Kashmir: Picture of the day - Snow in Kashmir!

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Picture: Aadil Mukhtar

Kashmir: Picture of the day - Spectacular aerial view of the valley of Kashmir!

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Picture Credit: France Lenne

Kashmir: Picture of the day - Snow and icicles!

Here it is! A picture from Kashmir everyday! Enjoy!

(Click image to enlarge)Picture: Aadil Mukhtar

I saw the ‘Spark’! - Mercy Corps GOAL Fellowship Program

I have been interacting with my fellow Kashmiri future leaders and shapers in the GOAL (Generating Opportunities for Advanced Leadership) Fellowship program being imparted by Mercy Corps, a prominent US based NGO. Mercy Corps believes in harnessing the values of effective leadership to promote change especially in areas of conflict where the youth lack essential skills to lead and to represent the voice of society. The GOAL program is undoubtedly going in the right direction to promote this change at an individual level among the fellows, which ultimately paves way for the progress of humanity. GOAL program curriculum consists on workshops on project management, negotiation and communication and effective leadership. Mercy Corps believes in “intrinsic value and dignity of human life” and in the “ability of all people to succeed, not just survive”. Educating and making people aware about their rights and duties while making them conscious about the importance of ‘progress’ and ‘sustainability’ undoubtedly serves this belief! Fellows at the GOAL program are very passionate about the idea of promoting growth through community participation and meaningful dialogue. Whilst they are aware of the need, it appears that most fellows lack the essential skills particularly the soft skills needed to interact efficiently, make decisions and exercise authority and responsibility, which collectively are the fundamental elements of any community building dialogue. Effective negotiation and promising leadership not only helps in resolving conflicts but also empowers us to look beyond the obvious and eradicate a problem from its roots! Kashmir needs leaders who are morally aware of the needs and grievances of the society! The GOAL and the enthusiasm of the fellows in the program have created a new hope for a better Kashmir, for a better future and for a nobler human race! Indeed, if we continue to strive for good of everyone, there is no looking back, no fear and no reason to lag behind in any competitive field of modern world! The need however is to realise the need of the hour and develop the proclivity to acquire those essential skills and learn to use the tools needed to accomplish the task! The GOAL program is a ‘spark’ but we must keep the ‘flame’ lit forever!

Gulmarg... The Skier's Paradise...

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Hari Prabat ...

The Hill of Hari Parbat crowned by the pathan fort who his visible from every part of the city. 400 feet above the plain, Legend says the hill grew from a pebble dropped by the goddess Paravati to crush a demon, in the form of Sharika bird (Maina). This is called now Hari Parbat.

Sonmarg ...

87 km. from Srinagar, 3 hours journey, 2800mts above sea level. It is called Golden meadow” at the head of the river Sind with beautiful mountains and glaciers.
Base for the treks to Harmukh range via Nichnai, Vishensar Lake, Gangabal and to Nara Nag . Also the Pilgrim route to Amarnath Cave , which can be done in one day from here. Famous for Trout fishing.

Shankrancharya Temple

This Temple is situated in Srinagar at height of 1000ft above the plain. The earliest of all the Temples built in 200 BC,. By Jalaka the son of the Great Buddhist convert Ashoka. The temple was subsequently rebuilt and dedicated by Raja Gopadittya in 6th Century. It is said to be that “ the Takhut-I-Sulaiman (throne one of the Solomon).

Yusmarg ...

50 kms southeast of Srinagar, one and half hour journey through pine and fir forests. On the way to Yusmarg is the shrine of famous Kashmiri sufi saint : Sheikh Noor-ud-din, popularly known as Nunda Rishi. One can go up to Nilnag Lake either by foot or on a pony back.
There is Tourist huts available.

Gulmarg ...

56 kms from Srinagar, one and a half hour journey, 2690 mts above sea level. .It is called “Meadow of flowers”.
In summer best for trekking, golfing and pony rides . One can have beautiful walk around and can see in good weather the high mountains like Naga Parbat(In Gilgit) 7650mts high, Kolohi and Harmukh which are 5425 and 5124 mts high.
Gulmarg has the world’s highest green golf course in the world.
Ski in the winter. There are cable cons that ferry the tourists up to the height of 3095 mts. (Gondola)

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Dachi Gam Wildlife Sanctuary ...

