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. 

SAFARI IN DACHIGAM NATIONAL PARK SRINAGAR JAMMU AND KASHMIR

Ofall the sights of kashmir ,watching a hangul sauter is perhaps one of the most ecstatic . 

Hangul or kashmiri Stag is the pride of Dachigam National Park which is located just outside Srinagar ,Jammu & Kashmir had a large , vibrant population of hangul till not very long ago , its range extending accross kistawr and into himachal pradesh .

But hunting,poaching and loss of habitat from deforestation and dams have pushed it to the brink of extinction --indeed in just two years between 1989 and 1991 , an estimated 250 hangul were killed --so much so that it is now spotted in the wild only in Gurez valley in north Kashmir . and even there , its habitat is underthreat , hangul is the largest of the himalayan ungulates , unfortunately , the most endangered sub - species of red deer in the world .

 hangul gets its name from 'han ' or horse chesnut tree , the fruit of which the deer feed on . its coat goes from a light shade of brown in summer to a dark and rich colour during the rutting season and in winter . the white rump patch , which does not extend beyond the tail, is most conspicuorus . the fawns have distinct spots during the first  few a weeks of their lives after which they fade away rapidly .

large adult stage , that grow up to four and half feet , have and impressive rack of antlers, their most striking feature. antlers of up to 50 inches in lenght have been recorded and 12 to 13 tinested  on a set is the norm . very much at home in the forest, this magnificient deer can be seen in the lower valley of Dachigam for much of the year , though their numbers are most concentrated from October through to March. found normally in small group ,Hangul use the forest of Dachigam as feeding ground and move up the hills while grazing .individual stags can sometimes be seen feeding on hill slopes.

in March and April, the stags shed antlers and move up to the alpine meadows and pine forest of upper Dachigam ; they start descending to the lower valleys by September when the news set of antlers have hardened . by October , when the rutting season commences , the lower valleys of Dachigam reverberate with the resonant call of the stags . let's hope it only grows louder with every passing year. 

LEH IS BEAUTIFUL ANCIENT TOWN IN LADAKH

Leh , a heartbreakingly beautiful ancient town in Ladakh perched on hills3,505 metres above sea level, is steeped in history and mediatative calm . but beneath that calm is a throbbing heart of vibrant , culture and traditions and an explosion of languages - Ladakhi ,Balti ,Purgi , Shina or Dardic , Urdu . 

for centuries , leh was the midway stop on what was recognised as the best trade route between punjab and central asia . it was traversed by caravans carrying textiles, spices , raw silk , carperts, dyestuff and narcotics to the central Asian towns of Yarkand and Khotan and developed into a bustling trade town . its bazaars thronged with merchants from distants countries . 

Leh was also the conduit through which buddishm reached tibet and then to China and East Asia . no wonder then that Buddism is still the majority religion in the region and its imprint is visible everywhere . one can find ancient Buddist rock engravings all over the region , even in dras and lower suru valley which are now inhabited almost exclusiv ely by Muslims. 

The approach to a Buddhist village is invariably marked by Mani walls , long, chest - high structures faced with engraved stones bearing Buddhist mantra and commemorative cairns. many villages are crownd with a gompa or monastery , which may be anything from an imposing complex of temples , prayer halls and monks' dwellings, to a tiny structure with a single image and home to a solitary lama. the major monasteries of Ladakh are Stock Palace , Shep Palace, Thiksey, Hemis, Chemday,Takthok ,Spituk , Likhir ,Alchi,lamayuru. but the town ,once the capital of an old kingdom, is dominated by the nine storied palace built by king Singge Namgyal in the grand tradition of tibetan architecture which is said to have inspired the famous potala in Lhasa that was built half a century later . 

But Leh is a lot more than its history and monasteries . its sits in the midst of captivating landscape of rolling hillsides that are home to the goats from whose wool kashmiri artisans weave the famous Pashmina or Cashmere shawls . besides Pashmina goats , 

Leh is hom to exotic species such as the tibetan wild ass and the snow leopard and rare bird such as bar - headed goose, the migratory black necked crane , the great crested grebe ,the tibetan crane .

for sight seeing , there are the panoramic areas of Khaltse, Nubra and Nyomo . THE historically - inclined can visit the villages of Dha and Bema . which are exclusively populated by Dards , who are considered to be the last of Aryans confined to the Indus Valley .

not far away are camping sites at Khaltsi Dhomkhar,Skurbucan, Achinathang. for those looking for inner peace , there is Mahabodhi international International Meditation Centre near Choglamsar , which offers regular courses in various forms of meditation . meditation facilities are also available at hotel Agling Resort

Since Leh is essentially a high altitude cold desert, its get very cold in winter, the temperature dropping to as low as 20 degrees celsius below freezing point . Summers, however, are pleasant with mercury touching 25 degrees . it also has a low level of atmospheric oxygen so it is necessary that visitors from the plains give themselves sufficient time for acclimatization before engaging in physical activity . The rarefied atmoshphere may cause acute mountain sickness , necessiting instant evacuation .