Place To Visit in Kashmir

10. Gurez Valley

Gurez Valley is a valley located in the high Himalayas, about 86 kms from Bandipore and 123 kms from Sirnagar in northern J&k, India. At about 8,000 feet (2,400 m) above sea level, 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. 

The road to Gilgit runs through Gurez is divided into three regions. The area from Toabat to Sharda Peeth is administered by Pakistan and Neelum District, that between Kamri and Minimarg is part of the Astore District, Northem Areas, Pakistan, and that from Toabat to Abdullae Tulail is known as Tehsil Gurez. The trekking routes from Gurez and Tilel lead upto Gangabal and Sonamorg to its east and Drass, Dahanu and Zanskar to its north. 

9. Lolab Valley

Lolab Valley is a Himalayan sub-valley and forms the north-western corner of the Vale of Kashmir formed by the Lahwal River in the state of Jammu & Kashmir of India. The entrance to the valley lies 114 km (71 m) northwest of Srinagar, the capital of Jammu & Kashmir. It is an oval-shaped valley 15 miles (24 km) long with an average width of 2 miles (3.2 km).

It is a poet like refer to Lolab asa true destination and as “land of love and beauty”. Lolab valley is 5 km wide and 26 km log. It is located at a distance of 120 km from Srinagar in Kupwara district. Lolab is a combination of three valleys, Potnai valley, Brunai valley and Kalaroos valley. There are beautiful Nagmarg meadows, which separate Lolab from Bandipora district. 

The headquarters of Lolab is situated at Sogam. It is said that Sogam was very densely populated a long time ago, when Kashmir valley was still a lake called “Satisar”. Travelers visiting Lolab also visit the resting place of a famous saint Kashyap reshi, which is located at a distance of 1 km from village Lalpur.

8. Doodhpathri

Doodhpathri is a bow – shaped valley about 42 kms form Srinagar. It is a recent discovery in the valley covered with green carpeted meadows. An adjoining river resounds the soft wind passing through pin trees of the surrounding forests. 

It is said that the cattle grazing in the meadows of Dodhpather, produces rich milk in large quantity, and for this reason it is also called the “valley of milk”. Shepherds from different areas travel to this place along with their cattle’s and stay there for days together. This area also connected to Gurez valley on its north. 

7. Kokernag

Kokernag is a sub-district town and a notified area committee in Breng Valley of Anantnag district of the Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir. The etymology of the word ‘Kokernag’ is controversial and there are various theories and none has any conclusive historical proof. 

Kokernag is the most beautiful place, is one of popular weekend getaways from Srinagar. It is located at an altitude of around 2012 m above sea level. This is the most important tourist place in Kashmir. The moment you enter the green valley of Kokernag, you are welcomed by cool and fragrant air of the mountains, an air that brings with it the perfume of the blossoming flowers which you see all around this picturesque vale. This place is famous for gardens, largest fresh water springs in Kashmir and for its trout streams. Towns and village situated around Kokernag are Wangam, Hangalgund, Sagam, Zalergam, Dacksum, etc.

6. Verinag

Verinag is a town and a notified area committee in Anantnag district in the state of Jammu & Kashmir, India. It is about 26 km away from Anantnag and 78 km south-east from Srinagar, state of Jammu & Kashmir. Verinag is also the first tourist spot of Kashmir Valley. The word Verinag is derived from two words “very” or “virah” meaning “to go back” and “nag” means water spring. 

Legend has it that the “Goddess vitasta” also known as Jhelum wished to have her conception from this site but she learned that “The Mighty Lord Shiva” was already residing there and therefore she had to go back from there and hance Verinag got its name. Mughal Garden of Verinag located about 61 km south of Srinagar at the foothill of Banihal Mountain ranges. Covering a total area of 5.30 hectares, the gardens fascinates the tourists with its beautiful manicured lawns, flower beds, majestic chinar trees and gushing spring at the backdrop of lush and dense forest.

5. Yusmarg

Yousmarg or Yusmarg is a hill station in the western part of Kashmir Valley in the Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir. It is situated 47 km south of Srinagar the capital of the state. Yousmarg, mesmerizes tourists with its scenic beauty and mountains comparable to European Alps. 

Situated amidst Sang Safed valley, Yousmarg is reputed for having some unique spring flowers. It also has some of the highest peaks in PirPanjal range like Tatakoti 4725 mtrs and Sunset Peak 4746 m. The mighty river Doodh Ganga makes this destination more thrilling. The natural slopes of Yousmarg offer skiing opportunities to experts. 

4. Sonmarg

Sonamarg is situated in Jammu & Kashmir, in India. It is hill station in Ganderbal district. Sonamarg, located at a hefty altitude of 2,740 m above level, literally means “Meadow of Gold”. The picturesque natural beauty of the region brought this name to Sonamarg. The town is surrounded by breathtaking glaciers and serene lakes, is a snow covered beautiful flower-laden meadow in the majestic Himalayan mountain region. Sonamarg in the Kashmir valley is the gateway to Ladakh and situated just before the Zojii La pass. This area is famous for trekking and hiking trails. 

The town is surrounded by breathtaking glaciers and serene lakes, is a snow covered beautiful flower-laden meadow in the majestic Himalayan mountain region. Sonamarg in the Kashmir valley is the gateway to Ladakh and situated just before the Zojii La pass. This area is famous for trekking and hiking trails. 

3. Pahalgam

Pahalgam is a town in Anantnag district, state of Jammu & Kashmir, in India. It is most popular tourist destination, and many tourist visit here. This the world famous hill station and it is 45 km from the district at Anantnag and located on the banks of Lidder River at an altitude of 7200 ft. from sea level. 

Pahalgam is one among the Five tehsild of Annantnag district and tehsil. It was once a tourist attraction and a favourite place for shooting of Bollywood films. This place is Pahalgam are many places of interest, and the most beautiful of these is the huge, undulating meadow of Baisaran, surrounded by thickly wooded forests of pine. “Betaab Valley”, on the way to Chandanwari, is an idyllic spot for a picnic.

2. Gulmarg

Gulmarg Leh is a famous hill station in Baramulla of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is also referred as the “Meadow of Flowers” for having colorful, vivid flowers in spring season. A huge cup shaped meadow, lush and green with slopes where the silence is broken only by the tinkle of cowbells, Gulmarg looks like a fantasy set in a film. The name means ‘Meadow of Flowers’ and in the spring, it’s just that, a rolling meadow dotted with countless colorful Bluebells, Daisies, Forget Me Not’s and Buttercups. The place, all around are snow-capped mountains, here many people come for trekking, Skiing & Heliskiing and enjoy lot.

1. Srinagar