Top places to visit Kashmir: Here, we will share the beautiful places you can add to your Kashmir Trip. Kashmir, often called “Heaven on Earth,” is a mesmerizing destination and the world’s best place for tourism.
It is the epitome of natural beauty, surrounded by. snow-capped mountains, vibrant houseboats, vast meadows,. lush green gardens, charming flowers, gleaming water bodies, delicious cuisine, quaint hamlets, intricate architecture, and unmatched natural beauty.
Whether you are a nature lover or an adventure freak, Kashmir tourism has a lot to make you enjoy your Kashmir trip. Known for its spellbound beauty,. Kashmir is a top tourist destination that is visited by millions of tourists every year.
There are a huge number of landmarks and tourist Places to visit in Kashmir that you would love to explore on your Kashmir tour. The sightseeing places include Srinagar City, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Doodhpathri, Yusmarg, Gurez Valley, Keran Valley, Patnitop, Katra, and Sinthan Top. These attractions are a highlight of Kashmir’s beauty and a must-include in your itinerary.
About The Top Places To Visit in Kashmir
Tourists can also enjoy various travel activities on their Kashmir holiday. Such as trekking, snow skiing, camping, photography, rafting, sightseeing, houseboat stay, Shikara rides, etc.
So before you go plan a Kashmir trip. check the most visited Places in Kashmir, here we are going to share the all information about the places to visit in Kashmir. Whether you are a family & honeymoon couples
You can stay in budget hotels, luxurious hotels, guesthouses, homestays, and houseboats, as Kashmir provides you all. The place is an all-in-one package for everything.
There is information about places to visit In Kashmir. both in summer and winter, as the place is a stunning tourist destination that offers solace and peace to the mind.
Why Kashmir is Called ‘Paradise on Earth
Kashmir is popular for its natural beauty, & breathtaking views. if you are a family or couple Kashmir has something special for you. Kashmir valley offers a rich culture & Tourist destinations in Kashmir. on your Kashmir sightseeing tour, you can unlock the all Top places to visit in Kashmir with family or a Partner.
explore the lush green meadows, historic significance, dense forests & local culture which make your trip most memorable. on this website, we are going to talk about the Best places in Kashmir that can be added to your plan. also, we will talk about the local culture, Things to do in Kashmir & Shopping.
So before booking the trip to Kashmir, you should know the top places to visit in Kashmir which can be covered in a short or long trip. As local tour operators based in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, we will help you to choose the best travel attractions in Kashmir
Top 10 places to visit in Kashmir
Kashmir is famous for its scenic beauty and breathtaking tourist attractions. The place offers many opportunities for sightseeing at various attractions. From beautiful valleys, pristine lakes, charming gardens, and rugged terrains. and mesmerizing hill stations to enchanting villages, and religious places.
Kashmir is a wholesome place. One of the best places to visit in Kashmir is Srinagar city which is full of natural beauty and adventure.
You can enjoy a Shikara ride in Dal Lake, stay in a houseboat, visit Mughal gardens, and shop in local markets. There are also other famous places in Kashmir. including Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Gurez Valley, Yusmarg, Nigeen Lake, Betaab Valley, Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, and many more.
Rich cultural heritage, warm hospitality, serene beauty together with adventure make Kashmir one of the best travel destinations. Below are the top Places To Visit in Kashmir that are worth visiting during your Kashmir trip.
1. Srinagar
Srinagar, the summer capital of Kashmir. is one of the most beautiful attractions in Kashmir. if we talk about the Places To Visit in Kashmir then you should to included this. which is located on the banks of river Jhelum. Surrounded by the mighty Himalayas,. the city features tranquil lakes, lush vibrant Mughal gardens,. colorful Shikara boats, traditional houseboats, lively shopping markets, and cultural monuments.
Srinagar is a perfect destination for families and honeymoon couples. Tourists can enjoy Shikara rides in Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake. where they can visit Floating markets, Char Chinari, and nearby Mughal gardens.
Houseboat stay is one of the unique activities. that one must include on their Kashmir trip. the houseboats are stationary boats that are designed with intricate architecture. and decorated with Kashmiri-style furniture.
Srinagar is also home to breathtakingly beautiful Mughal gardens. which are Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Garden, Chashma Shahi, and Asia’s largest tulip garden. The city also offers various religious places such as Jamia Masjid, Shankaracharya temple, Hazratbal Shrine, etc.
The capital city also lets you shop for some traditional Kashmiri souvenirs. such as Pashmina Shawls, paper mache things, carpets, and other products. Besides, Srinagar offers some adventure such as trekking, golfing, and photoshoots. Kashmir trip is incomplete without visiting Srinagar city which is a place that will leave you spellbound.
