Places To Visit In Kashmir: A Traveller’s Paradise

Wildlife in Dachigam National Park

The park’s diverse species, which includes a range of mammals, birds, and reptiles, is what makes it so well-known. The pride of the Dachigam park is the Kashmir stag (also known as Hangul in Kashmiri language), which is unique to the area. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified the species as critically endangered, and measures are being taken to protect its population. The park is not only home to the Hangul but also to other rare and endangered animals including the musk deer, snow leopard, and Himalayan black bear.

With over 150 different types of birds to be seen here, the park is a birdwatcher’s heaven. The Himalayan monal, koklass pheasant, bearded vulture, and golden eagle are a few of the birds that are frequently seen in the park.

Gulmarg

Gulmarg must be on your agenda if you’re a tourist wanting to visit Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla district contains the little hill town of Gulmarg. Gulmarg, which translates to “meadow of flowers,” is well-known for its breath-taking natural beauty, adventure activities, and ski resorts.

Gulmarg is the highest ski resort in India because of its location at an elevation of 8,694 feet above sea level. It is bordered by meadows, lush forests, and mountains covered in snow, making it the perfect vacation spot for those who love the outdoors. The town is renowned for its vivacious and colourful culture, which combines Afghan, Tibetan, and Kashmiri elements.

The Gulmarg Gondola, the tallest cable car in the world, is one of Gulmarg’s biggest draws. You are transported by gondola to a height of 13,780 feet, where you may gaze out over the Himalayan range in awe. You should reserve your tickets in advance to prevent long lines because the gondola trip is an adventure in and of itself.

Gulmarg provides a variety of adventure activities, including skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and hiking, in addition to the gondola trip. The town is a well-known skiing destination in India, and the nearby ski resorts provide top-notch amenities. Beginners can enrol in skiing lessons from qualified instructors who will walk them through the fundamentals.

One of the highest golf courses in the world is located at Gulmarg, which is another popular attraction for tourists. The golf course is the perfect location for golf aficionados to enjoy in their favourite sport because it is surrounded by mountains covered with snow.

Your can visit many temples and shrines in this area if you’re interested in learning more about Gulmarg’s culture and history. The Baba-Reshi Shrine, St. Mary’s Cathedral, and the Maharani Temple are a few of the well-known religious locations in Gulmarg.

Pahalgam

Pahalgam is a picturesque town located in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is very popular and one of the must places to visit in Kashmir due to its serene landscapes, lush green forests, and glistening streams. Here we will provide a comprehensive guide for tourists visiting Pahalgam, including the best time to visit, how to reach there, and the top attractions to explore.

Best Time to Visit Pahalgam

Pahalgam is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is from April to November when the weather is pleasant, and the town is surrounded by lush greenery. During this time, the temperature ranges from 11°C to 25°C, making it perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. However, if you are a winter lover, then December to March is the best time to experience snowfall and indulge in skiing and other winter sports.

How to Reach Pahalgam

Pahalgam is located 91 kilometres from Srinagar International Airport, the closest airport. To get to Pahalgam from the airport, you can take a taxi / cab or a bus. This journey from Srinagar to Pahalgam will take around 2 to 3 hours by taxi. You can book your cab at airport or by contacting one of the tourism agents in Srinagar.

Top Attractions to Explore in Pahalgam

• Betaab Valley: Known for its gorgeous views and the Betaab River that runs through it, Pahalgam’s Betaab Valley is a must-see location. The Bollywood movie Betaab, which was filmed here, gave the valley its name. For those who enjoy the outdoors, adventure, and photography, it is the perfect location.
• Aru Valley: Twelve kilometres separate Pahalgam from the picturesque settlement of Aru Valley. It is encircled by mountains covered in snow and verdant forests. The valley is well-known for its camping, horseback riding, and trekking opportunities.
• Chandanwari: A little town called Chandanwari is situated 16 kilometres from Pahalgam. It serves as the starting point of the well-known Amarnath Yatra, a sacred Hindu pilgrimage. The town is also well-known for its ski resorts and mountains blanketed with snow.
• Kolahoi Glacier: Trekkers and adventure seekers enjoy travelling to Kolahoi Glacier. It is 35 kilometres from Pahalgam and accessible by foot or by renting a pony. The glacier is an ideal location for camping and hiking and provides stunning views of the Himalayan range.
• Lidder River: Pahalgam is traversed by the sparkling Lidder River. It is the perfect location for rafting and fishing. Tourists will find the scenery of the river, which is flanked by verdant trees and snow-capped mountains, to be enchanting.

