YOU MUST VISITING LAMAYURU GOMPA ,,,, BEAUTIFULL PLACE BETWEEN LADAKH AND LEH

Lamayuru or Yuru Gompa is a Tibetan Buddhist Gompa or monastery in Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir in India. The gompa is located at an altitude of 3510 meters on Srinagar - Kargil - Leh Highway in the town of Lamayury at a distance of 127 km from Leh .

Lamayuru houses one of the oldest Buddhist monateries in the world , the Kagyupa Monastery .The monastery is located near a beautiful lake,with the huge mountains providing an intimidating b,ackground .
Built during 10th century ,the monastery is quite large even by today's standards.Lamayuru Gompa has around 150 permanent resident monks . in the past, it had up to 400 monks , many of whom are now based in surrounding villages. The monastery belongs to the Red - Hat Sect of Buddism .

in ancient times, when the Silk Route was popularly used,Lamayuru was an important site on the trail of Yarkand and Kashgar . in the 11th century ,a buddhist scholar, Naropa established the Lamayuru monastery.the gompa consisted originally of five buildings ,and remains of the four corner buildings can still be seen .

Tourists who visit Ladakh tend to visit Lamayuru as a rule, mainly in order to visit the monastery that is located in the region . Lamayuru is famous for its rich wall paintings , collection of thangkas,murals,scriptures, and statues of different forms of Buddha and other deities.

Lamayuru host an annual masked dance a festival, known as Yuru Kabgyat,which is a major attraction of the monastery .Mask dance by the lamas in the highlight of the festival.another important ritul followed during the festival is the festival is the burning of effigies . it stands for destruction of the ego in every individual,

Kushok Bakula Rinpochea Airport,Leh is the nearest airport serves flight from Delhi,Jammu,and Srinagar.at a distance of 270 km jammu Tawi is the nearest Railway station. Lamayuru is connected to Leh,Kargil,and Srinagar by regular state owned bus fleet .
The best time to visit Lamayuru is during the summer extending from April to June . 

IF U VISITING SRINAGAR ,,,,, DONT FORGET TO BUYING KANI SHAWL .AUTHENTIC HANDICRAFT FROM KASHMIR SRINAGAR

intricately woven into the history of the fabled valley is the centuries old tradition of producing exquisitely woven shawls . Kashmir owes part of its fame to these masterpieces in fabric both made by hand and loom .

The method in which it is made decides its name; the ones woven on looms ar kani shawls while the needle - embroided ones are Sozni shawls . known by different names such as Tiliwalla. Tilikar for Kani Kar , Kani shawls are worn by many all over the world not just for their warmth but also for the grace they bestow on the wearer .

History is replete with accounts of beautiful Kani shawls produced in the valley .Emperor Akbar's liking for Kani shawls is reflected in the Ain - I - Akbari , an account of the Mughal period in Kashmir (1586- 1752 ).

The text narrates how, mesmerized by their intricate beauty . Akbar went on to become a keen collector of Kani shawls . The Kani shawl is the product of laborious days and a suprising weaving technique . first, a design is selected for a shawl and the colours for the thread are chosen . it is then woven with the weft thrown across the breadth of the shawl .

to arrange colours and patterns , a specialised coded language , known as taleem, is drafted on paper. this language helps position the colour and location of threads - precisely ensuring that the final design which emerges is intricate and exquisite in detail.

the master weavers say the labour necessary to produce a Kani shawl is five times more than would go into Sozni shawl . it is no suprise then that a kani shawl is five times as expensive .

the concentratration that goes into weaving a Kani shawl can be gauged from the fact that an artisan cannot weave more than an inch a day . A Kani shawl is about 1 x 2 metres in size aand it takes two craftsmen  nearly two years to complete one . depending on the intricacy of the design , the making time can even stretch to five years . Frank Ames , author of the Kashmir shawl wrote in 1853 that a Kani shawl ordered by the Empress of France took 30 men approximately nin months to complete .


