Kashmir is famous all over the world for its unique natural beauty. Between Baramulla and Kishtwar, this land of tin roof shanties and scenic hill stations shelters a plethora of places to visit in the Kashmir Valley. There can never be a dearth of places to visit in Kashmir. While Srinagar remains the hub of the bowl-shaped Kashmir Valley, smaller towns like Anantnag, Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Patnitop are also finding their place in the top 10 tourist places in Jammu and Kashmir.

As the tourist season begins in Kashmir, hundreds of travelers from across the world want to spend a few days in this beautiful valley. From popular treks to charming hill stations, there are a lot of places to visit in Kashmir in summer. The Great Lakes trek is one of the best places to visit in Kashmir in June.

The city of Srinagar is famous for the sprawling Mughal gardens, the serene Dal Lake and religious sites. It is the entry and departure point of many pilgrimages, trekking

The Mughal Gardens show their grandeur at the foothills of the Jabarwan Hills, which serve as an idyllic backdrop for paintings. The fresh blooms that grow along the artificial channels in Nishant Garden and Shalimar Bagh make you wonder about the glory days of the Mughal rule. Wular Lake, one of the largest water bodies in the state, does not get its share of visitors despite being as dazzling as its counterpart within Srinagar. Chashme Shahi, Hari Parvat, Shankaracharya Temple, Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden and Pari Mahal are other major places to visit in Srinagar.

About 56 kilometers west of Srinagar, the gondola rides and powdery slopes at Gulmarg are a magnet for travelers visiting the valley. This hill station in Baramulla district receives a fair amount of snowfall in winters, making it a hub for winter sports in Gulmarg which include skiing, snowmobiling and sledding. There are ample opportunities for thrilling experiences on the slopes of the 14,000 ft high Apharat peak. It also provides uninterrupted, sweeping views of the surrounding forests, lakes and the Pir Panjal peaks. Private taxis and car hire are available from Srinagar to Gulmarg.

Sonamarg and Yusmarg rank among the best places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir. Just a short pony ride from Sonamarg takes travellers to climb the largest glaciers in Kashmir. Locals agree that Anantnag district in South Kashmir is replete with must-see places like Betaab Valley, Pahalgam, Aru, and Kokernag. Further east, Kishtwar and Doda welcome trans-Himalayan trekkers beyond the valley. Saffron fields around Pompore and apple orchards in Anantnag are a sight to behold in harvest season.

Places to Visit in Kashmir

Srinagar: Amongst the most tourist places in Kashmir is Srinagar. The whole environment of Srinagar is very eye-catching and worth the visit. People from all over the world travel to Srinagar o witness its heaven beauty.

Gulmarg: Gulmarg is second name for paradise in Kashmir and is a must-visit place if you are traveling to Kashmir for 3 days. Gulmarg can be easily covered in 3 days. Most of the time, Gulmarg is covered by snow so it makes for the perfect place to enjoy snow activities.

Pahalgam: Another one of the best places to visit in Kashmir and to be included in the itinerary of 3 days to Kashmir is Pahalgam. Pahalgam is famous for its enticing beauty and picture-perfect valleys. One must definitely pay a visit to this exquisite destination.

Best Places to Stay in Kashmir

Circular Road, Gulmarg: Circular Road has some of the best hotels for a comfortable stay in Gulmarg. The hotels are budgeted and provide a comfortable stay to the tourists.

Aru Road, Pahalgam: Aru Road is another famous place where you will find both budgeted and luxurious resorts. The hotels at Aru Road also gives stunning views from the balcony.

Rajbagh, Srinagar: If you are looking for a stay option in Srinagar, then you can go to Rajbagh where you will find plenty of options for a comfortable stay. The area is easily accessible and is nearby popular attractions and best tourist places in Kashmir.

By Air: Srinagar International Airport (SXR), also known as Sheikh-ul-Alam Airport, and Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL) in Leh are the major airports in Jammu and Kashmir state. The airport in Srinagar is connected with major cities in India including Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Bangalore. The airport in Leh has direct flights to and from Delhi, Mumbai, and Srinagar. Taxi rentals and private shuttles are available at both airports in Jammu and Kashmir.

By Train: Jammu Tawi, located in the state’s winter capital, is the busiest railway station in Jammu and Kashmir. It serves as the northern terminal of major trains connecting the city with the rest of India. Regular express trains from Jammu to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Trivandrum run efficiently.

By Road: Jammu and Srinagar, seasonal capitals of the state can be reached throughout the year by road. Jammu is served by a network of state and national highways. If you’re wondering about how to reach Kashmir Valley by road, follow the NH1(A) that passes through the city of Jammu to Srinagar in Kashmir Valley. The highway continues to the east before terminating at Leh in Ladakh region. NH1 is a major and vital highway which handles the primary traffic coming in and out of the region. Government and private operators run buses and taxis between Jammu, Srinagar, and Leh.