Sonamarg

Sonamarg is a beautiful hill station located in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. This place is also known as the “Meadow of Gold” because of the stunning yellow flowers that carpet its fields in spring. The area is nestled in the lap of the Himalayas and boasts breath-taking views of snow-capped peaks, gushing rivers, and lush greenery. Sonamarg is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region and attracts a lot of travellers throughout the year.

Things to Do in Sonamarg

Trekking in Sonamarg:

Trekkers will find bliss and joy in Sonamarg. These abound trekking routes provide breath-taking views of the Himalayan range. The walk to Thajiwas Glacier is the most well-liked one. Beautiful meadows, deep woodlands, and sparkling streams are all encountered on this hike. Skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts frequently visit the Thajiwas Glacier. The hike to Vishansar Lake is another popular hike. This hike is regarded as one of the most picturesque in the area. You get to see the magnificence of the Himalayas up close as the trail takes you past tangles of trees and lovely meadows. A well-liked camping location is the Vishansar Lake, a lovely lake encircled by mountains.

Sightseeing in Sonamarg

Sonamarg is home to a number of stunning landmarks. The Thajiwas Glacier is the most well-liked attraction. At a height of 9,186 feet, the glacier is a well-liked location for picnics and photography. Pony rides are another option for reaching the glacier.
One more well-liked Sonamarg attraction is the Zoji La Pass. The pass, which links Kashmir and Ladakh, is renowned for its breathtaking scenery. At 11,575 feet above sea level, the pass provides breathtaking views of the mountains in the area.
At Sonamarg, the Baltal Valley is yet another stunning location. The valley is renowned for its picturesque splendour and is situated at an elevation of 7,609 feet. The popular pilgrimage known as the Amarnath Yatra also begins in the valley.

Adventure Sports in Sonamarg

Fans of adventure sports congregate in Sonamarg. River rafting is the adventure sport that is most popular in the area. There are multiple rafting rapids on the Sindh River, which passes through Sonamarg. Both novice and expert rafters can safely navigate the grade II to grade IV rapids.

Sonamarg provides chances for camping, skiing, and snowboarding in addition to river rafting. Vishansar Lake is a well-liked camping location, while the Thajiwas Glacier is a well-liked place for skiing and snowboarding.

Best Time to Visit Sonamarg

Sonamarg is best visited between April and June and between September and November. These months are perfect for sightseeing and adventure activities because of the good weather and clear skies. The region experiences severe cold and significant snowfall from December through March. The monsoon season, which lasts from July through August, brings with it a lot of rain, which can make adventure sports and tourism difficult.

Yusmarg

Nestled amidst the Himalayan Mountains in Jammu and Kashmir, Yusmarg is a hidden gem that offers a glimpse into the paradise-like beauty of the Indian state. From its lush green meadows to pristine lakes and snow-capped peaks, Yusmarg is a destination that will leave you spellbound. Let’s explore this paradise on earth in detail.

Yusmarg ought to be at the top of your list if you’re seeking for a tranquil, off-the-beaten-path location in India. Yusmarg, a small town in Jammu and Kashmir’s Budgam district, is encircled by the Himalayan Mountains. The amazing natural beauty of this beautiful town, which includes undulating meadows, lush forests, flowing streams, and snow-capped summits, is well renowned.

Yusmarg has a lot to offer if you love the outdoors as well. In Yusmarg, you can engage in activities like horseback riding, skiing, camping, and trekking. In addition, Yusmarg is home to some of India’s most beautiful trekking routes, such as the ascents of Sunset Peak and Tatta Kutti Peak.

How to Reach Yusmarg

Yusmarg has good transportation options from Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, making traveling there simple. The distance between Srinagar International Airport and Yusmarg is about 47 kilometres. You can either hire a taxi or ride in a shared taxi to Yusmarg from the Srinagar Tourist Taxi Stand or book your cab through any travel agent in Srinagar. To go to Yusmarg from the Srinagar, it will take approximately 2 to 3 hours.

