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Plan The Perfect 8-10 Days Itinerary For Your Next Trip

Which is your preferred heaven-on-earth experience between Ladakh and Kashmir?

Ladakh is blessed by nature, as amazing attractions open doors to irresistible places to visit. The itinerary kick-starts with tranquil blue Pangong Tso, the surprisingly green Nubra Valley, the moonland wonder of Lamayuru Monastery, and the snow leopard sighting at the perfect location of Hemis National Park.

It is a hotspot of culture, history, and religion, as it woos everyone from the most ardent adventure lovers to seekers of ancient mysticism. The unique characteristic of Ladakh, a mix of Tibetan, Indian, and Buddhist cultures, will fascinate you so that you will at least consider cancelling your return tickets once. The rugged terrain of Ladakh is resplended with innumerable monasteries or gompas that attract visitors for religious, and cultural significance and architectural splendour.

As you tread in the valley of Kashmir,  you enter a painting etched in nature’s heart. Such is the magic of Kashmir that immerses you in the breathtaking splendour of this tranquil region, where the dazzling beauty of nature speaks to your soul.

Bursting with pristine snow-clad mountains, charming houseboats on serene lakes, and awe-inspiring temples and shrines, the unending list of attractions promises to captivate your hearts and urge you to return to this paradise time and again.

Conclusion: Kashmir and Ladakh are known for their natural beauty and are India’s most sought-after destinations, as some famous attractions go out of bounds in winter.

Srinagar

The prime attraction of the comprehensive and well-curated Kashmir Tour Packages is Srinagar. It is one of the most popular holiday destinations and is nothing short of a paradise on Earth. Srinagar’s history dates back to more than two thousand years, as there is so much to explore here. From binging on scrumptious local cuisines and sightseeing all major attractions, there is never a dull moment when in Srinagar. It is the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir and lies along the banks of Jhelum River, and the shores of Dal and Anchar lakes, between the Hari Parbat and Shankaracharya hills. The city is famous for its lakes, gardens, and houseboats. Nishant Bagh is often referred to as the” Garden of Bliss” and is the largest Mughal Garden in Srinagar and offers mesmerising views of the Zabarwan Range and Dal Lake. The terraced garden is embellished with twelve beautifully laid out gardens, each with a distinct theme. Take on the alluring Shikara ride in Srinagar, as this experience unveils the serene charm of the city’s iconic waterways. As you drift along the Dal Lake you will get immersed in the captivating views of the surrounding mountains, vibrant floating markets, and Mughal gardens. This “Jewel of Kashmir” offers an enchanting experience even for honeymooners.

Shey Monastery and Palace

For an enriching religious experience visit the Shey Monastery with the  Ladakh Tour Packages. Shey Monastery or Shey Palace is an ancient monastery and it once served as the summer capital of Ladakh. It is located on top of a hillock but is mostly in ruins now. The main attraction of the monastery is the 39ft tall giant copper with gilded gold statue of Shakyamuni Buddha statue. Shey is often visited along with surrounding monasteries such as Thiksey, Hemis, Stakhna, and Matho. The complex of the monastery is adorned with various rock carvings and murals of Buddha. It was built in 1655 by Deldan Namgyal, the ruler of Ladakh, in memory of his father. It is also known for its two annual festivals known of Shey Doo Lhoo ( sowing season ) and Shey Rupla ( harvesting season ). The architecture is inspired by the Tibetan style and the statue covers the three floors of the monastery, and there are several beautiful wall paintings. The lower floor houses a library with several manuscripts and murals of Buddha figures in various mudras (gestures).

