Itinerary Part-17: Jammu and Kashmir
Dear Readers,
So here it is, the seventeenth and the final itinerary of my
All India Solo Trip (links to other itineraries at the end of the post). In
this leg of the trip, I'll be travelling in the state of Jammu and Kashmir,
home to numerous valleys. This place is a paradise on earth, but the conflict
between India and Pakistan has made this place a living hell. Because of which
I am quite skeptic about actually executing this part of the journey.
Hopefully, when the time comes for me to visit this place, the condition would
be normal.
As with all the other Itineraries, I've had help from friends, fellow bloggers,
tourism department of Jammu and Kashmir, travel companies and readers,
providing me various inputs on availability of local transports, places to
visit, places to stay, etcetera, to develop
this itinerary. And, as mentioned in previous posts, this itinerary is
loosely based on various ideal situations. Thus, following it may not be
possible due to reasons out of our hand during the trip.
So here's the itinerary for the final leg of my All India
Solo Trip in the state of Jammu and Kashmir:
Day 1: Jammu. The
first stop in this leg will be the winter capital of the state, Jammu which is
settled in the banks of river Tawi. This place draws huge tourist due to being
a stopover for various pilgrimage. This also boasts numerous forts and other temples.
Day 2: Surinsar Lake
and Mansar Lake. Next up is the visit to two lakes at close proximity to
Jammu, Surinsar and Mansar Lake. Both these lakes are surrounded by thick, lush
forests atop hills that give them a distinct splendor.
Day 3: Udhampur. Next
stop, is the town of Udampur which is located in the Shivalik range of the
Himalayas. With dense forests of
Eucalyptus trees spread across the town, Udhampur is a place with mesmerizing
beauty.
Day 4: Patnitop. Next stop, is the hill
station which rests at an elevation of about 6,600 feet, Patnitop. Set amidst
the dense forest cover and misty clouds, this hill station is situated very close to the course
of the Chenab river and
forms a charming part of a plateau of the Shivalik belt of the
Himalayas. Overnight travel to Srinagar from Jammu
Day 5: Srinagar.
Next stop, is the summer capital of the state, Srinagar. This place is a
glorious representation of natural beauty. The river Jhelum flowing from its
sides, numerous lakes, gardens and sun kissed peaks of mountains surrounding
the place, Srinagar is certainly a
paradise on earth.
Day 6: Aharbal Falls.
Next stop, is the glorious sight of the Veshu river falling 25 metres
down a narrow gorge in a valley of dense Pine and Fir trees in the
Pir Panjal mountains, Aharbal falls. Night stay at Shopian.
Day 7: Peer ki Gali.
Next stop, is a religious site resting on the Mughal Road, Peer ki Gali. The
site is of significant religious relevance with a shrine which is a charming
relic of the times depicting terrifying religious practices and beliefs.
Day 8: Noori Chhamb.
Next stop, is a place famous for its scenic sights and breathtaking waterfall, Noori Chhamb.
Named after the wife of Mughal Emperor Jahangir, Queen Noor Jahan, this place
is believed to be a favorite place of her in the Kashmir Valley. Night stay at
Bufliaz.
Day 9: Poonch.
Next stop, is a place which is bound by the Actual Line of Control (ALC) and
lies partially in Pakistan, Poonch (or Punch) is a place with wondrous beauty.
Day 10: Srinagar.
A return to Srinagar to proceed to other regions would be required. So a day to
rest.
Day 11: Phalgam.
Next stop, is the hill station of Phalgam, which is also known as "The
Valley of Shepherds". Surrounded by
the Himalayan Mountains, this place servers as the base for the pilgrims of the
Amarnath Yatra.
Day 12: Aru. Next
stop, is the base for my last trek of the trip, Aru. A day to gear up for the
trek.
Day 13-30: KashmirLakes Trek. The first and the only trek of this leg will be a customised trek which will be 18 days long. This trek has been customised with the support of India Hikes team. On this trek I'll be visiting the Tarsar and Marsar lakes as well as Gangabal and Krishnasar lakes. This trek also includes a 2 day rest at Sonmarg sandwiched in between. (Complete Itinerary of this trek can be found here)
Day 31: Srinagar.
Another day to rest after the long trek back at Srinagar.
Day 32: Gulmarg.
Next stop, is the pristine town of Gulmarg. Snow capped mountains makes this
place as favorite among skiers. A perfect getaway for one searching serenity
away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Night stay back at Srinagar.
