How to plan Your Kashmir Trip?

Kashmir is often looked upon as the ‘paradise on earth’. The natural beauty of Kashmir is simply unparalleled and breath-taking. Nature had adorned the region with her most splendid gifts and in all bounties. Nature lovers and passionate vacationers, from every part of the country and the world, long to visit Kashmir at least once in their lifetime. If you have plans to visit Kashmir soon, you must know about the top, must-see attractions of the place and also about the various challenges the place can offer to a tourist. Having knowledge of the above facts will let you plan your trip of Kashmir in a flawless way. Read on to learn more on this…

Kashmir is one of the most beautiful places in the world and people aptly call it “paradise on earth”. Obviously this makes it one of the best places in India to visit for domestic as well as international tourists. There are several beautiful places in Kashmir like Sonamarg, Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Srinagar etc. These are some of the hottest tourist destinations which see a lot of traffic during the summers. Even this will give you barely a glimpse of the marvels of Kashmir. Here is some advice on what to see in beautiful Kashmir.

Reaching Kashmir and Travel Arrangements

Kashmir is well connected by trains and flights but make sure you book well in advance. Srinagar has a newly constructed shining airport and the best way to reach it is to take a flight from Delhi. Mumbai is also connected by daily flights to Srinagar and so is Jammu. Once you reach Srinagar airport take the state bus service which will take you to tourist reception desk in the city. Otherwise you will have to shell out minimum one thousand bucks for cab fare. Make sure that you have security clearance and are carrying a valid ID as Kashmir is now a sensitive area and some of its parts are under army control.

What to Take and When to go on Your Kashmir Trip?

Make sure you carry woolens, coffee thermos, umbrella, warm shoes, socks and your first aid kit. What you will experience in Kashmir depends upon when you visit it.

December to February- Only for the brave hearted as it will e extremely cold. Perfect time to indulge in snow sports and snow skiing
April-October- The typical tourist season with May, June seeing a lot of traffic. Late October is perfect for seeing the beautiful autumn in Kashmir. Avoid July as Monsoons are treacherous in Kashmir.

Top Places to Visit in Kashmir

Srinagar

Srinagar Sightseeing [source]

The Capital of Kashmir and the city of houseboats is the first thing that every tourist thinks off when planning the schedule. Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, Mughal Garden, sunset at Dal Lake is some of the most beautiful attractions in Srinagar. If you are in Srinagar in April then catch the Tulip Festival. Do stay in a houseboat for a romantic dreamy experience.

Sonamarg

Horses Grazing, Sonamarg [source]

This beautiful place also known as meadow of Gold is situated 2.5 hours away from Srinagar. The best thing to see here is the Thajiwas Glacier. Walk up to the glacier or trot up there in a small pony. Visit the glorious meadows of Sonamarg and you will feel that you have entered a golden paradise. If you want to camp then contact Ahsan Mount Resort Camp. Have some delicious local Kashmiri food at Noor Ali Restaurant.

Gulmarg

Gulmarg in Winter [source]

Gulmarg is India’s answer to the fabulous Switzerland Ski resorts. This is also known as Meadow of Flowers and it is 2 hours away to the east of Srinagar. The best things to try out here is Gondola ride to Mount Apharwat and skiing in the Gulmarg valley. The Khyber Himalayan resort and Spa is the perfect place to treat yourself to some pampering and luxury services.

Pahalgam

Lidder River Pahalgam [source]

For those of you who have seen the Bollywood movie Betaab must know that Pahalgam was always the darling of Hindi Cinema. Alternatively known as Valle of Shepherds, Pahalgam is also famous for being the departure point for tourists going on Amarnath Yatra. Adventure tourism, fishing for trout, golfing and river rafting are some of the popular activities of Pahalgam.

Yousmarg

Yousmarg [source]

ousmarg is a lovely expansive meadow which lies 2 hours to the east of Srinagar. This place is refreshingly unknown and if you want a break from the hustle-bustle then this is the best choice for your date with nature. Look for the Doodh Ganga River and the town of Charar e Sharief which are the principal attractions of the place.

Vaishno Devi

Vaishno Devi Temple [source]

The Temple of Vaishno Devi can be easily reached from Katra which is a crowded but pretty place near Jammu-Kashmir border. Hindus rate Vaishno Devi temple as one of the biggest religious pilgrimages and there are several options to reach the Banganga Point where permits are available to reach Vaishno Devi. This is a good place to visit if you want to round up your trip on an auspicious note.