Places to Visit in Kashmir valley is known for its glorifying beauty, soothing environment and mountains all over the world. Kashmir is called “the heaven on earth”, Mughal emperor Jahangir once said about Kashmir: “Agar firdous ba roy-i-zamin ast, hamin ast-u Hamin ast-u hamin”, meaning, “If there is paradise on earth, it is here, it is here”. It is one of the regions in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir are world-famous for its stunning natural beauty, moderate climate, mountain ranges, lovely gardens, ancient temples and mosques and rich cultural heritage.
Both these regions are so beautiful that every year thousands and lakhs of tourists from all over the world visited here to explore its natural beauty and to get the glimpse of the sterile environment. Being the resident of Kashmir valley, I frequently give a visit to trendy places in Kashmir. So I would like to introduce you all the heaven on earth that is “KASHMIR”.
It is a valley between Great Himalayan range and Pir Panjal mountain range; it has got an absolute natural beauty, a scenery that isn’t hidden from anyone, a full packet of water showers, streams and lakes that have got purest of water in them, mountain ranges that touch the sky and has snow blanket all over them, people who are loving, caring and honest with an all-time smile on their faces whatever the situation might be and many more things that make Kashmir valley a place of attraction Places to Visit in Kashmir.
Gulmarg
Gulmarg is a town nestled in the Pir Panjal range of the Western Himalayas at an altitude of 8,690 feet above sea level. Literally translated as ‘Meadow of Flowers’ it is encased by glimmering snow peaked alps, verdant green pastures, colorful meadows, deep valleys and pine covered slopes.
A picturesque beauty, it is known for its ski resort which was established in 1927, the Gulmarg Gondola – Asia’s second longest cable car ride and the highest golf course in the world at an elevated altitude of 2,650 meters. Gulmarg is an absolute delight for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Called the ‘heartland of winter sports’, it offers a plethora of activities such as skiing, snowboarding, horse riding, heli-skiing, snow scooter, tobogganing, etc. Places to Visit in Kashmir and sightseeing options. The best season to visit Gulmarg is from October to June as it is the perfect destination especially during winters when the snow capped landscape transforms into the premier destination for winter sports in India.
Best time to visit Gulmarg :- April to October is the peak time to visit Gulmarg and between this time hotels are costlier .and if you are a snow lover then must visit in December to March when hotels price is cheaper because its consider as line season.
Things to do in Gulmarg :- Skiing, Gondola Ride, Trekking,Golfing,Bird Watching,Photography,Pony Ride,Outer Circle Walk,Fishing, etc.
How to reach Gulmarg :- By flight, you will arrive in Srinagar from all the major cities of India, and from here it’sjust (49 kms/02 hrs) to reach Gulmarg.
Sonmarg
Sonamarg, which means ‘meadow of gold’ has, as its backdrop, snowy mountains against a cerulean sky. The Sindh meanders along here and abounds with trout and mahseer, snow trout can be caught in the main river. In late April when Sonamarg is open for road transport, the visitors can have access to snow which is furnished all over like a white carpet. Private vehicles are not allowed. Visitors have to hire taxi and it is controlled by taxi mafia. Ponies can be hired for the trip up to Thajiwas glacier a major attraction during the summer months.
The climate of Sonamarg is very bracing; but the rainfall is frequent though not heavy, except for two or three days at a time in July and August with fine spell in between. From Sonamarg, trekking routes lead to the Himalayan lakes of Vishansar Lake, Krishansar Lake, Gangabal Lake and Gadsar Lake, stocked with Snowtrout and Brown trout and Satsar, glacier-fed and surrounded by banks of alpine flowers Places to Visit in Kashmir.
A close by excursion is to Baltal, 15 km east of Sonamarg. This little valley lies at the foot of the Zojila, only a day’s journey away from the sacred cave of Amarnath is a base camp for Amarnath yatra. Trekkers can also reach the starkly splendid roof-top of the world Leh, by crossing over the Zoji La pass.
Best time to visit Sonamarg :- You must visit between April to October if you are a nature lover and which is also the peak time to visit Sonamarg and between this time hotels are costlier .and if you are a snow lover then must visit in December to March when hotels price is cheaper because its consider as line season.
Things to do in Sonamarg :- Hiking, Rafting, trekking, fishing, nature camping, etc.
Pahalgam
Pahalgam, also known as the “Valley of Shepherds”, located in the Anantnag District of Kashmir, is a nature lovers retreat, which makes us believe that paradise is not always far. Sitting on the banks of the foaming and gurgling Lidder River, this famous tourist place in Kashmir mesmerizes visitors with its lush meadows, verdant forests, sky-kissing mountains, apple orchards, and very peaceful environment.
