If you’re planning a holiday in Kashmir & Ladakh, there are several places that you should visit. Some of the most popular destinations are Pahalgam, Nubra Valley, Yusmarg, and Anantnag. These places are incredibly beautiful, but they can also get pretty crowded.
Nubra Valley
The best time to visit Nubra Valley is between June and September. The days are brighter and the temperatures are warmer during this time. After October, the Khardung La Pass is usually closed due to heavy snowfall and heavy rains. The Nubra Valley is one of the most stunning landscapes in Ladakh. It lies about 130 kilometers northwest of the city of Leh. The valley was once part of the Silk Route, and today it is a popular trading center for horticultural crops and Pashmina wool. Nubra is divided into 3 divisions namely – Hunder , Diskit & Summur. It is famous for its sand dunes and unique double humped camels also known as batarian camels. You can reach Nubra from Leh via Khardungla which is the highest motorable road in India. The driver is beautiful and you will witness the diversity of the Ladakahi landscape.
Pahalgam
Pahalgam is a picturesque town known for its stunning pine trees , river and streams. One of the most popular tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir, Pahalgam draws thousands of tourists every year. this town boasts beautiful panoramic views of the Himalayan Ranges. It is also the starting point of the famous Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage. The village is also one of the entry points to the holy dham of Amarnath, one of the four holiest sites in Hinduism. Chandanwari is the starting point of Amarnath Yatra. The word Chandan Wari means Sandal Garden, Sandal tree is unlikely to survive at such a high altitude. The view from the Chandanwari Glacier point is truly breathtaking.
Pahalgam is also home to the historic Sheshnag temple, which is an ancient Shiva temple. Thousands of pilgrims visit the town each year to worship the Lord of the Mountains.
Yusmarg
One of the least-known hill stations in Jamu Kashmir, Yusmarg is an ideal tourist destination. A newly built motorable road connects this sleepy town with the rest of the state, making it a perfect destination for those looking for a scenic and peaceful getaway. The town is also home to a stunning lake, and it’s surrounded by lush, evergreen forests. The town is also a popular location for trekking, horseback riding, and trout fishing.
Anantnag
The beautiful and scenic surroundings of Anantnag, Kashmir, are a great draw for tourists from all over the world. It is located 53 kilometres from Srinagar and is surrounded by lush greeneries and freshwater springs. Tourists can also visit several religious destinations including the Martand Sun Temple, Kheer Bhawani Asthapan, Ishmuqam Shrine, and Masjid Baba Dawood Khaki.
There are several notable places and shrines in Anantnag, including the tombs of famous Hindu saints and popular shrines. This town is also home to some of the oldest buildings in the world, but you will not find many ruins from this time period. The Sultan Sikander’s reign, however, completely destroyed many of the architectural monuments in the region.
Dachigam National Park
Dachigam National Park is situated on the east side of Dal Lake, about 22 kilometres from Srinagar city. It is a 161-square-kilometer national park. It is home to a variety of flora and fauna.
This park is home to a diverse range of flora, including 500 species of shrubs and trees. A majority of the park is covered with coniferous forests, but alpine pastures are also found. In the park, visitors will also find a Trout Farm and a Leopard Zoo.
Pangong Lake
To get the best out of a Pangong Lake tour in Jamu Kashmir, you should know where to look for permission to enter the lake. Since it’s a disputed region, it’s important to have the proper permit before visiting the lake. You can obtain this permit online, or from the Jammu and Kashmir Bank in Leh’s main bazaar
Dal Lake
The Dal Lake is a popular tourist attraction in Jamu Kashmir, and it was founded by the Maharajas of Kashmir. The British colonizers also wanted to build summer houses in the mountains, so they built palatial houseboats on the lake. Today, the Dal Lake has become synonymous with houseboats, and many of them are floating hotels.
Sonamarg
Sonamarg is easily accessible by road and has hotels that cater to all budgets. From the hotels that line the road, to the ones that are spread over the entire valley, there is something to suit all budgets.
Baisaran valley
Located 5 km from Pahalgam, Baisaran valley is the perfect getaway for adventure seekers. The valley is covered in dense pine forests and has picturesque views of the Lidder valley and Pahalgam town. It is also the perfect place to go for a leisurely horseback ride and experience the serenity of nature.
Vaishno Devi temple
Vaishno Devi is a manifestation of Hindu Mother Goddess Durga and Adi Shakti. In India, “Maa” and “Mata” are used for mother, so Vaishno Devi is often associated with Mata. This manifestation of Adi Shakti is a manifestation of the three Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Mahasaraswati energies, which have a strong impact on the region.