2. Doodhpathri
Doodhpathri, situated in the Budgam district of Kashmir. about 42 km from Srinagar city is an offbeat destination. providing amazing views of natural beauty. This place is blessed with lush green meadows, tall pine and fir trees, and sparkling streams.
Doodhpathri also offers opportunities for horse riding, trekking, and picnics amidst the vast landscapes. As per history, Kashmiri Saint Sheikh Noor ud din Noorani visited this place. in search of water for performing ablution but instead, he found milk.
That is why, it has earned the name of Doodhpathri which translates to “Valley of Milk”. The valley is blessed with quaint hamlets. where you can witness the local culture of people and enjoy their hospitality.
3. Pahalgam
Pahalgam is a stunning and popular hill station. which is located in Anantnag district about 90 km away from Srinagar. we can skip Pahalgam if we are talking about the top Places To Visit in Kashmir. The place boasts mesmerizing landscapes and majestic Himalayan mountains. Famously called as “Valley of Shepherds”,.
Pahalgam lies on the banks of the Lidder River and offers scenic views of the surrounding beauty. There are several tourist attractions in Pahalgam. that you should visit such as Baisaran Valley, Betaab Valley, Aru Valley, Sheshnag Lake, Chandanwari, and Lidder River.
Pahalgam is also a perfect destination for enjoying outdoor activities. which include trekking, camping, rafting, fishing, pony rides, zorbing, snow sledding, etc.
4. Gulmarg
Gulmarg is a famous skiing and honeymoon destination. which is perched at an elevation of 2,650 meters above sea level. Located in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas,.
a Best Hill station which cant be unexplored on Places To Visit in Kashmir. Gulmarg is surrounded by snow-clad mountains,. meadows of flowers., and lush green valleys. In summer, Gulmarg showcases a wide variety of colorful wildflowers. and that is why it has been named “Meadow of Flowers”.
The hill station receives heavy snowfall in winter. which turns it into a snow paradise and makes it one of the best skiing destinations in the world. Gulmarg also has several attractions to visit. which include Apharwat Peak, Baba Reshi shrine, St Mary’s Church, Maharani Temple, Alpather Lake, etc.
The place is also full of adventure activities. such as trekking, skiing, snowboarding, pony riding, and the world’s highest cable car ride -Gondola ride.
5. Yusmarg
Yusmarg is another best tourist attraction to explore the natural beauty of Kashmir. Situated 47 km from Srinagar. Yusmarg is blessed with lofty mountains, green pastures, dense forests, and stunning landscapes. which makes it a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure lovers.
Nestled at an altitude of 7861 meters above sea level in the Budgam district. Yusmarg also offers several outdoor activities including camping, horse riding, trekking, and nature walks. You can reach a hidden gem via trek by Yusmarg which is a charming meadow called Tosa Maidan.
6. Gurez Valley
Gurez is a mesmerizing valley which is located 123 km from Srinagar. at an elevation of around 2400 meters. Renowned for its sheer natural beauty and snow-covered mountains. Gurez is a perfect spot for adventure freaks and nature lovers.
A Off-beat Destaion which can be add on Places To Visit in Kashmir. The place offers peace of mind away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Tourists can enjoy trekking here along the charming villages, picturesque lakes, and high mountain passes. The cuisine of Gurez is also delicious, such as Rogan Josh, Dum Aloo, and Yakhni. Gurez Valley is also home to diverse wildlife such as Himalayan brown bears and snow leopards.
7. Keran Valley
Keran is a beautiful valley which is located in the Kupwara district of Kashmir. It is an offbeat destination offering scenic views of forests, and snow mountains. and vast landscapes. Keran Valley receives a good amount of rainfall which results in good vegetation.
The crops are grown in rice, maize, vegetables, and wheat. Travelers can also witness diverse fauna here such as jackals, rabbits, leopards, markhors, wolves, red foxes, and squirrels.
8. Patnitop
Patnitop is a charming hill station. that is popular for its endless pastures and enchanting natural scenery. Situated at an altitude of 2,024 meters above sea level.
the place is blessed with lush greens, snow-clad mountains, and dense forests. There are various nearby attractions in Patnitop. Sanasar Lake, Naag Mandir, Sukh Mahadev temple etc. Patnitop is the best destination for tourists who love to explore nature.
For adventure lovers, there are various opportunities which include nature walks, trekking, skiing, picnics, and paragliding. Patnitop has well-maintained roads and can be easily reached via Jammu or Srinagar.
9. Katra
Katra is a Hindu pilgrimage destination located in Jammu and Kashmir at the foothill of the Trikuta mountains. The small town is home to the famous Mata Vaishno Devi Temple, a revered place for Hindus.