Day 33: Wullar and
Manasbal Lake. Next up, is the visit to two lakes lying amidst scenic
landscapes, Wullar Lake and Manasbal Lake. Both are a haven for birdwatchers as
they are home to many aquatic birds. Night stay at Kupwara.
Day 34: Bangus Valley.
Next up, is a visit to an unexplored region with unique blend of ecological
systems including grasslands, flora, fauna, forests etc, the Bangus Valley.
Also, on this day, if time permits, I'll visit Chandigham, the dense forest
offering an excellent site for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Night
stay at Kupwara.
Day 35: Baltal.
Next up, is a visit to the Baltal Valley, located on the banks of river Sindh
offering breathtaking views. This is also a famous camping place for the
pilgrims of the Amarnath Yatra.
Day 36: Drass.
Next stop, is the "Gateway to Ladakh", Drass, a fascinating town at
an elevation of about 3300 meters above sea level. This charming town lies at
close proximity to the Line of Control and has a huge presence of Indian Army,
yet the charm of this place isn't disturbed.
Day 37: Kargil.
Next stop, is one of the most discussed about place of India, more cause of the
war that broke out here between India and Pakistan, rather than the undoubted
beauty of the place, Kargil. Nestled in the Himalayan mountain ranges on the
banks of river Indus, this place posses innumerable amount of attractions.
Day 38: Rangdum,
Pensi La. Next stop, is an
elliptically shaped plateau, Rangdum. This plateau lies in the Suru
valley and is flanked by colorful hills on one side and dazzling
white glaciers on the other. Also, on this day I'll visit Pensi La Pass, which
separates Suru Valley from the Zanskar Valley. This place is Rich with medicinal plants, blue-green water
springs and an unparalleled view of the surrounding mountains.
Day 39: Padum,
Zanskar Valley. Next stop, is Padum, the abode to exotic flora and fauna.
The most populated town in the Zanskar region, this boasts of two Buddhist
Monastries along with the scenic beauty that surrounds the place. Also, I'll
cover up the Zanskar valley on this day, before returning back to Kargil.
Day 40: Pashkum,
Shargole. First stop on this day will be the ancient village of Pashkum.
This village comprises of ruins of the forts and castles situated on hill
slopes. Next I'll visit another charming village, Shargole which is the home of
the architecturally marvelous monastery, the Shargole Monastery.
Day 41: Chiktan.
Next stop, is the visit to Chiktan Village which houses the Chiktan Fort, also
known as Chiktan Khar. This fort, which once was majestic is slowly crumbling
down and is associated with many mysteries.
Day 42: Leh. Next
stop, is the second largest district of India, Leh. Located at an elevation of
3500 meters above sea level, this place requires some acclimatization due to
being in such high altitude, so this day will be spent resting and visiting
local places for acclimatization.
Day 43: Khurdang La.
Next stop, is a visit to highest motor able pass in the world, Khurdang La
(also known as Khurdang Pass). This lie at an elevation of 5,602 meters above
sea level.
Day 44-45: Nubra
Valley. Next stop, is the valley that rests on the slopes of the Karakoram
mountain range, the Nubra Valley. The raw and stark contrast seen in Nubra
Valley is unparalleled and takes your breath away.
Day 46-47: Hemis.
Next stop, is the home to the ancient monastery of same name, Hemis. World
renowned for the breathtaking sights and grand landscapes, this tiny village is
located in the heart of the Himalayan mountains and one can witness the varied
landscapes with a variety of flora and fauna species.
Day 48: Pangong Tso
Lake. Next up, is the final stop of this journey, and no better place to
end it than the mesmerizing Pangong Tso Lake. Lying majorly in the Tibet region,
this jaw dropping site is perfect place to unwind yourself.
And so this is where it all will end (hopefully). From here
I'll start on a long journey back home.
So readers, if you feel that I should change the itinerary in some
way or other for me to move much better between places, please specify them on
the comment section. And ,as I've mentioned in earlier post, if any of you
reader wants to join me in any juncture of this journey, I would love to share
the journey with you.
You can also write to me at muditacharya28@gmail.com with your
valuable suggestions and questions about this trip.
And keep following the blog as I release further details and trek
itineraries of the trip.
Cheers!
Links to other itineraries:
Comments
Post a Comment