Full Description
Encompassing a vast stretch of land from the lush Kashmir Valley to the mountains and epic wilderness of Ladakh, the area now covered by the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir has long astounded visitors with its beauty. Marvel at the views from the roof of the world at Khardung La, trek along the frozen Zanskar River, stroll through the Eden-like Shalimar Gardens, take a shikara ride through the lotus-bedecked lakes of Srinagar and join the monks at Thiksey Monastery for early morning prayers by candlelight.After decades of instability, Kashmir is back on the tourist scene and keen to make up for lost time. This, the only standalone mainstream guide to the state, makes the ideal companion whether you want to white-water raft on the Indus River, relax on a houseboat or explore Buddhist culture at shrines up and down the region.
Contents
PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION 1Chapter 1 Background Information 3Geography 3, Climate 4, Natural history and conservation4, History 9, Government and politics 16, Economy 17,People 17, Language 19, Religion 19, Education 22,Culture 22, Sport 25Chapter 2 Practical Information 26When to visit 26, Highlights 26, Suggested itineraries 28,Tour operators 30, Red tape 31, Embassies 32, Gettingthere and away 36, Health 41, Safety 49, Women travellers50, Gay travellers 50, Travellers with disabilities 51,Travelling with children 51, What to take 52, Money 53,Budgeting 55, Getting around 55, Accommodation 60,Eating and drinking 62, Public holidays and festivals64, Photography 65, Media and communications 69,Business 70, Buying property 71, Shopping 72, Artsand entertainment 72, Cultural etiquette 73, Travellingpositively 73PART TWO THE GUIDE 77Chapter 3 Leh 79History 79, Getting there and away 80, Getting around 82,Tourist information 84, Local tour operators 85, Whereto stay 87, Where to eat and drink 90, Entertainmentand nightlife 93, Shopping 93, Activities 95, Otherpracticalities 96, What to see 99, Around Leh 103Chapter 4 Khardung La and the Nubra Valley 107Around Kardung La 107, The Nubra Valley 109Chapter 5 Southern Ladakh 121Stok 121, Shey 126, Thiksey 128, Matho 130, Stakna 131,Hemis 132, Chemre 134, Thagthog 134, Markha Valley136, Southern Lakes 138Chapter 6 Leh to Mulbekh 145Phyang 145, Nimmu 147, Basgo 148, Likir 149, Alchi 151,Uletokpo 155, Khaltsi 156, Dha-Hanu 158, Lamayuru 159,Mulbekh 161Chapter 7 The Suru Valley and Zanskar 164The Suru Valley 164, Zanskar 166Chapter 8 From Kargil towards Srinagar 180Kargil 180, Drass 187, Sonamarg 188Chapter 9 Srinagar and Gulmarg 192Srinagar 192, Gulmarg 208Chapter 10 The Kashmir Valley 213Pampore 213, Yusmarg 214, Avantipora 216, Shopian 216,Anantnag 217, Pahalgam 218, Verinag 222Chapter 11 Jammu 225Patnitop 225, Udhampur 227, Katra 228, Jammu 229Appendix 1 Language 239Appendix 2 Glossary 242Appendix 3 Further Information 247