There are other attractions that you can visit in Katra. such as Bhairon temple, Adhkunwari temple, Himkoti, Banganga, and Baba Dhansar. Katra is a must-visit place for those seeking nature along with a religious touch.
10. Sinthan Top
Sinthan Top is a beautiful mountain pass located between Anantnag and Kishtwar. It is an offbeat place featuring scenic natural beauty and adventure activities.
The best time to explore this place is the summer season from April to September when the weather is pleasant and suitable for traveling. During winters, the region receives heavy snowfall making it inaccessible to places to visit in kashmir.
Top local travel attractions in Kashmir
Apart from major Places To Visit in Kashmir. there are also various local attractions in Kashmir that every tourist must visit on their Kashmir tour.
Kashmir is the best tourist attraction. which is visited by thousands of national and international tourists every year. Known for its endless beauty, Paradise on Earth.
has various destinations that add more charm and elegance to its breathtaking beauty. Some of the local attractions of Kashmir are hereby described.
1- Dal Lake
Popularly called ‘Jewel in the crown of Srinagar’. Dal Lake is a picturesque lake which is located in the middle of Srinagar city and spread over 15 km. Dal Lake houses beautiful Shikara boats and traditional Kashmiri houseboats.
The lake is famous for being the second largest lake in Asia after Wular Lake. On a Shikara ride, you can visit the floating markets of Dal Lake (Raad). where you can purchase Kashmiri handicrafts, Pashmina Shawls, saffron, etc.
Snow lovers can also enjoy ice skating on Dal Lake in winter. There are several nearby attractions around Dal Lake such as Char Chinari, Chashma Shahi, Hari Parbat, and Mughal gardens.
2- Nigeen Lake
Nigeen Lake is another beautiful lake located in the summer capital of Kashmir. Also called Nageen Lake. the lake is situated at the hillock named Hari Parbat. which is adjacent to Dal Lake.
It is 1 km in width and 2.5 km in length. It is the top most attraction in Srinagar which features willow and poplar trees. You can enjoy shikara rides, photography, birdwatching, and houseboat stays.
3- Nishat Garden
Founded in 1633, Nishat Bagh is a twelve-terraced Mughal garden built by the elder brother of Nur Jahan, Asif Khan. Famously called the “Garden of Bliss”, Nishat is the second largest Mughal garden after Shalimar Bagh.
Tourists can witness charming flower beds and cascading water fountains. The architecture of the garden is inspired by the Persian style of architecture.and it also offers stunning views of Dal Lake with Zabarwan mountain as the backdrop.
4- Khilanmarg
Khilanmarg is another hill station that is a short walk from Gulmarg bus stop. It is a hidden gem surrounded by snow-clad mountains and lush green meadows.
During spring, the meadow gets covered with green carpets. of colorful flowers creating an unimaginable look. In winter, Khilanmarg turns into a winter wonderland perfect for snow lover tourists. Khilanmarg offers enchanting views of the twin peaks of Nun and Kun and Nanga Parbat.
5- Drung Valley
Drung Valley is located 53 km from Srinagar district. at an elevation of about 8,000 feet above sea level. Situated in the Tangmarg tehsil of Gulmarg.
the main attraction of Drung is its frozen waterfall called Drung Waterfall. The frozen waterfall is overlooked by majestic snow-clad mountains. and the water flows down the steep rocks presenting a visual delight. The waterfall is a beautiful sight with clear and transparent water surrounded by greenery in summer. There are small tea stalls around Drung waterfall where tourists can have some tea and snacks.
6- Betaab Valley
Betaab Valley is a remarkable tourist attraction of Pahalgam, located 15 km away. It was earlier called Hagan or Hagoon Valley. but was later renamed Betaab Valley after the shooting of a Bollywood movie here called Betaab. It is a picturesque place with pine trees, deodar forests, and the Lidder River flowing along.
Apart from being famous for its scenic beauty. Betaab Valley also provides great opportunities for picnics, horse riding, and photography and serves as a base camp for Amarnath Yatra.
7- Aru Valley
Another destination to visit in Pahalgam is Aru Valley located at a distance of just 12 km. The charming hill station is surrounded by snowy peaks, green pastures, and vast meadows. Travelers can enjoy various adventure activities here such as camping, pony riding, skiing, heli-skiing, wildlife, fishing, and birdwatching. It is also a base camp for various thrilling treks such as the Kolahoi glacier trek and the Sonmarg trek.
8 -Thajiwas Glacier
It is the topmost attraction to explore in Sonmarg. and is located at a height of 9,186 feet above sea level. The glacier is surrounded by green vast meadows. frozen lakes, dense forests, and Thajwas Mountain which offers an enchanting sight to visitors. You can enjoy sled riding and pony riding, and the best time to visit here is between April to October.
