Kashmir Valley is located in the northwest region of India, between the Himalayas and the Pir Panjal Range. It is around 135 km (85 mi) long and 32 km (20 mi) wide. Until the mid 19th century, the term "Kashmir" referred only to this valley, but since then, it has been used for a larger area that today includes the Indian administered regions of Kashmir Valley, Jammu and Ledakh, the Pakistani administered provinces of the Northern Areas and Azad Kashmir, and the Chinese administered regions of Aksai Chin and Trans-Karakoram Tract.
Srinagar is the main city of Kashmir Valley, and also the summer capital, known as the "City of Gardens". Jammu, or the "City of Temples" is the winter capital, here there are many Hundu temple towers and Sikh temples in this city. The Dal Lake at Srinagar, reflects the surrounding snow-capped mountain peaks, and is perhaps the most important and picturesque tourist destination in Kashmir with its slumbering houseboats, fabulous Mughal gardens, the floating vegetable and flower markets, and the historic mosques of the old town.
Kashmir has a lot of activities to offer, its is a trekkers paradise, with many different routes to chose from, some more challenging than others, but all very beautiful. There are excellent fishing opportunities in the fresh water streams and lakes, but remember to buy a license to fish, they are available on a per day basis. In winter you can go skiing/snowboarding at Gulmag, the season lasts for four months, but with the Thajiwas Clacier and the upper reaches of the Sonamarg valley covered with snow practically all through the year, skiers can enjoy themselves for a longer period. Another activity could be to go white water rafting at Phalgam and Gulmarg. For those who prefer to play golf, Kashmir Valley is very popular for its golf courses.
To get to Kashmir Valley you can fly from Delhi to Srinagar, or you can travel by train. The nearest railway station to Srinagar is at Jammu. The rest of India is connected by rail with Jammu; however the construction of a rail link from Jammu to Srinagar is still in progress and is not expected to be complete until 2012 at the earliest. From Jammu, various places in Kashmir are 6-8 hours by road.
The total population of Kashmir Valley is around 4 million, the population consists of Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs and Dogras. Muslims form the majority and almost all the Hindus have left the valley after 1989. Unfortunately there has been a lot of unrest in Kashmir Valley, and although it is now considered to be the safest for many years, violence can flare up suddenly, so it would be wise to check the political situation first before you go to Kashmir.
