Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
In northern India, Jammu and Kashmir is an enchanting land of snow-capped mountains, green valleys, glittering rivers, and tranquil lakes. From skiing at Gulmarg to visiting the ancient Ladakh monasteries, the place is all set to make you forget. In this Jammu and Kashmir travel guide, we will show you the best places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir, how to reach them, things to do, where to visit, and tips and tricks for your journey. Whether you are an adventurer, a naturalist or a seeker of spiritual fulfilment, Jammu and Kashmir has something for everyone.
Location
Jammu and Kashmir lies in the northernmost region of India, separated from the rest of the country by Himachal Pradesh to the south and Ladakh to the east. It is divided into Jammu with its temples and Hindu culture; Kashmir, with its landscape and Mughal gardens; and Ladakh with its high-altitude desert, monasteries and picturesque scenery. It’s a vast region that stretches across the western Himalayas, where the landscape ranges from snowy peaks to green valleys.
How To Reach
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: The fastest way to reach Jammu and Kashmir is by air. Srinagar International Airport and Jammu Airport are the primary airports, with regular flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and other major cities in India.
By Train: Jammu Tawi is the closest railway station, well-connected to cities like Delhi, Amritsar, and Kolkata. From Jammu, you can travel by road to Srinagar or other destinations.
By Road: Jammu and Kashmir are accessible by road via national highways. The NH44 (formerly NH1A) connects Jammu to Srinagar through the Jawahar Tunnel, offering a scenic drive. Regular buses and taxis operate from Delhi, Chandigarh, and Himachal Pradesh.
Things To Do
1. Experience Shikara Rides On Dal Lake
A typical Kashmiri experience involves taking a slumbering ride on a shikara (traditional wooden vessel) on Dal Lake. It lies along the stunning Zabarwan Range, which is a peaceful journey where you can go and enjoy floating markets and serene views of the lake.
2. Trekking And Adventure Sports
Photo: Critical koshur / Wikimedia Commons
Jammu and Kashmir is a heaven for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts. The most famous treks in Kashmir are the Great Lakes Trek and the Chadar Trek in Ladakh. For the adrenaline junkies, Gulmarg has the best skiing spots in winter.
3. Visit Local Markets For Handicrafts
Photo: Slyronit / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Explore the bustling markets in Srinagar and Jammu to shop for Kashmiri shawls, carpets, and Pashmina wool. Don’t forget to pick up saffron and spices, which are unique to the region. You can also buy traditional Kashmiri artefacts and antiquities to decorate your home.
Places To Visit On Your Jammu And Kashmir Travel Guide
1. Srinagar
Photo: Madhumita Das / Wikipedia
Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, is a picturesque city with lakes, houseboats and Mughal gardens. The city is a blend of landscape and history and has famous attractions like Dal Lake, where you can go for a tranquil Shikara ride. Srinagar’s Mughal gardens, Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh, are exemplary of the Persian-style architecture that once graced royal palaces. The old town of Srinagar with its quaint wooden houses and lively local bazaars, is a good place to understand Kashmiri culture.
Location: Kashmir Valley
Best Time To Visit: April to October
2. Gulmarg
Photo: Digjot Singh / Unsplash
Gulmarg, also known as the Meadow of Flowers, is one of the must-visits in Kashmir Valley, whether for winter sports or just a relaxing holiday. The region is also known for its famous ski areas, which draw both expert and beginner skiers from around the world. In addition to winter sports, Gulmarg has beautiful meadows where trekking and horse riding can be enjoyed during the summer season. One of its main attractions is the Gulmarg Gondola, one of the world’s tallest cable cars, which overlooks the surrounding mountains covered in snow.
Location: Baramulla District
Best Time To Visit: December to March for skiing and May to August for trekking
3. Pahalgam
Photo: SOURAV BHADRA / Unsplash
Pahalgam, known as the “Valley of Shepherds”, is a picturesque town on the banks of the Lidder River. A quiet escape with green fields, thick forests, and pristine mountain vistas. Tourists prefer Pahalgam as their home base for the Amarnath Yatra, but Pahalgam is also a good place for trekking, riding horses and fishing. There are various trekking options in the town, including the popular Betaab Valley and Aru Valley, which are world-renowned for their stunning landscapes. The small town is swarming with shops selling traditional Kashmiri crafts.
