Kashmir is covered with wild untouched terrain. Surrounded by a vari ety of deciduous trees, and a warm fuzzy evening with Kashmiri Kahwa. Kashmir Valley on the other hand is one of the several valleys of Kashmir. It is marked as the area between the Pir Pinjal range in the south-west and the Himalayas in the north-east. The Jhelum river is the only river that flows through here.It’s the only Indian state where the citizens here have both Indian as well as Kashmir citizenship. The traditional Kashmiri dress, Pheran, the unique copper kettles called Samovar, the earthen fire pots wrapped in woven wicker called Kangiri, handcrafted walnut furniture and souvenirs are the things which you must check out without fail. You can even buys some souvenirs for gifting too. Kashmir is said to have been a favorite vacation spot of the Mughals. And you can experience the same thing through their lip smacking food. Make sure to try, Wazwan is one of the traditional dishes in Kashmir. A 36 course meal, it is an integral part of Kashmir. The Floating Market in Srinagar, is a major tourist attraction and its only kind in India and the third in Asia. this trip would be the best for lifetime. And the fun fact is, Srinagar is summer capital and Jammu is the winter capital of Kashmir. And if you want to witness the hidden beauty of Kashmir, you must go on Himalayan expedition. Everything in its natural untouched form is very appealing to the human eye.
Best time to explore and experience the beauty of paradise on earth:
March to June is considered the best time to visit Kashmir. As the weather is pleasant enough, not too cold or hot. The temperature during the day ranges from 15 °C to 30 °C. The mornings are very pleasant, which makes it like an ideal time for exploration and long walks. Kashmir looks beautiful in the months of summer, mostly because the snow has melted over the valley, lush green unending meadows. It is a must to visit Srinagar, Pahalgam, and Gulmarg during summer. All the Kashmir resorts and hotels remain full during this season. So its better for you to plan you itinerary in advance. The summer is also when pilgrims visit Vaishno Devi and Amarnath.
July to September is monsoon time. But there isn’t much rainfall. But still its good for exploration of fully green Kashmir and perfect for high altitude treks. You can also get off-season discounts on flights and hotels.if you plan in advance. Green Kashmir has a different charm, not only that surrounded by numerous apple orchids. Doesn’t it sound like a fairy tale? Apple-picking is a fun and rewarding activity, so ensure you include this in your itinerary. It would definitely be a new experience for you. Soak in the beauty of your surroundings with peace and serendipity.
October to february again is the peak season. The entire valley remains covered in a cold blanket of snow and is a treat for the friends and family to spend good time together with a relaxing view. If you love winter sports and activities such as skiing, skating, and snowboarding, you will have the time of your life! Don’t miss out on a cable car ride for the best view of the snow-covered hills. The temperature during winters ranges from anything between -2 °C to 12 °C. January is usually the coldest month.
Places to explore in kashmir:
Srinagar:
the tranquil Dal Lake, which ornaments an array of alluring houseboats where the lovers’ find home watching a promise of the snow filling capped Himalayan ranges. This lake is surrounded by the Mughal gardens that speaks of history strung out for several kilometers. Srinagar is the first stopover of Kashmir. From boating to trekking, bird watching to water skiing, Srinagar place has it all. And the famous tulip festival which happens every year from march end to April last week is worth enough. keeping apart the weather conditions, this place has a different aura and soothing scape in itself. This place is enclosed by the green mountains and the main highlight being the Dal Lake which is the gem of the city. This place gives a close outlook to the Kashmiri cuisine and the state’s culture. You can even hog on to local pretty cafes. And experiencing stay on houseboat is highly recommended.
Key highlights of Srinagar:
1. Dal Lake
2. Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden
3. Shankaracharya Hill
4. Nishat Garden
5. Nigeen Lake
6. Badamwari Garden
7. Mughal garden
8. Shalimar Bagh
Gulmarg:
is very famous for its natural beauty and definitely adventure sports. one of the most picturesque and scenic destinations in India, Gulmarg is a hill town in Jammu and Kashmir . Skiing in Gulmarg is one of the top adventure activities and Gulmarg Gondola is the second longest and second highest cable car in the world and the prime attraction Gulmarg is known for. Divided into two phases, it ferries almost 600 people per hour to and from the Apharwat Mountain, which is where most of the winter sports happen in Gulmarg. Go on a trek to Alpather Lake which is a high altitude lake set between the twin Apharwat Peak in Gulmarg. It is popularly known as the Frozen Lake as it remains completely frozen from November to June. Its a one day trek from Gulmarg. Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve, known for housing many exotic and rare species including musk deer, snow leopard, etc. strawberry valley, is one of the non commercialised valley in Gulmarg so you an explore that too. Also, you can buy some authentic Pashmina shawls, walnut products, dry fruits, silk carpets, papier-mache souvenirs and stone jewellery.
