Kashmir
By Diskit
The most visual valley of India, Kashmir is the heaven on earth that all of us need to visit at least once in a lifetime. The beauty of Kashmir, the photogenic mountains, the scenic drives through green grassland, and the lakes of Kashmir, discover all those and lots more through this Kashmir travel blog. Plan an unforgettable trip to Kashmir, the paradise that you need to explore. The Kashmir tour blog will give you an insight into all the hidden gems of Kashmir, the tourist places and the culture. Kashmir would certainly not disappoint you and will leave you mesmerized with its beauty and warm hospitality. Kashmir is famous for dry fruits, Pashmina shawls, traditional jewelry, carpets etc
Now let us take a look at the tourist destinations in Kashmir, places that you just cannot afford to miss. These are the destinations that will become the very highlight of your journey.
Srinagar – Heaven on Earth
Srinagar is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and famous places to visit in Kashmir as well as in India. From boating to trekking, bird watching to water skiing, Srinagar place has it all. Srinagar is a first destination for every traveller and there is a long list of places to visit in Srinagar, Kashmir. The largest city of Kashmir, this place is enclosed by the green mountains and the main highlight being the Dal Lake which is the gem of the city. This place gives a close outlook to the Kashmiri cuisine and the state’s culture.
Things To Do In Srinagar: Stay in the boat house, Visit the Mughal gardens, Take the shikara ride
How To Reach:
• By Air: Srinagar Domestic Airport is well-connected to all the major cities in India and you can easily board a flight and read Srinagar.
• By Bus: Board a government or private bus to Srinagar.
Gulmarg – Ski Your Way
Famously known as the ‘Meadow of Flowers’, Gulmarg is a treat to the eyes with its flowers. Gulmarg is considered to be one of the best places to visit in Kashmir for all right reasons. This region of Kashmir is also known as the adventurer’s paradise because of its options of skiing in the snow while enjoying the views around. The best time to visit Kashmir for snowfall is in winter season i.e., December-January.
Best Time To Visit: June to October, and for snow December & January would be the best
Things to do in Gulmarg: Mountain Biking, trekking, Skiing if you visit in winters and Gondola rides for a panoramic view of the valley.
Sonamarg – The Land Of Gold
Sonamarg, as the name suggests, is famous as the ‘Meadow of Gold’. An endless flowers and trekking routes are its attractions. Sonamarg has to be in every visitor’s list of places to visit in Kashmir for its mesmerizing and breathtaking views. The best season to visit Kashmir would be in summer i.e., May-June when the valley is blooming with various flowers.
Best Time To Visit: June through October, December & January for snow
Things to do in Sonamarg: Trekking, Camping and nature walks
Pahalgam
Pahalgam it is one of the most visited destinations of Kashmir, one that receives tourists all year long. No trip to Kashmir is complete unless Pahalgam is a part of the itinerary.
Located at a distance of about 100 kilometers from Srinagar, Pahalgam is best known for its, lush green meadows, dense forests, and fresh waters. The place is also noted for the annual pilgrimage to the shrine Amarnath Yatra that starts here in July and August.
Dal Lake
Kashmir is an ideal destination to plan a family tour and honeymoon holiday in India. Gulmarg, Srinagar, Pahalgam or Sonmarg, make a holiday with family, or honeymoon in Kashmir a wonderful experience. Kashmir is even home to the popular Amarnath Cave which calls the ardent devotees Lord Shiva from across the world.
While the beautiful Dal and Nigeen lakes in Srinagar offer an opportunity to relish a stay at the houseboat and enjoy a Shikara Ride; the alpine lakes like Tarsar Marsar, Vishnasar, Gadsar Lakes call out the adventure lovers for the best trekking experience. For more adventure, nothing can beat the experience of skiing in Gulmarg during the winter season.
Shikara Ride
The beauty of the distant mountains as your boatman takes you through a ride across the lake. Away from the polluted city life, a shikara ride ranks on the top of the list of the best things to do in Kashmir. No smoke or sound of the vehicles, no high-pitched angry crowd, nothing. Just the soft sound of the boatman’s oar breaking the surface of the water and the touch of the cold water as you trail your hand on the surface of the lake.
