Kashmir is a place where every season offers a new sight to see and a new chapter to explore. The lush green summer landscape turns fiery red in autumn, inviting travelers from all across the country. Winter covers the horizon in a sheet of white snow, attracting adventurers to ski or snowboard. There are rustic villages situated by crystal clear rivers and heritage cities that are overshadowed by snow-capped mountains. The poets truly call Kashmir nothing less than “heaven”.
If you are planning a journey to this magical land then this guide outlines the best places to visit in Kashmir. From the historical and hypnotizing Srinagar to the breathtaking valleys of Gurez, this article will be your ultimate guide to discovering the 10 best places in Kashmir.
Best Places To Visit In Kashmir
| S.no | Destinations | Best Time To Visit |
| 1. | Srinagar | Throughout the year |
| 2. | Gulmarg | January to July & October to December |
| 3. | Pahalgam | April to October |
| 4. | Sonmarg | April to October |
| 5. | Gurez Valley | Mid-May to Mid-September |
| 6. | Yousmarg | March to September |
| 7. | Bungus Valley | June to September |
| 8. | Jammu | Throughout the year |
| 9. | Doodhpathri | January to July & October to December |
| 10. | Katra | Throughout the year |
1. Srinagar
When the Mughal Emperors decided to build a summer capital, they saw the beauty of the land around Dal Lake and shaped it as what we now call Srinagar. This stunning city is surrounded by green mountains that change color according to the season. In between is the lifeline of the local people – the Dal Lake – where people live in houseboat colonies – fishing, marketing, and shopping in wooden row boats called shikara.
The lake separates the old town of Lal Chowk from the new, touristy Dalgate boulevard where upbeat boutiques and hotels offer travelers comfortable places to experience the city. You can find plenty of vendors around the ghats of the lake; selling freshly caught and roasted fish, fried lotus root snacks, and the staple beverage of Kashmir – the Kahwa (a herbal drink made from a mixture of many spices).
In the old part of the city, the evocative structures built from walnut wood remind you of its rich history while the old, picturesque wooden bridges run over the Jhelum River to connect the city. Srinagar is among the top places to visit in Kashmir.
Famous Attractions: Adi Shankaracharya Temple, Tulip Garden, Shalimar Bagh, Hari Parbat, Dargah Hazratbal, Jamia Masjid, Chashme Shahi, Masjid Dastgeer Sahib, Gurudwara Chati Patshahi, Badamwari Park, and Nishat Garden.
Things To Do: Ride on a shikara, savor Kashmiri street food, visit the floating markets of Dal Lake, enjoy a hot balloon ride at Dalgate, explore nightlife at Lal Chowk, etc.
2. Gulmarg
Gulmarg is the postcard spot that is counted as among the best places to see in Kashmir. About 3-4 hours away from Srinagar, this beautiful site is hidden among towering mountains that remain white throughout the year. A scenic, well-maintained road leads you to the top where you are greeted with this mesmerising sight.
You can take a gondola ride to the top of the snowy Apharwat Mountain where panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and alpine lakes will keep your eyes busy. Or mule rides to the nearby attractions, like the Bota Pathri and the Maharaja Hari Singh Palace, will make your trip unforgettable.
In winter, Gulmarg changes its color and invites adventurers across the globe to enjoy snow sports like ice skating, snowboarding, and more. In all seasons, Gulmarg remains the top place to visit in Kashmir.
Famous Attractions: Bota Pathri, Maharaja Hari Singh Palace, Apharwat Gondola Ride, Gulmarg Golf Course, and St Mary’s Church.
Things To Do: Enjoy pony rides, trek to the Apharwat Mountain, ski or snowboard in winter, etc.
3. Pahalgam
Situated some 90 km away from Srinagar is the verdant valley of Pahalgam where the pilgrims flock from June till August to embark on Amarnath Yatra. It has the feel of a popular hill station as you can find luxury hotels, trendy cafes, and dry fruit shops along the road. Situated on the azure Lidder River, Pahalgam is the route to many multi-day treks and valleys.
One of the best places to see in Kashmir that you can go from Pahalgam is the Aru Valley. This lush green meadow surrounded by snow-kissed mountains is the perfect getaway for any nature lover. You can enjoy many activities in the valley like zorbing, mule rides, and so on. If you want to explore beyond Aru Valley, many treks lead to the famous Kolhai Glacier and the Tarsar & Marsar Lakes.
Betaab Valley is another tourist favorite spot in Pahalgam that is filled with picture-perfect locales. The place inherits its peculiar name from a Bollywood film which was shot here. A glacial stream flows through the beautiful gardens which helps the place turn into a winter wonderland as the season changes. The Betaab Valley is truly a must-visit place in Kashmir.
