About
Jammu and Kashmir is a northern union territory of India, in the Himalayas of Asia. It is often called Paradise on Earth, a name it has long carried for its scenery, and it is also known simply as J&K or Kashmir.
What the region is like
The landscape is the main draw. Snow-capped Himalayan peaks rise above the valleys, and the region is popular with visitors who come for skiing and trekking. Whether you come for a winter trip on the slopes or a summer walk into the mountains, the high country is what most people remember.
Dal Lake is perhaps the best-known feature of the area. Visitors often stay on houseboats moored on its waters, which makes for a slower, more lakeside kind of holiday than a conventional hotel stay.
What to plan around
- Mughal gardens, which add formal greenery and history to a visit.
- Houseboats on the lake, for an overnight stay on the water.
- Skiing and trekking, which suit people who want to be outdoors among the peaks.
Because the territory covers a large and varied area, it is worth deciding early what kind of trip you want, whether mountains, lakeside rest, or gardens and sightseeing, and planning your route around that.
