Unbelievably Beautiful Places To Visit In Kashmir One Cannot Miss In 2021!
Enclosed by the snow-clad mountains and the gleaming lakes creates a picturesque landscape on earth which is known as Kashmir. This state of India is precisely divided into three regions namely Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh which is covered by the mighty ranges of the Great Himalayas and Pir Panjal range. Due to the various picturesque places to visit in Kashmir, it is often referred as India’s Switzerland, as the place is blessed with the most scenic views which are worth a visit. The state has a long list of places which reflects the nature’s beauty at its best which cannot be missed by any traveler.
Kashmir has finally picked tourism activities after two back to back lockdowns. To ensure maximum safety and precautions, tourists with Covid-19 negative certificate are allowed to visit the valley. It is a welcome step post the lockdown phase but make sure to follow all the safety protocols and check with the local government guidelines before you plan on visiting this gorgeous valley. So, pretty much it is an amazing place to visit during Covid.
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. Locally this place is known as the mirror to the mountains, Srinagar is a first stopover for every traveler and there are 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.
Gulmarg – Ski Your Way
Famously known as the ‘Meadow of Flowers’, Gulmarg is a treat to the eyes with its spread of vibrant flowers against snow capped mountains as backgrounds. 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 vast 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.
Sonamarg – The Land Of Gold
Famously known as the ‘Meadow of Flowers’, Gulmarg is a treat to the eyes with its spread of vibrant flowers against snow capped mountains as backgrounds. 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 vast 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.
Leh – 3 Idiot’s Location
Leh is one of the best and safe places to visit in Kashmir in summers. The lofty mountains, the alpine lakes, and the quaint settings enable Leh one of the best places to visit. This place is every biker’s dreamland. Clad in the beauty and love of nature, Leh offers breathtaking views, leaving no visitor disappointed. You must explore all the top places to visit in Leh when traveling to Kashmir.
Kupwara – The Delight Of Kashmir
Kupwara is a small district located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir and situated at a distance of 90 Kms from the state capital, Srinagar. Blessed with nature’s finest views, the thriving meadows, alpine mountains, and the gushing clear water make Kupwara a must-visit destination in Kashmir. This city epitomizes the beauty of Kashmir.
Kathua – Lesser-Known Gem
Commonly called the “city of sufis”, this city in Jammu and Kashmir shares the southern borders with Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. The city has a large presence of Sufi shrines of Pirs within its boundaries. For the history lovers willing to have a glimpse of Kashmir’s past, Kathua should be on your list of top places to visit in Kashmir. Situated on the banks of a river, Kathua offers scintillating views and serene atmosphere. The city is also a gateway to a state and a big industrial town with army presence.
Kargil – A Witness Of Many Wars
Kargil is a small town in the Kargil district of Ladakh region, which brings shivers down the spine of the Indian Citizens. This part of the Ladakh is a must visit for every first time traveler for capturing the undaunted beauty of the place. Kargil is the second largest town in Ladakh after Leh which offers a plethora of options to escape in the nature’s lap. Not only does this city bring heart-touching memories but also provides scintillating views. The atmosphere in this city oozes with emotions.
Pulwama – All About Natural Springs & Apple Orchards
Famously named as the “Rice Bowl Of Kashmir”, this quaint village in Jammu and Kashmir is a great place to witness the nature’s real beauty of the state. Situated at a distance of 40 Kms from Srinagar, this place has many tourist sites for the first time travelers to explore. This multi hued city offers amiable weather, pleasant odor saffron fields, malleable citizens. One cannot have enough of the saffron fields and the rich culture in Pulwama.
Pahalgam – Get Allured By Picturesque Views
Pahalgam is considered as an illustration of the heaven on earth which is situated at an altitude of 2740 m. It is situated at distance of 95 Kms from Srinagar and surrounded by dense forests, beautiful lakes and meadows of flowers. Tranquility and serenity are the other names of Pahalgam. This tiny town is known to suck out all the stress of every visitor and is therefore counted amongst the best places to visit in Kashmir.
Hemis – The Famous Snow Leopard Capital
One of the many unexplored destinations in Jammu and Kashmir, Hemis is a small village which is located at a distance of 40 Kms southeast of Leh. Like every other region of Jammu and Kashmir, Hemis also epitomizes natural beauty. Hemis is popularly known for its magnificent monasteries and national park. It is a must visit in Kashmir in summers if you are a wildlife enthusiast. Rare species like the snow leopard and bharals find shelter in the national park here.
Kishtwar – Animal Lover’s Paradise
Since Kishtwar is somewhere far from tourists’ radar, offbeat travelers consider it a gem. The landscape here bewitches with its lofty hills, lush greenery consisting of pine and deodar forests. The national park in Kishtwar attracts wildlife and nature enthusiasts. Other than that Machail Yatra and Sarthal Yatra are two pilgrimage circuits of high reverence, which you must consider during your visit. When searching for best places to visit in Kashmir, do include this in your itinerary.
Nishat Garden – Perfect For A Laid-Back Day
This one is considered to be amongst the largest Mughal Gardens located on the banks of Dal Lake. Nishat Garden is also known by the name the Garden of Bliss and rightly so, as there are breathtaking Zabarwan Mountains in the backdrop. This garden is historically famous and Asaf Khan, who was the brother of Nur Jahan designed it. This is definitely one of the best places to visit in Kashmir, India.
Yusmarg – Sit In Tranquility
This is considered to be the best place when it comes to observing the natural aspects of Kashmir. This is one of the top tourist places in Kashmir that is not much explored. If you’ll 4 kilometers downhill from this place, you’ll see the beautiful Nil Nag Lake that will be a treat to your eyes. You’ll find the true tranquility as well as picturesqueness of Kashmir here.
Patnitop – Picture-Perfect Paradise
Endless meadows and picturesque views describe Patnitop the best. Blanketed by the sky-high Himalayas covered with snow, Patnitop has created a niche in the tourism industry due to its surreal beauty. Along with this, the place also offers some thrilling activities that will treat the adrenaline junkie in you. It proves to be one of the top tourist places in Kashmir for both families and friends.
Aru Valley – Perfect Place To Unwind
Located 12 kilometers from Pahalgam, Aru Valley is juxtaposed against the snow-clad peaks of Himalayas. It serves as a base camp for several treks and lakes including Tarsar Lake and Kolhoi glacier. The valley is also home to the Aru river which is a tributary of the Lidder River. Nature lovers resort to this place for peace and to unwind in the lap of nature. Apart from this, Aru Valley offers some of the most enthralling activities like horse riding and hiking. During the winter months, the view of the whole valley covered with snow is a comfort to the eyes. A visit to this place in Kashmir will leave you in awe of nature.
Khilanmarg – Paradise For Skiing
Only those who have visited Khilandmarg will agree that it is the most beautiful place in kashmir. The valley put you in a trance because of its alluring landscapes and breathtaking panoramas. It is 6 km ahead of Gulmarg and only a few people dare to visit this place. There may not be much to do here but those who enjoy nature will love visiting this place. In summers, the aromatic flowers are the major attraction while skiing in winters lures tourists to this place.