Home of the Hangul: The Dachigam area has been protected to preserve its unique Himalayan range of Flora and Fauna. Hangul are Kashmir stag one of the most endangered species of Red Deer in the world, this is the only place in the world with a viable Hangul population.
Paradise for bird lovers. In the Park Leopard, Jackal, Hill fox, Himalayan Griffon, Lammergeier, Long Tailed Blue Magpie, Jungle Cat, Leopard Cat, Himalayan Weasel.

Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh

Nishat Bagh :
The Garden of bliss laid down by Asif Khan father of Empress Noorjahan in 1633AD on the bank of Dal Lake with Zabarvan Massif at the back. In Nishat commands magnificent view of the Lake and the Snow capped Pir Panchal Range to the west of the valley.

Shalimar Bagh :
The Abode Of Love.’ Is said to have been a village, built by Paravarassna II. He used to stay here when on a visit to Sukhswami a saint living near Harwan. In 1619 Jehangir ordered a garden to be laid out this spot, calling it, Ferrah Bakkash (Delightful). In 1727 A.D Zaffar-Khan. A governor during the reign of Shah Jahan made an extension of it and called it ‘Faiz Baksh’ (Bountiful). The garden is laid down in four terraces, rising one above the other. A canal runs through the garden lined with polished stones and supplies with water from Harwan.Chasma – Shahi : East of Srinagar. Built in 1634 A.D by Shah- Jahan. It commands a superb view of the Dal Lake it has the advantage of having a natural spring of Pure, Cool and Sparking water known as Chasma- Shahi (Royal Spring).

Manasbal...

Manasbal is the deepest lake in Kashmir 32 km from Srinagar. Flanked on its eastern shores by the craggy Mount Baladar, the lake has a placid beauty uniquely its own. All through the summer the lotus blooms in profusion on its surface and it is home to a variety of aquatic birds, making it a naturalist's delight. One can stay in lovely cottages and make use of a boat club...

The Wular Lake..

The largest fresh-water lake in India is 60 km from Srinagar Spreading over a 12 km area the lake, by drawing off excess water from the Jehlum, acts as a natural flood reservoir. Interesting ruins in the centre of the lake are the remains of an island created by King Zain-ul-abidin With its turbulent waters perpetually wind ruffled its exciting variety of avain life and the sheer beauty of its setting, Wular represents Nature at her most untamed.

The Dal Lake and Nigeen…

Dal and Nigeen; spring-fed the 6 km long, 3 km wide Dal is divided into four distinct parts by causeways: Gagribal, Lokutdal, Boddal and Nigeen. Moored along the banks of the lake are Srinagar's unique floating homes - the houseboats, ornately carved and richly furnished, with living areas, bedrooms baths and sundecks. The lake is constantly abustle with colour and movement as the graceful little shikara boats with their gay canopies, glide along its surface.
On the banks of the lake, close to Cheshmashahi, the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date conference facilities in a setting of unrivalled beauty overlooking the lake are a large number of modem hotels of all sizes, suitable for all budgets.
A favourite with water sports enthusiasts is Gagribal, for the waters here are ideal for water skiing, surfing and swimming.
The many islets that dot the lake are thickly wooded with willow, while the unique floating gardens and lotus beds are a means of livelihood for the urban farmers who grow vegetables on the lake.
The smallest, but the loveliest part of the Dal is the Nigeen considered, in fact, (a separate lake. The ring of trees that encircle its crystalline waters have given it its name, which means “Jewel in the Ring”: Nigeen is popular with water-skiers, swimmers and those in search of a peaceful houseboat holiday.