'KANI' is Kashmiri for wooden spool , the main loom element used the most to produce a shawl .
Kanihama , a village is western Kashmir , has mastered  the art of producing ad trading Kani shawls over centuries . in an attempt to keep this craft alive , the government is helping sustain 300 looms in Kanihama .

Kani shawls come in varied patterns and de signs . in a doubled - sided or Dorukha shawl , it is difficult to distinguish one side from the other . it has two colour codes for its two faces and the designon one side is reproduced in another colour on the other . The epitome of craft and skill is , however, seen the Aksi (reflection ) shawl . The design on one side is produced by splitting the wrap threads into half , leaving the other side plain or embroidered with another pattern

IF YOU VISITING KASHMIR ,,,, DONT FORGET TO BUYING HANDICRAFT AUTHENTIC KASHMIRI ,AS LIKE PAPER MACHIE

Paper machie is one of the most delicate art practiced by Kashmiri artisans . The higly decorative products epitomise the artistic zeal and craftsmanship of the craftsman .

how paper machie , which became popular in the 15 th centur , came to Kashmir is unclear . Legend is that a Kashmiri prince was sent to jail in Samarkand in Central Asia and it was there he learnt the fine art of paper machie which requires enduring patience to practice . The art was promoted by Muslim rulers of India , particularly Mughals, who were fond of it . for good reason;watching an artisan mould a simple paper pulp into beautiful artefact is like witnessing creation come alive in a riot of colours .

paper machine products are produced from mostly waste paper. it is soaked in water for several days until it disintegrates , the water is then drained out and the soaked paper waste mixed with cloth, rice straw and copper sulphate to form pulp, which is moulded.

once it has dried , two halves of the shape of the artefat to be made is cut from the mould and glued. thereafter, glue and gypsum is applied on the surface and it is rubbed smooth with a stone or a baked piece of clay and pasted with layers of tissue paper. the begins the decoration;artisans paint it with a base colour and the draw awe - inspiring intricate designs and shapes with free hand . the object is then sandpapered or burnised and is finally painted with several coast of lacquer. the making of the object is called Sakhtsazi and painting the surface Naqashi . the colours for pinting designs are obtained by grinding and soaking various vegetable mineral dyes in pigment or stone form .

it is said that the art of paper machie art runs in the blood and it is difficult to acquire it. indeed, the best paper machie artisans come from Zadibal in Srinagar , from families that have been practising the craft for centuries .

one of the most difficult and rare paper machie designs in Arabsque . it is done in gold against a brown or red background to show sprays of rose blossem in fine lines .'Yarkand ' is an elabirate design of spirals with gold rosettes radiating from various centers and white flowers laid over gold scroll work

paper machie bowls and vases are usually line with brass and photo and pen holder with gold and silver leaves , the simmer and gloss of the products are preserved by coating of lacquer, which protects it from water thus prolonging its life

The western district of Ladakh is, unfortunately , associated in the popular imagination with the Kargil war between India and Pakistan in 1999.Kargil has a much longer history ,however, busting peaceful trade and the mingling of cultures from China ,Tibet and India . 

Located almost exactly halfway between Srinagar and Leh ,Kargil town remains a guud hub for travelers , who can base themselves here and undertake trips to surronding regions . 

The Mulbek and Suru Valleys (Southwest and Souteast of Kargil, respectively ) are popular trekking destinations, offering breathtaking view and serenity 

These are fertile regions with fruit orchards and tall poplar and willow trees creating a greener , softer landscpe than Ladakh is known for. The local ;Apricots are particularly delicious .Mulbek is also known for its 9 -m tall Maitreya Buddha carved in relief on a massive rock. 

popularly known as the Chamba statue (another name for maitreya ), this carvig has been dated to between the 2nd and 8 th centuries AD.

