Kashmir in pictures

Possibly the best place to lay your hat in Srinagar isn't a hotel but a houseboat on the Dal, or adjoining Nageen Lake. Houseboats come in various categories ranging from 'Deluxe,' to category 'D,' and can cost as much if not more than any luxury hotel in town. Conditions of individual houseboats can vary as can location—it's never a good idea to book one before you've actually seen what you're paying for. A smart thing to do is to check into a hotel for your first day and scout about looking for a good deal.

Every year, thousands of pilgrims make their way to the 40-metre-high Amarnath cave. Its an arduous five-day trek both ways which begins from Chandanwari located 20 kilometres from Pahalgam. Perched at an altitude of 3,888 metres, the cave remains surrounded by snow-covered mountains for most of the year, and is accessible to devotes only during a small window of two months in every summer when there is a thaw. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this holy shrine is considered one of Hinduism’s holiest places of worship.

A huge attraction: lines start forming at the gondola ticket office almost two hours before it opens in the morning. The cable car takes visitors all the way up to a ridge of Apharwat Mountain (3747 metres) from where you can get panoramic Himalayan views including those of major peaks like the Nanga Parbat. The ride has two phases: those who’re not comfortable with heights can opt to come back from the Kondoori Valley a mere 400 metres up the mountain. Tickets can also be booked at the tourist office in Srinagar or online.

Popularly referred to as 'the fairies' abode', Pari Mahal is beleived to have been built on the ruins of a Buddhist monastery. Later converted into an observatory it showcases an Islamic style of architecture and remains an imposing structure despite having fallen into disrepair. The surrounding gardens cascade over seven terraces, and provide a vantage point for stunning views. 

The country’s premier, and possibly only bonafide ski resort town, Gulmarg and its pine-fringed meadows encircled by Mount Apharwat and surrounding snow-capped mountains have been part of popular culture and Bollywood since aeons. Even today, the ‘meadow of flowers,’ attracts droves of visitors in the summer who come here to ride in the world’s second highest cable car, play golf, and take hack rides to the glaciers at Khilanmarg and further up to Al Pather Lake. In the winter, Gulmarg transforms into a faux Alpine ski resort with its famed powder attracting extreme skiers from across the world. Gulmarg is a four hour drive from Srinagar. 

The Baba Reshi Shrine is located at a distance of about five kilometres from Gulmarg, at a height of 2133 metres. Dedicated to the Muslim scholar and saint, Baba Reshi, who served King Zain-ul-Abidin in the 15th century, the shrine has been constructed in the Mughal style of architecture, featuring beautiful wooden carvings inside the tomb, and lies surrounded by lush green lawns.

In the winter, Gulmarg transforms into a faux Alpine ski resort with its famed powder attracting extreme skiers from across the world. Gulmarg is a four hour drive from Srinagar. 

This is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful golf courses in the country. Set below looming snow-capped mountains and amongst soaring fir trees in the picturesque hill town of Pahalgam, the course sits at a lofty altitude of 7250 feet. With a total of 18 holes, the course is long, undulating, punctuated by water bodies in six places, and features bunkers of varying shapes and sizes; making it a challenging course even for skilled golfers. 

With terraced lawns, cascading fountains, bright flowerbeds, and panoramic views of the vast Dal Lake, the three mughal gardens of Chashmeshahi, Nishat and Shalimar were constructed back in the day for the pleasure of the Mughal emperors. These are also possibly the most well-maintained and litter-free gardens which you'll find anywhere in the country. Plastics are prohibited and if you insist in taking any inside then you'll be required to furnish a refundable deposit at the entrance. The best time to go is in the spring, when the flowers are in bloom, although the mughal-era monuments within the gardens are worth exploring at any time.

This beautiful alabaster-white mosque exudes a vibe of serenity and charm. One of Srinagar's most important shrines, the Hazratbal Dargah is highly revered by the Muslims. Within, an ancient relic reportedly contains a strand of Prophet Mohammed's hair. Get past the security and barricades protecting the structure, and the surrounding gardens and water will take your breath away. Just outside, the surrounding market sells fantastic kebabs, and it's a good place to taste some local flavour.

The Dal is forever teeming with shikaras—gaily coloured rowboats—ferrying tourists around the lake. Couples especially have a penchant for trying to recreate scenes immortalised in countless Bollywood flicks over the years. Shikaras can be hailed from various docks around the lake. Each dock has a signboard with government approved rates and there's no room for haggling. Best time to take a shikara ride is at sunrise or at dusk when the sun casts long shadows on the lake.

The third and smallest mughal garden, Chashmeshahi literally translates into 'royal spring.' The garden got its name from a water spring located on the uppermost terrace. The design is much like that of a traditional Mughal garden, but has been modified to fit its location. Here too, you will find gardens of beautiful flowering plants and soaring cypress and chinar trees. Located just above Nehru Memorial Park, the spring here is believed to be endowed with curative properties.

Eighty per cent of the apples supplied to the rest of the country, along with Bangladesh and Nepal come from right here in Srinagar. A majority of the state's income is dependent on apple produce and sprawling orchards are a common sight here. Visit and stroll through one, and pick a few apples while you're at it. There are many varieties grown, but the most popular and expensive is the Golden Apple.