Top 10 Places to Visit in Kashmir
Overview
Kashmir is considered one of the most beautiful Indian destinations. Its expansive grasslands, pristine lakes, snowy glaciers, and stunning orchards make it a paradise whose beauty cannot be expressed in words.
It is one of the most beautiful Indian destinations, with many places to visit for memorable princes. The feel and magic of the Kashmir valley make you feel like you are out of the world and offer you peace. If you are planning your trip, you must take advantage of the list of the best places to visit in Kashmir, as each of the places listed below provides you with ultimate and unique experiences.
The place is best for all weathers. If you are a honeymoon couple, a solo traveler or a family person, you must visit Kashmir to enjoy and explore its beauty, romance, magic and adventure. For honeymoon you can check our Kashmir honeymoon packages.
Popular Kashmir Tours
7D/ 6N
6D/ 5N
5D/ 4N
7D/ 6N
01. Dal Lake
Dal Lake is counted among the top 10 places to visit in Kashmir and is the most picturesque lake in Kashmir Valley. It is said to be the jewel in the crown of Kashmir owing to its beauty and serenity. Here tourists come to enjoy the shikara ride and houseboat stays to make your trip memorable. It is one of the must-visit places ideal for honeymooners, solo travelers and family vacationers. The lake covers a vast area, including floating gardens that blossom with Lotus flowers. People can enjoy Dal Lake the most in summer through boating, fishing, and swimming, and in winter, it is in the frozen lake, where skiing and skating are common.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Dal Lake is between March and November. During winter, the lake is frozen, and it’s truly enchanting. However, it’s much colder during these months, and many facilities are also limited. Irrespective of the season or months, the beauty of Dal Lake is magical in itself, which makes it a must-visit destination.
Things to do: Exploring the natural beauty and adventure of Dal Lake is great in itself. Must-do things include shikara rides and houseboat stays. Also, many mini-markets in Dal Lake offer an aesthetic look. Char Chinar is a beautiful island in the middle of Dal Lake and is one of the best spots to visit. Also, explore the day ng market, as it sells several items like saffron and handicrafts.
02. Aru Valley
Aru Valley is amongst the top tourist attractions near Pahalgam and is a mesmerising valley to experience the calmness and serenity of nature. The valley has tall standing mountains, pine and cedar forests, colourful flowers, lush meadows, and pristine lakes, which make it the perfect Kashmir destination that should be on your bucket list. The valley is home to many glaciers and is also the base camp for trekking, making it every trekker’s paradise. The place is also popular among wildlife seekers as it has a range of rare and endangered species like red foxes and snow leopards.
Best time to visit: Aru Valley offers many memorable experiences depending on the season. The best time to visit the place is from May to October, as the place has clear skies and pleasant weather. Tourists can enjoy the real beauty of the place, all covered with colourful flowers, verdant meadows and the soft chirping of birds. The valley is also a starting point for treks and the Sonamarg and Kolahoi glaciers. It is among the top 10 best places to visit in Kashmir For photographers, nature lovers, and peace seekers. If you wish to enjoy thrilling snow activities, visit Aru Valley in the winter months.
Things to do: There are many things to do, including camping, hiking, Camping, Photography, Horse Riding and Trekking. You can also
- Enjoy a picnic
- Skiing & Heli skiing.
- Fishing in the Aru River
- Sightseeing.
- Green top hike
- Base camp hike
- Book Multi Days Trek.
03. Baisaran Valley
It is among the top 10 places to visit in Kashmir, also known as the Switzerland of India. The place is in Pahalgam and has huge charming meadows, all surrounded by wooden pine forests and snow-covered mountains. The place is the best and most preferred campground for trekkers. It serves as a camping region for hikers heading to Tulian Lake. The peaceful valley ambience attracts many tourists who want to enjoy leisure walks, picnics, and meditation. Along their way to Baisaran, many well-known tourist attractions exist, including Kanimarg, Pahalgam Old Village, Kashmir Valley Point, Dabyan, and Deon Valley Point. The best way to reach the valley is through pony rides that depart from Pahalgam. You can also enjoy a 60-minute climb.
Best time to visit: The valley is known for its beautiful lakes and stunning mountain scenery. Tourists take part in kayaking and paragliding during their visit to Biasaram for an unforgettable experience. The best months to enjoy the beauty of Baisan are January to March, especially if you wish to enjoy snow, but road access may be restricted. If you want to vacation in good weather, visit the place during April and May.