Key highlights of Gulmarg:
1. Gulmarg Gondola
2. Apharwat Peak
3. Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve
4. Strawberry Valley
5. Gulmarg Golf Course
6. Khilanmarg
7. Ningle Nallah
8. Maharani Temple
9. Imambara Goom
10. Tangmarg
11. Saint Mary's Church
12. Ziarat of Baba Reshi
13. Ferozepur Nallah
14. Seven Spring
Sonamarg:
also Known as the meadow of gold. Thajiwas glacier is one of the most enchanting tourist places of Jammu and Kashmir. It is located 3km from the town. It is at an altitude of 9,186 feet. Well, if you are an adventure lover then you must plan itinerary in advance. And make sure to include, Zoji La is a high mountain pass located in the Dras, near Ladakh, at an altitude of 3528 m above the sea level. Connecting Kashmir to Dras and Suru Valley, it is known as one of the world's most dangerous mountain roads. Trek to Vishansar Lake, its a glacial lake surrounded by lush green meadow, alpine flowers . Go for White water rafting which is one of the popular things to do in Sonamarg. One can go for a long rafting expedition starting from Baltal and ending at Shutkari Bridge at Sonamarg. Kashmir Great Lakes trek , is one of the most exciting treks in India. Explore batal valley and go for Gangabal trek to spot some rare fishes only found there.
Key highlights of Sonamarg:
1. Thajiwas glacier
2. Zoji La pass
3. Vishansar Lake
4. White water rafting
5. Batal valley
6. Kashmir Great Lakes trek
7. Gangabal trek
Kupwara:
many of you might not be aware of it. But it's one of the hidden gem of Kashmir. In Fact it is one of the unknown areas of Kashmir with vast tourism potential. There are so many treasures such as Bungus valley, which lies at an altitude of around 10,000 ft. above sea level is in the northern part of district Kupwara within the Handwara sub District. Seemab Valley is located at the entrance of the Lolab Valley.The valley has a natural picturesque beauty and a perennial water body by the name of Daal Kul. It is surrounded by lush green forests and therefore provides a perfect space for a day picnic. You can get indulged in activities such as rock climbing and trekking. Visit Sadhna Pass is a mountain pass in Jammu And Kashmir. It is located in the Himalayas and connects Karnah tehsil of Kupwara district with the rest of the Indian administered Kashmir valley. It is located in the vast Shams Bri mountainous range. It is about 3000 m above sea level. The pass is best known for its generation old mythological values.
Key highlights of Kupwara:
1. Bungus valley
2. Seemab Valley
3. Lolab Valley
4. Daal Kul
5. Sadhna Pass
6. Karnah tehsil
7. Jungles of Madmadav
8. Qamar Reshi Sahib Shrine
9. Sheikh Baba Behram
Pulwama:
“Rice Bowl Of Kashmir”, this quaint village in Jammu and Kashmir, is just 40 kms from the main city of Srinagar. You should include this in you trip, for sure. And it is famous for saffron fields and the rich culture. During summers you can go for Mountaineering and trekking to go deeper in valley. And during winters you can go for snowboarding. Also, you will come across some magnificent waterfalls too. Such as Aharbal Waterfall which is surrounded by thick forests and a perfect place to relax. Kungwattan, it's on the same way. Its a lush green meadow height of 8, 400km. From Kungwattanyou can go for a walk through thick forests which lead to Mahinag at 9, 800 feet. You will also come across with some Mughal touch such as Jama Masjid Shopian mosque. Its was considered as the waypoint for all Mughals on way to Kashmir. Still it has a significance. Also, Pulwama is known for its saffron cultivation. Hence, one can take back home some fresh and exquisite saffron from here.
