Attractions
Tourist Attractions and Places of Interest in Kashmir
Pahalgam
Pahalgam, popular as the valley of shepherds is not less than a heaven on earth. The place attracts tourists to explore its scenic beauty and the picturesque Liddar valley located in the high Himalayas. An ideal destination for hiking, trekking, and fishing, Pahalgam receives heavy snowfall from December to February. Its thick pine and cedar forests provide a natural habitat for the brown bear. During your vacations in Pahalgam, you may visit Hajan, a picnic spot, which lies on the way to Chandanwari.
Srinagar
Srinigar is a modern waterworld, dominated by Dal Lake and its twisting waterways, tree-lined Nagin Lake, and the Jhelum River. Engulf yourself in local culture by embracing your sea legs and renting one of the wooden boats called shikaras for a daytime or twilight cruise. On land, stroll through the terraced hillsides of the 400-year-old Mughal Gardens, created by Emperor Jehangir for his wife, and shop for indigenous crafts like hand-woven silks and embroidered shawls.
Gulmarg
Every winter, Gulmarg is overrun with skiers hoping to catch some of the best powder in India. But it’s more than just a winter destination—spring and summer transform the slopes into lush flower-dotted meadows with clear views of the Himalayas all around. You can hit the links at one of the highest golf courses in the world, make a wish at the sacred Baba Reshi Shrine, and ride the Gulmarg Gondola (another highest in the world) for even better panoramic views. Drung waterfall is also a nearby tourist attraction visited by thousands of tourists.
Sonmarg
Situated at an altitude of 2730 m, Sonamarg is a mesmerizing hill station in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir. Sonamarg literally means ‘the meadow of gold’ and with snow-capped mountains set against a spectacular blue sky, it is as close to heaven as it can get. The Sindh River flows through the valley. Ponies can be hired for the trip up to Thajiwas glacier, which is a major local attraction during summer.
Dal Lake
Dal in Kashmiri means lake, located in srinagar Kashmir. The urban lake, is integral to tourism and recreation in Kashmir and is named the “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir” or “Srinagar’s Jewel”.The lake is also an important source for commercial operations in fishing and water plant harvesting. The lake covers an area of 18 square kilometres (6.9 sq mi) and is part of a natural wetland which covers 21.1 square kilometres (8.1 sq mi), including its floating gardens.
Mughal Gardens
The celebrated Mughal gardens of Kashmir owe their grandeur primarily to Emperor Jahangir who had an undaunted love for Kashmir, and his son Shah Jahan. Jahangir was responsible for the careful selection of the site and manoeuvring it to suit the requirements of the traditional paradise gardens.Almost all popular Mughal gardens in Kashmir except Verinag follow a similar pattern with a central water channel further enhanced by avenues of poplars or chinar trees.
Sinthan Top
One of the offbeat tourist destinations in Kashmir, Sinthan Top is a high mountain pass that is located between the Breng valley in Anantnag district and Kishtwar. However, most of its part lies on the Kishtwar side. If you have been to this heavenly destination then you are probably aware of its magnificent beauty. And if you haven’t but are planning a trip to Kashmir then this mountain pass should definitely be on your must-visit list. Daksum is a beautiful picnic spot, on the way from Anantnag Side. It is a trekker’s paradise covered with coniferous forests, gurgling streams and hidden grassy meadows with the melodious sound of the gushing Bringi River forming the backdrop. Daksum is also famous for its trout.
Manasbal Lake
Manasbal Lake is located in Ganderbal District in the State of Jammu and Kashmir in India. The name Manasbal is said to be a derivative of the Lake Manasarovar. Lake is encircled by three villages viz., Jarokbal, Kondabal (also called Kiln place, is situated on the north-eastern side of the lake) and Ganderbal and is stated to be the deepest lake (at 13 m or 43 ft depth) in India.] The large growth of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) at the periphery of the lake (blooms during July and August) adds to the beauty of the clear waters of the lake. The Mughal garden, called the Jaroka, (meaning bay window) built by Nur Jahan overlooks the lake.
Gurez
Gurez, also spelled Gurais, is a valley located at a distance of about 123 kilometers from Srinagar in Kashmir. At an average altitude of 8,000 feet (2,400 meters), the valley is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It has diverse fauna and wildlife including the Himalayan brown bear and the snow leopard.
The Kishanganga River flows through the valley before merging into the Jhelum River near Muzaffarabad in Pakistan. Razdan Pass is the only high-altitude pass between Srinagar and Gurez. Due to heavy snowfall in winter, the road remains blocked for about six months a year.