Srinagar

Srinagar, at about 1,585 m, is the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. It is the largest city in the Kashmir Valley. It lies along the Jhelum river and the shores of Dal and Nigeen lakes, between the Hari Parbat and Shankaracharya hills. Most trips start with a shikara ride on Dal Lake and a stay on a wood-panelled houseboat. Then you visit the Mughal gardens of Shalimar, Nishat and Chashme Shahi. The old city has the Jama Masjid, the shrine of Hazratbal and workshops making pashmina shawls, papier-mache and carpets. Hari Parbat fort and the Shankaracharya temple give views over the lake. Srinagar is the base for day trips to Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonmarg, and the start of the road to Leh. Spring tulips, golden autumn chinar leaves and winter snow each change the city. Summers are comfortable and busy. Two or three nights give time for the lake, gardens and old city before you head to the hill resorts.