The paradisal state of Jammu and Kashmir is the pride of India, with its lofty snow clad mountain ranges, sylvan landscape, unbelievably fresh mountain air and its beautiful people. Located at the extreme north west of the country, the state is divided into three broad segments, Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. Kashmir has the maximum population at 53%, Jammu has 45%, while Ladakh is rather sparsely inhabited, due to obvious geographical constraints.

Beyond the Kashmir valley lies Ladakh, the land of unsurmountable mountains, and fascinating monastries. Ladakh is the abode of rare Kiang & highland Yak. Leh its capital city lies at the Tri junction of the historic silkroute from Sinkiang to West Asia and to the plains of India.

This palace was built in the 16th century. It is now deserted and badly damaged, a legacy of Ladakh's war with Kashmir in the last century. We get superb views from the roof of the palace.

'Little Tibet' , the moon land and the last Shangai La' are names that have been applied to Ladakh, all with a bit of truth. Ladakh is a high-altiude plateau north of the Himalayan situated geographically in Tibet. It is a miniature version of Tibet, the people are Tibetan in their their culture and religion, and there are many Tibetan refugees.

Pahalgam is about 95 km from Srinagar and at 2130 metres. Pahalgam is known as the valley of Shepherds.

Zanakar ia a long , narrow valley and ia area for trekkers. Padum is the capital of Zanskar. The people out there are Sunnite Muslims.It is on the southern part of a wide fertile plain where two rivers join to form the Zanskar.
There is a tourist bureau where you can arrange accommodation and the hire of horses.

Gulmarg is 52 kms. away from Srinagar. Gulmarg, the meadow of flowers, looks like a fantasy set in a film. All around are snow capped mountains and cup shaped meadow. Gulmarg is the shrine of Baba Reshi, a Muslim mystic saint, whose shrine is visited by people of all faiths.

Sonamarg is 87 km. from Srinagar. Sonamarg which means 'meadow of gold' has it's backdrop, snowy mountains against a cerulean sky. Sonamarg is the starting point of a major trek passing several mountain and lakes.

The Chenab river meets the plain in Akhnoor, 32 km north-west of Jammu. This was originally the route to Srinagar in the Moghul era.Jehangir, who died en route to Kashmir, was temporarily buried at Chingas.

The 'palaces of colours has many beautiful Pahari -style wall paintings. Buses run here from Jammu or Udhampur. Krimchi, 10 km from Udhampur, has Hindu temples with fine carvings and sculptures.

Just 80 km beyond Katra, is the ruined fort of General Zorawar Singh, renowned for it's clashes with the chineses over Ladakh. Nearby is a gurudwara with some interesting old frescoes and another important important cave temple.

Amarnath is one of the many names of Shiva. In the magical caves of the Himalaya, a goat herder discovered a Shiva Lingam of snow. It "creates" and "destroys" itself with the change of seasons. Each year, many pilgrims make an arduous trip to the cave when the Shiva Lingam takes shape.

The Shankaracharya Hill is beside the Dal lake. The hill was once known as Takht-i-Sulaiman. A temple has been built here by Ashoka's son around 200 BC.

This Historical Hindu-Sikh, Shrine is 30 kms. away (a 60 minute drive by car) from Hotel AVD Katra. Baba Banda Bahadur was a great soldier during Emperor Aurangjeb's time, who fought against Mughals and become great disciple of Sh. Guru Govind Singh Ji Maharaj. This historical place is situated on the bank of Mighty River Chinab (Chanderbhaga). Thousands of visitors from various parts of the country assemble there on the eve of Baisakhi festival.