Gulmarg, initially known as 'Gaurimarg' Emperor Jahangir's favorite, situated at an altitude of 2,730m in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. It lies 56 kms west of Srinagar, and has an excellent view of Nanga Parbhat. The name `Gulmarg' means Meadow of Flowers with an excellent trekking base. In winter it used to be India's premier skiing resort. Gulmarg gets very cold at times. The huts are winterised meaning that they are insulated form the cold outside, and are ideal to stay in during the winter. The huts are fully furnished with attached kitchens and a cylinder of gas for cooking can be hired from the tourist office.

Leh, situated at an altitude of 3,500 m, is in a fertile side valley of the Indus about 10 km from the river. Located in the state of Jammu & Kashmir, it developed as a trading post and market. It's population size is 90,000., while It receives annual rainfall of 1,780 mm. It's quite hot when sun is up but in the shade it can still be very cold. Leh has worldwide direct dial telephone facility. Ladakh is a high altitude cold desert with a low level of atmospheric oxygen.

Pahalgam is situated at an altitude of 2,400 m in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. The beautiful Lidder river flows through the town, which is at the junction of the Sheshnag and Lidder rivers and is surrounded by fir covered mountains with snowcapped peaks rising behind them. It is an ideal base for longer treks to Kolahoi Glacier and Amarnath Cave. Pahalgam is also famous for it's shepherds. It is the most crowded during July and August when thousands of pilgrims converge on the town on their way to the cave shrine of Amarnath, a 45 km trek away. Pahalgam itself is little more than a single street on the banks of the Lidder river. The Lidder Valley is full of streams and is surrounded by mountains and glaciers.

Sonamarg is situated at an altitude of 2,740 m in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. The name Sonamarg means `Path of Gold'. It is last major town in Kashmir before the Zoji La and Ladakh and is a trekking base, especially useful for those heading to Gangabal Lake. It's name may derive from it's past importance as a feeder to the Great Silk Road, or more likely , because of it's carpet of spring flowers. It is believed that the legendary spring has the power to turn anything into gold. This valley by the Sindh river has beautiful forests of silver fir and blue pine.

Srinagar is the capital city of Jammu & Kashmir. It is situated at an altitude of 1,730 m. Srinagar's population size is 725,000. It receives over 650 mm rainfall per annum. More than 50% of this is due to western disturbances. Srinagar is located around a number of lakes, of which Dal lake is the best known. The city is divided into two by the river Jhelum.