Miraculous Kashmir is surrounded by mountains on all sides and is known for its stunning beauty. With views of snow-capped peaks, dazzling flower fields, sparkling lakes and impeccable quaint hamlets, Kashmir’s serene charm will captivate everyone.
While Srinagar with its beautiful lakes and gardens may be Kashmir’s most popular tourist attraction, you can always quickly visit the golden meadows of Sonamarg or Pahalgama, a striking green valley. Gulmarg with its variety of adventure sports is another popular mountain station here, while the Zanskar high trail serves as a great summer destination. Here are the five best places to visit in Kashmir
Gulmarg
Located in the heart of the Pir Panjal ridge, Gulmarg impresses with its beauty and serenity. The cup-shaped valley has been covered with a thick blanket of snow for years, its white areas dotted with dense forests and small lakes. Although quiet, Gulmarg can be quite a challenging destination. For example, it is considered one of the best ski resorts in the country. Snowboarding, skiing and trekking are some of the other sports to try here. In addition, a scenic gondola ride, believed to be the highest in Asia, along the snow-capped mountains here offers stunning views of the summit. If you’re not into adventure sports, you can spend time in Gulmarg exploring the many attractions such as Hilanmarg, Tanmarg and Ferosepur Nala. The mountain station is also home to the highest golf course in the country, which is one of the best places to visit in Kashmir.
Zanskar
A name familiar to travelers, Zanskar, though undisturbed, is one of Kashmir’s most unique places. Home to a large number of Tibetan Buddhists, the slow life in Zanskar revolves around Buddhist monasteries. Zonghul, on the Padum Kitzwar hiking trail, is home to an ornate cave monastery and is one of the biggest attractions here. The second biggest attraction here, Stongdey Monastery is another tourist favorite. The Zanskar River, which flows through the mountain station, is one of the fastest gorges in the country, and white water rafting is a popular, albeit challenging, activity here. The mountain station is also home to the Drang-Drang glacier, which is one of the largest in the country and offers opportunities for paragliding. Due to its elevation, however, Zanskar remains inaccessible in the winter months and can only be visited between April and August.
Pahalgam
If you are searching best places to visit in Kashmir then visit Pahalgam. Located at the confluence of the Leader River and Sheshnag Lake, Pahalgama has the rustic charm of an unspoiled hill station. Pahalgama, once a village of shepherds, still bears the title “Valley of the Shepherds”. Indeed, in Pahalgam one is greeted with vast open green fields filled with cattle. Two of the most popular tourist destinations here are the Aru and Betaab valleys, which are full of stunning green peaks and lazy rivers. Baisaran Meadow near Pahalgam is full of fun games and sports and is a popular destination for tourists in Pahalgam. Chandanwari is also a great place for a snow picnic by the Lidder. The hill station also serves as a base camp for the famous Amarnath Yatra Trek and is full of travelers and pilgrims during ShivRatri.
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Srinagar
Spread across the banks of the Jellum River, this summer capital is one of the most sought-after features in the Kashmir package. Against the backdrop of the mighty Himalayas, Srinagar’s natural beauty is incomparable. The mountain station is commonly referred to as a lake town and home to the famous Dahlsee, nestled among snow-capped peaks. While the floating market on the lake is the biggest attraction, you can also visit Dahl to enjoy a canyon walk over the sparkling water. Srinagar’s Mughal Gardens are one of its best assets – five in total, it has a fantastic architectural design and lush lawns. Among other things, Srinagar is known for its supply of handicrafts in Kashmir. The local market at the mountain station continues to be filled with an amazing selection of scarves, bed sheets, rugs, wooden souvenirs and other locally made items.
Sonamarg
The name literally means “Golden Meadow”, Sonamarg is known for its postcard-like beauty. At Sonamarg, some of the highest peaks in the world line up and offer a beautiful backdrop for the mountain station. The Sind River cuts through the city center and is one of the main attractions. While picnicking is a popular pastime in Sindh, you can also take a pony ride to the nearby Tajivas Glacier. Next to Sonamarg is the famous Zoji La Pass, one of the most dangerous mountain trails in the world and very popular with bikers and adventure seekers in Sonamarg. Nothing in the world looks prettier than snow-covered places to visit in Kashmir.
