5 Stunning Locations in Kashmir That You Must Visit

Kashmir – the bait for the boundaries, and the wait for the travellers! The crown of the Indian Geography studded with innumerable beautiful places is one of the evergreen spots for travellers like us to visit. If you are reading this, the next few points will certainly add some of the amazing and mesmerising destinations to your travel diaries.

1. Srinagar

The summer capital of the state, Srinagar is the largest city in Jammu and Kashmir. Due to its scenic beauty, this place also has been an all-time hot discussion for travellers. Srinagar is blessed with various types of beauties that become the main attraction for tourists. From nature, parks and lakes till the historical places and museums, Srinagar magnetises the love to travel and explore. The Nehru Garden, dedicated to the first Prime Minister of India, is one of the natural mains and also marks the history of its construction in 1969. While on a tour to Srinagar, one should definitely go for a walk in this garden. Char Chinar, located in the middle of Dal Lake is an island surrounded by four beautiful Chinar Trees which is reachable only by Shikara ride. This gives you a twin benefit of enjoying the island beauty as well as the Shikara ride. To the endless charm, adds the Shankaracharya Hill, a point from where you can view the entire Srinagar. This is surely going to give you Goosebumps!!!

2. Gulmarg

Famous for skiing, this town is a beautiful hill station in Baramulla district of Kashmir. Gondola Lift is a major attraction for visitors and travellers in Gulmarg. The only cable car system in entire Asia adds to the pride of the country when it takes up to the elevation of about 13,500 feet, above the sea level. All adventurous souls shall definitely take this down in their travel guide. Apart from Skiing and Gondola Adventures, people can certainly visit Avantiswami Temple and Baba Reshi Shrine to add some spirituality to their experience!

3. Sonamarg

The hill station in Ganderbal district of J&K, Sonamarg, is blessed with 7 lakes, which makes the travel experience perfect! Thajiwas Glacier, Gadsar Lake, Gangabal Lake, Krishnasar Lake, all are known for their stunning natural beauty, surrounded by snow-laden mountains and alpine forests. These surroundings turn this hill station into a beautiful landscape. An eye warming experience I must say!

4. Leh

When talking about Kashmir, Leh is never to be missed!! The high desert city, originally a stop for trading caravans has always stolen hearts of its visitors. The Buddhist site, Leh is known for its monasteries – (Stok Monastery, Sankar Monastery, Thikse Monastery, Namgyal Monastery), Spituk Monastery, Phyang Monastery and the Shanti Stupa. One can attain blissful peace in the lap of this desert city. Another, eye-catching spot in Leh is the Nubra Valley, which adds adventure to the calm and solace of the place. Nubra is famed for wonderful motorable road Khardung La Pass, which is driving the interests of unwanted tourists for a road trip these days. One must visit the monastery in Diskit which is one of the oldest and the largest Buddhist Monastery and is famous for the 106 feet tall Buddha Statue. Camel safari is also one of the sport you can look forward to in Hunder.

5. Kargil

Kargil is the name that reminds us of martyrs who sacrificed their lives in war. This land is just not a place which reported war once, but it also houses various sights and tourist attractions. The Drass War Memorial is a perfect place where we can salute and thank our soldiers and admire their bravery. Apart from this, Kargil is also famous for Yuru Gompa (Lamayuru Monastery, Mulbekh Monastery, Phuktal Monastery, Shargul Monastery, and Cave Monastery). It’s ironical, the place studded with peaceful monasteries, was turned into war lands that took away lives and gave us the names of those indelible martyrs.

These are only a few places to jot down that one must visit in Kashmir. As controversial as it is political, geographically the state is a perfect place to adore.

Author Bio:

Rohit Agarwal is an architect and a travel blogger. His exciting escapades throughout India and the world are shared through his blog Transindiatravels.com.