Through the centuries, Kashmir has drawn to it saints and holy men who are venerated even today at shrines all over the valley. The two great faiths of Islam and Hinduism have found the full flowering of expression in Kashmir and through the year, pilgrims pay homage at these, the major shrines of the Valley.

The noble and perfect proportions of this white marble shrine which stands on the western-bank of Dal Lake, 8 km from Srinagar, are reflected in the pure simplicity of its single domed façade with its accompanying minaret. The dargah is invested with a special sanctity because of the sacred hair of the Prophet Mohammad, which is enshrined here. This holy relic is displayed on several special occasions to the public.

A sacred spring stands in the Tula Mula village, 27 km from Srinagar. At its centre is a small marble temple, the object of veneration by Hindus throught Kashmir. On the eighth day of the full moon in the month of May, fasting devotees gather here to seek the blessings of the goddess Ragnya Devi. It is said that its water change colour.

Dominating the skyline of Srinagar, built atop the Takhti-I-Sulaiman hill, the Shankaracharya temple is believed to be one of the earliest Hindu shrines in the valley, dedicated to Shiva. The temple on the top of the hill is believed to have been constructed around 200 BC. A climb up the hill is rewarded by a spectacular view of Srinagar city and its surroundings. By the side of the hilltop is also the TV tower, approachable by a motorable road.

In a niche in the Trikuta mountain, high above the plains of Jammu, approachable by a 14 km trek from katra is the cave-shrine of the goddess Vaishno Devi, a place of pilgrimage for Hindus since times immemorial. Some 30 m long and very narrow, with ice cold water flowing through it, the far end of the cave has three rock formations, covered with gold canopies. These represent the three divine aspects of the goddess : MahaKali, Maha Lakshmi and Maha Saraswati.

The ziarat of Sheikh Nur-ud-din, popularly known as Kashmir's patron saint, is sited 28 km south of Srinagar. The saint, who is venerated by Hindus and Muslims alike, was Th founder of a Muslim order of rishis whose aim was to serve the community and spread the message of peace. This imposing shrine depicting rich ancient architecture is an oblong structure, with a brick masonry plinth and a tiered roof resting upon wooden pillars.

45 km from Pahalgam and 141 km from Srinagar. Situated at a height of 3800 m in the upper reaches of the Himalayas, the origin of this holy place is lost in antiquity. There is evidence that the trek was being undertaken as far back as 1000 BC.

The shrines of Shah Asrar-ud-din Sahib and Shah Farid-ud-din Sahib in Kishtwar ( Jammu ) are highly respected by people of all faiths. These are popular places of pilgrimage for the people especially from Kishtwar, Bhaderwah and other places. A big fair is held at the two shrines on the 7th of Ashar and 25th of Kartik every year, drawing thousands of devotees from far and near

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About 32 km from Rajouri in Jammu is a Muslim shrine known as Shahdra Sharief. The shrine has grown around the tomb of the great Muslim saint Pir Ghulam Shah. There are also shrines of Shah Satta, Pir Dastgir and Sakhi Maidan in poonch, all highly revered