Gulmarg is one of the most splendid hill resorts in the country, falling in the Baramulla District of Kashmir. Initially, Gulmarg of Kashmir used to known by the name of “Gaurimarg”, by the shepherds pasturing their herds. However, the present name of this hill resort dates back to the 16th century. Sultan Yusuf Shah, impressed with the stunning spectacle of the grassy hills adorned with colorful flowers, gave the name of “Gulmarg” to this beautiful hill station. Gulmarg hill station also served as the preferred rendezvous of the Mughal Emperor Jehangir. It is said that the emperor once collected 21 different varieties of flowers from here.The fir-covered hills characterize the ascent to Gulmarg, Kashmir. There is also a spot on the way to Gulmarg, known as “View Point”, where tourist often stop to admire the breathtaking sight of snowcapped mountains.

ABOUT 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.

LOCATION
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.

BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time to visit Pahalgam is during the summers, between mid-April and mid-November. It can also be visited in July-August during the annual pilgrimage to the holy cave of Amarnath.

The drive to Sonamarg takes one through the Sindh Valley which presents yet another spectacular facet of countryside in Kashmir. Situated at an altitude of 2730 mtr Sonamarg (the medow of gold) has, as its backdrop, snowy mountains against a cerulean sky. The Sindh River that meanders through the valley abounds with Trout and Mahaseer. Ponies can be hired for the trip up to Thajiwas glacier, which is a major local attraction during the summer months. Sonamarg is the base of a major trek that passes along several mountain lakes -Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Gangabal. Sonamarg is also the takeoff station for the drive to Ladakh across the Zojila, a major pass in the Great Himalayan Range, through which the Srinagar-Leh Road passes. Sonamarg is also a base for undertaking the yatra to the holy Amarnath cave, during Sawan Purnima. Accommodation in Sonamarg is available in J&K TDC’s Huts and Tourist Bungalows apart from some private hotels.
Sonamrg offers numerous avenues for trekking. Sonamarg is also the best place for river rafting. The vale is believed to be bestowed with mystical waters which turns everything into eternal riches. Due to its altitude Sonamarg gets pretty cool to outright cold even during summers. It is advisable to always carry warm clothes and rain proofs when visiting. Sind River a natural hatchery of the Trout fish provides ample and fun filled opportunities for angling, provided the permission is obtained beforehand from the fisheries department. Sonamarg’s rivers offer tempered waters suitable for river rafting. The sport is very popular especially among youth, corporate executives and even the adventure loving elderly.

A two hour drive from Srinagar ( 47 kms ) will take you to acres upon acres of grassy meadow ringed by forests of pine, and towering beyond them, awesome and majestic snow clad mountains. This is Yusmarg – close enough to Srinagar for a picnic, idyllic enough to make you want to stay for a few days. Here are walks of every sort – a leisurely amble along flower-strewn meadows or away to where a mighty river froths and crashes its way over rocks, its mild white foam earning it the name of Dudh (milk) Ganga. Further down, a captivating lake, Nilnag, is cradled by hills. Nearby are several peaks-Tatta Kutti and Sang Safed to name just a couple of them. About 13 kms from Yusmarg, a short detour away from the Srinagar road, is Charari- Sharief, the Shrine of Kashmir’s patron saint Sheikh Noor-ud-din or Nund Reshi.

Srinagar is the summer capital of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and is the pride of the beautiful valley of Kashmir. Srinagar is famous for its lakes and the charming rows of houseboats floating on them. It is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dry fruits. Srinagar is located in the western part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, in the northern region of India. It is located in the Kashmir valley. The river Jhelum passes through Srinagar city. Srinagar is 876 km north of Delhi. The weather in Srinagar is alpine. Summers (April-June) are mild and winters are cold (November-February). It experiences heavy snowfall in December-February
The best time to visit Srinagar is during summers between April and June.