Famous Places To Visit In Kashmir And Ladakh

 The summer holidays see a mad exodus of families parking in Kashmir year after year. The crown state of India, Kashmir, is one of the most desirable destinations in India, yet, the surreal beauty of this land is often lost in walking the beaten path!

 

You have decided to dig deeper and find places in Kashmir that are intact with their inherent peace still intact. Head to these beauties if you are in Kashmir next time and can't find a hotel in Betaab Valley due to the mad rush like you did. Trust me, "if there is heaven, it is here." One can also hire a tour and travel agency in Srinagar to make their trip easy and within budget. 

 

1. Verinag 

Verinag is a major source of the Jhelum River and an under-explored traveller's attraction in the Anantnag district. Nestled amidst a plethora of healthy chinar (maple) trees and home to gushing blue water at the reservoir, Verinag is almost halfway between Pahalgam and Srinagar. That's where you have your halfway chai break, even if you stick to the often travelled piece of Kashmir.

 

2. Yusmarg 

Yusmarg, or Yousmarg, loosely translates to 'Jesus Meadow'. The common folktale on which this rests is that Jesus once stopped at Yousmarg with his followers on his world travels.

Not without reason, this too! Rolling green meadows with pine trees in the background and an 11-kilometre trek leading up to a frozen lake, Yusmarg has sights and sounds worthy of evoking the greatest wanderlust in your heart! Trek to Lake Nilnag, Sang and Safed, Tatta kutti and Tosa Maidan mountain range. Yusmarg is also famous as a picnic place.

 

3. Chatpal 

Pristine hills and woodlands, a virgin spring snaking through the valley, and cool mountain air almost make Chatpal close cloning of Pahalgam, but only better! There is a short trek Available from Chaptal to the valley. You can also enjoy the natural beauty and talk to the locals to learn about their side of the history of the place.

 

4. Doodhpathari

An inverted bowl of green in summer and white in winter, Doodhpathari is a verdant green lawn near Srinagar. You can reach the place and trek to nearby areas and hills.

 

5. Kokernag

Home to Asia's largest trout fishing, Kokernag is a hidden gem in the Anantnag district, 25 odd kilometres from Anantnag and 80 kilometres from Srinagar. Thanks to its unique "hen-like" structure, it forms a huge cascade of springs. You can visit the kokernag waterfall, the Botanical Garden, and Achabal.

 

6. Nubra Valley 

140 kilometres from Leh, Nubra Valley, is one of the most beautiful places in the Leh region of Jammu and Kashmir. Shyok and Nubra rivers, red gold monasteries, and landscapes that look nothing short of a painting make up Nubra's lesser-known wonder. You can visit Khardung La, Diskit Gompa, Zimskang Museum, Hunder Gompa, and Chamba statue while in the valley.

 

7. Pulwama 

A virgin paradise of apple orchards, adventure sports, springs, waterfalls, and valleys, Pulwama is located approximately 40 kilometres from Srinagar. It is a reasonably good option to explore Pulwama on a day trip from Srinagar. You can visit Awantipore, Pulwama Falls.

 

8. Hemis

Ladakhi Monastery City, home to snow leopards and red pandas, is one of those places you will never hear of in ordinary language. Hemis has a beautiful Monastery, L'Hemis Gompa, which is great if you want to be enveloped in a waterfall of peace. Due to its proximity to Leh, it is possible to reach Hemis by direct bus or taxi from Leh. You can visit Hemis National Park, Hemis monasteries, Gompas, and Hemis Festival (if you plan your vacation in July).

 

The best travel agencies in Jammu and Kashmir guide you on your trip and make things easy for you.