Indian Sub-Continent

City Guide

Himalayan Region

• Kashmir
  The Moghul rulers of India were always happy to retreat from the heat of the plains to the cool green heights of Kashmir. Srinagar, the capital of Kashmir, stands on the Dal Lake and Jhelum river and is the transport hub for the valley.
  Tourist attractions: Mughal Gardens, House boats on Dal Lake, Nishat Bagh
• Dharamsala
  Also know as the Queen of Hills, is located on the high slopes of Kangra Valley. Its distinctive feature is the town is divided into Upper and lower Dharamsala, which differ a almost thousand metres in height. It was here that the Dalai Lama and his followers fled after the Chinese invasion on Tibet. The town is famous for its monasteries and Tibetan influence.
  Tourist attractions: St John’s Church, Kangra Art Museum, Chamunda Devi Temple, Dall Lake, Namgyal Monastry.
• Leh
  Located in a small valley just north of the Indus Valley, these days it is a strategic military centre and part tourist town. It's main claim to fame is the Leh Palace. Though badly damaged, it offers great views.
  Tourist attractions: A day trip from Leh is the 17km (10mi) excursion to the Thiksey Gompa, which is picturesquely sited on a hilltop overlooking the Indus River
• Ladakh
  Located on a high-altitude plateau, north of the Himalayas, is a miniature version of Tibet. It is called “the last Shangri-La”. Only from June – September, the roads into Ladakh from Kashmir & Himanchal Pradesh are not covered by snow. Since the Himalaya’s act as an effective barrier to rain & very few clouds creep across their high heights, Ladakh is as dry as the Sahara desert.