Place to visit in Jammu and Kashmir

Srinagar:

Best time to visit in Srinagar:

The best time to visit Srinagar is during summers between April and June.

How to reach at Srinagar:

Air:

Srinagar is well connected by air with Delhi.

Railway:

Srinagar does not have a railway station and the nearest railhead is Jammu Tawi, which is 305 km from Srinagar.

Road:

It is well connected by road to important places like Chandigarh (630 km), Delhi (876 km), Jammu (298 km), Leh, Kargil, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam. We would provide you all India tourist permit vehicles for the local transportations and also for the intercity drives too in Jammu and Kashmir tourism.

Srinagar, is the capital of the northernmost Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated in Kashmir Valley and lies on the banks of the Jhelum River, a tributary of the Indus. While not the largest, it is one of the biggest cities in India without a Hindu majority. The city is famous for its lakes and houseboats. It is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dry fruits. It is also the headquarters of Srinagar district.

Listed below are some major tourist attractions in Srinagar.

Dal Lake:

The most important tourist attraction in Srinagar, the Dal Lake has, within its periphery, four enormous water bodies, Lokut Dal, Bod Dal, Gagribal and Nagin. The lake is not a flat, continuous mass of water, but an intricate labyrinth of waterways, that constitute a spectacular sight and an amazing locale to explore.

Wular Lake:

The largest freshwater lake in India, Wular Lake lies about 32 kms to the northwest of Srinagar city. The lake is surrounded by high mountains on the north and north-east of the valley, which augment the scenic charm of the region.

Hazratbal Shrine:

A sacred Muslim pilgrimage destination lying on the banks of the famous Dal Lake in Srinagar, Hazratbal Shrine reflects the devotion and respect of Muslims for Prophet Mohammad and his relics stored here.

Shankaracharya Temple:

Located on top of a hill known as ‘Takht-e-Suleiman’, this ancient temple stands at an altitude of about 1100 feet above the surface level of main Srinagar city. The sacred temple can be visited only through a trek to the top of the hills.

Khanqah-e-Molla:

Also called Shah-e-Hamdan, this shrine is believed to contain "the secret of Allah”. One of the oldest Muslim shrines located on the banks of the river Jhelum in Srinagar city, the Khanqah-e-Molla exhibits exemplary specimen of wood architecture.

Jama Masjid:

A revered mosque located at Nowhatta, Jama Masjid is one of the main tourist attractions in Srinagar for Muslims.Also worth visit in Srinagar are the Khir Bhawani Temple, Chatti Padshahi, Chashma Shahi and Pari Mahal, Nishat Garden and Shalimar Garden.

Gulmarg:

Fact of Gulmarg:

Altitude:

2730 meters

State:

Jammu and Kashmir

Languages:

Kashmiri and Hindi

Attractions:

Skiing

Gulmarg is a town, a hill station and a notified area committee in Baramula district in the Indian area of Jammu and Kashmir.

How to Reach in Gulmarg:

The airport at Srinagar at 57 km is nearest to Gulmarg. The airport caters to the air transport to the hill resort. Regular flights connect Srinagar with the other major cities in India. The railway station in Jammu is the nearest to Gulmarg that caters to the rail transport to the hill resort.

Best Time to Visit in Gulmarg:

The hill resort of Gulmarg is a gorgeous place to be at throughout the year. There are winter months from November to February that are ideal for skiing. The adventurers are known to throng the hill resort as soon as the snow falls. As it is the summer months from May to September offer pleasant weather to the tourists. The sun scorched souls from the plains flock to the hill resort as a summer retreat.

Where to Stay in Gulmarg:

Accommodation in Gulmarg is easily available. There are several hotels and huts that cater to the needs of the tourists. There are hotels that suit the varying budgets of the tourists to Gulmarg. All the basic facilities are available to make your stay in Gulmarg comfortable. You may check out for accommodation options run by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourist Development Corporation or the private parties. It is advisable to go in advance reservations in the peak seasons.

Delicious and hygienic food is easily available in the restaurants and the eateries of Gulmarg. In the non-vegetarian food there is the traditional dish of Rogan Josh that must taste.

Adventure Sports in Gulmarg:

For the adventure seekers Gulmarg is the ultimate destination for skiing. You may easily hire the skis and sticks, snow boots, woolen socks, mufflers, windproof jackets, goggles, and caps. With all the equipments and the Ski instructors at hand it is the best bet to enjoy the holidays at Gulmarg. The skiing season at Gulmarg is from November to February. The slopes in Gulmarg varying between 8,700 and 10,500 feet make the ski runs the highest in India. It is noteworthy that Gulmarg is the only heli-skiing resort in Asia. Even the amateurs can enjoy with the ski lifts and the chair lifts. 

Gulmarg also boasts of a gorgeous green golf course that happens to be the world's highest too. You may even hire the golf sets from Gulmarg. The Golf Club offers short-term memberships to the players. 

Gulmarg also offers some excellent opportunities for long walks. In case you take up the outer circle walk you can enjoy the pine forests and wonderful vistas. The beauty of the Kashmir valley will not fail to mesmerize you. Then there are the Nanga Parbat and the Haramukh that you may explore.