Key highlights of Pulwama:
1. Aharbal Waterfall
2. Kungwattan
3. Mahinag
4. Jama Masjid Shopian mosque
5. Kounsar lake
6. Hurpora
7. Asar Sharif Pinjoora
Pahalgam:
Who hasn't heard of this place? Aru Valley in Pahalgam is the famous base camp for trekking to the Kolahoi Glacier and the Tarsar-Marsar Lake. Aru lies beside the Aru river and is known for its scenic meadows and activities like horse riding, hiking and trekking. Many Bollywood movies were shot here too. Explore Betaab Valley which is a breathtaking combination of picturesque surroundings encircled by tall deodar trees and pine forests, with the Lidder River by its side. Lidder river originates from the Kolahoi glacier 73 kilometer long glacial river. Trek to Kolahoi glacier, for some extraordinary views. It is located 15 km from Pahalgam, is the starting point of the famous Amarnath Yatra, which is one of the most important site for hindus. Apart from that you can go for Amarnath Yatra, and go to Lolab Valley is an oval-shaped valley and a top camping site in Kashmir, famous for its scenic natural beauty, dense pine forests and bubbling springs. It is also famous for animals like Himalayan brown and black bear, snow leopard, hangul and musk deer. You can also shop some woollens, antiques and souvenirs in Pahalgam. Such as carpets, kaftans, Namaz prayer rugs, Kashmiri handicrafts and tea cozies, shawls and dress materials with some lovely Kashmiri embroidery.
Key highlights of Pahalgam:
1. Aru Valley
2. Kolahoi Glacier
3. Chandanwari
4. Amarnath Yatra
5. Lolab Valley
6. Mamleshwar Temple
7. Tulian Lake
8. River rafting in Lidder river
9. Skiing
10. Panchtarni
11. Sheshnag Lake
12. Baisaran
Kishtwar:
it’s famous among writers for it chasing views from lofty hills to lush greenery consisting of pine and deodar forests. This place is almost famous amongst the wildlife enthusiasts. Because of Kishtwar National Park, which boasts rich vegetation & is home to a variety of fauna including brown bear and Himalayan snowcock. This wildlife reserve offers a great trekking opportunity for the trekkers. Adventure tourism is another reason why tourists are attracted to Kishtwar, with Paddar & Wadhwan Valley being famous for paragliding and rock climbing. Trekking is also famous here, with a famous trek which goes through Paddar Valley to Zanskar Valley over the Umasi La Pass. This place has a religious significance too. Machail Yatra and Sarthal Yatra are two pilgrimage circuits from here. Also it offers great options for trekking, mountaineering, skiing and paragliding for adventure seekers and sports lover.
Key highlights of Kishtwar:
1. Kishtwar National Park
2. Wadhwan Valleys
3. Paddar Valley
4. Machail Yatra
5. Sarthal Yatra
6. Shrine of Shah Asrar
7. Chowgan
8. Sinthan Top
Anantnag:
this place has some divine vibes as its the home to many temples. It should be surly well planned in your itinerary and for a well planned trip. Here you can immerse yourself in some blessings, and you get to enjoy the comfort of a city as well as the essence of nature. There are a number of places you can go on for a day tour, such as Verinag and Daksum. At Verinag learn about the spring of great importance and historic value of how Emperor Jehangir made it. Do not miss Achabal , the most beautiful of all the springs. You must add this in your trip.
Key highlights of Anantnag:
1. Verinag
2. Daksum
3. Achabal
Local food and delicacies you must try:
Well, apart from the natural scapes and vistas, it is also known for some mouthwatering delicacies. Especially non vegetarian lovers can try some non-vegetarian dishes too. Kashmiri food is mild in taste and rich in flavour with the high use of hot spices like cardamom, fennel, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and saffron. Influenced by Mughals, Kashmiri cuisine is predominantly non-vegetarian, with mutton, chicken or fish used as prime ingredients but there are a few delicacies for vegetarians too.
Rogan Josh, an aromatic lamb dish is one of the signature recipes of Kashmiri cuisine. It was introduced in India with the coming of the Mughals. Robust with flavours of browned onions, various spices and yoghurt, it is a very healthy low-fat dish.
