TOP 10 PLACES TO VISIT IN KASHMIR
SRINAGAR
Srinagar is a city in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. It is the largest city and summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. It lies in the Kashmir Valley along the banks of the Jhelum River, and the shores of Dal Lake and Anchar Lakes, between the Hari Parbat and Shankaracharya hills. The city is known for its natural environment, various gardens, waterfronts and houseboats. It is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts like the Kashmir shawl (made of pashmina and cashmere wool), papier-mâché, wood carving, carpet weaving, and jewel making, as well as for dried fruits. It is the second-largest metropolitan area in the Himalayas (after Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal).
PAHALGAM
Pahalgam also known as the 'village of shepherds' is a town in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir. It is a popular tourist destination and hill station. Its lush green meadows and pristine waters attract thousands of tourists from all over the world each year. It is located 45 kilometres (28 mi) from Anantnag on the banks of Lidder River at an altitude of 7,200 feet (2,200 m). Pahalgam is associated with the annual pilgrimage to the shrine Amarnath Yatra. The town is the starting point of the yatra that takes place every year in the months of July–August, receiving hundreds of thousands of pilgrims.
GULMARG
Gulmarg also known as the 'meadow of flowers' is a town, hill station, tourist destination and a skiing destination in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir. It is located at a distance of 49 km (30 mi) from Srinagar. The town is situated in the Pir Panjal Range in the Western Himalayas and lies within the boundaries of Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary. Gulmarg is the "heartland of winter sports in India" and was rated as Asia's seventh best ski destination. Winter sports like skiing, tobogganing, snowboarding and heli-skiing take place on the slopes of Mount Apharwat reachable by a Gondola lift.
SONMARG
Sonmarg also known as the 'meadow of gold' is a hill station located in the Ganderbal District of Jammu and Kashmir. It is located about 80 kilometres (50 mi) northeast of the capital city, Srinagar. The hill station is situated at an altitude of 2,730 metres (8,960 ft). Combined with the alpine meadows that bloom in the summer as well as rivers and lakes stocked with fish, Sonamarg is a notable tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir. Sonamarg provides glaciers like kalahoi Peak & trekking routes leading to Vishansar Lake, Krishansar Lake, Gangabal Lake and Gadsar Lake in the Himalayas, which are stocked with snowtrout and brown trout. The Yatra to the nearby Amarnath Temple begins in Sonamarg.
DOODHPATHRI
Doodhpathri also known as the 'Valley of Milk' is a tourist destination and a hill station located in the Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. Situated at an altitude of 2,730 metres (8,960 ft) from sea level, it is located at a distance of 42 km (26 mi) from Srinagar. The water flowing through the meadows of Doodhpathri has a milky appearance from a distance and remains very cold throughout the year. The lush green grasses over the vast meadows and silver-shining streams running over the large stones further increase its beauty. Doodhpathri is a sloping grassy landscape with a diversity of multicolored flowers up to Chang. The famous Tosamaidan lies to the west of Doodhpathri.
YUSMARG
Yusmarg also known as the 'Meadow of Jesus' is a hill station in the western part of the Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated 53 km (33 mi) south of Srinagar. Yousmarg provides space for beautiful landscapes, young pine nurseries, green pastures and heart touching lotic and lentic water bodies. Nilnag, Doodhganga and a nascently created artificial dam adds more to the beauty of the meadows. Nature has bestowed Yusmarg with pleasant flora and fauna. Yusmarg is often referred to as a trekkers paradise. The place is rustic, wooden and reflects the Kashmiri architectural heritage.
GUREZ VALLEY
Gurez is a valley located in the high Himalayas, about 123 kilometres (76 mi) from Srinagar, to the north of the Kashmir valley. At about 2,400 metres (8,000 ft) above sea level, the valley is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The valley is extremely picturesque, as the river comes dashing along through a rich meadow, partly covered with lindens, walnut and willow trees, while the mountains on either side present nothing but a succession of most abrupt precipices, and Alpine lodges, covered with fir trees.
BANGUS VALLEY
The Bangus Valley is located in Kupwara District of Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated in the Pir Panjal range and is known for its breath-taking natural beauty, including snow-capped mountains, lush green forests, and crystal clear streams. Bangus is replete with a diverse variety of flora and fauna. The meadows and the slopes of the side plateaus are covered with a range of flowers and medicinal plants.
SINTHAN TOP
Sinthan Top is a mountain pass, a popular tourist destination located in Kishtwar district. The top acts as a sort of base camp to several alpine lakes in the region. Sinthan Top is known for its beauty and wonderful tourist attractions. The place is fast growing as one of the top tourist destination in Chenab valley. Around 37 kilometers of snaky and uphill drive from Daksum, it offers an adventurous journey. The spot is emerging for mountaineering, trekking and skiing.
RAZDAN PASS
Razdan Pass is a 3,556 m (11,667 ft) high mountain pass in the Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir. It connects the Gurez Valley in the north to the Kashmir Valley in the south, and is located in the Bandipora district. The Harmukh mountain, the highest peak in the surrounding area, is also visible from here.