Srinagar… City of Dal Lake

If you've longed for the delights of a houseboat holiday, now is the time to try one out.
Srinagar is a unique city because of its lakes - the Dal, Nigeen and Anchar. The River Jehlum also flows through a part of the city.
The Dal, Srinagar's largest lake, has the most number of houseboats, followed by the Nigeen and the Jehlum.
As a general rule, houseboats in the Dal are of all categories, from deluxe through to D class, while those in the Nigeen are largely luxury class and those in the Jehlum largely economy class. This, however, is a generalization.
Most houseboats on the Nigeen and the Jehlum are situated on the banks of the lake, and can be accessed directly from land without the help of a shikara, while all those on the Dal require a shikara to get to and from them.
Most houseboats on the Dal are situated in long straggling rows; some face the Boulevard, Srinagar's most exciting address, while others are situated singly or in groups of two and three. The location of a houseboat tells us nothing about its class, but before checking into one, there are a few factors which you may like to consider.
A honeymoon couple may want to be away from it all, and may choose a houseboat with few, if any, close neighbors. To them, it will be an advantage to stay in the interior of the lake, accessible by a half hour long shikara ride. A family with young children on the other hand may find themselves better served in an area which overlooks the Boulevard where a crossing takes just five minutes.
When your houseboat is in a busy area of the Dal, it is enjoyable just to sit on balcony and watch the world row by.
Each houseboat has anything between two and four bedrooms in it with attached bathrooms and a common sitting and dining room. The charges of a houseboat always include all meals and a certain number of, crossings by shikara to and from the houseboat.
Houseboats offer far more personalized service than hotels because of the far higher host:guest ratio. On the other hand, fellow guests at the same house- boat tend to interact much more than if they were staying at the same hotel.
This is why houseboats are ideal for a large group of eight or more adults.
The Dal is famous not only for its beauty, but for its vibrance, because it sustains within its periphery, a life that is unique anywhere in the World. The houseboat and shikara communities have lived for centuries on the Dal, and so complete is their infrastructure on the lake, that they never have to step on land! Doctors, tailors, bakers - you'll see them all in tiny wooden shops on the lake, near picturesque vegetable gardens and acres of lotus gardens.
A shikara ride is one of the most soothing, relaxing aspects of a holiday in Kashmir. It can be an hour long ride to see the sights of the Dal; a shopping- by-shikara expedition to visit handicraft shops within the periphery of the lake; or a whole day trip to visit important city landmarks.
Because the Dal is so central to the landscape of Srinagar, many places of tourist interest have, over the ages, been built in its vicinity. Nishat and Shalimar gardens as well as Hazratbal mosque is directly accessible by shikra.

Baisaran... Kolahoi Glacier... Mamlesvara...

Baisaran
2 kms from Pahalgam, A glen in the pine and fir forest commanding a charming view of the valley, about 152 meters up on the mountainside.

Kolahoi Glacier
36 kms from Pahalgam to Aru 2408 meters, The path winds through woods to the meadow of Aru. There the river Lidder disappears and reappears after about 27 meters.

Mamlesvara

Down the river from the bridge, there is a small ancient stone temple consecrated to Shiva Mamesvara. The temple was built before the 12 century AD, though the name of the builder is unknown. There is a stone-lined tank, about 1.1 sq. mt. in dimension.

The Shrine of Amarnath...

The shrine of Amarnath is believed to be abode of Lord Shiva. A stalactite, formed by water dipping through the limestone roof of the cave, has formed in the shape of a natural ‘Lingam’. The ‘Lingam’ waxes and wanes with the moon. Each year, in the month of Sawan (July/August), several thousand pilgrims start for the cave from Pahalgam to make obeisance on the full-moon day. Elaborate arrangements are made for the yatra. Route: Pahalgam to Chandanwari (16 km, altitude 2895 mtrs). Mule track and jeepable road.

Betaab Valley

Enroute to Amarnath, there is a valley known as BETAAB VALLEY. It has got its name from a Hindi Indian hit movie “BETAAB”. The film was picturised in this beautiful valley. Located at an altitude of 2530 meters above the sea level, this picturesque valley has all that which can attract you to its beauty. This place can’t differentiated from heaven as it is calm, quite, diverse from rest of the polluted world. The eye catching sapphire like waters, the green fields, the meadows (The “Deodar trees*”) add to the charming beauty of this heavenly valley. Horse riding, AAB JUNG (A Kashmiri word meaning “playing with waters”) and enjoying the beauty will surely be a delightful way to enjoy.
*Trees commonly found in the forests of Kashmir. Seen in the picture.