking and Landscape Experience:
The line bordering Tibet belongs to the Ladakh district of Jammu and Kashmir. This place offers you the opportunity to indulge in activities like trekking and road trips along the Himalayan Mountain roads which will give you the right amount of adrenalin push. You will also come across several amazing lakes in this region. The drive along these lakes will expose you to the surreal, barren landscape of this district that display blue-green placid lakes like the Tso Moriri (situated 30km south of Ladakh), Pang-gong Tso (largest lake in this region) and the Startsapuk Tso- Tso Kar (twin lakes located on the path to Leh).
The Srinagar Experience:
While in the valley of Kashmir your first encounter will be with the state capital, Srinagar. Here you will view the spectacular Dal Lake where you will enjoy boat ride on houseboats and ‘shikharas’. The nearby Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, built by the Mughals, blossoming with mountain flowers and shrubs will give you a picturesque setting as you float on the waters of Dal Lake. Another lake you should not miss is the Nagin Lake situated some distance away from the main town.
Adventure Experience:
For adventure sports you will need to visit Gulmarg and Pahalgam. At Gulmarg (also called the ‘meadow of flowers’) you can opt for skiing and golfing apart from cable car rides across mountain tops. The pine forests and green slopes make ideal conditions for trekking in ‘Lidder Valley’ next to Pahalgam. You can also opt for visiting the Amarnath caves for religious purposes from this ‘Lidder Valley’ which forms the base for the starting of the pilgrimage.
With all these various experiences in Jammu and Kashmir you will no longer feel devoid of excitement in your vacation. Jammu and Kashmir tour is definitely one of the most fulfilling travels you will make in your lifetime.