The geography of Kashmir can actually be divided into three categories ? The plains of Jammu,



The Kashmir Valley

And the mountains of Ladakh.

This circuit is India's answer to Switzerland. The problems in the valley have not deterred tourists from flocking there. Besides its splendid Himalayan landscape this mountains district stands out for a very special reason and that being the cultural heritage.

The natural beauty of the hill resort of Srinagar will surely sweep you off your feet. A visit to the valley has repeatedly been compared to Switzerland and visiting this place is considered de rigueur. Jammu is famous for its temples and dargahs, which attract visitors from all over the country. Leh makes for an interesting study in Tibetan culture, traditions, lifestyle and architecture.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

DAY 1-4 JAMMU

Visit raghuanth Mandir and Mahamaya Mandir during the day and shop for traditional handicrafts in the evening.

Go for sightseeing the next morning and leave for Katra in the afternoon. Check in at a hotel and soak in the atmosphere. Start for Vaishno Devi at night. Go for a darshan in the morning. Return to Katra the same day.

Proceed to Patnitop in the morning. Relax in the beautiful environs with the Pir Panjal range in the background.

DAY 5-6-7: SRINAGAR

Proceed to Srinagar. Arrive in the valley and explore the city's many lakes and charming houseboats that day and the next. Take a shikara ride on Dal Lake, visit floating vegetable gardens: shop for flowers. Go to the Mughal gardens. On your way back visit Chashme Shahi and Pari Mahal.

The third morning pack in a few more sightseeing activities to include Hazratbal Shrine, Shankaracharya Temple and jama Masjid, the oldest and the most famous mosque in the valley.

DAY 8: GULMARG

Leave for Gulmarg, a meadow of flowers and a popular trekking site. Return to Srinagar.

DAY 9: SONMARG

In the morning drive towards the north of Srinagar to Sonmarg, the valley of gold, majestic mountains and scenic beauty. The stop is actually for the overnight stay.

DAY 10-11-12-13: LEH

After breakfast leave for Leh. After arrival check in at a hotel and relax for the day, overnight stay in a hotel. Visit monasteries and the palaces. Drive towards the world's highest motorable pass, Nubra. Enjoy trekking, mingle with the native nomads, Khampas and get yourself clicked with drongs, kyangs and nyangs. Drive back to Leh. Starting from Leh Palace move towards the Kali Mandir. Return to the hotel for overnight stay. Proceed to Shey. A small drive ahead takes you to Thiksey with the biggest Buddha statue. End your day with a visit to the most sacrosanct monastery of Ladakh, Hemis. Return to the hotel.

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