Location: Anantnag District
Best Time To Visit: March to November
4. Sonamarg
Sonamarg, roughly translated to Meadow of Gold, is a beautiful town in Kashmir Valley. Surrounded by glaciers and snow-capped mountains, it’s ideal for hiking, camping and fishing. One of the best attractions here is the Thajiwas Glacier, which is an imposing sight and a difficult hike. The valley is also home to a few other high-altitude treks, such as the famous Zoji La Pass, linking Kashmir Valley with Ladakh. The quiet place and the amazing natural splendour of Sonamarg make it a perfect weekend destination for both nature lovers and adventure travellers.
Location: Ganderbal District
Best Time To Visit: May to October
5. Leh-Ladakh
Photo: Darshan Chudasama / Unsplash
Leh-Ladakh is a cold desert area at high altitude situated in the far north of Jammu and Kashmir, offering mesmerising views of vast bare plains, waterless lakes, and rugged mountains. The area is renowned for its Buddhist monasteries, including the popular Hemis and Thiksey Monasteries and psychedelic landscape. Pangong Lake and Nubra Valley are two top Ladakh spots to explore. The region is also a mecca of adventure tourism, including trekking, mountain biking and white-water rafting. Its Tibetan history and beauty have made it one of India’s most distinct and unforgettable destinations.
Location: Ladakh Region
Best Time To Visit: May to September
6. Jammu City
Photo: Tejan gupta / Wikimedia Commons
Jammu has religious importance and rich cultural heritage, especially the Vaishno Devi Temple, which draws millions of pilgrims annually. The temple is on the Trikuta Mountain, a difficult and rewarding hike. Aside from Vaishno Devi, Jammu has a number of other temples like Raghunath Temple and Bawe Wali Mata Temple. The architecture of the city straddles Mughal, Dogra and Rajput styles, and monuments such as the Bahu Fort and Mubarak Mandi Palace speak to that heritage.
Location: Jammu District
Best Time To Visit: October to March
7. Dachigam National Park
Photo: Tahirshawl / Wikimedia Commons
Dachigam National Park is one of the most significant protected areas in Jammu and Kashmir for wildlife lovers. The park also houses the endangered Hangul deer, or Kashmiri stag, as well as Himalayan black bears, leopards and various birds. Nature walks or guided tours are offered to see the local plants and animals in their natural surroundings. The park is a short drive away from Srinagar, making it an easy visit. Its environment and natural wonders have made it a peaceful haven for bird watchers and photographers.
Location: Near Srinagar
Best Time To Visit: April to October
Where To Stay
Photo: Dave Photoz / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
From expensive Dal Lake houseboats to budget guest houses, staying options in Jammu and Kashmir fit every traveller. Srinagar has upscale resorts like The Lalit Grand Palace, and Pahalgam and Gulmarg have small hotels. Camping in Sonamarg or Ladakh would be more suitable for the adventurous. Make reservations during busy periods to save on last-minute hassles. If you want something more traditional, staying in a traditional Kashmiri guesthouse or homestay is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the local culture.
Where To Eat
Photo: Eaters Collective / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The food is delightful in Jammu and Kashmir. Check out traditional Kashmiri Wazwan meals such as Rogan Josh, Yakhni, and Gushtaba at Kashmiri Wazwan restaurants in Srinagar, like Mughal Darbar and Ahdoos. If you are vegetarian, Jammu’s famous Rajma Chawal can be had at local eateries such as Pehlwan’s Food Court. It also serves the well-known noon chai (salted tea) and freshly baked Kashmiri bread at the local bakeries. The city is also renowned for the sweets like the wonderful Phirni and Bakarkhani. So, whether you prefer traditional cuisine or modern fusion cuisine, Jammu and Kashmir cater to every palate.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Rana Sawalha / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Tips For Travellers
- Carry warm clothing irrespective of the season, as the weather can be unpredictable.
- Obtain permits for areas like Ladakh and Nubra Valley in advance.
- Respect local traditions, especially in monasteries and temples.
- Avoid travelling during heavy snowfall, as it can lead to road closures.
- Stay hydrated to avoid altitude sickness in Ladakh.
Jammu and Kashmir travel guide offers the most beautiful, rich, cultural, and adventurous experiences not to miss out. Whether it is to glide across Dal Lake or just take a look at the stunning monasteries of Ladakh, there’s something to enjoy at every step of this wonderland. So pack your bags and plan a trip with TripXL to Jammu and Kashmir today!
Cover Photo: Franky Ng / Unsplash