How to cover all places in Kashmir trip
Kashmir is a beautiful place with so many places to visit in Kashmir. From serene lakes, vast green valleys and mesmerizing gardens, Kashmir offers all. A trip to Kashmir is complete by exploring all the stunning attractions on your Kashmir tourism package.
If you want to save money and make your trip memorable,. you need to choose a local travel agency. that will create a customized itinerary based on your budget and choices.
The travel agents will guide you about the best places to visit in Kashmir. the number of days, and the cost of packages. For exploring all the attractions of Kashmir valley.
tourists can book a 4-night 5-day package. which will cover all the places. Traveling by flight will save a lot of time and then after reaching Srinagar.
start your Kashmir tour. After exploring Srinagar city you can visit Gulmarg for a day trip. and then back to Srinagar for a night stay.
On the second day, you can visit Pahalgam. and explore its nearby attractions and then back to Srinagar.
On the third day, you can visit Sonamarg. On day four you can visit Yusmarg and Doodhpathri. On the last day of your trip, you can visit some local markets of Srinagar city and then leave for the airport.
Best time to visit Kashmir
Kashmir is a year-round destination which looks beautiful in every season. Tourists from all over the world visit Kashmir to spend holidays with family, friends or spouses. the best time depends Places To Visit in Kashmir you like to cover
Check Best Time to Visit Kashmir
Summer: Kashmir is a paradise on earth that looks mesmerizing in the summer season. From March to September. the weather remains sunny and pleasant in Kashmir. which allows tourists to explore the place without any inconvenience.
Summer offers beautiful views of pristine Dal and Nigeen lakes, Charming Mughal gardens, green hill stations, and much more. For adventure lovers, summer is the perfect time to cover all Places To Visit in Kashmir. as they can enjoy trekking, fishing, rafting, Shikara rides, and many other travel activities. Enjoying local cuisine also makes your Kashmir trip memorable.
Winter: for snow lovers, winter is the ideal time to book a Kashmir trip. Kashmir receives heavy snowfall from November to February making it a winter paradise. Gulmarg receives heavy snow where tourists can enjoy skiing and snowboarding. Similarly, other hill stations such as Pahalgam, and Sonamrg also provide opportunities for snow activities.
How to reach Kashmir
Kashmir is accessible via all three modes of transportation such as by flights, roads, and railways. The most convenient and fastest way is to reach Kashmir by flight. Check How to reach Kashmir
By Flight: Kashmir has a well-maintained international airport located in Srinagar. You can book a flight from any state of India via Delhi or direct and reach Srinagar. After arriving at Srinagar airport, you can book a cab or taxi to explore Kashmir and its tourist attractions.
By road: You can also travel by bus, cab, taxi, or private transport from your location to reach Srinagar.
By rail: Jammu Tawi is the nearest railway line to reach Kashmir. You can book a train ticket to Jammu Tawi and from there hire a cab or taxi to reach Kashmir.
Places To Visit Kashmir FAQ
How many days are enough for a Kashmir trip?
A 5-night 6-day package is enough to explore the Places To Visit in Kashmir along with enjoying travel activities, shopping, and tasting local cuisine.
Are there any shopping markets in Srinagar city?
Yes, there are several markets in Srinagar such as Lal Chowk, Polo View, Jamia mAsjid Market, and the floating market of Dal Lake.
What activities can we enjoy in Kashmir?
Tourists can enjoy skiing, bike riding, paragliding, Shikara rides, camping, fishing, rafting, pony rides, shopping, nature walks, and photography.
What are some popular Mughal gardens of Kashmir?
There are several Mughal gardens that you can visit on your Kashmir tour such as Shalimar Bagh, Nishat garden, Chashma Shahi, Pari Mahal, and Verinag.
Is Kashmir safe for tourists?
Yes, it is safe to visit Kashmir, keeping in view the current local situation.
Which Are The Top 5 Places to Visit in Kashmir?
Kashmir is the best travel destination to explore its natural beauty. and offer lots of places to visit. but if you want to know about the top 5 Places, then here you go
- Srinagar City: should be included in the Plan
- Pahalgam Valley: most beautiful Destination in Kashmir
- Sonmarg: the best hill station
- Gulmarg: Best for snow travel activities
- Doodhpathir: a green beauty for summers
Which are the Best Off-beat Places to visit in Kashmir?
Kashmir offers a lot of off-beat travel destinations that you can come and explore. but we are going to share some best that you can include in the Kashmir tour Plan
- Yusmarg: the best off-beat places to visit
- Guraz Valley: a most popular travel destination in Kashmir
- Sinthan Top: you can go for a local day trip
- Keran Valley: Best for local culture