About Kashmir:
Kashmir is this amazing valley in the northern most part of India and is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places on earth. This place is blessed with beauty which is divine and heavenly. Kashmir is home to magnificent mountains and lakes. The climate of the place is magical in any season of the year whether its summers or winters or spring.
This valley is located in between the Great Himalayan range and pirpanjal mountain range can surely be termed as a paradise. Kashmir is famous all over the world for its pristine natural beauty. This place is simple and yet the most amazing place you will ever visit. You can trust me on this "Kashmir is an experience of a lifetime". Whether its boating on a shikara in dal lake or skiing in gulmarg or trying different delicious cuisines, every experience is majestic in Kashmir.
Kashmir was once flooded by tourists but now many people hesitate to visit Kashmir because of the stories they hear about the place. Some tourists don't feel safe to travel to kashmir. So lets discuss the most important topic first.
Is it safe for tourists to travel to Kashmir?
Some tourists show their hesitation about visiting the valley because of the civil unrest and violence. And they are not wrong, Kashmir has seen Violence, Civil unrest and Terrorism for many years now and is mainly in the news for bad reasons. But Situation is different in Kashmir than what the media tells. Locals are warm, welcoming, and full of life. The economy of Kashmir is also partly dependant on tourism and Kashmiris understand it. Some locals do raise their voice against the govt by protesting against them. But its mainly terrorism which has worsened the situation in Kashmir effectively. The Indian armed forces are there in huge numbers to deal with terrorism and Kashmir is currently the most densely militarized place on earth. About 600,000 Indian troops are estimated to be deployed over there. But the locals don't like it and some of them accuse the Indian armed forces of human rights violations. And the army arrests locals who are found to be guilty in helping terrorists. So the situation sometimes can get complicated between the locals and the armed forces but it does not effect the behaviour of locals towards tourists and you will not regret visiting Kashmir thats for sure.
Now If you made plans of visiting Kashmir you need to follow some travel guidelines so lets discuss them.
Travel guidelines you need to follow if you are visiting Kashmir
How to reach:
You can reach Kashmir by flight or by Bus. You can also hire a taxi to srinagar from Jammu Busstand at any time of the day.
Postpaid Sim is important!
If you are not from j&k then you need to have a postpaid network. The prepaid network doesn't work there for security reasons. Or you can buy the local prepaid sim card with your official id.
Explore and be safe!
Stick to the city and major tourist attractions. Do not go to isolated places or far fetched villages. And if you want to go to villages or isolated places take a local guide with you. He will help alot.
Maps are important!
Carry maps of the places you are going to visit. You can easily get lost in the valley and you don't wanna visit a place you didn't intend to visit. So carrying maps is helpful.
Do Carry an official ID!
You must Carry your Voter ID/ Passport/ Aadhar/Driving License. These things are important in Kashmir and keep them safe.
Read Travel warnings!
Before you to travel to kashmir you must read the current travel warnings about Kashmir. There are curfews sometimes in parts of Kashmir due to the protests so it might be difficult to get any form of transportation at such times and you might get stuck so you need to plan ahead.
All the above mentioned things are important and you need to follow each of them. So that your visit to Kashmir remains a memorable one filled with happy memories.
There are several beautiful places in Kashmir. You will find yourself in awe of the beauty this place has. You simply cannot cover the entire Kashmir in a single trip. So here is the list of the best places you can visit in Kashmir. This list will help you pick the places you would like to visit.
Best places to visit in Kashmir
There are many places you can visit in Kashmir and each place offers something different. Whether its Srinagar city or outskirts like Pahalgam or Gulmarg each place has a vibe of its own. Here is the list of places you can visit in Kashmir
Gulmarg
Gulmarg is a beautiful tourist destination situated in the valley of Kashmir and is famous for snow adventure sports all over the world. Gulmarg is known as one the best skiing destinations in India. Amazing snow-capped mountains, the greenery, lakes, and different varieties of flowers make Gulmarg one of the best places to visit in kashmir. Gulmarg is about 50 kms from Srinagar and is perfect for every type of tourist whether its some adventure lover or the tourist who is in search for peace.
Do visit these amazing places when you are in Gulmarg.
Gulmarg Gondola
Do not miss the Gulmarg Gondola when you’re in Gulmarg. At the height of approximately 13,000 ft. it is the world’s highest operating cable car. The breathing view it offers is worthit.
Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve
Visit the Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve if you are a fan of wildlife. Many wild animals like Leopard, Brown Bear, Black Bear and Red Fox are often seen in the reserve .
Shiva Temple
If you like to visit ancient temples then do visit the Shiva temple in Gulmarg. The temple is beautiful and peaceful. Many devotees visit this temple and is a must visit when you are in Gulmarg.
