Kashmir is a wonderful place on earth surrounded by snowy mountains and sparkling lakes. This Indian state is neatly divided into Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, all surrounded by the vast Pir Panjal and the great Himalayan Mountain ranges. Kashmir is often referred to as the Switzerland of India as it has many amazing places as the region has the most beautiful landscapes to see. There are several locations across the state, so here are the places to visit in Kashmir for you to peruse.
Best 10 Places to Visit in Kashmir: The Land of Unparallel Beauty
If you're visiting this region of the country for the first time, you must not dare to miss these attractive locations in Kashmir and take advantage of the state's breathtaking natural beauty. Look over this list of Kashmir's top attractions and choose the best ones for your upcoming trip.
- Srinagar: Kashmir's Greatest Drawcard
- Gulmarg: The Crowning Glory of Kashmir
- Pahalgam: A Humble Shepherd's Village
- Sonamarg: Alluring Facet of Kashmir
- Kargil: Remember the Gallantry Sacrifice of Martyred Soldiers
- Kupwara: Explore the Breathtaking Views of Remote valley
- Patnitop: Endless Meadows and Panoramic Vistas
- Amarnath: A Shrine Place for Spiritual Awakening
- Khilanmarg: A Sight to Behold
- Aru Valley: Perfect Location to Explore Kashmir's Natural Features
1. Srinagar: Kashmir's Greatest Drawcard
Unquestionably, Srinagar is among the most stunning and well-known tourist destinations in India and Kashmir. Srinagar offers a variety of activities, including water skiing, bird watching, and boating. Every traveler's first stopover is Srinagar, Kashmir, which is also known as the "mirror to the mountains" and has a long list of attractions to see. Dal Lake, the city's crown jewel, is the main attraction of Kashmir's largest metropolis, which is surrounded by lush mountains. This location provides a close-up view of Kashmiri food and state culture.
Best Time to Visit: April to June
Things to Do: Seek blessings at Shankaracharya temple, stay in houseboat, enjoy shikara ride, try paragliding
Nearby Attractions: Yusmarg, Betab valley, Manasbal valley and Gulmarg
How to Reach: Arrive at Srinagar international airport and then hire a taxi or cab to proceed to your desired location
2. Gulmarg: The Crowning Glory of Kashmir
Gulmarg, also referred to as the "Meadow of Flowers," is renowned for its expanse of colorful flowers set against snow-capped mountains. For all the right reasons, Gulmarg is regarded as one of Kashmir's top tourist destinations. Due to the numerous opportunities for skiing in the snow while taking in the surroundings, the vicinity of Kashmir is also known as the adventurer's paradise. The winter season, from December to January, is the ideal time to visit Kashmir if you want to see snow.
Best Time to Visit: March to June
Things to Do: Skiing, Gondola Ride, Bird watching, Pony Ride etc.
Nearby Attractions: Rani temple, Apharwat peak, Kongdori, Drung waterfall
How to Reach: One can take bus or cab/taxis to reach directly to Gulmarg
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3. Pahalgam: A Humble Shepherd's Village
Pahalgam, which is located at a height of 2740 meters, is regarded as a manifestation of heaven on earth. It is 95 kilometers from Srinagar and surrounded by lush woods, picturesque lakes, and flower-filled meadows. Pahalgam is also known as tranquilly and tranquilly. This tiny hamlet is one of the best destinations in Kashmir because it is recognized for relieving all of the stress from every tourist.
Best Time to Visit: March to June
Things to Do: River rafting, sledding, golfing, camping etc
Nearby Attractions: Betaab valley, Tulian lake, Mamaleshwar temple, Sheshnag lake etc.
How to Reach: Nearest railway station is Jammu tawi or you can Reach Srinagar international airport hire cab or taxi to your desired location
4. Sonamarg: Alluring Facet of Kashmir
Sonamarg is known as the "Meadow of Gold" as the name suggests. Its attractions include a never-ending stream of beautiful flowers and undulating hiking trails. Every traveler's list of places to visit in Kashmir must include Sonamarg because of its captivating atmosphere and breathtaking scenery. Summer, or May to June, is the finest time to visit Kashmir since the valley is ablaze with a variety of blooms.
Best Time to Visit: April to June
Things to Do: Trekking, photography, sightseeing, camping
Nearby Attractions: Balta Valley, krishanakar lake, Gadsagar lake, Gangabal lake etc
How to Reach: You can consider a variety of options, including flights, buses, and cabs. The distance from Srinagar to Sonamarg is only 79.6 kilometres, and it takes roughly one and a half hours to travel there.
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5. Kargil: Remember the Gallantry Sacrifice of Martyred Soldiers
Sixteen years after the 1999 Kargil War, Kargil has made a splash on the world map of tourism by quickly establishing itself as a "patriotic tourist destination" where people from all over India and even from other countries visit Kargil every year to "pay homage to the martyrs" and attempt to get a firsthand experience of the war sites of Zojjila, Drass, Tolloling, Tiger Hill, Kaksar, etc. Small town Kargil, located in the Kargil district of Ladakh, sends chills down the spines of Indian citizens. Every first-time visitor to Ladakh should make the trip to this region in order to see the region's untamed beauty.
Best Time to Visit: May to September
Things to Do: Sightseeing, photography, pay a visit to war memorial
Nearby Attractions: Dras War Memorial, Drang-Drung Glacier, karste river, Mashook valley
How to Reach: The only way to reach Kargil is by Road, you can take a taxi or cab from Srinagar international airport.
6. Kupwara: Explore the Breathtaking Views of Remote valley
Kupwara, a tiny district in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, approximately 90 kilometers from Srinagar, the state's capital. Kupwara is one of the most attractive destinations to visit in Kashmir due to its abstract beauty. It is blessed with some of nature's best vistas, including blooming meadows, alpine mountains, and rushing pure water.