Houseboat Stay
And it is not just the shikhara rides in Dal Lake, this is one of the best offbeat things to do in Srinagar. Spending a night at the houseboat docked at the Dal Lake jetty is also among the top things to do in Kashmir. Be it honeymooners, families, or solo travellers; a night stay at one of the houseboats in Srinagar is something that you simply cannot miss. The houseboats have WIFI and airport transfer facilities available. You can also avail of the facilities of the meal provided by them. Houseboat stay facility in Jammu and Kashmir is the best to experience if you are here with your family, a group of friends, or with your partner.
Gondola
Riding the Gondola cable car is one of the famous things in Kashmir for all ages. Tourists prefer to travel via cable car to enjoy the best views of the snowcapped mountains. Taking a Gondola ride is one of the best things to do in Kashmir in May because during this month, the summers are coming to an end and the view is really great.
Kashmiri Cuisine
Like in any other destination across the world, trying the local cuisine is one of the most important things to do in Kashmir. We all have heard about the Kashmiri Kahwa (tea) and Lamb Mutton Rogan Josh. But the cuisine has many more sumptuous dishes. These include Nadroo Yakhni (yogurt based Kashmiri curry with lotus stems), Paneer Chaman (fried paneer simmered in tomato sauce and flavored with spices and fennel seeds powder), Dum Aloo, Matschgand (minced meatballs cooked in spicy red gravy), and Gushtaba (minced mutton cooked in flavorful yogurt gravy and spices).
Shopping
Shopping is one of the most common things to do in Kashmir. And no, I do not mean just antiques and other souvenirs. Tourists here can shop for exquisite Kashmiri handlooms and Pashmina shawls, antique copperware like samovars, Namda hand-woven carpets, local garments called Ferins, and expensive Doda Sapphire. And then there are flowers, fruits, and vegetables sold on the shikaras in Dal Lake. More than what you buy, how you buy will be the reason for your excitement here.
River Rafting
White river rafting is one of the most adrenaline rush giving adventurous things to do in Kashmir. The rapids here are easy or moderate, which implies that rafting in Kashmir is not very difficult. You can go rafting near Sonamarg as well. However, the white water rafting in the Lidder river in Pahalgam is more famous. Teamwork coordination is an important feature in river rafting and you must also follow the safety instructions given by the instructors.
Paragliding
For all those adrenaline junkies, there is also an option to go for paragliding. The majestic beautiful valley beneath is a sight to behold. The unique view of the green valleys makes paragliding one of the most thrilling things to do in Kashmir. Paragliding options are available in Sonamarg, Gulmarg, Bhaderwah, Sanasar, and Harwan (Srinagar). Of these, paragliding in Harwan is most easily accessible as it lies on the route of the tour of the Grand Mughal Gardens.
Trekking
With mountains generously covering the landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, trekking has become one of the best things to do here. Though in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, trekking in Ladakh is more famous. There are short treks and hikes that tourists can take in the valleys of Kashmir.
Trekking has become one of the best things to do in Kashmir for the nature lovers and adventure seekers. No matter how long the trek is, the final view from the top is definitely going to be breathtaking. Make sure you wear a comfortable footwear to the trek. Carry enough water to drink, and wear your sunscreens too.
Amarnath Cave And Vaishnodevi Temple
Taking a pilgrimage to Amarnath Cave & Vaishno Devi Cave Temple is among the most religious things to do in Jammu and Kashmir. The pilgrimage takes place during July – August. This 45-days Shravan Mela is dedicated to Shri Amarnath Ji.
Skiing & Snowboarding
Kashmir is a cold region, with snow-capped mountains and freezing – cold river streams, and to experience it at its best, you must visit Kashmir in the winter season. This is one of the best things to do in Kashmir in Winter. In winters, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, and Gulmarg are entirely covered in snow. And this is opportunity to enjoy in winter. Snowboarding and skiing are the best things to do in Kashmir during winters.