Alchi Gompa: 70 Kms from Leh, on the banks of the Indus, is the Alchi Gompa dating a thousand years back. One of its walls features thousands of miniature sized pictures of the Buddha. Three large sized images made of clay and painted brightly are its focal attractions. No longer an active religious center, it is looked after by monks from the Likir monastery. This is the only monastery amongst 34 monasteries, which is not located on a hilltop.

Likir Gompa: Founded in the 11th century and rededicated to a different monastic order in the 15th century, its earlier Gompa was destroyed in a fire. The present Gompa dated back to the 18th century. Skilled craftsmen producing excellent Thankas, earthen pots and carved wooden folding stools, live here in the village. Majestically situated, Likir commands a spectacular view. A magnificent giant Jupiter tree, one of the few survivors of its species, stands in the courtyard.

Sonamarg: Sonamarg is 80 km northeast of Srinagar and at an altitude of 2743 m. Popularly known as the 'Meadow of Gold' this place is strewn with the loveliest of alpine flowers and surrounded by mountains mantled in fir and pine. Glaciers pour down from the Himalayas almost on to the site of camping at Sonamarg. This golden meadow; one of the smallest resorts in Kashmir gets its name 'Son' meaning golden, from the bloom of yellow crocuses that fill this valley in the spring.

Shankaracharya Temple: 5 km from Tourist Reception Center. Located on a hill one thousand feet above the city, it is also known as Takht-i-Sulaiman. Most authorities agree that the first edifice on this site was built by Jaluka, the son of Emperor Ashoka, around 200 BC. The low enclosing wall and the plinth of the existing temple is what has remained of the old temple. The philosopher sage Shankaracharya had stayed at this site when he had visited to Kashmir ten centuries ago to revive Sanatan Dharma.

Gulmarg: The large meadow of Gulmarg is 52 km southwest of Srinagar at 2730 meters. The name means meadow of Flowers and in spring it is just that. This is also an excellent trekking base. Gulmarg Walks: - Outer Circular Walk: A circular road, 11 km in length, runs right round Gulmarg through pleasant pine forest with excellent views over the Kashmir Valleys. Khilanmarg: This smaller valley is about a 6 km walk from the Gulmarg bus stop and car park. The meadow, carpeted with flowers in the spring, is the site for Gulmarg winter ski runs and offers a fine view of the surrounding peaks and the Kashmir Valley.