15 Most Beautiful Places To Visit in Kashmir

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Photo of 15 Most Beautiful Places To Visit in Kashmir by Sakshi Nahar Dhariwal

Kashmir, a land of unimaginable beauty, is cradled between the mighty Himalayas and the Pir Panjal mountain range. The bracing air of the valley offers a wholesome treat as you sip a cup of Kahwah and enjoy the glorious view. Offering a variety of experiences, a trip to Kashmir with your family will enrich your mind.

There is no shortage of words to describe the beauty of Jammu & Kashmir; however, the truth is the power of words is incapable to comprehend the mysticism that this state possesses. It is said that this northern-most state of India has nature’s gift, this state has been endowed with nature’s best that makes it an object of interest for many travel enthusiasts. This state dwells on the top of many honeymoon couples, every year multitude of tourist visit Jammu & Kashmir to seek a perfect romance, adventure, peace and explore natural beauty.

Photo of 15 Most Beautiful Places To Visit in Kashmir by Sakshi Nahar Dhariwal

While this place comprises of many spiritual or cultural places, the adventure enthusiasts with a determination to create history are often seen here. For some it is a dream destination, and some others take it as a challenge, while for rest it is a place for practicing yoga and peace.

Well, no matter what is the purpose to visit this state and what interests inspire to visit it; our list of best places to visit in Jammu & Kashmir can help you learn about your options better.

1. Srinagar

Photo of Srinagar by Sakshi Nahar Dhariwal

A famous tourist place in Kashmir is the serene city of Srinagar. Home to the beautiful Mughal gardens; you can spend the morning admiring acres of exotic flowers. Enjoy a local Kashmiri lunch and head out for a Shikara ride at Nehru Park. In the evening, book a stay in a boathouse on Dal Lake for a truly mesmerizing experience.

What to see & do: Dal lake, Botanical gardens, Shikara rides, mosque of Shah-e-Hamdan, Mughal lawns of Chashme Shahi, Shalimar and Nishat Bagh, Noorbagh for a community of potters and carpet weavers and more.

How to get here: There are direct flights to Srinagar Airport from all metropolitan cities.

Here is a detailed article on all the must-see places in Srinagar.

2. Gulmarg

Credits: Devesh Sangwan

Photo of Gulmarg by Sakshi Nahar Dhariwal

A skier’s paradise, Gulmarg is a must-visit spot in every tourist’s Kashmir itinerary. From vibrant flowers to snow-capped mountains, Gulmarg is paradise for adventure buffs. Stop for lunch at one of the local dhabas and if the weather is favorable. It gets dark early, so it is best to enjoy the view with your family after dinner, over laughter and conversation.

What to see & do: Picturesque snow-capped mountains in winters and rich green valleys in spring. Gulmarg gondola, skiing, trekking, photography, bird watching, mountain biking.

How to get here: Gulmarg is up to 50 km from Srinagar and takes about 2 hours by road. You can drink up the valley or take local taxis and busses scheduled at regular intervals.

3. Sonamarg

Photo of Sonamarg by Sakshi Nahar Dhariwal

Sonamarg, a hill station located to the northeast of Srinagar, is another popular tourist place in Kashmir. This was one of the highest getaway on the silk route between India and China. Set at an altitude of 9186 feet against scenic meadows and a clear blue sky, the name literally translates to ‘Meadow of Gold’. Check out the Kheer Bhawani Temple located in the middle of a natural spring and the Gadsar Lake that is at 16,400 feet and remains frozen throughout the year. Surrounded by snow-covered mountains and alpine flowers, Sonamarg also has beautiful walnut orchards that you definitely must visit.

What to see & do: Zojila pass, Thajiwas glacier, Gadsar lake, Baltal Valley, Vishansar lake, Satsar lake, paragliding, mountain biking, bird watching.

How to get here: Sonamarg is 80 km from Srinagar and takes 2.5 hours by road, bus or taxi.

4. Patnitop

Photo of Patnitop by Sakshi Nahar Dhariwal

Lushed with deodar and pine forests all over the hill this place is mainly known for its pleasant weather. This is a quick getaway for a day around Vaishno devi.

What to see & do: Naag Temple, Nathatop, Sanasar lake, Childrens park.

How to get here: 112km from Jammu, 86km from Vaishno Devi katra and 50km from Udhampur.

Check out this article for all the details of Patnitop.

5. Pahalgam

Credits: Suhail Mir

Photo of Pahalgam by Sakshi Nahar Dhariwal

A favorite tourist place in Kashmir, Pahalgam is a small hill station that embodies the beauty of Kashmir. Also known as the Valley of Shepherds, Pahalgam is perched at the intersection of the Lidder and Sheshnag rivers. This tiny town has the beautiful Baisaran Hills that are just the place for a trek with your children. This is an ideal picnic spot for families and couples.

What to see & do: Mamaleshwar Temple, Kolahoi Glacier, and Betaab Valley later in the evening (before sunset) for a picturesque view of the valley.

How to get here: It is 54 km from Srinagar and takes under 3 hours on the road. There are regular busses that depart form Srinagar main bus station or you can a hire a private cab.

6. Chandanwari

Photo of Chandanwari, Pahalgam by Sakshi Nahar Dhariwal

At a distance of only 15 km from Pahalgam is Chandanwari, a glacier point and the starting point of the sacred Amarnath Yatra. Located at an elevation, it’s an offbeat destination to stop and have breakfast in the lap of nature. After a 30-minute detour, you can go on with your journey back to Srinagar.

What to see & do: Trekking, Biking, Photography.

How to get here: It is 30 minutes from Pahalgam on the way to Srinagar.

Check out this article to know everything about Chandanwari.

