Dal Lake is an urban lake located in Srinagar. Also known as the ‘Jewel of Srinagar Enclosed by splendid Pir Panjal mountains and Mughal Gardens, Dal Lake covers over an area of 18 square kilometers. It is on an average 5 ft deep and goes to a maximum of 20 ft at some places. Dal Lake is part of a natural wetland that covers 21 square kilometers including floating gardens. The wetland is divided by causeways into four basins- Gagribal, Lokut Dal, Bod Dal, and Nigeen. Lokut Dal and Bod Dal each have an island in the center, known as Rup Lank or Char Chinar and Sona Lank respectively.

According to legend, there are two theories for the origin of the lake. One states that it is a post-glacial lake that has undergone a lot of changes in size over the years whereas the other theory states that, the Dal Lake was formed due to flood spillage from the Jhelum River. The lake is also an important source for commercial operations like fishing and water plant harvesting. Reckoned to be the pride of Kashmir tourism,

The 18 km long shoreline of the lake is encompassed by a line of Mughal era gardens, parks, and famous houseboats. Tourists visiting Dal Lake love to take a ride in the beautiful Shikaras, which are basically wooden boats decorated beautifully with canopies overhead. The houseboats on the lake are also the top attraction and the best accommodation option in Srinagar for tourists. It is ideal for family vacationers, honeymoon couples, and even solo travellers seeking peace.

Dal Lake is also one of the best locations in Kashmir for film shooting as it offers some incredible vistas of lofty rolling hills, the distant snow-capped mountains, shikaras cruising quietly, and the houseboat standing still with the perfect poise. Along with being a popular place for nature lovers, Dal Lake even invites the fishing enthusiast with its plethora of fish along with Carp. In addition to this, the floating vegetable and flower market is a major place to see.

A unique shopping experience in Dal Lake is that of the lake market, which includes many shops located right in the midst of the lake. Much like a roadside market would have, hawkers are present here as well. They have Shikaras of their own and have all sorts of goods for sale, which include Kashmir’s specialties such as wooden artwork, handmade earrings, saffron, and even Kashmiri ponchos.

Dal Lake, Shalimar Bagh was built in the year 1619 by the Mughal emperor Jahangir for his beloved wife Noor Jahan and was called ‘Farah Baksh’ (‘the delightful’). Later in the year 1630, under Emperor Shah Jahan’s orders, Zafar Khan the governor of Kashmir extended the garden and named it ‘Faiz Baksh’ (‘the bountiful’). It then became a pleasure place for the Sikh governors of the province. It is now a public park and is also referred to as the ‘Crown of Srinagar’. It is now a public park and is known as the ‘Crown of Srinagar’.

Spread across a vast area of 31 acres, Shalimar Bagh is the largest of the three Mughal gardens in Srinagar, the other two being Nishat Bagh and Chashme Shahi. It is considered the high point of Mughal horticulture. The architecture and landscaping of this garden draw inspiration from the Persian Char Bagh. It was built on flat land on a square plan with four radiating arms from a central location as the water source. The garden was linked to the open Dal Lake water through a canal of about 1-mile in length and 11 m in width that ran through the swampy quagmire. Willow groves and rice terraces fringed the lake edge. Broad green paths bordered the lake with rows of Chinar trees. The garden was laid in trellised walkways lined by avenues of aspen trees planted at 2 feet (0.61 m) intervals.

Zoji La Pass is situated on the NH 1 that connects Srinagar to Leh and prides itself in being the second highest pass on the highway with the first being the Fotu La Pass. It connects the Kashmir Valley to its west with the Dras and Suru Valleys to its northeast and the Indus Valley further east. Historically, the pass was captured by Pakistan in 1948 during their attempt to acquire control over Ladakh. Later, the Indian Army launched Operation Bison to regain control over this pass, which was successfully captured in November 1948.

Translating to the ‘mountain pass of blizzards’, the pass is known for its breathtakingly beautiful views and landscapes. This high mountain pass offers a bird’s-eye view of the low-lying valley, which is why it is an ideal place to get some beautiful photographs. Besides, it is a must-visit place in Sonamarg for adventure seekers as well as bike riders as it is one of the most difficult & challenging passes in Ladakh. One can also visit Zero Point located nearby where the entire range of mountains was covered with snow. Here, one can enjoy playing in the snow and also several activities like sledding and ATV bikes. There are also small huts here serving tea, coffee, and hot Maggi.

