Jammu and Kashmir is one region that is surrounded by exotic mountain ranges and adorned by great forests and blue lakes. This created a curiosity within me to know more about the mountain ranges and lakes. As I searched the net and books like Lonely Planet, India, I came to know that it inhabits ranges like Karakoram, Zanskar range, Nun kun Range, Nanga Parbat range......... and many more. I was quite eager to know about the Karakoram and Kyunlun range. Through research, I got aquainted with the fact that these mountain lies to the north north-east of the State and separate it from Russian Turkistan and Tibet.

Another range that came across my research was the Zanskar Range that lies at about about 600 meters above sea level and separates Indus Valley from the valley of Kashmir.

I also came to know about the Nanga Parbat Range that spreads in Gilgit. Its height is 8107.68 meters above sea level. My local guide told me that it was conquered by the Italian mountaineers in 1954.

From the very beginning I entered Kashmir, I knew that this region boost exotic lakes. In fact, the lakes of Jammu & Kashmir have been famous for centuries for their crystal beauty. These lakes and the other waterways of Kashmir have had a profound influence on the people. I visited the most famous Dal Lake, the largest lake of India and man! it was a beauty to watch. As the Shikara moved on the Dal lake, I found myself in another world, probably a paradise.

Oh! I forget about the forests that were equally exotic and enthralling like the mountains and the lakes.Forests in Jammu & Kashmir vary according to both altitude and climatic conditions. These forests provide a perfect habitat for the wildlife of Jammu & Kashmir and are a vital component of Jammu & Kashmir's Eco-system. In fact, I was quite enthralled after seeing the Chinar trees of Kashmir valley.