Jammu and Kahmir Geography


Various rivers like Indus, Suru, Shyok, Nubra, Zanskar, Jhelum, Chenab flow through the state. Jammu and Kashmir is known for having too many valleys like Kashmir valley, Lidder valley, Sind valley, Poonch valley, Tawi valley and Chenab valley. Ladakh and Kashmir valley are divided by the Himalayas.

The state is located between 32�17' and 36�58' North latitudes and 37�26' and 80�30' East longitudes. It is bounded by Afghanistan and China on the northern side. Himachal Pradesh lies at the southern side of the state. The Punjab province of Pakistan is located on the western side of the state.

The state has three distinct regions namely Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir. The state has beautiful landscapes. Kashmir valley is occupied by mountains, waterways, lakes, etc. while the Jammu region comprises mountains, foothills, plains, etc. The Ladakh region is a desert region of high altitude.

Ladakh region has the ancient Buddhist monasteries. The capital of the state is Srinagar during summer and changes to Jammu during winter due to the extreme weather conditions. The summer temperatures in the state generally lies between 39.9�C and 23.4�C and that of winter temperatures ranges between 20.2�C and - 4.5�C.

Natural gas reserves are found in Jammu region of the state. Other mineral resources found in the state are bauxite, gypsum, limestone, copper, coal, zinc among others.

There are national parks in the state. They are :

  • Dachigam National Park
  • Hemis National Park
  • Kishtwar National Park
  • Salim Ali National Park