Top Destinations to visit in Jan

Distance from Srinagar = 62 kms.
Altitude = 8990 ft.
Pahalgam has always been a major tourist attraction. Its cool climate makes it an ideal place to spend quality time during summers. The area consists of various treks and dense forests. Trekking, river rafting, horse riding, mountaineering are some of the activities one can do while in Pahalgam. Pahalgam also houses a zoo for wild animals like Black bear, leopard, deer etc. Other places of interest around Pahalgam are:-
Chandanwari (2,895 m), 16 km from Pahalgam, is the starting point of the yatra that takes place every year in the month of Sawan (July to August). The road from Pahalgam to Chandanwari is on fairly flat terrain and can be undertaken by car. From Chandanwari onwards the track becomes much steeper, and is accessible on foot or by pony. About 11 km from Chandanwari is the mountain lake of Sheshnag (3,574 m), after which, 13 km away is the last stop, Panchtarni. The Amarnath cave is 6 km away from there.
 
Aru (2,414 m), 12 km from Pahalgam, is noted for its scenic beauty. A wildlife sanctuary is situated in the Aru which houses many endangered species. It is also a base for the treks to Lidderwat, the Vishansar-Kishansar lakes and Kangan.

 Betaab Valley (2,393 m), 15 km from Pahalgam, is another beautiful site worth visiting. It is also a famous campsite. It has been a favourite shooting spot for bollywood filmmakers. Lake Tulian and Lake Baisaran are nearby attractions with sparkling and cold water.

Kolahoi Glacier (4,700 m), 26 km from Pahalgam. The highest peak named after the glacier is Kolahoi Peak has an elevation of 5425 meters. The origin of the glacier is below the cirques on the north flank of Kolahoi Peak. It is the source of Lidder River and some melt waters become the tributories of the Sind River.

Distance from Srinagar = 52 kms.
Altitude = 7200 ft.
Gulmarg literally means "Meadow of Flowers". It is a popular skiing destination all over world. Gulmarg is thronged by tourists in winters for its winter sports. The steep slopes of Gulmarg and heavy snowfall make it best destinations for ski lovers. This resort is famous because of its "Gulmarg Gondola," one of the highest cable car in the world, reaching 3,979 metres.The two-stage ropeway ferries about 600 people per hour to and from the gondola main station in Gulmarg to a shoulder of nearby Mt. Apharwat Summit (4,200 m (13,780 ft)). The first stage transfers from the Gulmarg resort at 2,600 m (8,530 ft) to Kongdoori Station in the bowl-shaped Kongdori valley. The second stage of the ropeway takes skiers to a height of 3,950 m (12,959 ft) on Kongdoori Mountain, a shoulder of nearby Mt. Afarwat Peak (4,200 m (13,780 ft)).
Tangmarg 13 km from Gulmarg, is the famous stopover enroute to Gulmarg. It has several parks and during winters, coats, boots and chains are available here.
Khilanmarg  6 kms from the Gulmarg is a green meadow  carpeted with flowers of all colours in the springs and in the winter it changes in to a dream destination for the skiing overs and para gliders. The peaks are in clear view from the skiing slopes and they provide a beautiful background to the amusement. The 600 meters slope seen many tourists coming to the place for a wild adventure. Another beauty of it is that the famed Nanga Parbat is of height 7,100 meters is close to it on the south east and gives a perfect scenic photograph. The little paradise can be reached by moving about 6 kms from the Gulmarg bus station. The green meadow is carpeted with flowers of all colours in the springs and in the winter it changes in to a dream destination for the skiing lovers and para gliders. The peaks are in clear view from the skiing slopes and they provides a beautiful background to the amusement. The 600 meters slope seen many tourists coming to the place for a wild adventure. Another beauty of it is that the famed Nanga Parbat is of height 7,100 meters is close to it on the south east and gives a perfect scenic photograph.

Ziarat of Baba Reshi 8 km from Gulmarg, is the famous shrine of noted Muslim saint, Baba Payam-ud-Din RA (AD 1475) who belonged to a noble family from Srinagar.Baba renounced the world and became the disciple of Shiek Noor-ud-Din Noorani. One of the holy shrines of the Muslims, the dargah can be reached easily from Gulmarg or Tangmarg. The Ziarat basically a tomb of a well known saint who passed away from this very place in the year 1480. The famous saint was a courtier to the Kashmir King Zain -ul-Abidin before taking the path of renouncing the worldly ties. Visited by thousand of devotees, the shrine is seen in full activities with people of all religion offering prayers.
Alpather Lake (Frozen Lake) 13 kms from Gulmarg at the foot of the Apharwat peak reaching a height of 4511 meters. 3843 mtrs, 13km, is a one-day trek from Gulmarg via Khilanmarg and 1.5km walk from Gondola Phase II top of Apharwat. The lake is frozen in winters and stays as it is till the middle of June. Lumps of ice are seen floating on the cold waters and the most striking thing is that theducks are seen walking on the lake instead of swimming. The lake area makes a good horse riding afficionadoes starting early in the morning and returning by the evening.