7. Doda

Photo of Doda by Sakshi Nahar Dhariwal

With varying landscape, this place has conquered the hearts of many travel enthusiast. A precise place for adventure enthusiasts and natural beauty explorers, No doubts indeed it is a great place of Jammu & Kashmir for spending holidays. Here take easy trekking routes and keep your holiday relaxing and adventurous at the same time.

What to see & do: Mountaineering, rock climbing, mountain biking, Machail Chandi Mata Temple and Athra Buja Devi Temple.

How to get here: 210 km from Srinagar, under 5.5 hours by road.

8. Kupwara

Photo of Kupwara by Sakshi Nahar Dhariwal

This place is a crown to Kashmir valley, very enchanting and spectacular the place noted for its natural beauty and charm, while comprising is indeed of Jammu & Kashmir tourism. Kupwara is an important tourist place in Jammu & Kasmir due to lush green meadows, mesmerizing alpine mountains, and the gushing clear water.

What to see & do: Historical villages like Gushi Karnah and Keran, Lolab Valley, Hazrat Mehmood Shah Shrine, Mata Kheer Bhawani Asthapan, and Shaloora shrine.

How to get here: 85 km from Srinagar, under 2.5 hours

9. Poonch

Credits: Aditya Samadhiya

Photo of Poonch by Sakshi Nahar Dhariwal

Poonch is one place that touches the senses. While locating on India-Pakistan border, Poonch has something different to offer people. Certainly, its beauty confined with a pull that draws travel aficionados from all over the globe. Poonch surrounded by Pir Panjal range no matter how far it is But it is most scenic places that you will encounter including alpine mountains, Verdant green meadows, stunning freshwater lakes and nature’s exquisite beauty.

What to see & do: Noori Chamb, seven lakes named Sukhsar, Neelsar, Bhagsar, Katorasar, Kaldachnisar, and Nandansar at Girgan Dhok, the 18th century Poonch Fort and small villages like Mandi and Surankote, Gurudwara Deri Sahib, Buddha Amarnath in Mandi, Ziarat Sain Illahi Bakash Sahib, Battal kote.

How to get here: 170 km from Srinagar via Mughal Road, takes up to 5.5 hours.

10. Gurez valley

Photo of Gurez Valley, Forest Block by Sakshi Nahar Dhariwal

Gurez is a valley located deep in the snow-capped mountains and is one of the best places to visit in Kashmir. Due to heavy snowfall, the valley remains cut off for around six months in a year. The road to the Gurez Valley is broken and difficult, but the stunning scenery and the majestic Habba Khatoon peak make it completely worth the pain. Special permission is required to tread into this valley that can be obtained from the police station at Bandipur, which is on the way to Gurez.

What to see & do: Sightseeing and trekking.

How to get here: 123km from Srinagar, through the Bandipura and Razdhan Pass via taxi from Srinagar.

11. Tulail Valley

Photo of Tulail Valley, Badogam by Sakshi Nahar Dhariwal

Tulail Valley is a treat for photographers and trekkers. This untouched valley is home to lush green and brown fields, potato and cumin plantations and diverse wildflowers, and is surrounded by mountains of all shapes and sizes that change colour according to how the sunlight falls on them. You are sure to be mesmerised!

What to see & do: Enjoy the picturesque mountains and get postcard worthy shots.

How to get here: 30km from the Gurez Valley by a private taxi.

12. Chatpal

Credits: Sandeep Chetan

Photo of Chatpal by Sakshi Nahar Dhariwal

Chatpal is postcard perfect. Clean air, friendly locals, unpolluted streams and snow-covered mountains all make for an authentic experience. Spend your time here exploring the area, interacting with the native people and savoring the local cuisine or finding gorgeous trails to some great treks.

What to see & do: There isn't much to do in this quaint town. It's perfect to stop by and relax before you take off for your next adventure.

How to get here: It is 85km or 3 hours from Srinagar and private taxi is the best option, but a shared cab can be taken from Achabal till Chattergul, from from a private taxi will have to be hired.

13. Yusmarg

Credits: Aquib Insha

Photo of 15 Most Beautiful Places To Visit in Kashmir by Sakshi Nahar Dhariwal

Yusmarg is always pretty – whether it is blanketed by a fresh bout of snow in winter or covered by blooming yellow flowers during summers. There are several treks leading into the forest from here, making Yusmarg a great place to visit in Kashmir.

What to see & do: Trekking, Mountain biking, Skiing, Photography.

How to get here: 47km to the south of Srinagar, you can reach this spot by bus or car.

14. Bhaderwah

Those who know about Bhaderwah like to keep mum about this fairy-tale town. But the ones who manage to find out can come here to enjoy the quiet beauty of the mountains.

What to see & do: Skiing, white water rafting, mountain biking etc.

How to get here: 205km or 6 to 7 hours from Jammu. You can reach here by private taxi or government and private deluxe buses.

15. Aharbal

Credits: Sandeep Chetan

Photo of Aharbal by Sakshi Nahar Dhariwal

Aharbal is probably the most popular destination you'll find on this list, but it's still known only to a few travellers. Aharbal is known for its greener-than-green meadows, dotted by black, brown and white sheep, making for a wonderfully picturesque scenery.

What to see & do: Aharbal waterfall, trek from Aharbal to Kounsernag.

How to get here: 75km or less than 3 hours from Srinagar by bus or car.

No matter how many time you go to Kashmir, there is always something new the Switzerland of India has to offer. From lush green valleys that bloom in spring to the frozen dal lake in winters, this quaint state in India will never fall short of picturesque locations and postcard perfect photos.

Have you travelled to Kashmir yet? Are you planning anytime soon? Here is a quick 6D 7N itinerary to help you plan one for yourself. So what are you waiting for? Book your Kashmir tour package now.

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