Kashmir is the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent. Historically the term Kashmir was used to refer to the valley lying between the Great Himalayas and the Pir Panjal range.

Srinagar, the ancient capital, lies alongside Dal Lake and is famous for its canals and houseboats. Srinagar (alt. 1,600 m. or 5,200 ft.) served as a favoured summer capital for many foreign conquerors who found the heat of the Northern Indian plains in the summer season to be oppressive. Just outside the city are the beautiful Shalimar, Nishat and Chashmashahi gardens created by Mughal emperors.

Rusting Autumn  
The early autumn brings pears, pomegranates and walnuts. Water birds and swallows, heading south for the winter, pause in Kashmir in great numbers. Finally the leaves fall and by November or December the first snow can be expected around the valley. In January houseboat roofs must be shovelled clean to prevent them being pressed into the lake by the weight of snow.

Spectral Spring 
It comes alive in spring when nature bedecks the valley with blossom after blossom: almond, cherry, apple, peach, pears, pansies, narcissi, daises and many more. Throughout the valley thousands of fruits and flowers burst into bloom exuding and alluring fragrance.

Sprawling Summer
In the summer the melting snow of the mountains fill the brooks and rivers with gushing water. Only a touch of white peaks on the top most crags tells the tale of winter past. Characteristic of summer are the floating gardens on the Dal lake, trout fishing, trekking in the Himalayas, golf, water sports and bird watching etc.

Crisp Winters
By December the winter season starts to fall and covers the valley to hibernate. But at the same time skiing at Gulmarg and the Himalayan chakore & Wild duck shooting season starts which tourists have been enjoying since the British Raj. Also if by any chance the Dal-lake freezes then one can enjoy the ice skating too. From 1987 heli-skiing has also started in certain new areas