Pahalgam:

Language:

Hindi, Urdu, Kashmiri, English

Best time to visit in Pahalgam:

April-November

STD Code:

01936 

Pahalgam is famous for its scenic beauty and is the jewel of the picturesque Liddar valley located in the high Himalayas. It provides an ideal setting for activities like hiking, trekking, and fishing. It is also the starting point of the annual pilgrimage to the holy cave of Amarnath.

Best time to visit in Pahalgam:

The best time to visit Pahalgam is during the summers, between mid-April and mid-November. It can also be visited in July-August during the annual pilgrimage to the holy cave of Amarnath.

Pahalgam Travel Information:

Once in Jammu & Kashmir, you can easily reach Pahalgam. Srinagar, the capital of Jammu & Kashmir, connects quite well to Pahalgam.

Airport:

Srinagar, which is at a distance of 95 km from Pahalgam

Railhead :

Jammu, which is further connected to the rest of India by NH 1A

Road:

A road drive of 2½ hours from Pahalgam takes you to Srinagar, the capital of Jammu & Kashmir. Regular buses and taxis connect Pahalgam to Srinagar.

Major Tourist Attractions in Pahalgam:

The tiny but scenic village of Pahalgam offers a number of wonderful sites to see. Before you get yourself busy and indulge in light adventure options at Pahalgam, do remember to visit the famous tourist attractions in Pahalgam, some of which are given below. 

Chandanwari:

It is famous for its snow bridge. Lying at a distance of 16 km, Chandanwari is also the starting point for the auspicious Amarnath Yatra. It is a small valley, situated at an altitude of 6,500 above sea level. Good sturdy shoes are a prerequisite if you are hiking in this area.

Baisaran:

Pine forests dot this meadow which presents a picturesque view of the snow-clad mountains. The snow covered Tulian lake at an altitude of 3353 m is 11kms from Baisaran. 

Sheshnag Lake:

The waters of this greenish blue lake are covered with ice till June. Sheshnag lies at a distance of 13 km from Chandanwari and is at 11,330 ft above sea level. The place has derived its name from seven peaks that look like the head of Sheshnag, the sacred snake in the Hindu mythology.

Panchtarni:

It is the confluence of five streams and gives Panchtarni its name. For those headed towards the holy cave of Amarnath, Panchtarni is the last camping site. From Panchtarni, Amarnath is located at a distance of 6 km.

Amarnath Cave:

Pahalgam is the base for the religious trek to the abode of Lord Shiva. A narrow spiralling path from Panchtarni leads to the Amarnath Cave. The massive ice shivlingam is visited by thousands of pilgrims between July and September.

Aru:

This charming meadow can be reached by walking along a mountain path. The river Lidder disappears at Gur Khumb and reappears after 27 mts.

Lidderwat:

A beautiful camping site set among dense forests. Starting point of the trek to theSindh Valley

Sonmarg:

Location:

81-km From Srinagar, Kashmir Region, Jammu and Kashmir

Altitude:

2,740m

Best Time To Visit at Sonmarg:

May To September, November To February

Where To Stay in Sonmarg:

Sonmarg has good number of hotels of all kinds ranging from plain basic to luxury. JKTDC also has few huts and cottages that you can hire but you will have to book for them in advance as during peak season they generally are full. For a pleasant stay, you can look to Hotel Glacier.

How to reach Sonmarg:

By Air:

The nearest airport is at Srinagar which is around 81 km away from Sonmarg. It takes around 3 hrs to cover the distance by road.

By Rail:

The closest railhead is Jammu Tawi in Jammu. The distance of approximately 400 km between Sonmarg and Jammu is covered in almost 10 hrs.

By Road:

Road connection to all parts of J and K is good. Buses from all districts come to Sonmarg. You can even hire pre paid taxis from Srinagar.

Local Transport:

To move around in the town, buses are the best option as they have good frequency inside the city. But if you want to explore the city at your leisure, choose a ride in a tanga (horse carriage).When you drive from Srinagar to Leh, Sonmarg is the last stop of Kashmir District. From here starts the territory of Ladakh. Situated at an altitude of 2743 m above sea level, Sonmarg is absolutely true to its name, which means 'Meadow of Gold'. The moment you enter Sonmarg, the first thing that you will notice will be the snow-covered mountain that forms the backdrop of the town. Covered with alpine trees from all sides, Sonmarg has few of the most loveliest flower collection in J & K. In winters though, the town is covered with snow giving it an altogether different charm of white. The town has become famous for the many excursion option that it offers, mainly short walks and trek routes to nearby stunning areas. The most famous trek is definitely the one that takes you to Amarnath caves. In fact Baltal which is just besides Sonmarg, is used as a base camp for starting the holy Amarnath yatra.

Place to visit in Sonmarg:

Thajiwas (3km):

The whole mountain range here is covered by glaciers. Water falls from these in silver sheets. A forest rest house and a tourist hut between Sonamarg and Thajiwas have excellent views.

The Lakes:

The loveliest of the high altitude Himalayan lakes are Vishansar and Krishnasar. The translucent waters of these lakes are speckled with ice flakes, and the occasional trout that pops up now and then.

Gangabal:

Also called Harmukh Ganga, it is sacred to Hindus. It can be reached fromSonamarg via Krishnasar and Vishansar - a trek through enchanting scenery.

Zoji-La Pass:

20 kms east of Sonamarg lies the gateway to the Ladakh plateau, the Zoji-La Pass at 3,540 m.