Things to do: Baisaran offers many exciting things to do for outdoor enthusiasts so that they can enjoy exploring and unwind as well. It is a well-preserved paradise, and its untouched natural beauty adds much more to its natural beauty. The place is best for adventure enthusiasts and attracts many tourists and thrill seekers. The valley is best for :
- Horse rides
- Pony ride
- Ziplining
- Zorbing
- Camping
- Bird watching
- Picnic
04. Thajiwas Glacier
Thajiwas Glacier, a place near Sonamarg in Kashmir, is known for its magnificent beauty, all surrounded by conifer trees. Frozen lakes and meadows are among the most beautiful places to explore for a memorable vacation. The place attracts tourists yearly to enjoy its breathtaking sights, sledging rides and snow activities. Also, you can book a short hike to many waterfalls here. The place is popular for its mesmerising view of lush green meadows and surrounding mountains and offers the beauty of ice and snow. It is for all who wish to witness the real glacier very closely.
Best time to visit: If you wish to visit Thajiwas Glacier, visit during the months of April to October to enjoy the pleasant and cool climate and many amazing activities. If you dream of enjoying snow and snow activities like skiing, ice skating, and sledging on frozen glaciers, visit the place during the winter months. You will witness the sights of hotels and pine trees fully covered with snow, which is mesmerising.
Things to do: It is a hidden gem of Kashmir with natural beauty and is also home to a diverse variety of flora and fauna, as tourists can witness rare and endangered species here. You can enjoy many things at Thajiwas Glacier, one of the top 10 places to visit in Kashmir.
- Hiking and trekking
- Sledging
- Building snowmen & snow castles and many other winter activities
- Photography to capture the unique beauty of the frozen lake and glaciers.
- Have a picnic
- Enjoy camping
05. Gondola Both Phases
During your trip to Kashmir, the must-do thing that you should not miss is the Gulmarg Gondola ride. This ride in the highest cable car globally offers amazing, breathtaking views to tourists. This two-phase ride provides an exclusive perspective of beautiful landscapes; the first phase will take you from Gulmarg to the Kongdoori station and offers panoramic views of the lush meadows. The second phase of the ride takes you from Kongdoori to Apharwat Peak and offers an exhilarating experience, offering a bird’s eye view of snow-covered peaks. This place is popular among adventure lovers and those who want to enjoy it at high altitudes. The best attraction of the phase two Gondola ride is Alpather Lake.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit is March to May and September to December to enjoy two two-phase gondola rides. However, if you wish to enjoy skiing and snowboarding, it is best to visit in winter. Depending upon the time you visit, the place will offer unique experiences and spectacular views during your ride.
Things to do: Tourists can enjoy the best things to do during the Gondola ride as the place is known for the best tourist activities in Gulmarg.
- Enjoy panoramic views of valleys, mountains and landscapes
- Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and snow scooters
- Take beautiful photographs
- Enjoy warm coffee or tea while exploring the views
06. Gurez Valley
Gurez Valley is among the top 10 places to visit in Kashmir. It is very beautiful and attracts many tourists with its natural beauty and allure. The valley is known for its breathtaking landscapes, towering peaks, vibrant meadows, deep gorges, and the clear water of River Kishanganga. There are several attractions in Gurez Valley, including Razdaan Pass, Tulail Valley, lake and Dawar. The place is popular for its trekking trails and offers many adventure enthusiasts a chance to explore the rugged terrain. The place is home to diverse wildlife, making it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts.
Best time to visit: The place offers undue experiences any time you visit. However, the best months to visit are from April to September as during these months, the weather is quite pleasant and soothing. It has ideal climate conditions to explore, take pictures, and indulge in adventure activities.
Things to do: There are many amazing things to do in Gurez Valley as the place celebrates many festivals and events throughout the year. The experience you get will depend upon the time you visit this place. If you plan a trip in July or August, you can enjoy the Gurez Valley trek during these months; other things to enjoy are :
- Gurez festival
- Camping
- Trekking
07. Doodhpathri
Doodhpathri is considered the lesser-known destination of Kashmir, with immense beauty and plenty of peace. The place is also known as the Valley of Milk owing to its milky meadows and offers many unusual and unique experiences. Tourists must take a stroll in these meadows to inhale fresh air and enjoy the tranquillity of nature. During their visit, tourists can explore snow-covered peaks, lush meadows, colourful flowers and sparkling streams, which attract many tourists every year. The best part is that Doodhpatri is beautiful in both the summer and winter months and offers many things according to the month you visit.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit the place is from April to June and September as the weather is pleasant during this time and the travel is safe. If you wish to enjoy the snow, visit Doodhpathri in February, and if you want to for a vacation to explore lush greenery here and to enjoy trekking, picnicking and nature walks, see the place during April, May, July, and August. For photographers visiting Doodhpathri during September, it is best to click on the most beautiful natural pictures.
