Jammu and Kashmir is right on top and nestles against the glorious Himalayan mountain ranges. The Kashmiris, a beautiful, gentle and cultured people, have, despite the political strife of many years, kept their lands and their hearts open to outsiders.

As a result, the tourists have always come in hordes – to bask in the splendour of the endless snow, to feel the thrill of conquering mountain heights, and of course, to set the spirit free skiing down a virgin snowclad mountain slope. The apple season means a chance to eat some divine apples and to feast your eyes on the beautiful fruit-laden orchards.