Saint Mary’s Church
Saint Mary's Church is another famous destination of Gulmarg. And rightly so , it is one of the most beautiful church I have ever came across. Made by the British, this church is peaceful and is situated on a very beautiful location. You will not regret visiting this Church
You can also enjoy Adventure Sports in Gulmarg
Gulmarg is most famous for its snow adventure sports. This place offers variety of sports like bungee jumping, paragliding, skiing etc. Many tourists from all over the world visit Gulmarg for adventure sports. So if you have an intrest in these games, this place is it for you.
Gulmarg Golf Course
Gulmarg Golf Course is a must visit for every golf lover Every year golfers across the globe visit this place to play golf. Do visit this place If you like to play golf and even if you don't play golf, visit this place for its pristine beauty.
Pahalgam
Pahalgam is located at a distance of about 95 km from Srinagar and is breathtaking in terms of scenery. The amazing pine forests and the snow clad mountains contribute in enhancing the beauty of Pahalgam. It also serves as the base camp during Amarnath Yatra. You can do various things like trekking, River rafting and shopping . You can get different Kashmiri products like Kashmiri shawl and carpets at a very low price.
You can visit these amazing places of pahalgam
Aru Valley
Aru Valley is located at a distance of about 12 kms from Pahalgam. The valley has breathtaking meadows, calmlakes & majestic mountains which makes it one of the favourite tourist destination. You can enjoy horse riding, skiing and various other things Aru valley.
Betaab valley
Betaab valley is another valley in pahalgam which is famous among tourists. It is about 15 kms from pahalgam and is famous for its amazing landscape. Betaab valley is famous for trekking. Many trekkers visit this valley to explore the nearby areas.
Tulian Lake and Sheshnaag Lake
Tulian Lake trek is located at a distance of about 16 kms from Pahalgam and is at the height of 3684 mtrs.
and Sheshnag Lake is located at about 23 kms from Pahalgam and has a height of 3590 mtrs
You can reach these lakes by trekking and many trekkers visit both the lakes every year. Tulian lake is famous for its shape which looks like 8. Sheshnaag lake is also famous because it lies in the route of famous Amaranth Yatra. If you like trekking then don't wait to witness these amazing wonders of nature.
Harbhagwan Lake Trek
The Harbhagwan lake trek is another beautiful trek which leads you to the mesmerising Harbhgwan Lake which is situated at the height of 4000 meters.The trek is very beautiful and its stunning landscapes makes it heaven for trekkers.
Mamleshwar Temple
This ancient temple is located at a distance of about a mile from Pahalgam. A site of pilgrimage for many devotees, this temple is a must visit if you are in search for peace.The temple is of Lord Shiva.
Sonamarg
Sonamarg is another mesmerising place set in the valley which is about 80 kms from Srinagar. It is located at the height of 2740 mtrs. Sonamarg is a heavenly place with Snow peaked mountains, Glaciers, Lakes and flower laden meadows. Sonamarg is famous for trekking and hiking.
Many tourists visit Sonamarg for trekking and hiking making it one of the most popular tourist attraction in Kashmir. Here are the best places you can visit in Sonamarg.
Zojila Pass
Zojila Pass is about 23 kms from Sonamarg and it lies on the way to Ladakh. It is a very high mountain pass which offers an adventurous time to travellers. It is very famous among tourists who come to witness the beautiful views it offers. It is about 9km in length and has a height of 11,500ft above the sea level. Quoted as one of the most enthralling passes in the world, Zojila is worth your time.
Thajiwas glacier
Thajiwas glacier is another famous tourist destination of Sonamarg. It is located at the height of 9,186 feet. Thajiwas Glacier is located at a distance of about 2.3 kms from Sonmarg, and is accessible by taking a 30 minutes hike. You can also hire ponies from Sonamarg. There are numerous pisturesque locations around the Glacier.
Visit different beautiful lakes in Sonamarg.
You can also trek to the beautiful lakes of Sonamarg. The name of these lakes are
Gangabal Lake
Gadsar Lake
Satsar Lake
Krishnasar Lake
You can trek to these lakes and each lake is worth visiting.
Nichinai Pass
Nichinai Pass is located at a distance of about 13 kms from Sonamarg and is situated at the height of 4139 m above sea level. Krishnasar and Vishansar lakes are situated around the pass and Many tourists make their base camps in the pass to visit these lakes.
Baltal valley
This majestic valley is one of the most beautiful places in Sonamarg and is situated on the sides of Sindh river. Many pilgrims of Amarnath yatra have their base camps in the valley. Because of its amazing landscape this valley is heavenly for nature lovers.
Srinagar
Srinagar is the biggest city and the most famous tourist attraction in Kashmir. This picturesque city is located on the banks of river Jehlum. Surrounded by snow capped mountains this city has everything which attracts a travel enthusiast.
The city has beautiful and famous lakes Like Dal Lake or historical structures, Mughal gardens, and many other beautiful places which are famous among tourists. There are many places you can see in Srinagar. Here is the list of best places you can visit in Srinagar.
