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Places to Visit in Kashmir

Discussion in 'Jammu & Kashmir' started by Prachi, Jul 9, 2016.

  1. Prachi

    Prachi New Member

    I would like to go Kashmir but just have never had the chance to go. Sometimes it is just the decision of when to go. Summers are ideal to go to Kashmir, but obviously, there is a specific time to go and the things that can be seen there during the summer season. Winters have their own fun as well, and not to mention the time of year when the valley of flowers can be visited.

    I would like to know what places to visit in Kashmir in the different periods of the year, so I know when I can see thingsValley of Flowers when in full bloom, enjoy snow sports, etc.
     


  2. briannagodess

    briannagodess Well-Known Member

    Hello and welcome to the forum!

    It's true though, there's a reason to visit Kashmir in every season. Like the winter season, everything is just so milky, white and pure during this time. You'd find people who love snow adventures flocking to the region. Families, couples, friends... It's not even limited to just one type of tourist because many people love snow.

    Summers in Kashmir are equally beautiful with the blooming of flowers, there's colour everywhere. You can find strawberries, cherries and apples in full bloom as well. The picturesque views of the snow-capped mountains are also quite lovely in the summer.

    I think every region in Kashmir can be visited in both seasons. So let me highlight the attractions in different places most apt for the different seasons. Here they are:

    Srinagar in the Winter Season: Best Attractions to Visit

    1. Temples. Winter is a good time to have some self-introspection and visit the temples in the area of Srinagar. Some temples to visit are:
    • Shankaracharya Temple. You can find this on top of the Shankaracharya Hill. This temple was built in the 200 B.C. and is dedicated to the Lord Shiva.
    • Kheer Bhawani Temple. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhawani.
    2. Hazratbal Shrine. This shrine holds the relic of the prophet Muhammad.

    3. Pari Mahal. You can see Dal Lake and snow-capped mountains from here. It was initially a monastery for the Buddhists then later, became a learning institution for Emperor Shah Jahan's son.

    Srinagar in the Summer Season: Best Attractions to Visit

    1. Dal Lake. Enjoy a Houseboat during the summer and witness the beauty of the lake. There's also smaller boats offering a tour of the lake.

    2. Shalimar Bagh Gardens. During the summer, witness the blooming of the garden with its lush greenery and even a canal flowing in the middle of the pathway.

    3. Nigeen Lake. Yet another beautiful lake in the region. This is a calmer and quieter lake, perfect for people looking for some solitude.

    4. Tulip Garden. There's about 60 species of tulips here and they are full bloom during the summer season.

    5. Apple Orchards. Pluck your own apples and enjoy its sweetness.

    Gulmarg in the Winter Season: Best Attractions to Visit

    1. Gondola Ride. This has two parts: from Gulmarg to Kongdoor and from Kongdoor to Apharwat. Enjoy the view of the snow-laden surroundings via the gondola ride.

    2. Skiing in Apharwat Peak. For Rs. 400 to Rs. 600 per person, you can enjoy skiing in Gulmarg. There's several ski resorts in the area.

    3. St. Mary's Church. Enjoy the Victorian architecture of this church and have some time for some peace and quiet.

    Gulmarg in the Summer Season: Best Attractions to Visit

    1. Nagin Valley. Gulmarg is known as the "Meadow of Flowers" and the Nagin Valley is proof of that. The lovely flowers in bloom during summer is a testament of this title. The views of the snow-capped mountains in the background is an added plus.

    Sonamarg in the Winter Season: Best Attractions to Visit

    1. Thajiwas Glacier. You can build a snowman, enjoy a sledge ride or just be in love with the views in the Thajiwas Glacier.

    Sonamarg in the Summer Season: Best Attractions to Visit

    1. Vishansar Lake. A sparkling blue lake surrounded by lush greenery, alpine forests and snow-capped mountains. A great place to have a picnic or just spend some relaxing time here.

    2. Krishnasar Lake. You can enjoy a picnic, go trout fishing or enjoy water sports in here.

    3. Nilagrad River. This river is said to have healing powers and lots of tourists visit this especially on the weekends.

    4. Baltal Valley. Known for its picturesque views of the snow-capped mountains.

    Pahalgam in the Winter Season: Best Attractions to Visit

    1. Mamleshwar Temple. This is just across Kolahoi Stream and it has a stone edifice with impressive design.

    2. Chandanwari. There's snow all-year round here, sledding is a main tourist activity here.

    Pahalgam in the Summer Season: Best Attractions to Visit

    1. Valleys. During the summer season, it's best to enjoy the majestic views of the valleys in Pahalgam like:
    • Aru Valley. Tourists choose to camp overnight here to truly experience the beauty of the sunrise and sunset in the valley.
    • Betaab Valley. Also known as Hagan Valley, you can even find the mouth of the River Sheshnag here.
    • Baisaran Valley. A great picnic spot with the whole line of stalls selling teas in here.
    Now, let's list some of the places in Kashmir visited only certain seasons. Here they are:

    Places in Kashmir Best Visited During the Summer Season

    1. Leh. During the winter and monsoon season, Leh might be a little dangerous to visit. The best time to visit it is during the summer months, when the weather is a little bit warmer and accommodations have enough heating for guests. Attractions here are:
    • Pangong Tso Lake. A beautiful lake at about 4,350 metres above sea level.
    • Shanti Stupa. This holds the relic of the Buddha at its base.
    • Leh Palace. Most of it is in ruins now although the government is undertaking a restoration for the palace. There's also a museum here which holds jewellery, costumes and crowns of the royal family.
    2. Kathua. Best visited during the summer season for its blooming crops and scenic valleys. Attractions here are:
    • Airwan Temple. It was Vikramaditya who constructed this temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
    • Asha Purani Mandir. A temple dedicated to the Goddess Durga.
    • Chandel Valley. You can find orchards of apples, walnuts and almonds here. The Chandeli River can also be seen here.
    3. Kargil. This is a region best known for its trekking routes and serene atmosphere. Attractions here are:
    • Rangdum Monastery. An ancient Buddhist monastery overlooking the whole city.
    • Valleys like Suru Valley and Karste Valley.
    • Dress War Memorial. A monument dedicated to the people who have lost their lives defending the country.
    Places in Kashmir Best Visited During Rainy Season or Post-Monsoon Season

    1. Kupwara. The best months to visit Kupwara are from April to October. Attractions here are:
    • Lolab Valley. This is formed by the river of Lahwal and is also home to many springs. Dense forests surround the valley and it's not unusual to find apple, cherry and apricot trees in the area.
    • Sheikh Baba Behram. According to legends, when the Sheikh decided that he wanted to end his life, he dug is own grave and asked his disciples to cover it for him after he has laid.
    2. Pulwama. Best known for the saffron fields here. Places to visit are:
    • Payer Temple. One of the most popular temples in Pulwama.
    • Asar Sharief Pinjoora. This is also home to the relics of Mohammad.
    • Shrine of Syed Hassan Mantaqui. As a sign of respect, people leave coins and currency notes here.
    • Tarsar and Marsar Lakes. A great place for picnics and enjoying the scenery.
    I hope this helps!