In addition to well-known tourist destinations like Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Yusmarg, and Sonmarg, Kashmir is also notable for some locations unknown to travellers and the rest of the world until a few decades ago. Genuine magic lies in Kashmir’s enchanting offbeat places, where visitors may breathe in some reviving warmth free from the negative impacts of noise, pollution, and population. Certainly, lesser-known Kashmir has an enchantment that makes the journey more intriguing and enjoyable for travellers worldwide. Let us help you choose your next favourites for your trip to Kashmir.
1. Lolab Valley: A Traveller’s Dream
Also known as Wadi-e-Lolab, Lolab Valley is one of the most tranquil and delightful tourist destinations in Kashmir. Tourists visit Lolab because of its magnificent apple orchards, lakes, springs, and shaded paddy fields. The scenic grandeur of its Nagmarg Meadows is a photographer’s dream. It separates Lolab from Bandipora District. The presence of the Lahwal River provides travellers with a captivating vista. You can also visit Lalpur Village, one of the beautiful offbeat places which ooze tranquillity and spirituality. Lolab Valley in winter is a different and unique experience.
2. Gurez; A Feast For The Eyes
Gurez is a Himalayan settlement at an altitude of roughly 2400m. The valley is approximately 86 kilometres from Bandipore and 123 kilometres from Srinagar. It emanates a brilliant picture due to the presence of the Kishanganga River. It is one of the most spectacular valleys in Jammu and Kashmir and is home to rare wildlife, including snow leopards and brown bears. The stunning sceneries, the lush green turf on the woodlands, fishing in the Kishanganga River, and potato and maize farms enhance its overall beauty making it a must-visit offbeat place in Kashmir.
3. Tulail Valley; The Valley Of Beauty And Traditional Living
Tulail Valley is one of the unexplored places in Kashmir. Because it is a Himalayan sub-valley of Gurez, you can visit it on the same day as Gurez. The road from Gurez to Tulail travels through magnificent sceneries of the Kishanganga River. You will pass through the villages of Barnai, Chakwali, Kashpat, Zargai, and the Purani Tulail Village. The beautiful scenery is a visual delight for the eyes and senses. Tulail area houses have interlocking logs with no nails. The pristine valley thrives in the summer and is apt for picture sessions.
4. Watlab; A Scenic And Spiritual Spot
Watlab, one of Kashmir’s lesser-known vacation destinations, is notable for its mountaintop Muslim Shrine of Baba Shukur-ud-din, one of the four pupils of Sufi saint Nundreshi. It is a gorgeous place that presents the beautiful scenery of Kashmir for nature enthusiasts. The location combines scenic beauty with a spiritual undertone. The mountain top offers breathtaking views of Wular Lake, one of Asia’s largest freshwater lakes. You can also witness the golden-green hues of the neighbouring rice fields. The Wular is truly a gem of Watlab. It is one of the most beautiful offbeat places in Kashmir.
5. Baisaran Valley; India’s Mini Switzerland
The beautiful Valley of Baisaran is about 6 kilometres from Pahalgam. Its calm meadows, stunning lakes, and picturesque settings are mesmerizing and ready to give you the experience of a lifetime. The location offers beautiful scenery of Kashmir to refresh your soul and set you in high spirits. The valley is so captivating that it deserves to be known as India’s mini Switzerland. You can stroll through the neighbourhood or have a picnic in the meadows. The flawless beauty of this valley is unforgettable.
6. Karnah Valley; A Place depicting Culture
Karnah is a small valley with lush green meadows and sloping mountain peaks. It is situated in the Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir and is one of the most beautiful valleys in Jammu and Kashmir. This valley is charming because of its numerous small medieval settlements. Karnah village’s forts, palaces, statues, weapons, and utensils, found during excavation, serve as time capsules for the past. You will feel yourself going into another realm of happiness through the atmosphere and natural beauty of the villages like Tangdar, Teethwal, Gundi Gujran, Amrohi, and Saidpura.
7. Bungus Valley; A Mix Of Mountains And Grasslands
Located in the picturesque Kupwara District, Bungus Valley also comes under the list of untapped and unexplored places in Kashmir. Clear streams, lush grass, and snow-capped mountains make up the picturesque landscape of Bungus. It is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Kashmir, abundant in gorgeous and lush vegetation and fauna. The majestic mountain ridge reflections in the joyful streams of Tilwan Kul, Douda Kul, and Roshan Kul are as breathtaking as the pine trees in the forests of this valley. It offers travellers everything they might want in pursuit of a joyful experience.