Dal Lake
Dal lake is one the most famous tourist attraction in Srinagar. This Lake is also known as the “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir”. Dal Lake is also famous for its houseboats where many tourists stay and staying on a houseboat is truly one if a kind experience. The Lake also has beautiful Shikaras and floating market where you can buy different types of kashmiri products. Everything about this Lake is so magical that you will loose the track of time. You must visit this lake in Srinagar.
You can also visit an island called Char Chinar in the Dal Lake which is also breathtaking in terms of beauty. This island has 4 Chinar trees which are situated at each of the four corners of this island thus the name of the island is Char Chinar.
Shalimar bagh and Nishat bagh
Both these gardens are among the best places you can visit in Srinagar. Made by Mughals, these gardens are the prime example of extraordinary craftsmanship the Mughal horticulturists had. Both these gardens attract a huge number of tourists every year. Both the gardens are located near Dal Lake and the view of the Lake is amazing from these gardens.The roses and chinar trees of the gardens are famous. You can have long walks and gaze at the variety of flowers these symmetrical gardens have.
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| Shalimar bagh |
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| Shalimar bagh |
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| Shalimar bagh |
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| Shalimar bagh |
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| Nishat bagh |
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| Nishat bagh |
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| Nishat bagh |
Shankaracharya temple
Shankaracharya temple is situated on top of the Shankaracharya Hill on the Zabarwan Range in Srinagar. The height of this temple is 1,000 ft and it provides an aerial view of the city of Srinagar.
This Lord Shiva temple is a site of pilgrimage and many devotees come here to pay their respects. Many tourists have found this place extremely spiritual. You need to climb a few stairs to visit this temple but the trek is easy. This place is a must visit for every body.
Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden
Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is Asia's largest such garden. The garden has got dozens of varieties of tulips. The garden is spread across 30 acres with many varieties of flowers other than tulip. The best time to visit Tulip Garden in Kashmir is from March to May. Around this time the garden blooms and it is a sight to behold. You can also enjoy the tulip festival around that time which lasts for about 15 days.
Chashme Shahi
Chashme Shahi is another Mughal garden which a very popular tourist destination. A lot of tourists visit Chashme Shahi to see the mesmerising natural springs which has mineral content. Another highlight is the triple-terraced garden which has picturesque greenery and variety of flowers and is made of the Persian style architecture. The garden is situated at the foothills of Zabarwan Mountains in Srinagar.
There are many other beautiful places in Srinagar which you can visit. These places didn't get their place in the list but are worth visiting.
Here are the honorary mention of some places which you can visit in Srinagar.
Hari parbat
Hari Parbat is also known as Kooh-e-Maran lies on the west of Dal Lake in Srinagar
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| A view of Hari parbat fort! |
Makhdoom Sahib
Makhdoom Sahib is an Islamic shrine, located below the Mughal Fort, towards the south of Hari Parbat!
Nehru Botanical Garden
This garden is a good picnic spot for families Surrounded by majestic mountains, this garden is much bigger than Mughal gardens like Shalimar and Nishat. It has a great collection of flowers and it offers the boating facility too in a small lake.
Hazratbal Shrine
The Hazratbal Shrine is located on the left bank of the dal lake and is considered to be the holiest Muslim shrine in Kashmir. The architecture and location of the shrine is mesmerising.
Dachigam National Park
Dachigam is known as the most scenic park in Kashmir. This park is famous for the endangered Hangul and the Kashmir stag- the only species of red deer to be found in India. The park is located at a distance of 22 km from Srinagar.
Pari Mahal
Pari Mahal or The Angels’ Abode is a seven terraced garden made by the mughal emperor ShahJahan. This garden is located at the top of Zabarwan mountain range over-looking city of Srinagar and south-west of Dal Lake
Dastgeer Sahib
Dastgeer Sahib is a shrine located at the side of khanyar road. This is a 200 year old shrine and also has immense architectural value. It is entirely made out of wood.
Zero Bridge
Zero bridge is perfect for family and friends due to its breathtaking view and ambience. It crosses the Jhelum river connecting Sonwar in the north to Rajbagh in the South.
Pathar Mosque
This mesmerising mosque is built on the left bank of river jhelum.The speciality of the mosque is that stone has been used as the primary building material.
Jamia masjid
Jamia Masjid is a mosque situated at Nowhatta in the middle of the Old City, Srinagar. It is one of the prime tourist attractions of Srinagar. This spectacular mosque is famous for its beautiful construction.
Nigeen Lake
Nigeen Lake is a serene lake with clean waters and is located at a distance of about 6 kms from Dal Lake. Some tourists find this lake much much better than Dal lake. Less rush of tourists gives you a very peaceful experience. The calm waters with reflections of the lush green mountains is incredible.