It is counted among the top tourist destinations of Places to Visit in Kashmir because there are opportunities for camping, sightseeing, trekking, pilgrimage yatra, white water rafting and fishing.
A family holiday to Pahalgam is very exciting and you can do a lot of things to make your vacation a fun filled one. You can spend time by the bank of the Lidder River & enjoy the blissful company of Mother Nature. Other places where you can see the awe inspiring beauty of Pahalgam are Aru & Betaab valleys along with Bainsaran, which are dotted with meadows, lakes & streams.
Pahalgam is also popular as a spiritual destination for being the starting point of the Amarnath Yatra, which is undertaken by Hindu pilgrims during the months of June & August, and begins at a town called Chandanwari, located almost 16 kilometers from it.
For adventure enthusiasts, Pahalgam is a haven as they can enjoy camping at Tarsar Lake, Lidderwat, Kolahoi Glacier & Panchtarni. An ultimate adrenaline rush awaits you with white water rafting at Lidder River, which is also famous for a fun filled activity like trout fishing.
Best time to visit Pahalgam :- You must visit between April to October if you are a nature lover and which is also the peak time to visit Pahalgam and between this time hotels are costlier .and if you are a snow lover then must visit in December to March when hotels price is cheaper because its consider as line season Places to Visit in Kashmir.
Things to do in Pahalgam :- River rafting, Fishing , Trekking,Golfing,Bird Watching,Photography,Outer Circle Walk, etc.
How to reach Pahalgam :- you will arrive in Srinagar which is connected by all the major cities of India and from here it’s just (90 kms/03hrs) to reach Pahalgam.
Srinagar
Srinagar is the most beautiful and delightful place in Kashmir which is Indian territory and well known as “Paradise on Earth”.its beautifulness is spreading all the part of the city which can be Dal lake with colorful Shikararas,picturesque view of the mountain, most spectacular Mughal-age gardens such as NishatBagh, Shalimar Bagh, and Chashm-E-Shahi Garden, Kashmiri Saal, etc.
Kashmir is also very famous for its cuisine all over the world, when you are in Srinagar -,Capital city of Jammu and Places to Visit in Kashmir, you can try to have the local delicious dishes which are rich unique local fragrant spices. Srinagar is also a wonderful city for shopping like local fragrant spices, world-famous apples, the dried fruits, etc.
Best time to visit Srinagar :- April to October and if you are a snow lover then must visit in December to February.
Things to do in Srinagar :- Overnight stay in House Boat, Shikara ride in Dal lake, visit beautiful gardens and shopping
How to reach Srinagar :- By flight from most of the big cities of India.
Vaishno Devi
People from all over the world visit the holy shrine to wish for their heart’s desire and it is believed that, the wish always gets fulfilled if the devotees pray with a pure heart. Vaishno Devi is situated at a height of 5200ft above sea level and the temple is devoted to the Goddess Mahalakshmi.
To reach the temple, one has to trek for 12km which starts from the base camp, Katra and it is an experience of a lifetime. Although are other options like a helicopter, Porter, Palanquin, and Pony services to reach the shrine. But we recommend trekking up. With your fellow trekkers chanting “Jai Mata Di – Jai Mata Di”, your spirits will remain high and we assure you won’t regret it.
After the successful darshan (visit), take a day off to rest and the next day heads out to explore the beautiful town of Katra such as strolling around the Mall road and buying souvenirs to take back home Places to Visit in Kashmir.
Patnitop
The landscapes of Panitop are covered with pastoral land in summers and full of snow in winters. Tourists, who come from out of the station just to spend some time of quietness, and to refresh themselves, might like to spend some time in Panitop.This is a tourist place near Vaishno Devi Jammu.
Highlights of the Tour: Snowy mountains during winters is the highlight of the place, it can be described as though a white carpet has been laid all over Places to Visit in Kashmir
Things to Do: Paragliding in summers and skiing is winters are common. This is must do for all the adventure lovers.
Best Time to Visit: December to March given snow time
Peak Season: Summers is peak season here
Nearest City: Jammu is the nearest city, 110 km away from Panitop
How to Reach: Local bus or taxi can be taken from Jammu kashmir tourist places. This can take three to four hours journey. One can also fly to Jammu and take a taxi
Languages Spoken: Urdu, Hindi,and Kashmiri
Ideal Duration: Two to three days would be ideally sufficient to visit the places here. The main thing here is to experience the place.