Jammu and Kashmir is the northernmost state in India. It's part of the historic Princely State of British Imperial India, now divided between India and Pakistan; both countries lay claim to the whole. While some Kashmiris hope for an independent and unified Kashmir, the majority seem to simply want peace. It is a mountainous region of great beauty and diversity offering much in the way of outdoor activities and sights for the tourist. The unrest had pretty much completely shut down what was once a thriving tourist industry in Kashmir, and it’s now only starting to make a slow comeback. However, much of the western area remains unsafe.

The inhabitants of J&K belong to three religions, with Kashmir being mainly Muslim, Jammu being mainly Hindu and the Ladakhis divided almost equally between Buddhists and Muslims.

The main languages spoken are Kashmiri, Ladakhi and Dogri. Most people speak at least a little Hindi/Urdu and you may even hear Punjabi. As elsewhere in India, English is fairly widely spoken among the educated classes and those involved in the tourist industry.


Regions

-Jammu - most will only stop here to change from train to bus en route to Kashmir.
-Kashmir - Some say it's Heaven on Earth; friendly people and gorgeous landscapes, but see "Stay safe" below.
-Ladakh - Truly amazing landscapes high up in the Himalayas, popular for trekking and with those on a search for the most beautiful place in the world.

Cities

-Gulmarg - decent skiing and the World's highest gondola.
-Jammu - The winter capital of the state
-Leh - The jumping off point for treks and adventures around Ladakh.
-Nubra
-Srinagar - The summer capital of the state, set around famous Dal Lake, with its floating houseboats.
-Zab Baihk
-Zachaldor
-Zanskar
-Zunnamar
-Zūti

Safety in Jammu and Kashmir