Top 13 Places of Kashmir to visit during year 2024
Srinagar,Mar, 28: Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Kupwara, Kargil, Pulwama, Pahalgam, Nishat Garden, Shalimar Garden Chashmashahi, Jama Masjid, Yusmarg, Aru Valley, Amarnath, Sanasar & more.
Whether you’re on a solo trip, a romantic vacation, or simply a holiday with your family, these Kashmir tourist places are bound to make their way into your itinerary. While visiting the gorgeous Chashmashi Gardens or the Verinag spring is an ideal way to spend one’s time here with a loved one, a quick trip to the Dachigam National Park or Yusmarg would be great choices for a wholesome family outing.
Above all, the Kashmir places are known for their natural splendor; one need only to witness the tranquility of Aru Valley, or the frozen Durung Waterfall, to realize their worth. These tourist places are not just great in their aesthetics, however, for one can spend a happening time here partaking in adventure sports such as skiing, rafting, trekking or even horse riding,
Here is the list of best places to visit in Kashmir:
1: Gulmarg
Nicknamed as the ‘Meadow of Flowers’, Gulmarg is one of the most romantic places to visit in Kashmir. Gulmarg lets you soak in the picturesque views of colourful flowers spread against majestic snow-clad mountains. Perched at an elevation of around 2,730 meters above sea level, Gulmarg is a famous skiing destination.
Packed with lush forested valleys, deep ravines, and breathtaking flowerbeds, Gulmarg also has the second-highest Gondola ride in the world. Gulmarg is also packed with a host of amazing attractions to visit such as the Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve, Gulmarg Golf Course, Alpather Lake, and Strawberry Valley.
Highlights: Trekking, Gondola rides, skiing, mountain biking
2: Sonamarg
Lying 80 kilometers north-east of Srinagar, Sonamarg translates to “The Meadow of Gold ” in English. Nestled at an altitude of about 2,800 kilometers above sea level, this place is known popularly for its serene lakes, majestic glaciers, and snow-clad fields.
Packed with magnificent peaks like Sirbal Peak, Machoi Peak, Kolahoi Peak, and Amarnath Peak, Sonamarg makes for an excellent trekking destination. Sonamarg serves as the base camp for a number of scenic trekking routes that take you to picturesque mountain lakes, including Satsar, Kishansar, Gangabal, Vishansar, and Gadsar.
The Thajiwas range divides the Sonamarg Valley into two parts with one part housing the fir-clad Thajiwas and the other housing the Thajiwas glacier and cascading waterfalls.
Highlights: Nature walks, camping, trekking, waterfalls
3: Betaab Valley
In the year 1983, this little Kashmiri Valley formed the backdrop of the hit Bollywood flick Betaab. Since then, the former Hagan Valley has earned its name ‘Betaab’ Valley. With its backdrop dotted with coniferous forests, gushing streams and meadows, the beauty of Betaab beckons to all those looking to escape into the serenity of the natural world.
Although lacking in organized tourist spots, Betaab can be one of the best places to visit in Kashmir for day picnics or weekend getaways. One can also enjoy a number of trekking trails here.
Location: near Pahalgam, Baramulla, Hajan, Jammu and Kashmir 192126
Highlights: Photography, trekking, nature camping, ‘Bobby’ hut
4: Pahalgam
Lying in the Anantnag district and perched at an elevation of around 2,740 meters above sea level, Pahalgam is a paradise on earth. Located at a distance of around 95 kilometers from Srinagar, Pahalgam boasts breathtaking flower-clad meadows, serene lakes, and lush dense forests. Sprawled on the calm banks of River Liddar, the town of Pahalgam is a hub for adrenaline enthusiasts, offering a range of adventure sports, such as trout fishing, trekking, and hiking.
The natives also offer thrilling sledge rides on the icy glaciers. Pahalgam also serves as the base camp for one of the most significant Hindu pilgrimages, the Amarnath yatra. The top attractions of Pahalgam include Aru Valley, Betaab Valley, and Kolahoi Glacier.
Highlights: Betab Valley, canoeing, horse riding
5: Srinagar
The capital city of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kashmir. Nestled on the picturesque banks of the Jhelum river, Srinagar is known fondly as the “Heaven on Earth”. The biggest city of Kashmir, Srinagar is known famously for its colorful Shikaras and houseboats floating on the postcard-perfect Dal Lake. Srinagar has also gained a lot of fame across the globe for its dreamy Mughal gardens, namely Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh and Chashm-E-Shahi Garden.
