Kashmir is the crown of India and is known as the heaven on earth. Situated in the lap of the Western Himalayas, Kashmir offers dramatic landscapes and panoramic views. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India due to its pleasant climate and scenic beauty. Kashmir tour packages are quite popular among travelers throughout the year. If you’re also planning to see Kashmir, you must know what places to visit in Kashmir with family., friends, and partners.
There are numerous best places to visit in Kashmir which surely blow your mind. Whether you’re on a family vacation or a honeymoon trip, Kashmir is an ideal location for all sorts of travelers. Here you will find numerous freshwater lakes, temples, mosques, treks, meadows, snow activities, and more.
Top 10 places to visit in Kashmir
If you’re planning a long summer vacation or romantic getaway, Kashmir has some of the best places to visit such as Dal Lake, Srinagar, Pahalgam, and more. Every place has its own story to tell. Kashmir is famous for its magnificent landscapes, rivers, waterfalls, lakes, treks, Kashmiri food, and wooden architecture.
To make your Kashmir trip more memorable, we have compiled a list of 10 best places to visit Kashmir:-
Srinagar
With mesmerizing sunsets and cool breeze, Srinagar is the place that forces you to fall in love with Kashmir. It is the capital of Jammu and Kashmir and is globally known for its impressive landscapes, market, people, and temples. To explore Kashmir, Srinagar is working as your base location as it has well-connected roads to other states and international airports.
Top attractions of Srinagar:- Tulip Garden Srinagar, Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden, Sri Shankaracharya Temple, Pari Mahal, Shah Kashmir Arts Emporium, Nigeen Lake
Best time to visit Srinagar:- April to October
Things to do in Srinagar:- Temple visiting, Shikara ride, shopping, local food, drink kahwah, sunset watching
Sonmarg
Sonmarg is one of the best places to visit in Kashmir. It is known for its great green meadow which turns into white grassland during the winter season. Lying 80 km northeast of Srinagar, Sonmarg is located at an altitude of about 2,730 m above sea level. This beautiful place is known for its scenic beauty, majestic glaciers, and sun-kissed peaks. The world’s most popular Great Kashmir Lake trek starts from Sonmarg, which is the base camp of this beautiful and long trek.
Top attractions of Sonmarg:- Thajiwas Glacier, Great Kashmir Lake Trek, Baltal, Nichinai Pass, Zoji La, Krishnasar Lake, Gangabal Lake Trek, Gadsar Lake, Sonmarg Market
Best time to visit Sonmarg:- Late April to Early June,
Things to do in Sonmarg:- Trek, River rafting, Horseback riding, Camping
Gulmarg
If you’re an adventurous person and want to do something thrilling in Kashmir, add Gulmarg to your Kashmir tour package. Gulmarg is a winter paradise and you should visit Gulmarg during the winter months to enjoy a world-famous gondola ride. It is also a popular skiing destination. For honeymoon couples, Gulmarg is among the best places to visit in Kashmir. The view of Kashmir valley is stunning and the sunset of Gulmarg is just simply breathtaking.
Top attractions of Gulmarg:- Gulmarg Gondola, Khilanmarg, Buta Pathri, Strawberry Valley, Gulmarg Backcountry Ski & Snowboard, Alpather Lake
Best time to visit Gulmarg:- April to June (summer) and January to late March (Winter)
Things to do in Gulmarg:- Trek, Camping, Cable car ride, Ski, Snowboarding, Frozen Lake Trek
Pahalgam
With great landscapes and impressive mountain views, Pahalgam is one of the most popular destinations in Kashmir. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and glaciers, Pahalgam offers incredible experiences to all its admirers. For a family vacation, it is one of the best places to visit in Kashmir. It is located in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir at an elevation of 2,740 meters above sea level. You can visit here throughout the year. Pahalgam experiences heavy snowfall in winter so make sure you will carry all your warm clothes.
Top attractions of Pahalgam:- Wadiye Hajan, Mamleshwar Temple, Chandanwari, Pahalgam Golf Course, Lidder Amusement Park, Deno Valley
Best time to visit Pahalgam:- March to June (summer) and December to March (Winter)
Things to do in Pahalgam:- Trek, Camping, Picnic, Temple Visiting, Local food tasting, shopping
Vaishno Devi Temple
Vaishno Devi Temple is one of the important Hindu shrines located in the Jammu and Kashmir region. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. Here devotees can seek the blessings of Maa Kali, Maa Laxmi, and Maa Saraswati. You can do the Vaishno Devi Darshan With Kashmir Tour Package and cover other nearby attractions like Bhairav Temple, Ban Ganga, Shiv Khori, and more.
