Best Places to Visit in Jammu and Kashmir

Resting gracefully between the Pir Panjal and the greater Himalayan range, Kashmir is an idyllic destination. Often described as a ‘heaven on earth', the charming Kashmir valley is the classic blend of rich history and iconic heritage. The scenic alpine vistas are crowned with the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas which is a treat for the soul. When in Kashmir not a single day will go to waste as there is so much to do for everyone. Make sure to add these places to your Kashmir Tour Packages for a memorable time.

List of the 4 Most Famous Places of Jammu & Kashmir

1. Srinagar

When it comes to places to check out in Kashmir, Srinagar is the first place that comes to mind. Spread out on the banks of the Jhelum River, this wonderful summer capital is dotted with immaculate gardens, scenic lakes with houseboats, and a serene environment. The entire city is blessed with a lush green tree covered with serendipity every step of the way.

• Shalimar Gardens: Shalimar Gardens depicts the great work among Srinagar's many gardens and parks. Also, referred to as the 'garden of love' it features a canal with water that runs through the middle of the garden. Shalimar Bagh has chains of remarkable fountains and dappled-lined trees.
• Chashma Shahi: Laid out by Shah Jahan, the Garden is the smallest among the three Mughal Gardens. The Garden is famous for its waterfalls and fountain view. The freshwater springs in these pleasant, calm gardens, which is renowned to have some medicinal value.
• Pari Mahal: Discovered by Dara Shiko, Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan's eldest son, the Pari Mahal Garden is the treasured possession of Srinagar. Placed on the spur of a hill the garden looks incredible with glowing lights at night time.
• Dachigam National Park: Dachigam National Park is the habitat of the rare species of hangul also known as the Kashmir stag. It is the only species of red deer, which is found in India. Other animals found here are Himalayan black bears, leopards, snow leopards, and exotic Himalayan birds.
• Dal Lake: Dal Lake has gained popularity among visitors for its houseboats and Shikaras. The lake envelopes an area of 26 sq km, which offers a muddle of convoluted waterways and floating islands of vegetation. It is a perfect site to enjoy kayaking, swimming, canoeing, water surfing, and Shikara riding.
• Floating Vegetable Market: While you are experiencing a boat ride on Dal Lake, explore the 'village', located on the lake. There is also a floating vegetable market, which is an interesting place to be. The floating vegetable market gives you a chance to shop in the midst of the hustle-bustle of local life, while you are on a colorful Shikaras.
• Nigeen Lake: Nigeen Lake unified by a small water channel to Dal Lake offers a breathtaking boating experience. Carry your shopping bags during your boat ride and shop for fine handicrafts and Pashmina shawls in the middle of the lake. This lake is a popular destination in Srinagar.
• Royal Springs Golf Course: The Royal Springs Golf Club offers a panoramic view of the Dal Lake and mountain peaks surrounded by pines. It is one of the most stunning golf courses in Asia. The prominent hole, the par-3 fifth is known for providing a scenic view of Dal Lake from the top.
• Jama Masjid: The Jama Masjid is the largest mosque in Kashmir which is an outstanding example of a distinctive combination of Islamic, Hindu, and Buddhist styles of architecture. The mosque is constructed around a patio, which is supported by 40 feet high and 370 wooden pillars. On Friday, thousands of people visit the Jama Masjid for prayers.

2. Gulmarg

Gulmarg or the meadow of flowers is one of the most loved destinations for tourists visiting Kashmir. During summer these meadows turn into a lush green scenic treat and in winter, when Kashmir turns into a white winter wonderland, Gulmarg thrives to life with skiing enthusiasts and snowboarding lovers. Named the top luxurious skiing resort, the beauty of Gulmarg remains indescribable.

