Whether you are honeymooning with your partner or sightseeing with your family or chilling with your friends, these ten places to visit in Kashmir must be on your itinerary mandatory!
1. Srinagar: Nature at its Best!
Srinagar is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kashmir as well as in India. From boating to trekking, bird watching to water skiing, Srinagar place has it all.
Best time to visit: June to October, and for snow December & January would be the best
Must Dos: Stay in the boat house!
2. Gulmarg: For An Adventurous Journey, Adventure Enthusiasts Haven, Skier’s paradise
Famously known as the ‘Meadow of Flowers’, Gulmarg is a treat to the eyes with its spread of vibrant flowers against snow capped mountains as backgrounds.
Best time to visit: June to October, and for snow December & January would be the best
Must Dos: Mountain Biking, trekking, Skiing if you visit in winters and Gondola rides for a panoramic view of the valley.
Sonmarg as the name suggest is famous as the ‘Meadow of Gold’. An endless stream of stunning flowers and undulated trekking routes are its attractions. Sonmarg has to be one every visitors places to visit in Kashmir for its mesmerizing aura and breathtaking views.
Best time to visit: June through October, December & January for snow
Must Dos: Trekking, Camping and nature walks
4. Leh: The Land of Pure Adventure
Leh is one of the best places to visit in Kashmir in summers. The lofty mountains, the alpine lakes, and the quaint settings enables Leh one of the best places to visit. This place is every biker’s dreamland. Clad in the beauty and love of nature, Leh offers breathtaking views, leaving no visitor disappointed.
Best time to visit: April to June, September to October. Most of the tracks are closed post November due to heavy snowfalls
Must Dos: Trekking and Mountain Biking is all it takes to give you a lifetime worth memories
Must Read: Sweat No More: The Best Places To Visit In India This Summer
5. Kupwara: The Crown of Kashmir
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The thriving meadows, alpine mountains and the gushing clear water make Kupwara a must visit destination in Kashmir. This city epitomizes the beauty of Kashmir.
Best time to visit: April to October
Must Dos: Visit to lolab valley, Qamar Reshi Sahib Shrine, Sheikh Baba Behram
6. Kathua: The city of Sufis
For the history lovers willing to have a glimpse of Kashmir’s past, Kathua should be on your list of places to visit in Kashmir. Situated on the banks of a river, Kathua offers scintillating views and serene atmosphere.
Best time to visit: Summer is the best time to visit Kathua
Must dos: Jasrota fort is a must visit for history lovers. Picnicking in Ujh Barrage
7. Kargil: The unforgettable City
The city whose name brings shivers to Indian Citizens is a definite visit to everyone. Not only does this city bring heart-touching memories but also provides scintillating views. The atmosphere in this city oozes with emotions.
Best time to visit: March to June
Must Dos: Mountaineering in the Nun Mountains, trekking to Suru Valley. Visits to Mulbek Gompa, Shergol, Urgyan Dzong and Wakha Rgyal
8. Pulwama: The city of colorburst
This multihued city offers amiable weather, pleasant odor saffron fields, malleable citizens. One cannot have enough of the saffron fields and the rich culture in Pulwama.
Best time to visit: April to October
Must Dos: mountaineering and trekking in summers and skiing and snowboarding in winters
Must Read: 38 Most Colorful Places In India That Will Make Your Heart Skip A Beat
9. Pahalgam: Freshness Overload!
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Tranquility and serenity are the other names of Phalagam! This tiny town is known to suck out all the stress of every visitor. This hilly region is famous for its coniferous forests.
Best time to visit: June to October, December & January for snow
Must Dos: Visit to Betab and Aru Valleys, Horseback riding, canoeing
Must Read: 50 Best Hill Stations In India To Escape The City Heat
10. Hemis : The Region Of Rarity
An unexplored destinations, Hemis is a small village is known for its monastery and national park. It is a must visit in Kashmir in summers if you are a wildlife enthusiast. Rare species like the snow leopard and bharals find shelter in the national park here.
Best time to Visit: May to July
Must Dos: Visit the Hemis Monastery and the Hemis National Park
Now, that you’ve your list ready, all you need only to book your tickets, pack your bags and Get, Set go!!
11. Kupwara… Rightfully the Crown of Kashmir
Noted for natural beauty and charm, Kupwara is indeed a vital part of Jammu & Kashmir tourism. The lush meadows, alpine mountains and the gushing clear water make Kupwara an important tourist attraction in the state. Boasting of lofty mountain peaks like Shamsbari (12000ft above sea level), Nastachun (10273ft above sea level) and Dajalonjun (16000ft above sea level), this district exemplifies the beauty of Kashmir. The Ainch Mountain offers the opportunity to get a panoramic view of the Vale of Kashmir from its top. There are also many historical villages that allow the history lovers to contemplate including Gushi (Built by Kashi Shah), Karnah (mentioned in Raj Tarangini written by Kalhana) and Keran. However, the Lolab Valley steals the limelight and Kheer Bhawani Asthapan, Hazrat Mehmood Shah Shrine, Shaloora shrine and many other make for other brilliant option for sightseeing in Kupwara.
12. Badgam… Sheltering Nature’s Best
Blessed with exotic locales that invigorate visitors and locals alike, Badgam is the reflection of authentic Kashmir. One can be spoilt for choices when it comes to tourist attractions in Jammu & Kashmir, especially in the Budgam district. It boasts immensely of picturesque places like Yusmarg, Sang-e-safed, Pehjan and Khag. One can visit the beautiful Nilnag lake located 4kms down the hill from Yusmarg. Doodhpather is another great haunt for the nature lovers in Badgam district. There are number of natural trails in the region that offers good opportunity for trekking. Adventure enthusiasts can trek to Sang-e-safed (base for Mount Tatakutti) Doodhpather and Mount Tatakutti.
13. Kargil… The Brave and Beautiful
Brave heart Kargil is situated at India-Pakistan border at an altitude of approximately 2800m above sea level. Connected to the Zojila Pass, Kargil holds important place in the history of India. Set up in the Ladakh region of the state, Kargil is one of the most interesting places to see in Jammu & Kashmir. It offers great opportunity to trekkers, campers, rafters and mountaineers. The Nun Mountain allows mountaineering expeditions whereas, Kargil offers brilliant option for trekking to Pensi-La Lake and Suru valley. Excursion can be made to Drass and see features like Tolo-ling, Mushkoo Valley and Tiger Hill. A short walk to Goma Kargil provides breathtaking views. Mulbek Gompa, Shergol, Urgyan Dzong and Wakha Rgyal are prime attractions of Kargil.
Via Travel Trangel