If you are in search of a place that can turn your holiday into a soul-stirring and refreshing experience, you have the best option known as Kashmir. Counted among the most breathtaking and relaxing places in the world, Kashmir is a land full of secrets. You can go to Shimla, Mussorie, Nanital or any other hill station to witness snowfall but Kashmir is something royal and different.
In this blog, we will guide you through a Kashmir trip with the most important and comprehensive information. You will get to know about the travelling options, places to visit, local cuisine and some tips and advice.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- How to reach Kashmir
- Places to visit in Kashmir
- Activities to do in Kashmir
- Local cuisine of Kashmir
- Safety precautions for a journey to Kashmir
- Conclusion
- FAQs
How to Reach Kashmir
Kashmir is located in the northern end of India, among the young fold mountain valleys of the Himalayas. These are the options through which you can travel to Kashmir:
- Through flight- The Srinagar International Airport serves flights from all the major cities.
- Through train- You can have a train journey up to the Jammu region and afterwards, you will have to reach Banihal by taxi or bus. Then you can enter the valley of Kashmir by taxi, bus or train.
- Through bus only: From your city, you can pick a bus up to Jammu and after that take another bus from the Inter-State Jammu Bus Stand.
- If you are traveling from Kashmir to Perth, you can book a Perth private airport taxi for a convenient and comfortable transfer. Perth taxi service ensures a smooth journey with professional drivers and reliable vehicles.
- You can also make a journey in your own vehicle. Just don’t forget to have a fastag and all the required papers.
Places to Visit in Kashmir
Kashmir is a paradise on earth and offers a plethora of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Here are some of the must-visit places in Kashmir:
1. Srinagar
Distance from Jammu: 250 kilometres
Speciality: Noted for showcasing the culture and traditions, colourful markets and historic monuments and places. Dal Lake is the most famous attraction.
Accommodation: Yes
Altitude: 1,500 metres
Places in the vicinity: Pampore, Ganderbal, and Budgam.
2. Gulmarg
Distance from Srinagar: 40 kilometres
Speciality: Green flowery meadows, glaciers, mountain peaks, perennial rivers, shrines and the highest gondola in Asia. Snowfall and winter sports also attract a large amount of tourists.
Accommodation: Yes
Altitude: 2,650 metres
Places in the vicinity: Khilanmarg, Alpather Lake, Bootapahtri, Baba Reshi Shrine and Shranz waterfall.
3. Pahalgam
Distance from Srinagar: 100 kilometres
Speciality: Small villages placed between the valleys with soothing rivers flowing through and mighty peaks in the backdrop. Famous for adventure sports, trekking and Amarnath Cave. The only zoo in Kashmir is also here.
Accommodation: Yes
Altitude: 2,740
Places in the vicinity: Amarnath Cave, Baisaran, Betaab Valley, Chandanwari, and the Great Lakes of Kashmir.
4. Sonmarg
Distance from Srinagar: 90 kilometres
Speciality: Meadows with chilled glacial streams that are surrounded by naked Himalayan mountains. Also serves as an alternate route to Amarnath Cave. Great Lakes Trek of Kashmir is available from here.
Accommodation: Yes
Altitude: 2,730
Places in the vicinity: Amarnath Cave, Zojila Pass, Zero Point, Baltal Valley.
7. Yusmarg
Distance from Srinagar: 45 kilometres
Speciality: Vast meadows of green grass, dense forests and a serene atmosphere of clean air. The place is also home to many tribals who live in the mud houses. Doodhganga stream also passes through the location.
Accommodation: Yes, but limited.
Altitude: 2,396 metres
Places in the vicinity: Diskhal meadows, Sunset Peak, Tattakoti Peaks.
Activities to do in Kashmir
Apart from sightseeing, there are numerous activities to enjoy while on a trip to this heaven. Let us talk about them one by one below:
1. Shikara ride in Dal Lake
A Shikara ride in Dal Lake can make you explore the beautiful surroundings of the lake and enjoy the scenic beauty of the floating gardens and houseboats.
2. Gondola ride in Gulmarg
A Gondola ride in Gulmarg is an exciting activity that you shouldn’t miss. You can enjoy the panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains and the valleys while taking a ride in the cable car.
3. Trekking in Kashmir
Kashmir offers some of the best trekking routes in India. You can trek to places like the Amarnath Cave, Tarsar Marsar Trek, and the Great Lakes Trek to explore the beautiful landscapes of Kashmir.
4. Camping in Kashmir
Camping in Kashmir is an ideal way to experience the natural beauty of the place. You can camp at places like Aru Valley, Sonmarg, and Pahalgam to enjoy the pristine nature of Kashmir.
5. Skiing in Kashmir
Kashmir makes it to Asia’s one of the best skiing areas because of the ski heaven Gulmarg. The smooth slopes and high-altitude ski areas present an amazing experience with Asia’s highest Gondola.
6. River rafting in Kashmir
River rafting in Kashmir is an exciting adventure activity that you can enjoy in the Lidder and the Sindh rivers.
7. Shopping in Kashmir
From local unique handicrafts such as Kashmiri handwoven carpets, Tilla work, paper mache and others to rich spices and cultural items, there is a whole lot to shop here.
Local Cuisine of Kashmir
Kashmiri cuisine is a blend of Mughlai, Kashmiri, and Iranian influences and is known for its rich flavours and aromatic spices. Some of the popular dishes in Kashmiri cuisine are Rogan Josh, Yakhni, Gushtaba, and Wazwan.
Safety Precautions for a Journey to Kashmir
Kashmir is totally safe for tourists and you do not need to worry about anything. Here are some tips to be extra safe and enhance your experience.
Always carry your identification documents with you.
Avoid travelling alone during the night.
Avoid talking about the political situation during your trip.
Keep the surroundings neat and clean.
Conclusion
Kashmir will not give you any chance to think about your problems in life. These were the best places and activities to engage in while you visit Kashmir. Make plentiful memories and go back with some great ideas to practice in your life. You may check our packages here.
FAQs
Is it safe for us to travel to Kashmir?
Yes, safer than even other large cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. The friendly hospitality of Kashmir is something to keep in the hearts.
What is the best time period to visit Kashmir?
The best time period is from April to October. The winter months of January till March are also pretty amazing for a snowfall experience.
What is the local cuisine of Kashmir?
Kashmiri cuisine is a blend of Mughlai, Kashmiri, and Iranian influences and is known for its rich flavours and aromatic spices.
Author is a student who loves to explore new corners of learning. He likes writing and travelling while taking challenges that question his abilities and skills. His hobbies are helping people and spending time in nature.