• Gulmarg Gondola: Gulmarg boasts of giving Asia's highest and longest cable car. The two-stage ropeway ferries are among the most breathtaking attractions in the Cable Car ride. The cable passes over the beautiful pine woods and presents a magnificent view of the lush green hills and picturesque surroundings.
• Tangmarg: Tangmarg is situated in Baramulla District at a distance of 13 km away from Gulmarg. Famous throughout India for its handicraft works Tangmarg abodes some of the striking tourist attractions like Ferozepur Nallah, and Baba Reshi Shrine.
• Khilanmarg: Khilanmarg is a small valley that offers unmatched views of the great Himalayan range. Covered with flowers in the spring season, the paddock offers striking views of surrounding peaks and the Kashmir Valley.
• Apparwath: Apparwath Peak is a famous tourist destination, which is located at a distance of 13 km from Gulmarg. Also, known for being the highest ski slopes in Asia, Apparwath is famous among ski enthusiasts from all over the world. To reach the top a cable car called Gondola operates on the slope.
• Ferozepur Nallah: Ferozepur Nallah is a mountain stream that meets the Bahan River at a popular picnic spot known as 'waters meet'. The stream is particularly famous for trout fishing and witnessing a crowd of travelers coming here for picnics.
• Gulmarg Golf Club: The Gulmarg Golf Club has got its fame for being one of the highest green golf courses in the world. Situated at a height of 2,690 m above sea level, it is an 18-hole golf course. The golf club was opened by the British who often visited Gulmarg for vacation. Now, it is managed by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation.
• Nagin Valley: Nagin Valley is a picturesque location with a 10 km stretch on the Gulmarg-Bota Pathri road. It is a haven for trekkers and nature lovers. Located very close to the Line of Control (LOC), Nagin Valley is famous for its green alpine meadows, blue pines, and wildlife.
• Verinag: Verinag is a town and the first tourist place in Kashmir Valley that you will spot when traveling by road from Jammu to Kashmir. The town is famous for Verinag Spring which is believed to be the supplier of the Jhelum River. A tour to Verinag offers you the sight of numerous varieties of colorful flowers and pine trees.
• Baba Reshi: The Baba Reshi Shrine is devoted to the legendary Muslim scholar, the saint Baba Reshi. The architecture of the shrine displays the Mughal and Persian styles with beautiful wooden artwork. The beautiful garden surrounds the Mosque, which is too large to fit a large number of devotees.

3. Pahalgam

Located right on the junction point of the Aru and Sheshnag rivers, Pahalgam offers a peaceful respite for travel lovers. Decorated in tall fir-covered rolling green mountains, Pahalgam is a spectacular sight to behold. It was once a humble little shepherd’s village but it has eventually turned into a pretty sight for sore eyes. Pahalgam is extremely tourist-friendly as it is also the starting point for the annual Amarnath Yatra.

• Aru Valley: Aru Valley is a tourist spot lying at the height of 2,408 m that offers an amazing trek to Lidderwat and the Kolahoi Glacier. It offers an interesting route to walk from Pahalgam, following the Lidder River.
• Betaab Valley: Betab Valley earned its name from the Hindi movie Betaab which featured Sunny Deol. It is a very popular touristic destination for trekking and exploring the mountains. Enclosed by snow-clad mountain peaks and deodar forests, this valley is a beautiful holiday spot.
• Chandanwari: Chandanwari is the main entry point for the pilgrims going on Amarnath Yatra that takes place every year. Located at a distance of 16 km from Pahalgam the location is easily reachable by car.
• Baisaran: Baisaran offers a wide range of attractive views, and verdant pastures encircled with thick vegetation. The meadow is sprinkled with thickly wooded forests of pine that provide a view of the beautiful snow-clad mountains. It serves as a perfect location for a good camp.
• Tulian Lake: Tulian Lake is squeezed in between the two Himalayan mountain ranges, Pir Panjal and Zanskar. The most interesting part of the lake is that it has been covered in ice for several months. In order to reach the spot, you can hire ponies.
• Sheshnag Lake: Sheshnag Lake is placed at an elevation of 3,658 m above ground level. The lake is discovered on the route of the Amarnath Yatra, which is covered with ice until June. It is referred to as a Sheshnag because of the seven peaks that overlook the lake, which resemble the head of the sacred snake Sheshnag.
• Lidderwat: Located in between the dense forests, the Lidderwat is an ideal location for camping. Located at a distance of 22 km from Pahalgam, this village is the starting point of the trek to the Sindh Valley. Travelers can approach this village via private taxi, or can even take a pony ride.
• Mt Kolahoi: It is the highest Mountain Peak in Kashmir Valley placed at a height of 17,799 ft. Due to its close resemblance with Mt. Matterhorn in Switzerland; Mt. Kolahoi is referred to as the Matterhorn of Kashmir.
• Tarsar Lake: Tarsar Lake offers you the most unforgettable sight of the spectacular beauty of Kashmir. It is an almond shape lake in Aru, which is overlooked by the peaks of the Kolahoi. It is a must-visit for nature lovers.

