Kashmir is a beautiful place on Earth with its snow-covered mountains and stunning views. Kashmir is the perfect destination whether you like going on adventures or enjoying a relaxing holiday with your family. You can explore the beautiful landscape, visit the valley of flowers, relax by serene lakes, and go trekking on incredible trails. There’s something for everyone in Kashmir. Here’s a list of the best places to visit in Kashmir to help you make the most of your journey.

Places in Kashmir
Places in Kashmir

Places to Visit in Kashmir

Let’s explore different places to visit on your family vacation to Kashmir!

1- Gulmarg

Gulmarg is a town in the Pir Panjal Range of Jammu and Kashmir. It is very high in the mountains, 2730 meters above sea level! The views of the snowy Himalayan mountains are amazing from there. There are also lots of flowers and trees and deep valleys. One unique thing about Gulmarg is that it has the second-highest Gondola ride in the world. That means you can take a special cable car up high and see the view from there.

Gulmarg
Gulmarg

Gulmarg is an excellent place for people who love adventure! There is a special school where you can learn to do cool things like skiing, snowboarding, and climbing mountains. Many people visit Gulmarg just to learn these amazing skills. Gulmarg is also very famous because many Bollywood movies have been shot there. It’s a very romantic place too, so many people choose to go there on their honeymoon.

2- Vaishno Devi

Vaishno Devi is a famous temple town in Trikuta hills, 13 kilometers from Katra in Jammu and Kashmir. It is home to the Vaishno Devi Mandir, a renowned shrine that attracts millions of devotees worldwide. People call the goddess by names such as Mata Rani, Vaishnavi, and Trikuta. Devotees believe that the goddess calls them to visit the holy cave where she resides.

People believe Vaishno Devi is a mother who grants her children’s wishes. The darshan of Maa Vaishno Devi in the holy cave is in the form of three naturally formed rocks that represent the three forms of the goddess as Maha Kali, Maha Saraswati, and Maha Lakshmi.

Vaishno Devi
Vaishno Devi

3- Sonamarg

Sonamarg is a beautiful place in Jammu and Kashmir that you must visit. It is located 80 km from Srinagar and is famous for its snow-covered fields, serene lakes, and majestic glaciers. The hill station is surrounded by the great Himalayan glaciers – Kolahoi Glacier and Machoi Glacier – which give rise to the famous Three Sisters of Kashmir Valley.

You can enjoy many adventure sports here, like trekking and camping. The Thajiwas range divides the valley into two parts: a fir-covered Thajiwas spur on one side, stunning waterfalls, and the Thajiwas glacier on the other. Sonamarg remains closed during winter due to heavy snowfall and avalanches.

4- Pahalgam

Pahalgam is a lovely hill station located about 90 km from Srinagar and on the banks of the Liddar River. You can trek in the Kolahoi Glaciers through the beautiful village of Aru. Sheshnag Lake, located nearby, is also a must-visit place with its serene beauty. In addition, the rivers in Pahalgam are perfect for trout fishing. You can also visit Baisaran, which is called mini Switzerland.

Pahalgam
Pahalgam

It’s a beautiful destination with tranquil meadows and picturesque settings to enjoy pony rides or picnics. Pahalgam is famous for the Bollywood movie Betaab, and the valley was named Betaab Valley after that. When in Pahalgam, remember to buy authentic Kashmiri saffron from Pampore. You could also go sledding on frozen glaciers.

5- Amarnath

Amarnath is an extraordinary place in Jammu and Kashmir. It is a sacred pilgrimage spot for people who worship Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva revealed the secret of life to Goddess Parvati in the Amarnath cave. Every year, millions of tourists worldwide visit this place for a challenging mountain trek called the ‘Amarnath Yatra.’

In addition, the cave is only accessible from July-August, and there are two routes to take. One is a shorter, steeper route called the Baltal route, and the other is a longer but easier Pahalgam route. It takes three to five days to reach Amarnath from the base point, and helicopter services are available too.

Amarnath
Amarnath

6- Yusmarg

Yusmarg is a beautiful hill station in Jammu and Kashmir that few people know about. It’s a perfect place for those who like to explore untouched nature. The government is working hard to improve the roads and transportation to Yusmarg so more people can visit this amazing place. The forests here have maple trees, making it a great place for trekking and long walks.

With its peaceful environment and beautiful scenery, Yusmarg is often called “mini Switzerland.” It’s located just 47 km from Srinagar and is a perfect spot for those who want to relax and enjoy nature. If you are a trekking enthusiast, Yusmarg is the perfect place. It’s a hidden gem that you shouldn’t miss!

7- Sanasar

Sanasar is a beautiful and lesser-known hill station in the Jammu-Kashmir region that adventure enthusiasts would love to visit. Giant conifers surround it and offer many exciting activities like rock climbing, abseiling, trekking, and paragliding. The place is named after two local lakes and is an eco-friendly village perfect for those looking to spend some time in a quieter setting. Sanasar is an ideal place to add to your itinerary to explore the region further and seek adventure.

Sanasar
Sanasar

8- Jammu

Jammu is a wonderful city in the southern part of Jammu and Kashmir, located on the stunning Shivalik mountain ranges. It is a peaceful and holy city with grand temples, sparkling “shikhara,” and cultural heritage. It is also a popular tourist destination as it is the starting point of the famous Vaishno Devi Temple and Amarnath Yatra.

The city is surrounded by the snowy Pir Panjal Mountains and cut by the Ravi, Tawi, and Chenab rivers. Jammu, the City of Temples, and one of its most famous temples is the Maha Kali Temple. Jammu also has a rich cultural heritage and mouth-watering traditional Dogra cuisine.

9- Dal Lake

Have you ever heard of a lake that looks like a mirror? That’s exactly what the Dal Lake in Srinagar looks like! Spread over a distance of 15 km, it is the second-largest lake in Jammu & Kashmir. The lake is surrounded by snow-covered Pir Panjal mountains, which are reflected in the lake’s clear waters.

Dal Lake
Dal Lake

One of the most popular things in Dal Lake is riding on a colorful shikhara or staying in a houseboat. The lake also has a floating market. In the winter, the frozen lake is a popular spot for ice skating. Many famous places around the lake include Char Chinar Island, Nigeen Lake, Chashme Shahi, Shankaracharya Temple, and more!

The Bottom Line

Kashmir is a magical land that has everything to offer to tourists. From adventure activities to leisurely vacations, from breathtaking natural beauty to rich cultural heritage, it is truly a paradise on Earth. The stunning landscapes, the charming houseboats, the colorful markets, and the delicious cuisine make Kashmir a must-visit destination. So, pack your carry-on and get ready to explore the wonders of Kashmir.

FAQs about Places to Visit in Kashmir

What are the traditional dishes one can try in Kashmir?

Kashmiri cuisine is famous for its flavors and aromatic spices. Some popular dishes include Rogan Josh, Yakhni, Gushtaba, and Wazwan. Vegetarians can try the famous Kashmiri Dum Aloo and Nadru Yakhni, made using lotus stems.

What are the adventure activities one can do in Kashmir?

Kashmir offers a range of adventure activities. You can enjoy trekking, skiing, snowboarding, river rafting, and paragliding. The mountains and lakes in Kashmir provide the perfect backdrop for these activities.

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