PLACES IN KASHMIR
SRINAGAR >> SONMARG >> GULMARG >> PAHALGHAM >> PATNITOP >> KATRA >> JAMMU >>
Best Time To Travel:
Kashmir is well and truly a year-round destination if you’re waiting for the best time to visit Jammu and Kashmir. All seasons, be it summer or winter in Kashmir, have their allure that beckons travelers from all over India and abroad. So, never mind when to visit Kashmir and just pack your bags and get up here.
Summer Season in Kashmir
Summer, June through August, is a season of joy and it draws in a constant flood of tourists of all kinds into the Kashmir Valley. Although hotel rates are higher and solitude is hard to come by in Srinagar, but a shikhara ride or a night stay in a houseboat on Dal Lake makes it all worthwhile. Summer is also when most locals indulge in many festivities such as Ramzan and weddings. Whether you’re on honeymoon to enjoy time around Dal Lake or an adventurer planning your next trek in the mighty Pir Panjal range, summer is the best season to visit Kashmir Valley. Jammu in summer experiences heat waves as bad as in Chandigarh or Delhi. Summer is also the time when pilgrims go to Vaishno Devi in Jammu or Amarnath Yatra in Kashmir.
Monsoon Season in Kashmir
Monsoons, between September and November, is also a good time to explore the Valley as summer crowds have thinned out by this time and the best deals on hotels and packages are on offer. The Monsoon season is off-season in Kashmir Valley however, don’t let it discourage your plans. Apple picking is the most rewarding activity to do while you’re in Kashmir during the rains.
Winter Season in Kashmir
Winter in Kashmir lasts usually between December and February. Some places in the Kashmir Valley in Winter witness a lot of snowfall while Jammu in winter has milder winter temperatures. The entire snow-clad Pir Panjal range makes winter the best time to visit Kashmir for a honeymoon. Thousands of tourists come here to enjoy snowfall in Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Srinagar. Patnitop in Jammu is another popular hill station where newlyweds and families love to retreat.
Do You Know?
The visit to the valley remains incomplete without having lived in the houseboat. It was the boat-dwelling Haji community who started building houseboats for English visitors since they were not allowed to own land in the state. The first houseboat build was named Kashmir Princess.
Things you could do in Kashmir
Kashmir is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to visit in India. From boating to trekking, bird watching to skiing. Kashmir has it all.
Shikara Ride - Shikara ride provides a unique way of living, Sightseeing & shopping.
Gondola Ride at Gulmarg - Gondola cable car is the most interesting attraction to explore the beauty of Kashmir.
Skiing - The state is blessed with world-famous destinations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam & Sonmarg which are great places for skiing.
Paragliding - The view of the striking green meadows and the majestic valleys while gliding over them is totally different experience. Sonmarg, Gulmarg, Baderwah, Sansar, and Harwan are the top places where tourists can enjoy Paragliding.
Rafting - The famous rivers where adventure seekers can try these challenging activities are Indus, Lidder, and Zanskar cutting through various mesmerizing landscapes deep gorges, and mountains.
Shopping - One can enjoy shopping for handicrafts, dry fruits, and textiles especially shawls and carpets at numerous traditional shops and modern shopping centers.
Dinning - One can relish the rich Kashmiri cuisine o the banks of the Dal Lake which are adorned with houseboats and restaurants that serve Wazwwan - a multi-course signature dining treat of Kashmir.
DAY 1 ARRIVE JAMMU * ON TO KATRA (52 KMS / APPROX 1.5 HRS DRIVE)
Kashmir is nature at its elite best Begin your tour of this mountainous abode with your arrival at Jammu airport/railway station. Our representative will meet you there and take you to your hotel in Katra. A day’s acclimatization will prepare you for all that tomorrow holds Get set for a foray into wonderland.
Day 2 IN KATRA * TREK TO MATA VAISHNO DEVI (14 KMS TREK / APPROX. 4 HRS TREK EACH WAY)
It’ time to discover Kashmir and all that it stands for Rising to a morning of gracious beauty and get ready for a trek to Mata Vaishnodevi Temple today. Transcending all religious barriers, this temple is a place where you can find yourself. So drive to Banganga and trek up to her abode for some inner peace. God’s will surely help. Head back to the comfort of your hotel in Katra which will await your arrival after darshan.
Day 3 ON TO PATNITOP (70 KMS / APPROX 2.5 HRS DRIVE)
The best place to discover yourself, Patnitop will take you away from everything else. Check in to your hotel on arrival and relax in the beauty of the hills around Patnitop has many and interesting sights to explore. You could visit the 600-year-old Naag Mandir and pay your respects to the king Cobra or head for a picnic to Kud Park and try the famous Patisa sweet. With so much to do your day will come to a close in a jiffy Spend the night relaxed in this serene abode,
DAY 4 ON TO PAHALGAM (180 KMS / 5.5 HRS DRIVE)
Pahalgam the Valley of Shepherds’ Situated at the confluence of the streams flowing from the river Lidder and Sheshnag Lake is your destination today. Drive through beatific roads to arrive at your hotel and bask in nature’s bounty once you reach. Tomorrow will bring in the Kashmir experience.
DAY 5 IN PAHALGAM
A day to discover the secrets of the valley is on the cards Set about wandering by yourself and you could catch a pony ride to nearby places like Chandanwari on (direct payment basis) or simply walk along the Lidder River. If you’re feeling a little adventurous you could also try white water rafting Nature will give you plenty to do and night will see you relaxed in Pahalgam.
DAY 6 ON TO GULMARG (148 KS / 5 HRS DRIVE)
A picturesque drive past willow trees, fast-flowing streams, and lush green meadows will bring you to Gulmarg - the Meadow of Flowers, Relax at your hotel and enjoy the fragrant atmosphere. Take a leisurely stroll across the green meadows to one of the world’s highest Golf course or enjoy a ride in the Gondola on your own. The night will find you sleeping on a bed of flowers in Gulmarg.
Day 7 ON TO SRINAGAR (52 KMS / APPROX 2 HRS DRIVE)
The indulgent houseboats, temples, mosques, and gardens make Srinagar feel like a dream, Drive to this palatial heaven and check-in to your hotel on arrival. Noon will find you exploring its many contours. Visit the Shankaracharya Temple situated atop a hill and the famous Mughal Gardens - Chasmeshahi Nishat and Shalimar (closed on Friday) A great place to pick up mementos you can take your pick of handicrafts, woolen clothes, carpets much more! Rest content at Srinagar for the night.
Day 8 IN SRINAGAR * DAY EXCURSION TO SONMARG (90 KMS / APPROX 3 HRS DRIVE)
Srinagar will leave you spoilt for choice. Relax in the meadow of Gold. Sonmarg is nothing short of paradise. Try your luck fishing in the fast-flowing Sindh River (you’re bound to catch a trout or two) or opt for a pony ride on (direct payment basis) to one of the glaciers for some fun in the snow and ice. Sonmarg is a popular base for adventure sports and is a trekker’s heaven, the thrill of the mountain will get make your heart ecstatic. Sleep soundly after a wonderful day in Srinagar.
Day 9 DEPART SRINAGAR
Nature has delivered all that it promised. Let all the snow and experiences melt into memories as you bid adieu to this magical wonderland. Heavenly desires will keep you coming back for more.
.... Return back home with beautiful memories ....