Modur Pulao , is a sweet Kashmiri rice prepared using cinnamon, a little saffron, milk, ghee, sugar, cashew nuts, almonds, green cardamom among several other ingredients. This dish is sweet, flavoured and healthy with saffron as the main spice which gives it beautiful colour and taste. And this saffron is also grown and in Kashmir itself. It would surely be new to you.
Matschgand is prepared through minced meatballs which are cooked in spicy red gravy and is so tender. If you are a meat lover, you should eat this delicacy.
Yakhni or Yoghurt Lamb Curry, Yakhni is flavoured with mawal flowers, black and green cardamoms, onion paste and dry mint leaves with aromatic fennel seeds. Have it with well-cooked rice to enjoy the true flavour of this mouthwatering Kashmiri dish.
Kashmiri Dum Aaloo, is a treat for vegetarians. It is cooked with yoghurt, ginger powder, fennel and other hot spices to give it a unique flavour and aroma. Its all time favourite and cooked in all households of Kashmir.
Kashmir gaad is a dish made up of fish prepared generally with radish or nadur. This dish is an amalgamation of vegetarian and non-vegetarian items as the taste of fish and lotus stem blend together to give it a unique taste while hot spices and herbs add to it's unique yet amazing flavour and aroma.
Aab gosht, its. A typical Kashmiri dish, Prepared by mutton. The Kashmiri dish is made using milk and several spices including cardamom and black pepper.
Goshatba , a traditional delicacy of Kashmir, is minced mutton cooked in flavorful yogurt gravy and spices. This dish is prepared on royal occasions and celebrations.
Lyodur Tschaman, another treat for vegetarians. is cottage cheese cooked in creamy turmeric based gravy. One of the very few popular vegetarian dishes which are a part of Kashmiri cuisine, Lyodur Tshaman is cooked almost every day in the Kashmiri households. Must try.
Accessible routes for Kashmir:
By airways:
The closest airport to Kashmir is the Sheikh Ul-Alam International Airport in Srinagar. It is just15 kilometers away from the city centre. There are Direct flights to Srinagar are available from India’s major cities Mumbai or Delhi, note that flying to Jammu is another option. Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport at Leh has connectivity with Mumbai, Delhi & Chandigarh. Once you reach the Srinagar airport, you could hire a taxi or cab to your desired destination. You can also avail state and private buses to Kashmir and other frequented tourist destinations such as Gulmarg, Leh, Jammu and Ladakh. This airport which is also a military airbase that serves Srinagar is well-equipped with various amenities and services. It comprises luggage facilities such as baggage services that can be availed by the passengers at the Srinagar terminal. Snacks and refreshments are also available to make sure you don’t remain hungry as you wait for your flight to arrive. It would be advisable to book your tickets well in advance, especially if you are travelling in the peak season. The airlines that operate to and from Srinagar are Air Asia, Air India, Go Air, Indigo, SpiceJet and Vistara.
By railways:
The nearest railhead to Kashmir is the Jammu Tawi Railway Station, situated 305 kilometres from the main city centre. This railway stationalso enjoys good connectivity with cities such as New Delhi, Pune, Chennai, Kolkata and Mumbai. New Delhi-Jammu Tawi Rajdhani Express, Jammu Mail and Jammu Tawi Express are some of the trains that run to and from Jammu and New Delhi. Reach Jammu and you will find several options to travel to Kashmir and Srinagar plied outside the station. Some of them are shared cabs, taxis, buses that will take you to the city.
By roadways:
Daily state and private buses are available from Jammu to Kashmir. This also gives you a list of options to choose from such as air-conditioned, non-air-conditioned, Volvo and sleeper buses. Keeping your budget, comfort and safety in mind, weigh your options carefully before you choose your mode of transport. The most preferred and convenient way to reach Kashmir is to board an overnight bus. State and private buses run to and from Chandigarh and Amritsar as well. The route from Amritsar takes you via Gurdaspur & Pathankot in Punjab and Patnitop and Anantnag in Jammu & Kashmir. If you are travelling from Chandigarh, you will pass Pathankot, Udhampur, Anantnag, Hoshiarpur.also, there are buses from Delhi to Jammu on a regular basis too.
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