At the far end of Pahalgam is Chandanwari situated at 4206 meters, where devotees eagerly travel to the holy cave of Amarnath.
Famous Attractions: Aru Valley, Betaab Valley, Chandanwari, Tulian Lake Trek, Tarsar-Marsar Lakes Trek, Dudhsagar Lake Trek, Kolhai Glacier Trek, and more.
Things To Do: Raft in Lidder River, camping in Aru Valley, enjoy outdoor activities like, zorbing, etc.
4. Sonmarg
A two-hour cab ride from Srinagar takes you to the mesmerizing hill station of Sonmarg (also called Sonamarg in Kashmiri). This breathtaking spot offers you beautiful meadows where blue rivers cut through giant mountains to create spectacular views. A 20-minute trek takes you to the iconic Thajiwas Glacier where you can find yearlong snow. You can also opt for a taxi ride and see other spots near Sonmarg like the Zojila Pass which takes you at an elevation of 3,528 meters and to the Zero Point or the Baltal where you can enjoy camping in summer.
Famous Attractions: Thajiwas Glacier, Zojila Pass, Zero Point, and Balatal.
Things To Do: Enjoy pony rides, winter activities, etc.
5. Gurez Valley
This hidden gem at the edge of the state is one of the best places to visit in Kashmir. As you ride through the Razdan Pass (at an elevation of 3,557 meters) and witness the view of majestic mountains below you, you’ll realize that what is about to come will be memorable. At Razdan Pass, you can stop and pay a visit to the Peer Baba Shrine which is a site sacred to both Hindus as well as Muslims and is now maintained by the Indian military.
You’ll get to ride along the stark blue Kishanganga River (known as Neelum River in Pakistan) which creates an unforgettable spectacle. A cultural center on the other bank of the river, named the Sheenon Meeras Cultural Center (Meaning the legacy of the Shino people. “Sheenon” means the Shino People, and “Meeras” translates to the legacy.) provides interesting information about the Shino and Dardic communities, including their lifestyle, language, and staple food.
You can find plenty of camping grounds near the river, to sit and relax while admiring the the surrounding lush mountains and the iconic Habba Khatoon peak.
Famous Attractions: Habba Khatoon Spring, Gurez Valley trek, Shrines of Baba Dervish and his brother Baba Razaq, and Shinon Meeras Cultural Center. A few other attractions that you’ll find on your way to Gurez Valley include Wular Lake and Manasbal Lake.
Things To Do: Enjoy camping by the river, trout fishing, trekking to glaciers, river rafting in Kishanganga, etc.
6. Yousmarg
Approximately 47 km away from Srinagar are the grassy pastures of Yousmarg that stretch towards pine forests and snow-peaked mountains. The name is derived from the belief that once Jesus walked through this valley, thus the name “Yus” (a short form of Youza or Jesus) and “Marg” (meaning path).
Perfect for a laid-back stroll and a family picnic, this flower-filled meadow is among the best places to visit in Kashmir. Here, you can enjoy a walk to the foamy Dudh Ganga River and the Nilnag Lake which is surrounded by peaks such as Tatta Kutti, Sang Safed, and more.
Famous Attractions: Nilnag Lake, Dudh Ganga, Sang-e-Safed Valley, Charar-e-Sharief, and more.
Things To Do: Go on pony rides and enjoy a picnic.
7. Bungus Valley
Best known for its astonishing natural beauty, giant mountains, vast meadows, lush green forests, and crystal-clear streams; the Bungus (or Bangus) Valley is an offbeat place in Kashmir that receives very few tourists, a majority of which are the locals.
The valley’s charm lies not only in its natural beauty but also in a cultural festival that showcases the vibrant rituals and customs of the region. The Bungus Mela, which takes place every year, offers the perfect chance to enjoy traditional music, dance performances, and folk art exhibitions.
Famous Attractions: Machil, Satbaran Kalaroos, Lolab Valley, Seemab Valley, and more.
Things To Do: Go on nature treks and camp on green meadows.
8. Jammu
Chances are that if you are coming to Kashmir, you’ll pass through Jammu to continue onwards. This southern city of the state draws heavy crowds, which mainly include travelers, heading towards the sacred site of Vaishno Devi or onwards.
Jammu is a laid-back city that offers many historical places, museums, as well as gardens. You can spend your whole day exploring these spots. While Katra is known for its spiritual relevance, Jammu also has many temples, each one more grand than the other.
