Kashmir- The Heaven On The Earth

Kashmir is the northernmost geographical region of the Indian subcontinent. Snow-capped mountains, sunny gardens, and romantic households are synonymous with nothing but with Kashmir. In winter the whole Kashmir wears a gown of white and adds a new charm. In summer the snow melts, the hills become green, and flower blossoms fill the parks, gardens and hillsides. Kashmir is easy to access in summer. Kashmir, a pristine place with cool valleys and snow-peaked mountains, offers an enticing getaway to refresh and be nourished in the lap of nature in summer time.

HERE ARE THE PLACES THAT YOU MUST VISIT IN KASHMIR:

1. Srinagar : Itlies in the Kashmir Valley on the banks of the Jhelum River, a tributary of the Indus, and Dal and Anchar lakes. The capital city of Kashmir has long been considered the ultimate summer destination from the time of the Mughals. The Mughals built many gardens in and around the city, which exist even today. There is a beautiful Tulip garden but sadly just for one month and that is the month of April. The lake has thousands of colourful Shikaras floating on it, where you can spend quality time and find out the peace in you. Tourists can also experience living on houseboats floating in the lake.

2. Gulmarg : One of the best skiing destination on the Earth.The natural meadows of Gulmarg, which are covered with snow in winter, allow the growth of wild flowers such as daisies, forget-me-nots and buttercups during spring and summer. It has two phases - First phase is 8,530 ft higher, where you can go by two ways - a. Gondola ( Ropeway), b. Horse ride. Second phase is quite high around 12,293 ft where you can only go by Gulmarg Gondola .

Zero Base

Towards 1st Base

2nd Base

3. Pahalgam : Pahalgam holds a central position in the Lidder Valley. It has an average elevation of 2,740 metres (8,990 ft). The scenic beauty of the place is heavenly. The pine-covered mountains and the snow-peaked cliffs offer a lot for adventurers and trekkers. The Lidder River that runs through Pahalgam is one of the best places for trout fishing in India. Tourists are also enjoy horse riding and visit Kolhoi Glacier, Betaab Valley, Baisaran Valley (aka Mini Switzerland), Aru Valley etc.

Kashmiri cuisine:

• Rista (meatballs in a fiery red gravy)

• Lahabi kabab or Moachi kabab (flattened mutton kababs cooked in yogurt)

• Waza kokur (two halves or two full chicken cooked whole)

• Daeni phoul (mutton dish)

• Doudha ras (mutton cooked in sweet milk gravy)

• Rogan josh (tender lamb cooked with Kashmiri spices)

• Xcheerh Gushtaba A soft meatball with Apricot inside cooked with yogurt.

• Tabak maaz (ribs of lamb simmered in yogurt till tender, then fried)

• Daniwal korma (a mutton curry with coriander)

• Waza palak (green spinach cooked with small mutton balls known as paliki riste)

• Aab gosh (lamb cooked in milk curry)

• Marchwangan korma (an extremely spicy lamb dish)

• Kabab (minced meat roasted on skewers over hot coals)

• Gushtaba (a velvety textured meatball in white yogurt gravy)

• Yakh'n (delicately spiced yogurt curry)

• Ruwangan chhaman (cheese squares with tomato gravy)

• Dum aelva (potatoes cooked in yogurt gravy)

• Dum aloo

• Gand Aanchaar (chopped onions mixed with chilies, salt, yogurt and spices)

• Muji chetin or Mooli akhrot chutney (a sharp radish and walnut chutney)

• Phirni (a milk pudding thickened with semolina or ground rice, flavored with cardamom and optionally saffron, set in individual bowls with slivered nuts and silver leaf)