Category: Kashmir Travel Guides

Beyond the famous circuit, Kashmir hides quiet valleys that most tourists never see. Bangus and Lolab in the Kupwara district are two of the finest, with wide meadows, dense forests and a real sense of remoteness. Bangus Valley Bangus is a broad bowl of grassland ringed by pine covered ridges, split into Large Bangus and […]

The Amarnath Yatra is one of the most important Hindu pilgrimages, to the holy ice lingam in a cave high in the Kashmir mountains. Here is a practical overview for pilgrims. The two routes There are two main routes. The traditional Pahalgam route via Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panchtarni is longer and more gradual over a […]

Kashmir is a wonderful family destination with cool weather, easy sightseeing and plenty for children to enjoy. Here is how to plan a smooth family trip to the valley. Kid friendly places Children love the Gulmarg Gondola cable car, Shikara rides on Dal Lake, pony rides in Pahalgam and Sonmarg, and playing in the snow […]

Gurez Valley is one of Kashmir's most beautiful offbeat destinations, a remote high valley of wooden villages, the Kishanganga river and the striking Habba Khatoon peak. It is for travellers who want quiet and raw mountain scenery. The Habba Khatoon peak The pyramid shaped Habba Khatoon peak, named after a famous Kashmiri poetess, towers over […]

Doodhpathri, the valley of milk, is a lush meadow of rolling grass, pine forests and cold streams, and one of the easiest offbeat day trips from Srinagar. It is far less crowded than Gulmarg or Pahalgam. Why the name valley of milk The name comes from the milky white streams that rush over the meadows, […]

The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar is Asia's largest tulip garden, with over a million blooms laid out in terraces below the Zabarwan hills beside Dal Lake. It is a spring highlight of any Kashmir trip. When does the Tulip Garden open? The garden opens for only a few weeks each spring, usually […]

The Srinagar to Leh highway is one of the most spectacular road journeys in India, climbing from the green Kashmir valley over high passes into the stark beauty of Ladakh. The route The road runs Srinagar to Sonmarg, over Zoji La pass, then Drass, Kargil, and on past Lamayuru and the Indus valley into Leh. […]

Winter turns Kashmir into a white wonderland. From December to February the valley sees snowfall, frozen lakes and some of the best skiing in Asia. Here is how to plan a winter trip. Skiing in Gulmarg Gulmarg is the star of winter Kashmir, with powder snow, the high Gondola cable car and slopes for beginners […]

The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is one of the most beautiful high altitude treks in India, passing a string of alpine lakes set among green meadows and snow peaks. Here is a clear overview for anyone planning it. The route The classic trek runs from Sonmarg to Naranag over about 6 to 7 days, crossing […]

Sonmarg, the meadow of gold, sits at around 2,800 metres where the Sindh river winds between snow peaks and pine forests. It is one of the most scenic stops in Kashmir and the gateway to Ladakh. Thajiwas Glacier The main attraction is the Thajiwas Glacier, a short pony ride or gentle trek from the main […]