Kashmir, Vale of

an intermontane valley between the Greater Himalayas and the Pir Panjal ranges. Length, about 200 km; width, more than 60 km. Its floor is about 1, 600 m above sea level. There are many lakes in the valley, including the large Lake Wular. The navigable Jhelum River flows through the Vale of Kashmir. The average January temperature is — 1°C; the average July temperature is 22°-23°C. Total annual precipitation is about 1,000 mm. There are broad-leaved forests of oak, maple, and ash in the valley and coniferous forests on the slopes. The valley is densely populated. Rice is grown, and there are fruit orchards. There are climatic health resorts, and tourism is well developed. The city of Srinagar is located in the Vale of Kashmir.