Famous Attractions: Shri Raghunath Temple, Shri Ranbireshwar Temple, Shri Ranbireshwar Temple, Bagh-E-Bahu, Amar Mahal Museum and Library, and more.
Things To Do: Go on temple hopping, sample Jammu street food, etc.
9. Doodhpathri
Doodhpathri is often compared to the Swiss Alps due to its magical landscape that takes different colors in different seasons. It is very similar to Gulmarg but way less touristy which makes it one of the best places to visit in Kashmir if you want to enjoy nature without being disturbed.
You’ll find that the water which flows in these meadows has a consistency similar to milk. Well, there’s a legend associated with this phenomenon which talks about the famous saint of Kashmir, Sheikh Ul Alam Sheikh Noor Din Noorani who wanted to pray in the valley but was unable to find water to perform ablution. He pricked the ground with his stick due to which milk came out. When he saw the milk flowing from the ground, he said that he could not perform ablutions from milk, hearing which, the milk changed its form into water.
The Valley features many hidden gems which invite you to explore further. A few kilometers West, you’ll find the natural wonder of Tosa Maidan where you can experience the beauty of Kashmir firsthand.
Famous Attractions: Babareshi Shrine, Tosa Maidan, and more.
Things To Do: Enjoy pony rides, camp in the peaceful meadows, go on nature treks, etc.
10. Katra
Katra is the gateway for pilgrims who are on their way to Vaishno Devi temple, one of the most important Hindu sites in all of India and one of the best places to see in Kashmir. The temple commemorates the three icons – Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Mahasaraswati – all images of Vaishno Devi.
The temple dates back to the period of Mahabharata where Arjun is said to have worshipped Durga on the advice of Lord Krishna for the blessings before the Kurukshetra War. Today, the temple is visited by almost 95 lakh devotees, seeking the blessings of the goddess.
Famous Attraction: Vaishno Devi Temple
Things To Do: Take part in Katra’s festivals and celebrations, savor local street food, enjoy the nightlife in Katra, explore Katra’s local temples, shop in the local markets, etc.
Also Read: 14 Best Places To Visit In South India On Your Next Trip
Takeaway
From the enchanting beauty of Gurez Valley to the immersive culture of Srinagar and Jammu, Kashmir has everything to offer. You can marvel at the towering mountains, ice skate on frozen lakes, or simply sip kawa by the Dal Lake – this beautiful state is as breathtaking as the poets have defined it to be.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) :
Q. How safe is it to travel to Kashmir?
A. Kashmir is relatively safer now as compared to the past. You may find a heavy military presence around the state to ensure the safety of the travelers. With this, tourism in Kashmir is seen booming with an ever-increasing tourist footfall that reached 29 lakh in 2024.
Q. What is the best season to visit Kashmir?
A. You can visit Kashmir anytime throughout the year. Each season has a distinct flavor and attraction; the summer is refreshing and offers lush green valleys with fruit-laden trees and flowers. The autumn turns the iconic maple trees of Kashmir fiery red, giving you a unique sight to see. The winters are full of snowfall, changing the valleys into something out of a fairytale.
Q. How to reach Jammu & Kashmir from Delhi?
A. Jammu & Kashmir is easily accessible from New Delhi through the following ways:
By Flight: Taking a Delhi to Srinagar flight is the fastest way to reach Jammu & Kashmir, taking only 1.5-2 hours. You can opt for airlines such as IndiGo, SpiceJet, GoAir, or Air India that offer regular flights from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Sheikh Ul-Alam International Airport (SXR).
By Train: Many trains run from Delhi to Jammu like the Jammu Rajdhani Express, Shalimar Express, and Jammu Mail which will transfer you to Jammu without bloating your budget. You can easily take a bus or a shared/private taxi from Jammu to Srinagar.
By Road: Delhi to Srinagar is approximately 800 kilometers which can be covered by a private car or a bus, taking around 16-18 hours depending on the buffer time.
Q. Which mobile networks function in Kashmir?
A. BSNL and Airtel provide the best service in Kashmir.
Q. How to reach Kashmir from Mumbai?
A. Srinagar is approximately 1850 kilometers from Mumbai and can be reached by the following ways:
By Flight: You can take a flight from Mumbai to Srinagar which will cost you around 5000 to 6000 INR and will take around 4 hours.
By Train: Trains such as Jat Vivek Express and Swaraj Express run from Borivali and drop you either at Katra or Vaishno Devi in approximately 30 to 35 hours. You will find many shared/private taxis which will leave you at Srinagar from there.
Q. What is the capital of Jammu & Kashmir?
A. The beautiful and historic city of Srinagar is the capital of Jammu & Kashmir.