Those interested in more recent history could drive west to Drass and visit some significant sites of the 1999 conflict such as Tiger Hill , which the Indian army recaptured from Pakistan armed forces

trekkers will also find many trails to conquer here. J&K Tourism can suggest various trekking itineraries of which the longest is from Lamayuru to Darcha and takes 20 days . most treks are organized in summer , except for the Leh - Zanskar trek , which is held in winter and involves walking over the frozen Zanskar River. 

in the summer , the Zanskar has some spectacular white- water rapids , while the long and winding Indus River is suited to more leisurely river - rafting and of course , this land of sky kissing peaks is a joy for mountaineers. Some of the more popular climbs are the Panamik, Saser kangri and closest to Leh ,the five peas of the Stock Kangri massif 

IF U VISITING KASHMIR ,,, YOU MUST TRY VISIT DIFFERENT LAKE IN KASHMIR ,,, COME TO MANSBAL LAKE

Kashmir is blessed with hundreds of gushing streams and serene lakes . one such delightful lake is Manasbal

Situated about 30 km from Srinagar, Manasbal is said to be the deepest lake in Kashmirat 43 feet.its name comes from Manusarwar , a sacred lake that skirts the Kailash mountain . since a Mansarovar was far - off for pilgrimage,Kashmiri Pandits satisfied their religious craving by naming this secluded sheet of green water manasbal.

the lake has long mesmerized people ,most famously the Mughal emperors. Queen Nur Jaha laid a garden called Jaroka,meaning bay window, which overlooks the lake and , along with a large bloom of lotus, makes the crystal - clear lake all the more riveting .

in the south , the lake is overlooked by Aha Teng, a 6,256 feet high hillock. The northern and eastern shores are riddled with springs and covered with a watercress.On the southeastern side a stream from the Sindh merges into the lake . There appears a fissure right in the middle of the lake running east to west .

What a pleasure a cruise on the lake is ! The land shelf is covered with various kinds of pond weed , in which fish are seen darting about . fisherman often stand on the prows of their light boasts. their eyes scaning the depths of the lake and their hands holding a spear with which to strike and catch the fish . As the boat moves down , the mountain peaks in the east --Mahadiv , Kothwal and Harmoukh--stand out conspicuously

Moving outwards the lake looks turf green , perfectly weed less and refreshing .The high mountain wall which surrounds the lake renders tranquility impregnable to all external disturbing forcesa

there are two camping sites on the shore . one is near the ruined Jaroka , an artistically built pavilion with a seat on the window for the queen to look out at the charming lake. the other encampment site , and one of the best stands, is on the farther end under Padshah Boni or the royal Chinars .

'Supreme gem 'of all Kashmir Lakes it is called and Manasbal indeed is . it is a delight for bird watchers, being one of the largest natural stamping grounds of aquatic bird in Kashmir .

One can drive to thelake from Srinagar via Shandipor and Sumbal, have breakfast under Padshah Boni and then hire a boat across and have lunch in Jaroka garden . from Mnasbal, excursion can be organized to place like Khirbhawani and Sonamarg . 

if u reach in kashmir ... first time,,,, you must try eat Wazwan Kashmiri Dishes

No visit to Kashmir is complete without feasting on Wazwan , the sinfully rich traditional banquet that leaves every one worth their salt and spice licking their fingers. more than a feast ,W azwan is an art perfected over the centuries by wazas , the master chefs of Kashmir . These days many renowned restaurants outside Kashmir offer Wazwan on their menus but you will always find them wanting once you have tasted it here.

maybe because such meticulous planning and hours of cooking go into making it just right for the taste buds of connoisseurs .

Wazwan is a feast of more than a dozen mostly meat - based dishes served on eccasions of celebraion . it is cooked on open fire in copper cauldrons and served in Tarami , a large circular plate of copper. four people sit around a Tarami  , usually on the floor , and are served dish after delicious dish,cooked with various aromatic herbs and spices , by the Waza (chef ). The ingredients and hand - picked and it is ensured that each dish in this cuisine is one -of - a- kind .