Best Time to Visit: March to August
Things to Do: Sightseeing, photography
Nearby Attractions: Lolab valley, Bangus valley, Seemab valley, chandigham etc.
How to Reach: Srinagar airport is the closest international airport whereas Sopore and Baramulla are the closest train stations, Buses and taxis are available from Srinagar to reach this location
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7. Patnitop: Endless Meadows and Panoramic Vistas
The best way to represent Patnitop is as endless fields and breathtaking views. Due to its surreal beauty and blanketed by the snow-covered, high Himalayas, Patnitop has carved out a special place in the tourism market. Along with this, the location provides some exhilarating activities to satisfy your need for adrenaline. It consistently ranks as one of Kashmir's top tourist destinations for both families and groups of friends.
Best Time to Visit: December to March
Things to Do: skiing, nature walk, sightseeing and photography
Nearby Attractions: Patni top park, Billpo ki powri, Natha top, Naag mandir etc
How to Reach: From the airport and the train station, buses and taxis frequently run to Patnitop.
8. Amarnath: A Shrine Place for Spiritual Awakening
Amarnath, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kashmir, is a haven for pilgrims. Every year, devotees of Lord Shiva travel to this location to receive blessings and see the Shivaling, a figure of Shiva that has been revered for centuries. People travel here to participate in the well-known "Amarnath Yatra" from all over the world. According to popular belief, this is the same cave where Lord Shiva enlightened Goddess Parvati on the meaning of life and eternity. Make sure this destination is on your Kashmir trip itinerary if you are a sincere devotee of Lord Shiva.
Best Time to Visit: June to August
Things to Do: Trekking to Amarnath, sightseeing, Photography and river rafting in pahalgam
Nearby Attractions: Sheesnag lake, Machoi glacier and Sirbal peak
How to Reach: Either by helicopter from Srinagar landing at Panjtarni, which is 2 kilometers from the cave, or by driving to Baltal, which is 13.5 kilometres away and can only be reached on foot up to the cave.
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9. Khilanmarg: A Sight to Behold
Only those who have been to Khilanmarg can concur that it is Kashmir's most stunning location. The valley's seductive surroundings and breath-taking views made you feel hypnotized. Only a few people are brave enough to travel the 6 km to Gulmarg to visit this location. There may not be much to do here, but nature lovers will enjoy coming here. The area's main draw in the summer is its fragrant flowers, while in the winter, skiing draws visitors.
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Things to Do: Skiing, Gondola cable car
Nearby Attractions: Alpather lake, Ferozpur Nallah and Maharani Temple
How to Reach: From Gulmarg, you can take the Gondola to Khilanmarg. The area is extremely accessible on foot.
10. Aru Valley: Kashmir's Unmatched Beauty
Aru Valley, which lies 12 kilometres from Pahalgam, is situated next to the Himalayas' snow-covered peaks, which is one of the best places to see in Srinagar. Tarsar Lake, Kolhoi Glacier, and other hikes and lakes have it as a base camp. The Lidder River's tributary, the Aru River, also flows through the valley. For serenity and to relax in the midst of nature, nature enthusiasts come here. In addition, Aru Valley has some of the most captivating activities, including horseback riding and hiking. The sight of the entire valley covered in snow during the winter months is soothing to the eyes. In Kashmir, a trip here will leave you in awe of the surrounding landscape.
Best Time to Visit: July to September
Things to Do: Horse riding, picnicking, photography, sightseeing etc.
Nearby Attractions: Sheeshnag lake, Tulian lake, Tarsar lake etc
How to Reach: From Srinagar, take a cab or rent a car for self-driving to Pahalgam. From Pahalgam, Aru Valley is about 12 km distant and can be reached in about 45 minutes.
It is impossible to put Kashmir's beautiful ambience into words. Visitors to this place will find snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes, vast grasslands, and breathtaking orchards. We have put up a list of top 10 places to visit in Kashmir for you to consider in your itinerary if you are planning a trip here in 2021. Now that your list is complete, all you have to do is book your Kashmir tour packages, pack your bags and get there! Before proceeding, check the frequently asked questions about tourist destinations in Kashmir. Bring your camera, because you will be witnessing the most amazing landscapes.
FAQs
Top 5 most beautiful places in Kashmir are: Srinagar Sonmarg Pahalgam Patnitop Gulmarg
Since ancient times, tourists have been drawn to Kashmir, a popular tourist destination. The Kashmir valley continues to be a well-known tourist attraction due to its verdant green trees, delightful springs, enduring rivers, attractive alpine scenery, and agreeable climate.
The best months to visit Kashmir are from March through August. Tourists travel to Kashmir valley to experience this "heaven on earth" and all that it has to offer. Kashmir experiences two distinct seasons throughout this time. Spring and Summer are defined as early May to late August.
Visit between the months of November to February if you enjoy the thought of a wintery landscape covered in snow for as far as the eye can see.
With hundreds of activities available, Kashmir is a vibrant location that offers the perfect balance of adventure and tranquilly, allowing visitors to enjoy the best of both worlds. Explore the state by biking, paragliding, hiking, and trekking.
A total of 5 days is plenty enough to explore all the delightful and popular locations in Kashmir.
Sonamarg is regarded as one of Kashmir's most stunning hill towns. It is largely characterized by snow-capped mountains, as well as by the presence of numerous glaciers, alpine meadows, and lakes. The sight of Himalayan glaciers will enchant you beyond words.
Kashmir offers a wide variety of souvenir items, such as products made of walnut wood, papier Mache artefacts, pashminas, Kashmiri tea, copperware, and spices. These are made by the locals by hand and are fantastic items to purchase.
