It is said that if there’s heaven on earth, it’s in Kashmir. The beautiful hill station in the upper Himalayas needs no introduction. With all the verdant meadows, crystal clear lakes, Mughal gardens, a lot of snow, and soothing silence of the hills, each town and village of Kashmir is as beautiful as heaven, and you can’t disagree.
This list of 13 incredibly beautiful places in Kashmir will make you explore Kashmir tour right away.
1. Srinagar – A city inarguably picturesque
Asia’s largest tulip festival makes Srinagar one of the most colorful places in India, and attracts thousands of tourists, including young couples, every year. Romance begins to flow in the air of the town as soon as summer arrives. From adventure enthusiasts to peace lovers, Srinagar is loved by all.
- Best Time to Visit: June to October and December to January
- Things to Do: Mountain biking, trekking, skiing, and scenic gondola rides
2. Gulmarg – A heaven for skiers
Country’s best skiing destination, Gulmarg is one of the most beautiful places in India. Due to its proximity to Srinagar it is one of the most visited hill stations in J&K. In winter, the little hill station is buried under a thick sheet of snow; in summer, the meadows turn green, and the flowers paint the valley with thousands of colours.
- Best time to Visit: April to June are best for those who enjoy summer. And for those who enjoy snowfall and skiing can visit from December to march
- Things to Do: Trekking, mountain biking, skiing, and gondola rides
3. Leh – Mecca of adventure enthusiasts
Leh needs no introduction! The barren mountains, the alpine lakes, and the serenity – each characteristic of this popular hill station is absolutely breathtaking. Every biker’s dream, this place is a must visit not just for bikers, but for every mountain enthusiast. The onset of summer is the perfect time to book your trip to Ladakh.
- Best Time to Visit: April to June, September to October. The roads generally become inaccessible from November till May due to heavy snowfalls.
- Things to Do: Trekking, mountain biking, and undoubtedly nature photography
4. Pahalgam – An unspoilt beauty you can’t miss
Pahalgam is such a beauty, and those who want to spend time in tranquility should visit the valley at least once. The snow clad peaks, green slopes, gushing rivers, authentic Kashmiri cuisine, and overall scenic beauty are reasons you shouldn’t miss visiting Pahalgam while you’re in Kashmir.
- Best Time to Visit: June to October, December to January
- Things to Do: Visit to Betab and Aru Valleys, horseback riding, canoeing
5. Kargil – A beautiful town in Suru valley
The second largest town in Ladakh, Kargil occupies an important place in the Indian war history. It is heaven for mountain lovers and adventure enthusiasts, and thus sees a lot of tourists through the year. It is a popular holiday destination for honeymoon couples, families, and solo and group bikers.
- Best Time to Visit: March to June is the best time to visit.
- Things to Do: Mountaineering expeditions , trekking, explore monasteries , river rafting etc.
6. Sonamarg – Silvery scenery against emerald meadow
If you’re visiting Kashmir, then this has to be on your list! Also called the ‘meadow of gold’, Sonamarg is a heaven for those in love with the mountains, nature walks, and absolutely scenic treks. Besides admiring the surroundings, there are a lot of adventurous things to do as well. The best one being taking a scenic drive through the roads of Sindh Valley, which is sure to mesmerize you.
- Best time to Visit : June through October, December & January for snow
- Things to Do: The hill station is known or camping, trekking, and nature photography
7. Kupwara – A district of shimmering lakes and Rocky Mountains
The gushing clean water, the majestic sunsets, and the tall Deodar trees, Kupwara is surely one of the most beautiful hill stations in Kashmir. The authorities are making the valley easily accessible, and the roads are being upgraded so that more and more tourists can experience the beauty of this place.
- Best Time to Visit: April to October
- Things to Do: Visit Lolab valley, Qamar Reshi Sahib Shrine, and Sheikh Baba Behram
8- Rajapuri – The Land of Kings
Rajouri district is one of the most popular and most visited place of Jammu & Kashmir. Rajouri was created in as an independent district in 1st January 1968; previously it was a part of Poonch. It is spread at an area of 2630sq km and falls at around 154kms from the district of Jammu. The only way to reach Rajouri is through road. Rajouri holds a great importance in the ancient history of India. It is the home state of Panchal Naresh who is the father of Draupadi who was married to the great Pandavas. This place is also well renowned place for various sacred temples & Mosque.
- Best Time to Visit : October to March
- Things to Do: Thanamandi, Dhandidhar Fort, Usman Memorial, Shahdara Sharief, Hall of Fame
9- Vaishno Devi Temple
Vashno Devi Temple is one the most Divine shrine of India; it holds a great religious importance in the eyes of Hindus. It is placed at an altitude of 5300feet above sea level on the top of Trikuta Hills of lower Himalayas. This place is exclusively dedicated to the sacred Hindu goddess “Maa Vaishno Devi”. After Tirumala Venkateshwara temple, this shrine is the second most visited religious destination in India, which attracts over 8 million people yearly. In order to reach here you need to trek 12kms from the base camp in Katra.
- Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year but March and October is ideal month
10- Raghunath Temple
The sacred Raghunath Temple holds a great religious importance in the eyes of Hindus. The Temple is located in the heart of the city and is covered with gold sheet from the three sides, even the interiors are gold plated. The temple is devoted to various Gods & Goddess and consists of seven shrines; each owns a tower of its own.
- Timings: 10am–9pm
11- Bagh-e-Bahu
From 5kms away from city centre lays Bagh e Bahu, it is one of the most visited tourist destination of Jammu which is placed alongside the historic fort of Bahu. The beautiful garden is situated on the bank of river Tawi and is quiet identical to the beautiful mughal garden. Covered in acres of woods this place also serves a home to variety of trees, colorful flowers and shrubs growing in it which gives the city a beautiful view. This place is most ideal for picnic activities. You can also find a cafeteria here for your convenience.
- Timings: 8am–8pm
12- Baba Reshi Shrine
Baba Reshi Shrine was constructed in 1480. This holy mosque is located in the beautiful valley of Gulmarg, it is dedicated to the Muslim scholar and saint Baba Reshi. The Shrine was build with Persian & Mughal style of architecture alongside the beautiful enormous green lawn. This place attracts thousands of devotees each year which makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Gulmarg,
- District: Baramulla,13 km from Gulmarg
13- Apharwat Peak
Apharwat Peak is one of the most popular tourist locations of India. This Peak is quiet renowned among the skiers and other adventure lovers, the perfect slanting peaks gives the skiers the best and thrilling experience of twist and turns. If you are not into skiing then you can also enjoy its scenic view. If you are visiting this place during summer you will be astonished by its lush green surrounding.
- Location: Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir, India
- Height: 4,390 metres
- Mountain Range: Pir Panjal Range
