Best Places to Visit in Kashmir

13 Best Places to Visit in Kashmir for a Memorable Trip

 

If you're dreaming of a destination that offers a perfect blend of breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and unforgettable experiences, Kashmir should be at the top of your list. 

 

Known as the "Paradise on Earth," this region offers a lot including serene lakes, lush gardens, beautiful meadows, and rich traditions. Read the blog to discover the best places to visit in Kashmir. These places will give you a perfect opportunity to explore the best of the region, ensuring you capture the essence of this stunning location.

 

CONTENTS:

 

Here’s the list of the best places to visit in Kashmir on your next vacation..

 

1. Srinagar – The Heart of Kashmir

2. Gulmarg – The Meadow of Flowers

3. Pahalgam – The Shepherd’s Village

4. Sonamarg – The Meadow of Gold

5. Kupwara – The Crown of Kashmir

6. Anantnag – A Blend of Springs and Religion

7. Shopian – The Apple Town of Kashmir

8. Jama Masjid – A Historical Marvel

9. Dachigam National Park – Home to Himalayan Biodiversity

10. Aru Valley – Dotted With Breathtaking Meadows

11. Pulwama – The Rice Bowl of Kashmir

12. Doda – The Mini Kashmir

13. Baramulla – Historic Tranquility

Ready to Explore the Best of Kashmir?

 

1. Srinagar – The Heart of Kashmir

 

Start your adventure in Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, which definitely tops the list of the best places to visit in the Kashmir valley. The city is famous for its beautiful lakes, lush gardens, and fascinating houseboats. There are plenty of things to do in Srinagar. Visit the iconic Dal Lake, take a ride on its traditional Shikaras (wooden boats), and explore the floating gardens.

 

Be sure to visit popular gardens in Srinagar including Nishat Garden, Tulip Garden, and Shalimar Garden—these well-known tourist places in Jammu and Kashmir are alive with vibrant flowers and pleasant ambiance. Srinagar is also known for its vibrant shopping scene, where you can pick up Kashmiri handicrafts and dried fruits. Hop to the bustling Lal Chowk bazaar to pick up some local crafts.

 

2. Gulmarg – The Meadow of Flowers

 

The name Gulmarg literally means ‘meadow of flowers,’ and the town lives up to its name. It boasts lush greenery and flower-filled meadows in the summer and transforms into a pristine snowy paradise in the winter. It's a haven for skiers and snowboarders. Be sure to ride the Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest cable cars in the world, for breathtaking views of the Himalayas. 

 

You can also enjoy horseback riding and explore the beautiful "Strawberry Valley," "Leopards Valley," and ride up to "Kongdori" to see the frozen "Al-Pathar" lake. In winter, Gulmarg is still one of the best places to visit in Kashmir, as the whole region turns into a frozen wonderland. If you are into adventure, trek to the stunning Apharwat Peak, a breathtaking summit in Gulmarg that stands at an elevation of 4200 meters, covered in snowy white.

 

3. Pahalgam – The Shepherd’s Village

 

Pahalgam is another beautiful attraction in Kashmir, filled with lush green meadows and serene lakes. If you love nature, this picturesque town is perfect for you. Make sure to visit Betaab Valley, famous for its crystal-clear waters, coniferous forests, and landscapes straight out of a movie. The beauty of the valley feels like it's from another world. 

 

Pahalgam is also great for adventure activities. You can enjoy horse riding and rafting, or just relax with a peaceful riverside picnic. Nestled along the banks of the Liddar River, Pahalgam is one of the best places to visit in Kashmir for honeymooners.

 

4. Sonamarg – The Meadow of Gold

 

Sonamarg, with its golden meadow, is another well-known destination in Kashmir. It’s the gateway to beautiful Ladakh and offers stunning views of the Himalayas.

 

If you're up for adventurous things to do in Kashmir, Sonamarg is the perfect place to start. Because of its strategic location, it serves as a starting point for many hikes to the surrounding peaks, glaciers, and streams. It’s a great spot for trekking, especially to the Thajiwas Glacier, where snow stays even in summer.

 

5. Kupwara – The Crown of Kashmir

 

If you're looking for unique places to visit in Kashmir, Kupwara is the place to be. This hidden gem offers lush meadows, dense forests, and snowy peaks in the background. It’s less crowded but guarantees an authentic experience of Kashmir's natural beauty. There are many things to do in Kupwara. You can capture some stunning photos at Sadhna Pass View Point amidst beautiful scenery. 

 

You can even spend quality time in Lobab Valley, known for its lush green forests and pastures. Or explore Bungus Valley, dotted with green meadows and low-lying mountains covered with dense coniferous forests and a stream flowing through them. A day in Kupwara will take you into a world of natural beauty and excitement that you'll remember for a long time.

 

6. Anantnag – A Blend of Springs and Religion

 

You might have heard of Anantnag for its sacred sites. This spiritual hub is home to the Martand Sun Temple, Ziarat Baba Hyder Reshi Shrine, and the famous Amarnath Temple. 

 

But there's another side to this popular place in Kashmir. It's also a picturesque attraction known for its beautiful scenery and sultry springs. Here you’ll witness the breathtaking natural beauty adorned with lofty mountains, snowy peaks, and sweet streams of freshwater. 

