Its incredible views mean Kashmir is commonly called “The Paradise on Earth.” Everyone who sees Kashmir is stunned by Srinagar’s beauty, the whites of Gulmarg in winter, and the many spiritual places and spots throughout the region. Next, we’ll see some of the best spots in Kashmir, each highlighting different parts of the area.
1. Srinagar is the most lovely area in Kashmir
Kashmir is best experienced, at least partly, in Srinagar which is the warmer central city for the state capital. Thanks to Dal Lake, houseboats and Mughal gardens, visitors to Srinagar can draw close to natural surroundings. Taking a shikara on Dal Lake gives visitors a great view of both the mountains and gardens.
How stunning Mughal architecture becomes is easy to see at Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh and Chashme Shahi. Because everything is so beautifully cared for, they are excellent places for relaxation walks. People in Kashmir consider the Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar very important for their religious practices. Initially, the city’s markets featured Pashmina shawls, carpets and saffron as the main traditional handicrafts.
2. Known as India’s Skiing Capital, Gulmarg
Most people refer to Gulmarg as the “Meadow of Flowers” because it’s a beloved hill station in Kashmir. Gulm wins fans of the outdoors all year round because of its beautiful green meadows and white hills. During this season, the mountains host visitors who ski, board and snowshoe from around the world.
Most people recognise Gulmarg for its Gondola ride which takes visitors up almost 4,000 metres (13,123 feet) into the sky on a cable car. The region offers fine views of both nearby valleys and the snow-capped mountains. If you want peaceful views, walking Apharwat Peak and Alpather Lake should not be missed.
3. The Relaxing Valley, Pahalgam, Lays in Central Area of Kashmir
This district is where you’ll find Pahalgam, a peaceful and beautiful part of Kashmir. Thanks to being between pine forests and beside the Lidder River, Pahalgam is perfect for people looking to relax from noisy city living. Faith has made the start of the yatra very important to travellers.
Visitors close by to Aru Valley return yearly because of its clean landscape and easy hikes. The Baisaran Valley is often labelled “Mini Switzerland of India” because of its fantastic views and great places for quiet time, horse rides and outdoor activities. Betaab Valley is so named after the Hindi film “Betaab” and is a beautiful sight you can admire close to Pahalgam.
4. English translates Sonmarg as Meadow of Gold
Kashmir’s Sonmarg which means “Meadow of Gold,” is very beautiful. At 2,740 metres above sea level, Sonmarg is ringed by high snowy mountains and has green grounds, so its Kundli and Thajiwas Glaciers become the main attraction.
You can join many hikes out of Sonmarg, for example, the Amarnath Yatra and the Zoji La Pass mountain pass. People drawn to trekking and the outdoors visit Sonmarg to see its true natural beauty. Because of its relaxation, many find that the area makes a good place for taking photos or stepping away from everything.
5. Most visitors to Kashmir have not seen Kupwara
When you visit Kupwara, Kashmir’s most northern district, you will see stunning sights but few other people. Since the town sits in the middle of valleys, surrounded by great peaks and clean lakes, travellers come there to relax.
Wular Lake in Kupwara is recognised as one of Asia’s leading freshwater lakes. In this area, boating is possible and you’ll be treated to great views. Apart from their natural beauty and peaceful surroundings, visitors come to Lolab Valley for great trekking and animal spotting. Because of its bird population, Rangreth, in Kupwara, is a favourite of nature lovers.
6. Hemis Monastery – A Site for Spiritual Seekers
Many people associate Kashmir with its greenery, but there are plenty of places devoted to religious and cultural life as well. A good instance is the Hemis Monastery which you can visit in Ladakh, but it is just outside of Kashmir. The large displays, songs, dances and religious activities of the Hemis Festival are celebrated annually at the local Buddhist monastery.
Visitors to the monastery can see its many buildings, view the fine murals and read the old scriptures on display. Since it’s situated in the dry mountains beneath blue sky, the monastery offers a great environment for deep thought and prayer.
7. Jammu Acts as the Welcoming Point for Kashmir’s Varied Religious Practises
While Jammu is only one part of Jammu & Kashmir, its special cultural and religious significance requires attention. Indian Hindus add Vaishno Devi Temple, found in the Trikuta Mountains, to their main list of places to visit on pilgrimage. Temples draw thousands of visitors who walk 13 kilometres to ask for Goddess Vaishno Devi’s blessings.
Several other religious buildings in Jammu like the Raghunath Temple and the Ranbireshwar Temple, offer visitors a happy mind. Anyone visiting looking for relaxation can enjoy Mansar Lake and Bahu Fort lets tourists see many sights of the city at once.
8. Nubra Valley completes Kashmir’s Desert region
The area of Ladakh near the border with China is loved for its stunning areas, including sand dunes, lush green valleys and mountains topped with snow. Summer brings wildflowers to the valley, so the area has become known as the “Valley of Flowers.”
Because of Diskit Monastery and its Maitreya Buddha statue that stands 13 metres tall, many tourists come to Nubra Valley. At Hunder, visitors can take a camel ride and experience something unusual. Tourists are drawn to the valley in part because of Panamik’s hot springs. Anyone hoping to hike, snap photos or watch wild scenery will have a great time in the Nubra Valley.
9. Yusmarm is famous for its quietness.
Just 50 kilometres from Srinagar, Yusmarg isn’t widely known and it’s very quiet. Snow makes a spectacular background for Nanga Parbat which can be seen from Yusmarg because of its dried pine forests and meadows. If you love hiking, having picnics or camping, this quiet valley is the place for you outside the peaks of Darjeeling.
The river Doodh Ganga beside the valley enhances the tranquility of the region. Since visitors love to discover unusual sights, Yusmarg is discovered by travellers who love being with nature.
Conclusion
Because of its stunning scenes, holy buildings and thrilling scenery, Kashmir has become a popular destination for travellers who want both quiet and adventure. These locations, Srinagar, Gulmarg, Kupwara and Nubra Valley, give you an idea of the special beauty that makes Kashmir famous.
If enjoying content in Kashmir starts at Nr6, but of course you’ll need to work on your language skills first. Be sure not to miss these top destinations so you can admire the wonderful nature of Kashmir.