Because of its natural beauty, Kashmir is sometimes referred to as India’s Switzerland. You will see beautiful sights as soon as you arrive in Kashmir, which will boost your travel plans. So, let’s have a look at some of the places to visit in Kashmir that you may utilize to plan your trip. Remember that the state, divided into three areas: Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh, with the Pir Panjal and the gorgeous Himalayan hills on both sides. As a result, while traveling from one point to another in this magnificent state, it is not uncommon to stumble upon breathtaking panoramic scenery.
Here’s the list of 30 places to visit in Kashmir to know the magical gem on Earth:
1. Gulmarg
With its expanse of brilliant flowers set against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains, Gulmarg, also known as the ‘Meadow of Blooms,’ is a visual treat of Kashmir visiting places. Gulmarg, regarded as one of the best places to visit in Kashmir for a variety of reasons. This region of Kashmir is also known as an adventurer’s paradise due to the numerous options for skiing in the snow while taking in the landscape. The best time to visit Kashmir for snowfall is in the winter, from December to January.
Activities To Do: Mountain Biking, trekking, Skiing
Best Time To Visit: June through October is the finest time to visit, and December and January are ideal for snow.
2. Srinagar
Srinagar is without a doubt one of Kashmir’s and India’s most beautiful and well-known tourist sites. From boats to trekking, bird watching to water skiing, Srinagar offers it all. Srinagar, also known as the “mirror to the mountains,” is a must-see destination for all travelers, with a long list of things to see and do. It is Kashmir’s most populous city, surrounded by lush green mountains, and the city’s crown jewel is Dal Lake. This place allows visitors to get a closer look into Kashmiri cuisine and culture.
Activities To Do: Boathouse stay, Roam around Mughal gardens
Best Time To Visit: From June to October, and from December to January, if you want to see snow, you must go to Srinagar.
3. Leh
Leh is one of the best and safest Kashmir visiting places during the summer. Because of its steep mountains, alpine lakes, and lovely sceneries, Leh is one of the best destinations to visit. This place is a biker’s dream come true. Leh, surrounded by nature’s beauty and love, offers breathtaking views that will not disappoint any visitor. When visiting Kashmir, you must see all of Leh’s fantastic sights.
Activities To Do: Mountain Biking, Trekking
Best Time To Visit: April to June, and September to October are the best months to visit.
4. Sonamarg
Sonamarg, known as the ‘Golden Meadow,’ as its name suggests. Its attractions include an uninterrupted stream of beautiful flowers and undulating hiking trails. For its enchanting ambiance and stunning views, Sonamarg must be on every visitor’s list of places to visit in Kashmir. Summer, from May to June, is the greatest time to visit Kashmir since the valley is ablaze with multicolored flowers. It is one of the best Kashmir tourist places.
Activities To Do: Camping, Trekking, and Nature Walks
Best Time To Visit: For snow, June through October, December and January are the best months.
5. Kargil
Kargil is a little town in the Kargil district of Ladakh that sends chills down the spines of Indian inhabitants. This part of Ladakh is a must-see for anyone visiting for the first time and wants to capture the region’s obvious beauty. Kargil, Ladakh’s second-largest town after Leh, has a plethora of possibilities to unwind in the lap of nature. This city not only evokes pleasant recollections but also provides stunning views. The atmosphere in this city gets filled with emotions.
Activities To Do: Trekking on Suru Valley
Best Time To Visit: In between March to June
6. Kathua
The “city of Sufis”, located in Jammu and Kashmir and shares southern borders with Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. If you’re a history fan looking for a glimpse into Kashmir’s past, Kathua should be on your list of Kashmir tourist places. Kathua, situated on the banks of a river, offers stunning views and a relaxing atmosphere. In addition to being a state’s gateway, the city is also a big industrial town with a military presence.
Activities To Do: Picnic in Ujh Barrage
Best Time To Visit: Summer Time
7. Kupwara
Kupwara is a tiny district in Jammu and Kashmir, located around 90 kilometers from the state capital, Srinagar. Kupwara is a must-see place in Kashmir, with its beautiful meadows, alpine highlands, and gushing clear water. This city exemplifies Kashmir’s beauty. It’s one of the famous tourist places of Kashmir.
Activities To Do: Paying a visit to Lolab valley, Qamar Reshi Sahib Shrine, Sheikh Baba Behram
Best Time To Visit: In between April to October
8. Pahalgam
At an elevation of 2740 meters, Pahalgam is considered a little version of heaven on earth. It is 95 kilometers from Srinagar and bordered by lush forests, lovely lakes, and flower-filled plains. Pahalgam is also known for its tranquil and quiet. One of the tourist places of Kashmir to visit, this little town, famed for absorbing all of a visitor’s stress.
Activities To Do: Horseback Riding
Best Time To Visit: In between June to October and for snow, December and January
9. Pulwama
The “Rice Bowl of Kashmir” is a small village in Jammu and Kashmir that provides excellent views of the state’s natural splendor. For first-time tourists, this town, located 40 kilometers from Srinagar, offers a range of tourist attractions. This multicolored city, characterized by nice weather, pleasant odors from saffron fields, and adaptive residents. Pulwama’s saffron fields and rich culture are difficult to resist. The most famous tourist places in Kashmir.