Srinagar also makes for an excellent shopping destination in Kashmir, where you can shop for Kashmiri apples, dried fruits, fragrant local spices, and Kashmiri shawls.
Highlights: Stay in a boathouse, shikara ride, Mughal gardens
6: Dal Lake
Known to be “The Jewel of Srinagar”, Dal Lake spreads across an area of around 26 square kilometers and is one of the major attractions included in our Kashmir tour packages. Popular as one of the most spellbinding places to see in Srinagar, this hillside lake flaunts colorful Shikaras, traditional wooden houseboats, and floating markets. Tourists visiting Dal Lake love to take a ride in the beautiful Shikaras, which are basically wooden boats decorated beautifully with canopies overhead.
They also enjoy shopping authentic Kashmiri items from the floating market or lake market. These markets lay amidst the lake and sell a number of items like saffron and handicrafts. The houseboats on Dal Lake feature floral motifs and intricate carvings and offer breathtaking sights of the majestic lake. These boats are equipped with single rooms and luxury suites and offer comfortable accomodation to the visitors. During the winter season, the visitors also enjoy ice skating on the frozen lake.
Location: Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir.
Timings: Anytime.
Best Time to Visit: May to November.
07: Nishat Garden
Established by the elder brother of Nur Jahan, Asif Khan in 1633, Nishat Garden happens to be the second largest Mughal garden. Nicknamed as “Garden of Bliss”, the Nishant Garden is a spectacular 12 terraced garden encompassed by lofty Chinar trees. The garden is home to a central water channel and a number of beautiful fountains.
While the design of the Nishat Garden is based on Persian architecture, the landscaping is based of Kashmiri water patterns and terrain. The Nishant Garden also offers breathtaking panoramic views of the stunning Dal Lake, with the magnificent Zabarwan Mountains serving as the perfect backdrop.
Location: Bagh Hussain, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, India
Highlights: Watching flowers, nature walks, chinar trees, water fountains
08: Shalimar Garden
The beautifully laid Shalimar Bagh happens to be the largest amongst the three iconic Mughal gardens in Srinagar. The Shalimar Garden was constructed back in 1619 under the orders of Mughal Emperor Jahangir, who dedicated it to his wife Nur Jahan. Nicknamed as the “Crown of Srinagar”, this public park is set overlooking the shimmering waters of the picturesque Dal Lake.
The very term ‘Shalimar’ translates to ‘Abode of Love’ in Sanskrit and is also referred to as Farah Baksh and Faiz Baksh. The exquisite Shalimar Garden offers an amazing amalgamation of stunning man-made structures, brilliant architecture, natural allure, and well-manicured gardens.
Location: Chinar chowk, Shalimar, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 191121
Highlights: Picnicking, bird watching, chinar trees
09: Chashmashahi
Among its many attractions, the city’s Mughal Gardens stand out as some of the most beautiful places to visit in Kashmir. And the Chashma Shahi Gardens are only one of them. Dating back to the early 17th century, this historic garden was built under the command of Emperor Shah Jahan for his elder son, Prince Dara Shikoh. At the centre of the garden is a freshwater spring which flows in terraces.
The garden also has a number of little springs discovered by the saint Rupa Bahini, who was also known as Sahibi, thus giving the garden its name. The lush flowering lawns exhibit a striking display of Iranian designs, and stand testament to the architectural brilliance of the erstwhile Kashmir, making it one of the most sought after of historical Kashmir places.
Location: 7, Boulevard Rd, Chashma Shahi, Rainawari, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190001
10: Doodhpathri
Popularly known as Kashmir’s Valley of Milk Overview Covered with beautiful meadows and shining silver streams, Doodhpathri is an ethereal valley dotted with snow-capped mountains and wildflowers like daisies, forget-me-nots and buttercups.
Doodhpathri offers a fantastic camping experience from the Daksum trail to Sinthan Pass. This hill-town is nestled in hidden grassy meadows by the Bringhi river and is perfect for trekking escapades. One can also take casual strolls around the valleys of Tangnar, with delightful pine and deodar trees for company.
Tips
There’s no established market in the area, so travellers are advised to pack their food for a short duration Take a bus from Budgam to Khansahib then hire a cab for Doodhpathri, for a hassle-free trip The best time to visit is from May to September for a blooming view of nature Primarily tea, coffee and snacks can be procured from the local shops Travellers can fly to Sheikh ul-Alam airport and then take a 1.5-hour cab ride to Doodhpathri