The meal begins with washin of hands in a basin called Tash - t - Nare , which is carried  around by attendants. then the Taramis are laid ,heaped with rice , quartered by two Seekh Kababs,Methi Korma (chicken or mutton flavored with a spice mixture containing dried methi), Tabak Maaz (twice - cooked lamb ribs ,initially braised with ground spices and milk , then browned in butter),a Safed Murg (chicken with white sauce), a Zafrani murg (chicken witha saffron sauce),and the first few courses . yogurt and chutney are served separately in small earthen pots . then delicacies such as Roganjosh ,Rista, a minced meatball cooked with gravy , a few vegetable preparations and several different dishes  of meat are served . The meal concludes with Gusthaba, a very exclusive dish and one that is never refused .

Gusthaba is a minced meatball larger than a rista - a Tarami is served just one Gusthaba but four Rista - slow cooked in curd and a assortment of herbs and spices. preparing a Gustaba takes a lot of effort. fresh meat is sheared off the bones and cut into small pieces. it is then beaten , hammered really , on slab of stone that resembles the bottom half of a grindstone for a few hours till it becomes smooth and non-fibrous. Spices are added when the meat is finely minced and eggs are then beatan into it to make is smooth enough to be rolled into meatballs.

The craft of Gustaba is not only in how it's cooked but how it is beaten and rolled. in fact, the craft of a Waza is, in part, evaluated from how smooth and spherical the Gustaba is . The meatballs are boiled for awhile and then cooked in curd and ghee.

Gustaba is always the last dish to be served . once the guests are done, Taramis are taken away and attendants return with Tash - t - Nare so they can wash their hands

for dessert, there is phirni or halwa if it is winter. one can also gulp down a cup of kahwah, green - tea flavored with saffron, cardamom and almonds

Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa in GULMARG ,Five Star Hotel in Jammu and Kashmir Srinagar

if you are in Kashmir and want to threat yourself to a five - star in the midst of spectacular natural beauty, head to the Khyber Himalayan Resort &Spa in Gulmarg . Top - grade facilities --including but not limited to,valet parking , wi- fi, concierge,garden ,gym ,cinema cigar or hookah lounge and rooms,conference room --and excellent service will make a stay in Khyber unforgettable. The resort is spread across seven acres of dense pine and deodar .besides kids club , cottages with balconies and terrace , you can enjoy heated pool, steam and sauna from October. 

Khyber's 4 restaurants provide a wide and excellent range of Kashmiri and non Kashmiri menus to whet your appetite and its 85 rooms, balconies and verandas provides breathtaking vistas of towering snow- dusted Himalayan ranges. less than 3 km away from resort, which is situated at an altitude of 8,825 feet, is the world highest golf courses, which turns into a skiing paradise in winter, and even closer overhead sails one of the world's highest ski - gondolas.

and when you return from a day of sight seeing, trekking or skiing, treat yourself to the hotel's signature Alaya spa that will provide unmatched luxury services and comfort from October this year. The spa is a heaven of indulgence. on its bountiful menu are ayurvedic treatments ,aromatherapy, concentrated deep massage that ease sore muscles, all this while looking out the windows of treatment room at an incredible view . 

Khyber 's Tea lounge is an irresistible attraction . The elegantly done lounge opens on to a terrace that flows into a series of cascading terraces, offering many opportunities for al fresco dining in good weather. than there is Nouf , the deep covered deck which is a wonderful spot for guests to converge and relax over casual dining . it is where , in the evenings , the fragrance of pine from the forest mingles with aromas of delicious coal - fired barbecues. 

if you want to go out , the resort's concierge will assist you plan your activities , should you wish it . there are so many of them you would be spoilt for choice :guided horseback tour of meadows and plains ;trek along fir - clad hillsides to Alphater lake, hike down the rolling slopes to Tangmarg ;gondola rides to long stretches of snow- carpeted terrain, mountain biking ,kayaking,rock climbing,trout fishing,jeep safaris,skiing. if you are not the one for adventure sports,you can tee- oof on the golf course. in short,Khyber is adelight you may not want to miss.