Places to Visit in Yusmarg

• Nilnag Lake – one of Yusmarg’s most scenic lakes, is encircled by thick forests and snow-capped mountains. The lake offers boating opportunities, or you may just relax on its banks and take in the gorgeous scenery.
• Tatta Kutti Peak – One of the highest peaks in Yusmarg is Tatta Kutti Peak, which rises to a height of 4,000 metres. Although the climb to Tatta Kutti Peak is difficult, the vistas are worth it. From the peak’s top, you can overlook the entire Yusmarg valley.
• Doodh Ganga River – The Doodh Ganga River, which runs through the centre of Yusmarg, is a sight to behold. Since there are pine forests and lush green meadows all around the river, picnics are very common there.
• Charar-i-Sharief – The mediaeval village of Charar-i-Sharief, which is about 25 kilometres from Yusmarg, is well-known for its ancient mosque. This mosque was built in the fourteenth century and is a superb illustration of Kashmiri design.

Things to Do in Yusmarg

• Trekking – With some of India’s most beautiful hiking paths, Yusmarg is a trekker’s delight. You can hike up any trail of your choice, such as Tatta Kutti Peak or Sunset Peak.
• Horseback riding – If you don’t want to hike, you can ride a horse through Yusmarg. In Yusmarg, horseback riding is very common, and you may rent horses from neighbourhood sellers.
• Camping – Another well-liked activity in Yusmarg is camping. Camping is possible in the verdant meadows or by the banks of the river.

Aharbal Waterfall

Aharbal is a beautiful waterfall located in the south-western part of the Kashmir Valley in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. This waterfall is situated at a height of 2,400 meters above sea level and is surrounded by dense forests of pine and fir trees. Aharbal-waterfall is also known as the “Niagara Falls of Kashmir” because of its breath-taking beauty and grandeur. This waterfall originates from the Veshu River, which is a tributary of the Jhelum River. Aharbal-waterfall is a popular tourist destination and attracts a large number of visitors every year.

How to Reach Aharbal?

Aharbal waterfall is located around 70 km from Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. During your visit Kashmir, you should include Aharbal Waterfall in your itinerary. The best way to reach Aharbal is by road.

Things to Do in Aharbal

• Trekking: Aharbal is a trekker’s delight. The nearby forests include a number of hiking routes that provide a breath-taking view of the waterfall and the mountains. An extremely well-travelled hiking route that passes through extensive stands of fir and pine trees is the climb to Kungwattan Peak.
• Aharbal-waterfall is a photographer’s paradise. The waterfall gives a captivating vista that is ideal for taking beautiful pictures because it is bordered by lush green trees and snow-capped mountains.
• Aharbal is a great location for camping. In the neighbouring woodlands, there are a number of campgrounds that provide a tranquil and beautiful setting. An unforgettable experience is camping out at night while surrounded by the wonders of nature.

Lolab Valley

Lolab Valley is a tranquil location that is perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers, nestled within the gorgeous Himalayas. The valley offers an absolutely stunning picture with its lush trees, clear lakes, and flowing waterfalls.
The valley is also home to a number of unique and endangered plant and animal species, making it a popular destination for ecotourism. The snow leopard, the Himalayan brown bear, and the Asiatic black bear are a few of the well-known wildlife species that may be found here.
Lolab-Valley is known for its rich cultural heritage in addition to its natural beauty. Many historic temples and shrines that display the distinctive fusion of Hindu and Islamic architecture are scattered throughout the valley.

Experience the Local Culture and Traditions

The inhabitants of Lolab Valley are friendly and inviting, and their manner of life is a reflection of their rich cultural past. The Gujjars, Bakarwals, and Kashmiri Pandits are among the ethnic groups that call the valley home.
The inhabitants are renowned for their elaborate wood carvings, excellent embroidery, and hand-woven carpets. Tourists can also sample the wonderful native food, which combines Punjabi and Kashmiri flavours.

Explore the Surrounding Areas in Lolab Valley

Although Lolab Valley is a destination in itself, there are a number of neighbouring places to visit that are interesting. The Bangus-Valley is a well-liked trekking location, while the surrounding town of Kupwara is renowned for its lovely gardens.
For those looking to visit the adjacent Lolab-Pass and the well-known Wular Lake, the Lolab Valley makes the ideal starting point. Lolab Valley is the ideal place to go if you want to get away from the bustle of the city and experience the peace and quiet of nature because there is so much to see and do there.

Some other Places to visit in Kashmir

• Wular Lake:
• Tosamaidan:
• Gurez Valley:
• Doodhpathri:
• Tulip Garden: