Gulmarg
Gulmarg is one of the most popular retreats from Srinagar and a must-visit destination during a vacation in Kashmir. Known as the Meadow of Flowers, it is the crown jewel of Kashmir, offering a refreshing ambience, pleasant weather, and breathtaking scenery that looks straight out of a painting.
While exploring Gulmarg, don’t miss Alpather Lake, a serene spot perfect for relaxation. Other attractions include the Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve, Drung Waterfalls, Apharwat Peak, and Seven Springs. In winter, Gulmarg transforms into a hub for adventure lovers, offering some of the best winter sports experiences in the region.
Location: Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir
Activities To Do in Gulmarg: Golf, ATV Bike Ride, Gulmarg Gondola Ride, Snowboarding and Skiing in Gulmarg.
How to reach: Gulmarg is located 50 kilometres from Srinagar. The quickest and easiest way to reach Gulmarg is by bus or car in 1.5 hours.
Sonamarg
Sonamarg, also known as the ‘Meadow of Gold,’ is a breathtaking hill station with stunning views of snow-capped mountains set against clear blue skies. If you are looking for places to visit near Srinagar, a trip to Sonamarg is truly worthwhile and feels like the closest one can get to heaven.
Among the many attractions in Sonamarg, the Sindh River flowing through the valley, the divine Vishansar Lake, and the peaceful picnic spot beside the Nilagrad River offer relaxation and tranquility. Sonamarg also serves as the base camp for major treks to Zojila Pass, Krishnasar Lake, and Gadsar Lake.
Location: Ganderbal district, Jammu and Kashmir
Activities to do: Trekking in Sonamarg, River Rafting, Horse Riding and more.
How to reach: Sonamarg is only 50 kilometres away from Srinagar and can be reached via road in 1.5 hours.
Betaab Valley
Betaab Valley, originally called the Hagan Valley, is a beautiful location among the places to visit near Srinagar. Surrounded by enchanting landscapes, snow-capped mountains, and delightful weather, Betaab Valley is a surreal beauty.
The Lidder River flows through the valley with its turquoise waters, adding to the charm of the place. The lush green meadows and dense forests with deodar, pine, chinar, and willow trees make Betaab Valley a great picnic spot. Betaab Valley is popular amongst tourists who are on their honeymoon in Kashmir, as its serene environment and breathtaking views offer a perfect romantic escape into nature.
Location: Near Pahalgam, Baramulla, Hajan, Jammu and Kashmir 192126
Activities to do: Trekking, Camping, Nature Walks and Rafting at Lidder River.
How to reach: Betaab Valley is a two-and-a-half-hour ride from Srinagar and fifteen kilometres from the Pahalgam district. The quickest and cheapest way to reach Betaab Valley is by hiring a taxi or self-driving.
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Yusmarg
Yusmarg is a quaint town in the Badgam district of Kashmir that is an unexplored gem of all the places near Srinagar. Yusmarg, meaning ‘Meadows of Jesus’, is a little paradise known for picturesque scenery and tranquil atmosphere.
The natural beauty of Yusmarg is enhanced by its lush meadows, dense forests, and serene surroundings. The Doodh Ganga River flows gracefully through the region, adding to its charm. Visitors can also explore nearby natural attractions like the Sang-e-Safed Valley, Nilnag Lake, and the majestic peaks of Tattakutti and Sunset Peak in the Pir Panjal Range. For those planning to explore more of the region, don’t miss the places to visit in Jammu, such as the stunning Vaishno Devi Temple, the historic Raghunath Temple, the serene Mansar Lake, and the beautiful Bahu Fort.
As one of the hidden gems, the peaceful ambiance and untouched landscapes make Yusmarg a perfect destination for nature lovers seeking tranquility. For those interested in activities in Kashmir, it is recommended to plan a Kashmir itinerary for 5 days offering a perfect escape into the lap of nature.
Location: Badgam, Jammu and Kashmir 191112
Activities to do: Yusmarg Sightseeing Tour, Trekking, Horse Riding and Camping.
How to Reach: Yusmarg is located 50 kilometres from Srinagar and reached via road in 2 hours. The nearest railway station is in Ompora Town which is 42 kilometres from Yusmarg.
Kokernag
Kokernag is a popular destination among travelers who look for serenity without the hustle and bustle of daily life. If you are looking for offbeat places in Kashmir for a weekend getaway, Kokernag is a good spot. Kokernag boasts of lovely surroundings with green fields, small blue streams, and vibrant flora amidst the mighty mountains.
Pashudhan Nad, the magical water spring which has medicinal values and digestive properties, is the most famous tourist attraction at Kokernag. Kokernag Botanical Garden and Rose Garden is an extravaganza of colourful blossoms. Kokernag Waterfall is another famous freshwater spring here.
Location: Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir (on the right side of NH 244)
Activities to do: Trekking, Fishing, Nature Walks and more.