4. Sonamarg

Sonamarg is an absolute delight to watch. Not only is Sonamarg a scenic slice of silver snowy paradise, but it also had immense importance as it was once the gateway to the ancient silk road from Kashmir to China. Sonamarg is blessed with high passes, gushing rivers, babbling streams, thick forests, gently Rolling Meadows, and massive glaciers. Sonamarg is one place in Kashmir valley that cannot be excluded and going there will add a unique touch to your holiday.

• Thajiwas Glacier: The Thajiwas Glacier is one major tourist attraction in Sonamarg. It is a perfect location to offer a sled ride on the snow. The nearby area is a perfect camping site with a meadow at the bottom that is covered with lush Pine and Fir trees.
• Baltal: Baltal located on the shores of the Sindh River is a famous camping site. The twisty trek from Baltal leads to the Amarnath Cave. You can hire Ponies from Baltal to reach Amarnath during the Yatra period.
• Gangabal Lake: Gangabal Lake, also known by the name of Harmukh Ganga is one of the sources of the River Jhelum. Located at an altitude of 3,570 m on the Harmukh Peak the location is a sacred place for Kashmiri Hindus. The major attraction here is the annual fair, which takes place in the month of August.
• Krishansar Lake: It is one of the most beautiful lakes in Sonamarg, which is located at a height of 3801 m above sea level. Surrounded by thick alpines the place is an ideal location for trout fishing. The lake freezes during winter, but one can take the most adventurous experience in the valley by indulging in various activities.
• Gadsar Lake: Gadsar is one of the highest-altitude lakes in the area, which is enclosed by meadows and imposing mountains. This location is popular for trekking and Brown-trout fishing among the tourists visiting this lake. If you are looking for serenity and calmness far away from bustling city life, this is indeed a wise choice.
• Thajiwas Glacier: Thajiwas Glacier is one of the major tourist attractions in Sonamarg. Here travelers can enjoy a sled ride on the snow even in the summertime. For a suitable view of the Thajiwas glacier, one can rent horses from Sonamarg.
• Vishansar Lake: Vishansar Lake situated in Sonamarg at an altitude of 3710 meters is accessible from the Nichinai Pass. The lake is an abode to different species of fishes that also, include brown trout. During the entire winter, the Lake freezes, but in the summertime, the lavish green paddock adjoining the lake offers an outstanding vision.
• Zoji La Pass: Located on the east of Sonamarg at a distance of 20 km, Zoji-La Pass is the entry to Ladakh. The Pass is surrounded by the Drass Valley, snow-covered mountains, and thick forests. It is wise to visit the Pass during the late spring months. It is advised to avoid visiting Zoji-La Pass during the rainy season and winter.
• Nilagrad River: The Nilagrad River is a popular site among travelers. The reddish water of the river is pure and has medicinal properties. The local people of Kashmir take a dip in the river once a week. It is, also a meeting point for the Mountain River and the Indus River.