Things to do: The place has many exciting things to offer and helps you make memories that will stay with you. Tourists can enjoy
- Camping
- Nature walks
- Trekking and hiking
- Pony ride
- Photography of breathtaking landscapes
- Skiing in winter months
- Picnic with friends and family
- Bird watching
- Enjoy fishing
08. Sinthan Top
It is an iconic Mountain pass that offers breathtaking views and amazing landscapes. It attracts visitors with its beautiful views and amazing beauty. However, it is a lesser-known, unexplored place in Kashmir that offers natural beauty. It is among the visited places if you are an adventure lover seeking unexplored mountain destinations. This mountain pass is worth visiting as it offers many mesmerising spots, making the journey towards it much more beautiful. The place is gorgeous for an enjoyable and peaceful vacation, but the route is what you must explore. There are many attractions on the road towards the pass that you should not miss, like Achabal Garden, Kokernag, and Dakshum.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit is from April to September, and to witness snowfall, visit the destination in the winter months. Visiting in the winter will offer you all the surroundings covered in white snow with a favourable climate to enjoy at your best. Winter months offer great views, activities, and the best experience.
Things to do: Sinthan Pass offers some of the best activities to enjoy, but it is also a great place to relax on vacation. Sometimes, witnessing natural beauty amid mountains is what you need to stay away peacefully. You can enjoy :
- Trekking to Famar Valley
- Skiing
- Mountaineering
- Horse Riding
- Nature Photography
- Eat at locale eateries
09. Zojila Pass
It is a higher-altitude mountain pass, popular as the second-highest pass in India, that overlooks snow-capped peaks and dense forests. The pass is a vital link between Ladakh and Kashmir that offers a majestic view of snow-covered mountain peaks and is popular as one of the serene destinations and paradises of adventure seekers. The place is for those who wish for adventurous vacations with thrills. Here, visitors will witness spectacular views of glaciers, valleys and mountains. They can also indulge in many activities here, including camping, trekking, driving and riding. The place is also home to many wildlife varieties that can be spotted along the road as well.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit the palace depends upon your preferences and the experience you wish to have. However, June to September are peak months for visiting the region, and it is open and most accessible during these months. You can also enjoy many festivals and cultural events during these months. November to March are winter months, and they are the best time to visit if you seek to enjoy vacations in the snow and wish to participate in all snow sports.
Things to do: Zojila Pass is popular for its challenging and rugged road conditions, particularly during winter. However, these roads may be closed in winter due to heavy snowfall. Some must-do things are :
- Enjoy driving on narrow, windy roads
- Trek a cross-rugged terrain
- Visit Zero point
- Visit Drass and Sonamarg
10. Shalimar Garden
Shalimar Garden is counted among Top 10 places to visit in Kashmir and is known to be the royal garden of Kashmir. It is the most popular tourist attraction, and a beautiful masterpiece called the House of Love is encircled by tall Chinar trees and colourful flowers. The garden has a serene environment and boasts a well-designed canal that runs through the centre of the garden, adding more charm to it. The main attractions of Shalimar Garden are the Chini Khanas, oil lamps that are lit at night and make the entire environment completely magical. These oil lamps are placed behind waterfalls and chinar trees and ofer a fairy tale vibe.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit the place is during spring or autumn months, February to April and September to October, as the palace is all covered with flowers in full bloom. During these months, Chinar trees also change their colors from green to orange and yellow and give a warm and calm feel.
Things to do: The garden is perfect for a picnic as it has a serene and picturesque setting where you can enjoy a leisurely meal and stroll amid nature.Here you can have a look on Things to do in kashmir. It is the best place to relax and meditate, and you can immerse yourself in a serene atmosphere. Some things you can enjoy here are :
- Photography
- Nature walks
- Bird watching
- Cultural and traditional music and dance
- Explore nearby attractions like Dal Lake, Nishat Bagh, Mughal Gardens, etc.
Get in touch
Conclusion
Kashmir is a paradise with alluring beauty and a rich legacy. It attracts many tourists to explore its diversity, which lies in snow-covered mountain peaks and lush valleys, making it the dream destination of many. If you are planning for a Kashmir trip plan it by adding the above listed top 10 best places to visit in Kashmir. These places will offer you a memorable trip whether you seek cultural experiences or an adventure and peace seeker. Plan your trip, as every season of Kashmir has something for travellers.
FAQ's
However, every season of Kashmir is special as you will always get a stunning landscape with a magical feel.
Plan your trip to kashmir in march as it brings blue, clear skies, green meadows, and seasonal blooms that are perfect to enjoy and explore.
There are many offbeat places in Kashmir that offer true charm and the sought-after desolation and peace. Some areas that are still unexplored are Daksum, Yusmarg, Lolab Valley, Narang, and Kokernag.
However, there is a list of places in Kashmir that offer a serene environment perfect for a picnic. Betaab Valley, Dal Lake, Apharwat Peak, and Tulip Park are some of the best places to enjoy a picnic in Kashmir.