Top attractions of Vaishno Devi Temple:- Katra, Katra Market, Ban Ganga, Ardhkuwari Temple, Patnitop
Best time to visit Vaishno Devi Temple:- March to June (summer) and December to March (Winter)
Things to do in Vaishno Devi Temple:- Trek, Camping, Picnic, Temple Visiting, Local food tasting, shopping
Pulwama
Pulwama is also known as the rice bowl of Kashmir. It is just 40 km from Srinagar and can be reached here in 1-1.5 hours. The picturesque valley makes this place more fascinating and eye-pleasing. Pulwama is known for its aromatic saffron fields, pleasant weather, and apple orchards. It is an ideal location for trekkers and mountaineers. During the summer months, you can enjoy several treks such as the Tarsar & Marsar Lake trek.
Top attractions of Pulwama:- Awantipora Ruins, Tarsar Marsar Lake, Shikargarh, Payer Temple, Jama Masjid Shopian, Avantishwar Temple, Khawaja Masjid, Lidder River, Aharbal Waterfall, Hurpora Dam
Best time to visit Pulwama:- April to October
Things to do in Pulwama:- Visit the Martand Sun Temple, Explore Avantipur Temple ruins, Visit Tarsar Lake, Enjoy the beauty of Shikargarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Trek to Shikargarh forest, Explore the apple orchards, Visit Pulwama War Memorial, Attend local festivals and fairs
Betaab Valley
Betaab Valley is one of the hidden gems of Kashmir known for its breathtaking landscapes, snow-capped peaks, rivers, and green meadows. During summer, the landscapes of this place are totally changed. You will see the entire valley is full of greenery and different varieties of flowers. Travelers who are in search of offbeat locations in Kashmir must add Betab Valley to their travel bucket list.
Top attractions of Betaab Valley:-Scenic Landscapes, Lidder River, Snow-Capped Mountains, Pine and Deodar Forests, Filming Locations (Bollywood), Betaab Valley Park
Best time to visit Betaab Valley:- April to October
Things to do in Betaab Valley:- Camping Sites, Photography Opportunities, Trekking and Hiking Trails, Horse Riding
Dal Lake
Dal Lake is the iconic place to see in Kashmir. It is the 2nd largest lake in Jammu and Kashmir and the most visited by tourists. Dal Lake offers panoramic views of mountains. If you want to see the best sunset view of Kashmir, there is nothing better than Dal Lake, Srinagar. It is located in the capital city of Jammu and Kashmir. Here you can enjoy the famous Shikara ride and even stay in floating wooden boathouses.
Top attractions of Dal Lake:- Floating market, Shikara ride, boathouse,
Best time to visit Lake- April to October
Things to do in Dal Lake:-Shikara Ride, Shopping, photography, Bird watching
Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid is the finest example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, cultural heritage, and tradition. It is one of the largest mosques in the Jammu and Kashmir region. It is located in Nowhatta, Srinagar. It is one of the best places to visit in Kashmir as it shows the cultural values and customs of Kashmir and Kashmir Muslims. It is open to all tourists.
Location: Nowhatta Kathi Darwaza Road, Nowhatta, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190003
Timing: 3 pm-7 pm
Entry Fee: Free
Dachigam National Park
Dachigam National Park is a picturesque location in Kashmir. It is known for its Kashmir stag, herds of musk deer, langurs, black bears, and various bird species. Among content creators, cameramen, and videographers, Dachigam National Park is quite famous for its autumn hues. It covers an area of about 141 square km and is located just 22 km from Srinagar.
Location: 42PQ+V4C, Dachigam Road, near Harwan Mughal Garden, Jammu and Kashmir 191202
Timing: 9 am–5 pm
Entry Fee: INR 50
Key Takeaways
Kashmir, often referred to as “Heaven on Earth,” offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and historical significance. From the serene Dal Lake in Srinagar to the majestic peaks of Gulmarg, the enchanting valleys of Pahalgam, and the awe-inspiring beauty of Sonamarg, each destination in Kashmir presents a distinct charm that captivates the soul.
Visiting Kashmir is more than just a journey; it’s an unforgettable experience that leaves an unforgettable mark on your heart. Embrace the peace, indulge in the local culture, and let the stunning vistas of Kashmir rejuvenate your spirit. A trip to this paradise on earth promises memories that will last a lifetime.
FAQ
One of the most beautiful places in Kashmir is Gulmarg. Known as the “Meadow of Flowers,” it offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, lush green meadows, and vibrant flowers. In winter, it transforms into a skiing paradise.
- Dal Lake
- Gulmarg
- Pahalgam
- Sonamarg
- Mughal Gardens (Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, Chashme Shahi)
- Shankaracharya Temple
- Hazratbal Shrine
- Betaab Valley
- Gulmarg
- Pahalgam
- Srinagar (Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens)
- Sonamarg
March to October is the best time to visit Kashmir as you can experience the pleasant weather. Winter is best for those who want to do winter sports. But remember, during winters, many roads got blocked due to heavy snowfall.
To book cheap travel packages for Kashmir, visit the official website ASAPHolidays or call us at +91-11-40014001.