Activities To Do: Mountaineering and trekking
Best Time To Visit: In between April to October
10. Jammu City
Jammu is without a doubt the most well-known city in Kashmir. As you may be aware, Mata Vaishno Devi Temple, a popular Hindu pilgrimage site. Because it is home to various holy places such as Peer Baba Temple, Mahamaya Temple, and Peer Khoh, it is also known as the City of Temples. Aside from its spiritual significance, the city is also known for its scenic beauty and the rugged Bahu Fort.
Activities To Do: Sightseeing, Visiting the temples, and trekking
Best Time To Visit: The whole year is the best time to visit
11. Hemis
Hemis is a small village located 40 kilometers southeast of Leh and is one of Jammu & Kashmir’s many undiscovered locations. Natural splendor surrounds Hemis, as it does the rest of Jammu & Kashmir. Hemis is well-known for its magnificent monasteries and national park. It is a must-see in Kashmir during the summer if you are a wildlife enthusiast. Endangered creatures like the snow leopard and bharals are found in the national park.
Activities To Do: Visiting the Hemis Monastery and the Hemis National Park
Best Time To Visit: In between May to July
12. Doda
Doda, with its varied terrain, is a paradise for adventurers and nature lovers. Whether you’re new to adventure sports or a seasoned veteran, you’ll find this to be a valuable resource. Despite being less well-known among tourists, Doda is well-known for two Hindu sanctuaries, Athra Devi Temple and Chandi Mata Temple. The most famous tourist places in Kashmir.
Activities To Do: Rock climbing, Trekking, and sightseeing
Best Time To Visit: All time of the year
13. Kishtwar
Because it is off the beaten route, offbeat travelers see Kishtwar as a gem. The scenery here enchants with its steep slopes and rich greenery of pine and deodar trees. The national park of Kishtwar attracts wildlife and nature enthusiasts. Apart from that, Machail Yatra and Sarthal Yatra are two well-known pilgrimage circuits that you should visit during your holiday. If you’re seeking the best places to visit in Kashmir, put these on your itinerary.
Activities To Do: Wildlife Safari, Camping, and Trekking
Best Time To Visit: Summer
14. Poonch
Poonch is unquestionably one of Kashmir’s most beautiful locations. The lush green meadows, views of snow-capped mountains, and the eighteenth-century Poonch Fort combine to produce a stunning scene. Girgan Dhok’s seven lakes, as well as many holy temples like Baksh Sahib and Gurudwara Nangali Sahib, should be on your itinerary.
Activities To Do: Temple Visiting, trekking, and Camping
Best Time To Visit: Summer
15. Anantnag
With verdant gardens and freshwater springs, Anantnag is a wonderful destination. Right here, you may enjoy both the convenience of a city and the essence of nature. Verinag and Daksum, for example, are two sites, visited in a single day. Without mentioning it, our list of tourist sites in Kashmir would be incomplete!
Activities To Do: Day trips, Sightseeing
Best Time To Visit: Any time of the year
16. Nishat Garden
On the banks of Dal Lake, this is one of the largest Mughal Gardens. Nishat Garden is also known as the Garden of Bliss because of the beautiful Zabarwan Mountains in the background. Nur Jahan’s brother, Asaf Khan, built the garden, which is historically significant. Without a doubt, this is one of Kashmir’s most beautiful spots.
Activities To Do: Flower sightseeing and walk in nature
Best Time To Visit: In between October to December
17. Chashmashahi
This garden, founded in 1632 AD, is the smallest of the three Mughal Gardens in Kashmir. Shah Jahan, the Mughal Emperor, designed and built it. From here, you’ll have a spectacular view of Dal Lake as well as various mountains in the surrounding areas.
Activities To Do: Picnic
Best Time To Visit: In between October to December
18. Shalimar Garden
In the year 1616, the well-known Emperor Jehangir developed this garden for his wife, Nur Jahan. After a while, another garden, Faiz Baksh, added to this one. A canal runs through the area, with polished stones lining the perimeter. The major point of the garden is this canal, which flows through the center of it.
Activities To Do: Picnic and bird watching
Best Time To Visit: In between October to December
19. Jama Masjid
This mosque is one of Srinagar’s most important in Nowhatta. Around 1400 AD, Sultan Sikandar erected the mosque. The mosque was also expanded by Sikandar’s son, Zain-ul-Abidin. This mosque, known for its 370 wooden pillars and enchanting courtyard, which are both considered the mosque’s principal attractions.
Activities To Do: Sightseeing
Best Time To Visit: In between October to December
20. Yusmarg
When it comes to admiring Kashmir’s natural beauty, this is the place to go. This is a famous tourist attraction in Kashmir that has yet to be fully explored. You can see the beautiful Nil Nag Lake 4 kilometers downhill, which will be a visual treat for your eyes. Kashmir’s inherent serenity, as well as its scenic splendor.
