Jammu & Kashmir is often referred to as the ‘Crown of India’ since it is a beautiful place with beautiful hills, mountainous regions, beautiful lakes, green meadows and history. Whether it is faith, adventure or solitude that one is yearning for in life, this area has it for all. Here’s a curated list of the top 10 places to roam in Jammu & Kashmir, offering a diverse range of experiences
- Gulmarg: Also known as the Meadow of Flowers, Gulmarg is truly a nature lover’s delight. Ride Asia’s highest cable car, the Gulmarg Gondola, to capture the stunning sceneries of the majestic Himalayas. Take long hikes through fields of flowers in summer or go sledding and snowboarding in the winter. Gulmarg also has a championship golf course that has the world’s highest green in it for golf lovers.
- Pahalgam: Pahalgam is situated amidst the shivering hills and flowing rivers and is truly a perfect picnic spot. Visit the Betaab Valley – the shooting location for the Bollywood movie ‘Betaab’ famous for its lush meadows or try your hand at white-water rafting in Lidder River. Pahalgam is also a starting point for treks to beautiful places including Kolahoi Glacier and the sacred Amarnath Gufa. If you want to experience the rich culture of the region, go to the local houses in and around the existing village of Pahalgam.
- Srinagar: Srinagar is the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir; it is one of the most historically and culturally enriched cities in the region. A ride on Shimmering Dal Lake with floating houseboats gives a unique feeling. Take a Shikara ride over the placid Dal and enjoy the scenic beauty of the place. See the splendid Mughal style architecture in Mughal Gardens or opt for the Shankaracharya Temple built on a hilltop to get a bird’s eye view of Srinagar. Do not hesitate to explore some local bazaars in order to buy traditional Kashmiri souvenirs and taste delicious Kashmiri dishes.
- Sonmarg: Sonmarg, which translates to “Meadow of Gold”, truly represents its name with its green meadows interspersed with beautiful wildflowers. Take a pony ride on the meadows or go trekking to fascinating glaciers like the Thajiwas Glacier. Sonmarg is also a popular base camp for treks to beautiful places such as Krishnasar Lake, a high-altitude mountain lake with crystal-clear water that mirrors the mountains around it.
- Vaishno Devi Temple: Located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir in northern India, the Vaishno Devi Temple is situated in the Trikuta hills. The pilgrimage to the shrine itself is a feat as the distance to the site covers about 12 km and is full of steep hills. The atmospheric presence of divinity inside the cave temple simply mesmerizes the viewers. Make sure to arrange the time and diversion for the trek as it can be exhausting but a spiritual journey.
- Patnitop: Surrounded by the mesmerizing Shivalik hills, Patnitop is a beautiful hill station that caters to adventure lovers. Enjoy an exciting paragliding tour, fly over the forests and get an amazing view of the surroundings. Enjoy a pleasant walk through the green pathways or add some thrill to your trip with an adventurous mountain biking session. For those who are not so adventurous, horse-riding is also available at Patnitop as a way of enjoying the beauty of the hills.
- Doodhpathri: Located at an altitude of 3,073 meters, Doodhpathri, which translates to “Valley of Milk,” is a beautiful lush green meadow famous for its flowers, especially lilies and edelweiss. Spend some time gazing at the beauty of the Pir Panjal mountains or take a stroll in the meadows and take in the crisp mountain air. Although this place is not as famous as some of the other attractions, it provides a good opportunity to get away from the crowds and relax surrounded by nature.
- Hemis National Park: Stretching over a large area, Hemis National Park is a paradise for lovers of wild animals, particularly snow leopards. You can take a jeep tour through the park with a view to see some of the unique animals including the Himalayan brown bear, red fox, and the Tibetan wolf. It also has a variety of vegetation and wildlife such as bird and alpine flowers. Discover the amazing inhabitants of the area and find out the measures taken to preserve such animals.
- Pangong Tso Lake: Located 4,350 meters above sea level in the Changchenmo Valley, Pangong Tso Lake is a high-altitude lake that offers an enchanting appearance. The constantly changing colors of the lake which vary from turquoise to deep blue are really spectacular. The striking geographical features surrounding the complex such as mountains and the Tibetan plain make one to be captivated. Pangong Tso Lake is one of the most famous tourist spots for photography lovers and people wishing to enjoy the beauty of the Himalayas.
- Nubra Valley: A very offbeat place in Ladakh, Nubra Valley – a desert valley at a very high altitude – accessible only through the tough Khardung La Pass, gives one a peek into an altogether different world. Walking around Diskit Monastery situated on the hill or riding camels in the Hunder Sand Dunes is also a good idea. The interesting culture and natural beauty of Nubra Valley make it a worthy destination for travelers who are looking forward to having an extraordinary experience.
There is a lot that Jammu & Kashmir has to offer and this holds true across a variety of travel interests. From natural landscapes such as lakeshores and meadows with stunning wildflower displays to thrilling activities and rich cultures and history, this region has got you covered. Therefore, put your luggage, select your scenario, and go for a ride and unravel the charm of the ‘Heaven on Earth’.