Pahalgam

Pahalgam is a hill station and town in Jammu and Kashmir located on the banks of river Liddar. Due to its expansive meadows, imposing mountains, lush green valleys, and adventure activities it is one of the most frequented tourist destinations. With its proximity to Amarnath, Pahalgam also serves as one of the base camps for the sacred Amarnath Yatra. A trip to Pahalgam must include a visit to Betaab Valley with its pine and deodar forests, and the Lidder River flowing through it. It got its name from the Bollywood movie “Betaab” that was shot here. The valley falls between Pahalgam and Chandanwari on the way to Amarnath Temple Yatra. It is one of the three angelic valleys of Pahalgam and the other two are Chandanwari and Aru. Sheshnag Lake is one of the highlights of Pahalgam and is the epitome of natural beauty. It is enveloped by snow-capped mountains and encompassed by tall alpine meadows and is a haven for nature lovers. Lolab Valley is a top camping site in Kashmir. This oval-shaped valley is famous for its scenic natural beauty, gushing springs, and thick pine forests. It lies nine km away from Kupwara town, northwest of Srinagar. Lolab Valley is home to animals like Himalayan brown and black bears, snow leopards, and musk deer.

Hemis National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary

So, are you fond of exotic and rare wildlife species, pristine wilderness, and endangered flora? Then make sure to include Hemis National Park and Sanctuary on your itinerary. This wildlife destination in Ladakh is famous for its population of snow leopards and a myriad variety of birds. The park is sprawled across an area of 3,350 square km and is the second largest continuous protected area after Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. The national park includes animals that are endangered and found exclusively in high-altitude areas. It houses sixteen species of mammals and seventy -three bird species. The park boasts of two hundred leopards and is the only habitat of Shapu or the Ladakhi Urial in India. For bird watchers, it is a dream destination besides the golden eagle and Lammergeier vulture one can also spot Brown Accentor Tibetan Snow finch and Red-billed Chough. The four-hundred-year-old Hemis Monastery is located within the park and is revered as the largest monastic institution in Ladakh. Camping and trekking are other popular activities that can be indulged in the park. The confluence of the Zanskar and Indus rivers acts as the park’s boundary and is a treat for the eyes.

Jammu

Jammu is located in the southernmost part of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It is the winter capital of Kashmir and sits majestically on the Shivalik mountain ranges. Jammu is a peaceful and pious city known for its religious shrines, temples, and cultural heritage. As it is also the starting point of the hugely popular Vaishno Devi Temple and Amarnath Yatra, it is visited by devotees and tourists alike from far and wide. Found in the fourteenth century, the area was ruled by the Dogra dynasty in the pre-independence era. Nathatop is easily accessible after a short trek from Patnitop. The hill station gets decked with snow during winter thereby enhancing its beauty twice. One can happily indulge in skiing and paragliding activities in these mountains. Vaishno Devi Temple is one of the most popular sites for religious as well as regular tourists. The temple is located at a height of 5,100 feet from sea level. The temple is built around the structure of a cave and devotees have to walk to the main shrine which is quite a long trek. Vaishno Devi is a manifestation of the Hindu Goddess Durga. The darshan of Maa Vaishno Devi in the holy cave is in the form of three naturally formed rocks known as “pindies”.These pindies manifest three forms of the goddess as Maha Kali, Maha Saraswati, and Maha Lakshmi.

Pangong Tso

Pangong Tso Lake located in the Ladakh region is a high-altitude lake. It is known for its clear waters and stunning beauty. Pangong Tso is situated at an elevation of 14,000 feet and is encompassed by snow-capped mountains. It is a popular spot for boating, camping, and fishing. One-third of the Pangong Lake lies in India and the other two-thirds in China. The name is derived from Tibetan words meaning “ Thigh grassland lake. Tourists need a special permit to visit it. The lake and the sky are amazing shades of blue that are a must-see when in this region of India.Conclusion: Ladakh, the land of jagged peaks and barren landscapes is alluring and awe-inspiring. The timeless monasteries are set between soaring peaks and arid canyons. Whereas the emerald-green villages lie snuggled photogenically in highland deserts. Kashmir is renowned worldwide for its unparalleled natural beauty. It epitomizes heavenly beauty on earth and takes you closer to Nature’s magic through its snow-capped mountains, gorgeous meadows, and lush green gardens. The more you explore these destinations, the more you get intrigued.

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