8. Daksum Valley; A Union of Nature And People
Located at an altitude of almost 8000ft, the lesser-known Daksum has plenty to offer everyone, including scenic beauty for artists, mountains for thrill seekers, picnic pleasure and fun for families and friends, and the perfect romantic ambience for couples. You can have beautiful moments among coniferous forests, secret green meadows, or icy mountains. It is located along the Bringhi River, well-known for drawing visitors because of its tranquil surroundings. The valley also lets you know the rural life of Dessu Village, which is quite close to Daksum valley.
9. Chatpal; The Mini Pahalgam
Chatpal is one of the most stunning unexplored places in Kashmir. It is situated in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district. It is a gem of tranquillity and seclusion. The beautiful lengths of grass, deep green mountains, and gorgeous expanses of turf encircle this beautiful place. It is the perfect spot for a fast fix to your chaotic life and the buzz around it. Although the town has less number of tourist attractions, there are plenty of surreal opportunities to experience the local culture and nature close at hand. It will for sure leave you wanting more.
10. Warwan Valley; A Perfect Idyllic Setting
Away from the rush of daily life, another beautiful offbeat place in Kashmir is the Warwan Valley. Located 150 kilometres from Srinagar, it is one of the lesser-known valleys in Jammu and Kashmir. The stunning waterfalls, enormous cedar trees that appear ominous in their picturesque setting, and thick forests and woodlands give Warwan Valley its allure. The Kanital Glacier, the source of the beautiful and musical Warwan River, offers visitors a brand-new sense of tranquillity and joy. Warwan Valley’s settlements provide a picturesque backdrop.
11. Yusmarg; A Perfect Location For Couples And Families
Yusmarg, also known as “Meadow of Jesus,” is located in the Budgam district of western Kashmir and is 45 kilometres from Srinagar. The place presents the beautiful scenery of Kashmir. The dense forest mountains encircle the beautiful green meadows that look pretty in shades of mint, apple, lime, emerald, and other greens. The views are spectacular and resemble a snow-covered European alpine landscape. A trickling creek runs amongst the pine trees as you travel four kilometres through the forest on horseback. The sight is breathtaking. The Nilnag lake shimmers in the distance and is hidden among the hills.
12. Aru Valley; The Smallest Picturesque Hill-station
Aru Valley is 12 kilometres from Pahalgam. Aru is a fantastic treat for nature lovers and adventurers alike. It is known as the state’s smallest hill station. Pines, deodars, and turquoise brooks dot the whole landscape. A pale blue satin ribbon-like arc of the Lidder River, which runs higher, encircles the picturesque valley. Pony rides are possibly the best way to experience the stunning Lidderwat Valley if you are short on time. Trekking to the Kolohoi Glacier and Tarsar-Marsar Lakes also begins from the town. The valley is a hidden gem in Pahalgam and one of the most beautiful valleys in Jammu and Kashmir.
13. Sinthan Top; A Gorgeous Offbeat Mountain Pass
Sinthan Top is a mountain pass that connects Kishtwar and the Breng Valley. In summer, the site offers an intriguing appearance, while in winter, the snow covers it completely. The region’s pleasant, healthful climate has a reviving effect on tourists. There are modest meadows and limitless slopes at the base of Sinthan Top. Outdoor pursuits like paragliding, horseback riding, rock climbing, and winter sports like skiing and ice skating are all ideal in this area. This mountain pass deserves a place in your list of offbeat places to visit.
14. Verinag; A Beauty With Deep Blue Water
One of the largest springs in Kashmir is Verinag, which is easily accessible via a bypass from the Jammu–Srinagar highway. It is 78 kilometres to the southeast of Srinagar (via Anantnag). It is a place where natural beauty meets scenic beauty. The spring is where the Jhelum River empties into it, and the name “Verinag” comes from a nearby settlement where Ver and Nag translate to “spring” in Kashmiri. Not only is this location well-known for the river it feeds, but it is also known for the exquisite gardens that surround it. The significance of this place during the Mughal era has an intriguing backstory.
15. Dabyan Valley; A Small And Lesser-known Place
Dabyan Valley is located on the way to Small Switzerland, Baisaran. The only source that can get you to this location is a pony. There are pony rides that include coverage of Dabyan, Kashmir, and Baisaran Valley. It takes you about three hours to travel through all three regions. The place looks much like Kashmir Valley. But we say that no place is mediocre for someone who loves to explore and is curious to learn new things. One of Kashmir’s famous things is its people. You can get to know people. We are sure you will fall in love with the place.
