Kashmir is often described as heaven on earth, with its alpine peaks and snow-clad ranges. Whether you’re planning a trekking adventure, a solo journey, or a leisurely family vacation, Kashmir offers a complete experience. Its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant valleys of flowers, serene lakes, and incredible trekking trails mean that there’s something for everyone.
Looking to explore Kashmir on your next trip? Here’s a comprehensive list of must-visit places and a suggested itinerary to make the most of your visit.
1. Pahalgam
Surrounded by Lidder Lake and Betaab Valley, Pahalgam is the place you visit to experience clear water rivers and exhilarating deep valleys. This place is famous for river rafting at Lidder Lake, golfing and shopping for traditional Kashmiri items.
Personal Review: Don’t take a horse ride to Aru Valley. Instead, go to the taxi stand and rent a taxi for both Aru Valley and Betaab Valley. It is cheaper and easier to reach these two valleys by taxi. Most local guides will encourage you to take the horse ride, but it’s best to avoid them. The taxi stand is opposite the horse stand. However, you may consider taking a horse ride only for “Mini Switzerland.”
Must watch following video-
: https://www.facebook.com/haider.robs/videos/762315145472811/
How to reach: You can take a Taxi from Jammu which is about 236 kilometers. It is better to have a group of 06 people. Here most of the taxi’s seat capacity is 06 to 07 people. Taxi is comfort than tourist bus.
Must watch my personal video regarding natural beauty of Bettab Valley-
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1390320548477004
Must Do: Visit Mini Switzerland on ponies
Best time to visit: February to May.
2. Srinagar:
The capital of J&K, Srinagar is one of the most beautiful places in Kashmir. Take a shikara ride on the peaceful Dal Lake, view the city from the top of Shankaracharya Temple and stay in the iconic house boats on your next trip. You’ll definitely fall in love with Kashmir!
Personal Review: Visit Lal Chowk for shopping; it is the most affordable market in Kashmir for art items and dry fruits. It’s best to avoid other shopping areas for these items. If you’re looking for Pashmina shawls, Srinagar is the top choice for both quality and price.
How to reach: To reach Srinagar you need to hire a taxi from Pahalgam. Those who are started the journey from Jammu, one could take a train to either Jammu Tavi or Udhampur Railway Station. From there you can take a taxi or a bus to this beautiful place.
Must Do: Stay in a Houseboat.
Popular Attractions of Srinagar
Dal Lake, Tulip garden, Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh
Best time to visit: April to October. It is advisable not to visit during extreme winters (December & January) due to heavy snowfall the roads might get blocked
3. Gulmarg
Gulmarg is the snow paradise of Kashmir. This skier’s paradise is popular for having one of world’s highest and largest ropeways with an aerial distance of approx. 5kms. The view from top of the mountains at 3979 metres above sea level is bewildering. Snow falls are regular even during summer, giving every tourist a fair chance to enjoy the fall!
Personal Review:
The Gondola Ride is Asia’s largest and highest cable car system, and the second largest and highest in the world. Many visitors miss out on this experience due to the limited availability of tickets and the difficulty of booking them in advance. However, there’s a way to enjoy the attractions of Phase 02 even without a Gondola ticket.
Simply go to the starting point of the Gondola Ride (Phase 01) and inquire with local guides or police about a horse ride to reach Phase 02. The horse ride takes approximately 1.5 hours and offers a scenic journey through hill tracks. Once you reach Phase 02, you can enjoy various activities, such as skiing and other winter sports, and experience snowfall even in April and May.
Must Watch following video which will help you lot to get the Gondola Phase 02 without ticket.
Popular Attractions of Gulmarg:
Gulmarg gondola ride, skiing, Gulmarg gulf course
Best time to visit: October to March.
4. Sonamarg:
Sonamarg is a popular tourist destination in Kashmir. Its green meadows, scenic beauty, lovely streams, gushing rivers, glaciers, and majestic mountains will surely adorn your Kashmir holidays
Personal Review: Must Watch my personal video, which will help you lot.
https://www.facebook.com/haider.robs/videos/2255827841471959
Popular Attractions of Sonamarg:
Thajiwas Glacier, Zoji La Pass
Must watch following video of snowfall in Sonamarg on May, 2023
https://www.facebook.com/reel/177374231927393
Best time to visit: April to June.
5. Gurez Valley:
Gurez Valley is a destination with indescribable grandeur. It is an offbeat tourist attraction of Kashmir where Natural beauty and serenity are served in plenty. It is a perfect place to just rejuvenate your body and mind! Its charm is different from the rest of Kashmir
Popular Attractions of Gurez Valley:
Kishanganga River, Wular Lake, Razdan Pass, Habba Khatoon Peak
Gurez Travel Tips:
April to October is the best time to visit Gurez Valley as the weather remains cold yet pleasant. It is not accessible by road during January and February as it remains covered in snow and the temperature drops up to -10 degrees Celsius. The nearest airport is the Srinagar International Airport which is 133 km.
6. Yusmarg:
Yusmarg is a beautiful lush green valley located at an altitude of 7861 feet in Budgam district of Kashmir. Known as the ‘Meadow of Jesus’, this valley is believed to be the place where Jesus once lived. Its gorgeous grassy pastures sprawl across acres of land, and the marvellous landscape beauty makes it look like a place straight out of a fairy tale land. A pony ride for exploring the valley would add fun to your expedition
Popular Attractions of Yusmarg:
Doodh Ganga, Tosa Maidan, Nilnag Lake
Best time to visit: April to June, September & October