Top Places to Visit in Kashmir

This is a paid guest post by Karan Arora.

Snow-clad mountains, alpine meadows, gleaming crystal-clear lakes, and amber hues of the trees during autumn, create a bewitching landscape on Earth which is known as Kashmir. Located in the northern state of Jammu and Kashmir, it is also known as the “Crown of India”, and is flanked by the mighty mountains of the Great Himalayas and Pir Panjal range. There are several top places to visit in Kashmir that make this place truly feel like heaven on earth.

Kashmir has long been a sought-after destination for couples, families and backpackers alike. It is also known to be one of the best solo travel destinations in India thanks to its incredible hospitality. It is also popular among the religious pilgrims visiting the famous Amarnath cave dedicated to Lord Shiva.

While Kashmir is full of astounding high-altitude treks, glacial lakes, historical cities and culturally rich villages, some top places to visit in Kashmir are always evergreen and should be on top of every first-timer’s list.

Top Places to Visit in Kashmir

Srinagar

Srinagar tour packages are a good way to visit the “Soul of Kashmir”, as the state’s summer capital is often called. It is notable for its stationary houseboats and gondola-style rowboats known as Shikaras in Dal Lake. The presence of several Mughal Gardens, religious and historical sites as well as the Dal and Nigeen lakes has led Srinagar to be known as the “Land of Gardens and Lakes”. Shikara rides are offered both during the day and at night for special occasions, making Srinagar one of the top places to visit in Kashmir.

Srinagar is home to the largest Tulip Garden in Asia, as well as the only floating market in India. It is the right place to visit if you are interested in activities like birdwatching, water skiing and boating. This city is also a good place to get up close and personal with Kashmiri food including the famous Rogan Josh, Gushtaba, and Kashmiri Pulao.

Yusmarg

Yusmarg or Yousmarg is a hill station that lies in the western part of the Budgam district in the valley of Kashmir and translates as “The Meadow of Jesus” in Kashmiri and is definitely one of the top places to visit in Kashmir. Located just about 50 kilometres from Srinagar, Yusmarg is home to massive natural slopey meadows offering spectacular skiing opportunities to adventure seekers come wintertime.

On the other hand, the holy shrine of Charar-e-Sharif is said to bless and safeguard the land from all forms of misfortunes.

Gulmarg

Any Kashmir tour package is incomplete if it does not include Gulmarg in its itinerary. Gulmarg is situated at an elevation of 2730 meters above sea level and is located about 50 kilometres from Srinagar. Gulmarg has everything to set the wheels rolling with its snow-dressed mountains, greenery, lakes, forests of pine and fir, and different types of flowers. It very well justifies its name, the “meadow of flowers”, as you come across a lot of meadows embellished with daisies, making it one of the top places to visit in Kashmir.

Most of all, Gulmarg has the highest green golf course in the world as well as the highest cable car project. It has also grown as one of the best adventure destinations, with the Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering (IISM) based here. Courses and programs on hiking, mountaineering, skiing, and snowboarding courses are available at the IISM which is one of India’s premier schools for mountain sports. Gulmarg is one of the best places to visit in Kashmir in winter.

If you’re visiting Gulmarg in the winter, make use of this ultimate winter travel packing list.

Sonamarg

Sonmarg or Sonamarg is a town located in the Ganderbal District of Jammu and Kashmir. It is located at an altitude of 2,740 meters and is a perfect stopover for those who prefer to be in the midst of nature. Sonamarg has earned the title of “Meadow of Gold”, owing to its snow-clad peaks and verdant valleys. It is also the gateway to Ladakh. Nature lovers in Sonmarg get a chance to unwind amidst its scenic vistas, and adventure buffs can indulge in trekking and camping activities. It is one of the best places to visit in Kashmir in June, with some of the best treks in India.

The flower-laden valley of Sonamarg is one of the top places to visit in Kashmir and has many tourist attractions to offer including Thajiwas Glacier which is an easy day hike recommended to even family vacationers. The Baltal Valley, located 15 kilometres away, is yet another picturesque destination for breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountains. The valley also serves as the camping area for pilgrims heading towards the sacred Hindu pilgrimage of Amarnath Cave. Lastly, the unforgettable Nilagrad River should not be missed with its red-hued water known to have medicinal properties. For the thrill seekers, a river rafting experience on the gushing Indus River will get your heart racing.

Pahalgam

Stretched along the Lidder River, Pahalgam is the ideal spot to try trout fishing, trekking, and angling. Pahalgam is a wonderland that is teeming with prominent attractions like the base camp for popular trekking routes including Kohaloi Glacier.

The famous Aru Valley is located 12 kilometres from Pahalgam. It also provides opportunities for skiing, heli-skiing, bird and wildlife watching, and horse riding. Baisaran lies 5 kilometers away from Pahalgam. It is a leading sightseeing destination in the Anantnag district offering hilly meadows speckled with dense pine forests and enveloped by snow-clad mountains. It is also the base camp for trekkers to Tulian Lake. Pahalgam is one of the top places to visit in Kashmir in summer.

Kupwara

Kupwara is a lesser-known gem among the top places to visit in Kashmir. It lures tourists with its harmonious blend of lofty peaks, lush meadows, and crystal-clear streams. A stroll through this charming town reveals fascinating glimpses of local life, as folk music fills the air and the aroma of traditional cuisines wafts from the homely kitchens. Kupwara is a slice of unblemished and untouched beauty, exuding an old-world charm that is rarely found in today’s bustling world.

Bangus Valley, situated at an altitude of 3050 meters above sea level, in the Pir Panjal range, is known for its meadows and plateaus covered with a range of endemic flowers and medicinal plants. The valley’s forests and plains also serve as the breeding, feeding, and protection grounds for wild animal species.

Top Places to Visit in Kashmir – FAQs

How many days is best for Kashmir trip?

It’s best to allow at least 5-7 days for your Kashmir trip to be able to introduce yourself to Kashmir’s true beauty and warm hospitality. Anything less would not be enough justice as there is so much to see and do here.

What is the best time to visit Kashmir?

Depending on what you are going for, the best time to visit Kashmir can vary. Spring (February to April) is perfect for trekking, to see flowers blooming in the Mughal Gardens, as well as several fruit blossoms including apricot, cherry and apple. Summer (April to June) is perfect to warm yourself under the sun and roll around in Kashmir’s vast meadows. Whereas, winter (November to February) is the best time to visit Kashmir for an extravagant wintery snow and to learn to ski and snowboard.

In which month Kashmir has snowfall?

Kashmir sees snowfall usually from November through February. Some places to visit Kashmir in winter include Gulmarg, Yusmarg and Sonmarg.

Is Kashmir worth visiting?

Kashmir is one hundred per cent worth a visit! There is so much to see, do and experience here all year round. The warm hospitality and unique culture of Kahsmir will take your breath away. And the scenic beauty of Pir Panjal mountains is unmatachable.