Altitudes in Meters above sea level:
Jammu 1560. Srinagar 1730. Leh 3505. Pahalgam 2130. Gulmarg 2730. Sonamarg 3000. Korzok 5200. Khardung La 5602. Stok Kangri 6121.
Distances:
Srinagar-New Delhi 876 Km. Srinagar-Leh 475 Km. Jammu - Srinagar 293Km.
Population:
10.1 million (1 Crore and 1 Lakh). Kashmir Valley 5,476,970. Jammu 4,430,191. Ladakh 236,539.
Languages:
Kashmiri, Dogri, Ladakhi, Urdu, Hindi, English, Purig, Balti, Pahari
Climate:
Cool summers and snowy winters in Kashmir Valley.
Hot summers and cold winters in Jammu.
Cold summer and icy freezing winters in Ladakh.
Best Time to Visit:
April to October (Kashmir).
July to September (Ladakh).
December to March (Skiing at Gulmarg).
Types of Tourism:
Adventure, Leisure, and Pilgrimage
Currency Exchange:
You can exchange money at the airport upon arrival. Credit cards are accepted at the finer hotels, restaurants and retail stores, except Ladakh.
Health:
The air and water of Kashmir is very healthy. Often foreigners are vulnerable to illness in foreign countries. The following shots are recommended; Hepatitis A & B., Malaria, Influenza, Typhoid are some common illness in India. People with Hypertension and Heart problems are not recommended to travel to higher altitudes. If you are traveling than ask your doctor for some preventative medicine. While in India it is a good idea to drink only bottled or boiled water.
When visiting Ladakh:
Carry warm clothes when you go for trekking above 4000m. If coming during June, it is advisable to bring raincoats or wind cheaters, as it rains or snows sometimes during the period. Good quality waterproof shoes are a must. Packing an extra pair of sandal and shoes will be handy. It is advisable to carry a warm sleeping bag and a good quality large rucksack for trekking. Tourists don't need permit for visiting Leh, but, all foreigners must get themselves registered at Drass, Sarchu and Rumtse in case they travel by road. Those approaching the place via air can get registered at the airport. Tourists need to acquire a permit for restricted regions like Pangong Lake, Tsomoriri Lake, Nubra Valley, Tsokar and Dhahanu. The permit can be acquired through registered travel agencies. It is desirable to bring 6 photocopies of the permit while on the move as you would be required to submit the documents at the Checking points. In Ladakh carry enough cash as most of the travel agents and hotels do not accept credit cards. Acclimatize for 1 day to beat acute mountain sickness, which is a common phenomenon in case of visitors coming to Ladakh. Bring water purification pills if possible. DO NOT use plastic bags in Ladakh as plastic is officially banned in this place.