Activities To Do: Pony Riding and Sightseeing
Best Time To Visit: In between October to December
21. Patnitop
Patnitop, known for its wide meadows and beautiful views. Because of its surreal beauty, Patnitop, bordered by the sky-high Himalayas and clad in snow, has carved out a niche in the tourism industry. Furthermore, the site provides a wide range of thrilling activities to fulfill the adrenaline junkie in you. It is a popular tourist attraction in Kashmir for both families and groups of friends.
Activities To Do: Trekking, Paragliding, and skiing
Best Time To Visit: In between May to June and September to October
22. Vaishno Devi
Vaishno Devi is a town in the Trikuta Hills famous for the Vaishno Devi temple. Vaishno Devi is a Hindu mythology manifestation of Goddess Durga. Because it is one of India’s 108 Shakti Peeth, considered sacred and receives a huge number of people each year. The hike to the temple is 13 kilometers long and takes between 9 and 10 hours to complete, depending on your speed. People who are unable to walk or who prefer to read early can use palanquins, ponies, or helicopters. Without a question, Vaishno Devi is one of Kashmir’s most famous tourist spots.
Activities To Do: Shopping, trekking, and sightseeing
Best Time To Visit: In between March to October
23. Sanasar
Are you looking for a one-of-a-kind spot in Kashmir to visit? Sanasar is a name you may be familiar with. No? Given that this is one of Kashmir’s hidden beauties, this is unsurprising. Rock climbing, trekking, paragliding, and abseiling are just a few of the sports offered to travelers. Sanasar, named after two nearby lakes, and a visit here will reveal a distinct side of Kashmir.
Activities To Do: Camping and sightseeing
Best Time To Visit: In between April to June
24. Amarnath
Amarnath is a pilgrim’s paradise and a renowned tourist destination in Kashmir. Every year, Lord Shiva devotees go to this spot to receive blessings and to witness Shivaling, the encased figure of Shiva. People travel from all over the world to take part in the famous ‘Amarnath Yatra.’ It is the same cave where Lord Shiva taught the mysteries of life and eternity to Goddess Parvati. If you are a serious follower of Lord Shiva, you must visit this location when in Kashmir.
Activities To Do: Trekking
Best Time To Visit: In between May to September
25. Aru Valley
Aru Valley gets encircled by snow-capped Himalayan peaks and is 12 kilometers from Pahalgam. Tarsar Lake and the Kolhoi Glacier are just a few of the treks and lakes that begin here. The Aru River, a Lidder River tributary, runs through the valley. Nature lovers come here to unwind and find calm in the midst of nature. Aside from that, Aru Valley offers a variety of thrilling activities, like horseback riding and hiking. During the winter months, the sight of the entire valley covered in snow is calming to the eyes. You would be speechless after visiting this place in Kashmir.
Activities To Do: Trekking and Horse Riding
Best Time To Visit: In between July to September
26. Khilanmarg
Only those who have visited Khilandmarg can agree that it is the most beautiful spot in Kashmir. The valley’s enticing scenery and breathtaking views lull you into a trance. Only a few people make the trip to this area, which lies 6 kilometers from Gulmarg. Even though there isn’t much to do here, nature lovers will appreciate their stay. In the summer, the aromatic flowers are the main attraction, while in the winter, skiing is the main draw.
Activities To Do: Hiking, Skiing, and Nature Walks
Best Time To Visit: In Spring and winter season
27. Baltal
Because of its stunning surroundings, Baltal is one of Kashmir’s most well-known locations. It’s about 14 kilometers from the Amarnath caves and offers overnight accommodations for pilgrims. This valley is one of Kashmir’s most famous tourist sites due to its amazing beauty. Because it is close to both Srinagar and Pahalgam, this is a must-see location.
Activities To Do: Nature Sightseeing
Best Time To Visit: In between May to September
28. Dachigam National Park
Kashmir is not only beautiful, but it also has a diverse range of flora and animals. Indigenous plant and animal species, found at Dachigam National Park. Even the sceneries of this location are hypnotic. It is about 22 kilometers from Srinagar and is easily accessible by private cab. Its natural beauty makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kashmir.
Activities To Do: Wildlife Tour
Best Time To Visit: In between May-June and September-October
29. Kishtwar National Park
Kishtwar National Park should be on your list of places to visit in Kashmir if you enjoy nature and animals. There are musk deer, Himalayan black bears, and brown bears in the area. The national park, located on a plateau above the Chenab River, just below the Nagin Sheer Glacier. You will get revitalized by the lush flora and landscape. It spans 400 square kilometers and is home to a wide variety of plants and animals. It is one of Jammu & Kashmir’s most well-known wildlife and natural sites.
Activities To Do: Wildlife Safari
Best Time To Visit: In between May to June and September to October
30. Bhaderwah
Another Kashmir tourist attraction worth seeing is Bhaderwah, located in the Doda district of Jammu & Kashmir. To make your trip to Kashmir truly unique, all you need is a beautiful drive to this place. The varied flora and wildlife of this place will leave you feeling energized and satisfied. This spot is also well-known for its abundance of snakes. It is without a doubt Kashmir’s most beautiful spot and a must-see for every nature enthusiast.
Activities To Do: Trekking and skiing
Best Time To Visit: In between May to June