The best time to visit Zoji La is from April to late October. This mountainous pass is closed during winter due to excessive snowfall. To avoid inconvenience caused to visitors and make the pass accessible throughout the year, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is working extensively. The Beacon Force unit of this organization looks after the maintenance of Zoji La during winter. Due to its high altitude, it can be a bit of a dangerous ride, hence one must travel down this one, only with a seasoned driver, used to such steep and playful turns and roads. Tourists do not need any permit to visit Zojila Pass.

Tiger Hill:

• Stands at an elevation of over 5,000 meters (16,608 ft).
• Offers a commanding view of National Highway 1D, a crucial supply route in the area.
• Captured by Pakistan during the Kargil War, its strategic position allowed them to disrupt Indian movement.
• Recaptured by the Indian Army in a hard-fought battle in July 1999, becoming a symbol of Indian bravery and sacrifice.
• Today, it’s a reminder of the war and a popular tourist destination.

Tololing:

• Lies near Tiger Hill, with a slightly lower elevation.
• Also provided a strategic advantage overlooking the National Highway.
• Captured by Indian forces before Tiger Hill, paving the way for the eventual recapture of the latter.
• The capture of Tololing is considered a turning point in the Kargil War.

The Indus and Zanskar rivers meet at a confluence known as Sangam, located near the village of Nimmu on the Leh-Srinagar highway in Ladakh, India. This spot is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning natural beauty.

The Indus River, originating in the Tibetan Plateau, carries greenish-colored water, while the Zanskar River, flowing from the Zanskar valley, has a distinct blue hue. The contrasting colors of the rivers are clearly visible at the confluence, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.

Here are some interesting facts about the Indus and Zanskar river confluence:

• The Zanskar River is considered the first major tributary of the Indus.
• The best time to witness the confluence is during spring and summer (March to May) when the rivers are full.
• You can enjoy breathtaking views of the confluence from the highway itself, or take a short detour to reach the riverbank for a closer look.
• This spot is also popular for adventure activities like white water rafting

Sindhu Ghat is a sacred riverbank located on the banks of the Indus River, near the village of Shey, Ladakh, India. It holds both historical and spiritual significance, attracting tourists and devotees throughout the year.

The Thiksey Monastery, also known as Thiksey Gompa, is a Buddhist monastery affiliated with the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. It’s located on top of a hill in Thiksey, approximately 19 kilometers east of Leh, in the Ladakh region of northern India.

The monastery is known for its resemblance to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet, and is the largest monastery in central Ladakh. It’s a beautiful architectural marvel, offering stunning views of the surrounding Indus Valley.

Breathtaking Landscapes: The Nubra Valley offers a unique combination of desert, mountains, and greenery. You can find vast stretches of sand dunes alongside snow-capped peaks and lush valleys.

Khardung La Pass: Reaching Nubra Valley involves crossing the Khardung La Pass, which is often claimed to be the highest motorable road in the world. The journey itself is an adventure, offering stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas.

Diskit Monastery: Perched atop a hill, the Diskit Monastery is the largest and oldest monastery in Nubra Valley. It offers beautiful views of the surrounding valley and is an important center for Buddhist learning.

Camel Safari: One of the most unique experiences in Nubra Valley is a ride on a double-humped Bactrian camel. These camels are well-adapted to the harsh desert conditions and offer a unique way to explore the sand dunes.

Hot Springs: Nubra Valley also has several natural hot springs, which are a great way to relax and soak in the beautiful scenery. The Panamik Hot Springs are the most popular ones, located in the village of Panamik.

Shayok village is a hidden gem located on the banks of the Shyok River in the Nubra Valley region of Ladakh, India . It lies between Leh and Pangong Tso Lake, making it a great stop on a route exploring this region. This tiny hamlet boasts only a few houses and families, offering an off-the-beaten-path experience for travelers seeking solitude and connection with nature.

A few kilometers away from the pass lies the beautiful Suraj Tal Lake, also known as “Lake of the Sun.” The turquoise waters of the lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks create a picturesque sight.

The Atal Tunnel, also known as the Rohtang Tunnel, is a highway tunnel built under the Rohtang Pass in the eastern Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas on National Highway 3 in Himachal Pradesh, India . It holds the distinction of being the world’s longest single-tube tunnel above 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) when it was completed in October 2020

Keylong is a town and the administrative center of the Lahaul and Spiti district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh . It is located along the Manali-Leh Highway, about 71 kilometers north of Manali via Atal Tunnel and 120 km from the Indo-Tibetan border. The town sits at an altitude of 3,080 meters (10,100 ft) on the banks of the Bhaga River.