 

ALSO READ: Things to do in Sikkim with friends

 

7. Shopian – The Apple Town of Kashmir

 

Shopian, known as the apple town of Kashmir, offers a delightful experience, especially during the harvest season. The town in the southern Kashmir Valley is surrounded by beautiful apple orchards that truly come to life in spring with stunning pink and white blossoms. 

 

Here, you can walk through these orchards and breathe in the sweet scent of apples—it's truly magical! And when apple season arrives from August to October, the whole place buzzes with energy. But there's more to Shopian than just apples. It's a gateway to some truly picturesque spots like the Aharbal Waterfall and the historic Mughal Road. A day here will leave you enthralled. Don't forget to buy apples to bring back home and gift to your loved ones.

 

8. Jama Masjid – A Historical Marvel

 

Although located in Srinagar, Jama Masjid needs a special mention. This isn't just any mosque—it's a massive piece of history and architecture that'll leave you in awe. Built-in 1400, it's one of the most popular historical places to visit in Kashmir. 

 

Jama Masjid in Kashmir is especially known for its beautiful construction. A unique feature of this monument is that it has spires instead of domes and minarets. This Indo-Saracen architecture is designed with 370 wooden pillars and a splendid courtyard.

 

9. Dachigam National Park – Home to Himalayan Biodiversity

 

Located on the east side of Dal Lake, Dachigam National Park is a popular tourist spot in Jammu and Kashmir for wildlife enthusiasts. Its lush greenery and sounds of birds, along with encounters with animals, make it perfect to spend your day with family or friends. It is home to the elusive Himalayan Brown bear, grey langur, and diverse Himalayan avian species. 

 

Plus, it is the only place where you can spot the rare Kashmir stag. You can also encounter diverse flora of the Himalayas including wild cherry, pear, plum, apricot, chestnut, walnut, oak, pine, and more. Trek through pristine forests and meadows, soaking in the natural splendor and capturing moments on your camera.

 

10. Aru Valley – Dotted With Breathtaking Meadows

 

Escape to the tranquil Aru Valley, a quaint village and one of the most beautiful villages in Kashmir. Its lush meadows and snow-capped peaks make it into a picture-perfect landscape straight out of a fairy tale. Take leisurely walks along the meandering paths, enjoy a picnic by the sparkling streams, or indulge in exhilarating hikes to explore the surrounding hills. 

 

The valley's serene ambiance and scenic beauty make it a must-visit destination in Kashmir. The village also serves as a base camp for trekkers to the Kolahoi Glacier, the Tarsar-Marsar lakes, and the Katrinag valley, making it the perfect place for adventurous things to do in Kashmir. Explore scenic trails, indulge in camping, or simply immerse yourself in the serene ambiance of this hidden gem.

 

ALSO READ: Adventure activities in Meghalaya

 

11. Pulwama – The Rice Bowl of Kashmir

 

You might have heard about Pulwama in the news, but did you know it's known for many things? Its pleasant climate, streams, waterfalls, fragrant flowers, delicious fruits, numerous springs, and other natural scenery make it a charming destination. 

 

Pulwama is filled with attractions waiting to be discovered. It's also known as the 'Anand of Kashmir' thanks to its high milk production and is famous for its abundant rice fields. It’s also known for high rice production. Visit Pulwama to experience its aromatic saffron fields, historic shrines, and peaceful lakes. It's a wonderful place to learn about Kashmiri culture and agricultural practices.

 

12. Doda – The Mini Kashmir

 

Are you a fan of Rajma Chawal? Visit Doda - known for organically grown Rajma. But that's not all. Doda boasts splendid scenic beauty and dense pine forests. Explore Doda to experience its diverse topography and rich wildlife.

 

Doda also boasts the famous Bhaderwah Valley, often referred to as “Mini Kashmir.” Its jaw-dropping scenes are worth your admiration, and dense deodar forests are the perfect place to spend your days in summer. You can also visit ancient temples and stop by roadside chai shops for a refreshing cup of tea.

 

13. Baramulla – Historic Tranquility

 

Finally, visit Baramulla, a town rich in history and surrounded by natural beauty. Nestled on the banks of the Jhelum River, Baramulla offers a perfect blend of historical landmarks and breathtaking landscapes. It's a place where you can wander through ancient ruins and feel the stories of the past around you. Don't miss the old wooden bridge that offers stunning river views, especially at sunset. 

 

Baramulla is less crowded than other tourist spots in Kashmir, giving you a peaceful retreat where you can truly soak in the serenity and charm of this incredible region. Baramulla is also home to Uri, a small town. Here, you can also visit the Ancient Pandave Mandir.

 

ALSO READ: Offbeat places to visit in Sikkim

 

Ready to Explore the Best of Kashmir?

 

Kashmir is waiting with its unique places to visit, abundant things to do, and countless memories to make. All the popular tourist attractions in Kashmir hold a special charm. Whether you’re an adventure freak, or just someone looking to relax amid nature, Kashmir has something for you.

So why wait? Book your Kashmir tour package today and get ready to witness the beauty of one of the most mesmerizing tourist places in Jammu and Kashmir. Let’s make your travel dreams come true in heaven on earth!