How to reach: Kokernag is 22 kilometres away from Anantnag and can be reached via road in an hour. The nearest railway station is Anantnag while the closest airport is Srinagar at a distance of 90 kilometres.
Sinthan Top
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Sinthan Top is a lesser-known tourist spot among the places near Srinagar that has recently gained a lot of recognition for its natural beauty. It is a high-altitude pass that separates Kashmir Valley from the Jammu region. You can find sheets of snow covering the entire region all through the year.
The journey to the Sinthan Top is more beautiful than the destination itself as you will find dense pine trees, small rivulets and snow-glazed mountains in all directions. The 3600-degree viewpoint on the top gives a panoramic view of Jammu on one side and Kashmir on the other side. The sight is so hypnotizing that you might doubt yourself if you are in heaven. Visiting Kashmir in December makes this experience even more magical, with the landscape covered in a pristine blanket of snow.
Location: NH 1B, Daksum, Chhatroo, Jammu and Kashmir 192202
Activities to do: Scenic Drives, Photography, Snow Activities and Trekking.
How to reach: Sinthan Top is 130 kilometres from Srinagar and can be reached via road in 3.5 hours.
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Dachigam National Park
Dachigam National Park is a haven for wildlife lovers and birdwatchers. The park is dotted with exotic Himalayan fauna including snow leopards, musk deer, Himalayan black bears and brown bears. Bird lovers can spot unique avifauna like Black Bulbul, Himalayan monal, Golden oriole and Cinnamon sparrow.
The Dagwan River flowing through Dachigam Park is a refreshing sight with the gurgling sound of water. The upper side of the park is enclosed by Sangargulu Valley which is an ideal trekking destination to spot leopards and koklas pheasants.
Location: Dachigam Road, near Mughal Garden, Jammu and Kashmir 191202
Activities to do: Dachigam National Park Guided Tour, Wildlife Safari, Bird Watching, Photography and Nature Walks.
How to reach: Dachigam National Park is 22 kilometres from Srinagar. Metal roads are available from Srinagar to Lower Dachigam while Upper Dachigam has to be travelled on foot. You can take the jeep service from Srinagar hire a taxi or go by bus to Dachigam National Park.
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Manasbal Lake
Touted as the supreme gem of all lakes in Jammu and Kashmir, Manasbal Lake is known for its peacefulness and sheer beauty. The quiet azure lake amidst the mountains surrounded by a lush green garden is a blissful experience.
The lotuses that grow in the lake during July and August add to the charm of the lake. The stems of the lotuses are harvested to make the traditional Kashmiri Nadru. The Mughal Garden near Manasbal built by Nur Jahan provides an alluring view of the lake and mountain peaks. The lake is also the home to exclusive Himalayan birds.
Location: Safapora Ganderbal, Kashmir
Activities to do: Shikara Ride and Water Skiing
How to reach: Manasbal Lake is 30 kilometres from Srinagar and can be reached by road in one hour.
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Doodhpathri
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Doodhpathri is a small hill station that is a hidden treasure in Jammu and Kashmir. It is also called the Valley of Milk. Doodhpathri gets its name from the milky white waters of the streams here. The town lies in a bowl-shaped valley between the mountains of the Pir Panjal Range.
Doodhpathri is an alpine valley with a large expanse of green meadows enclosed by pine, fir, and deodar trees. Among the many places to visit in Srinagar, this valley stands out with its beautiful flowers like buttercups, daisies, and forget-me-nots adorning the meadows. The prettiness of snow-clad mountains amidst the green pastures and white rivers makes it one of the best destinations to explore.
Location: Chill, Bras, Budgam, Jammu and Kashmir 193411
How to reach: Doodhpatri is located 45 kilometres from Srinagar and takes 2.5 hours to reach by road.
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Fotu La
Fotu La Top is a high mountain pass on the Srinagar Leh Highway in the Zanskar Range that attracts photo enthusiasts. It provides wonderful opportunities for taking pictures as you get an amazing view of Himalayan peaks and other places near Srinagar.
The scenic beauty, lunar-like landscape, and breezy weather make the drive to Fotu La Top entertaining, with its naked hills and snow-crowned mountains greeting you with a warm welcome to Ladakh. Fotu La Top is one of the prominent Mountain Passes in Ladakh, separating the city of Leh from Kargil. A drive further from Fotu La takes you to Lamayuru, a picturesque town at Leh, that offers breathtaking views of Zanskar Valley.
Location: Ladakh, India
How to reach: Fotu La is at a distance of 290 kilometres from Srinagar. It can be reached via car in 7 hours
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Dras
Dras, the ‘Gateway to Ladakh’, is the coldest inhabited place in India and second in the world. This small hamlet is intensely beautiful and numbingly cold with the lowest temperature dropping till -45oC. The barren brown hills, rippling waters of Dras River and wildflowers ornamenting the patchwork of fields in Dras Valley make Dras a compelling visit when planning a trip to the places to visit near Srinagar.
Small villages nestled between the mountains, ancient stone houses, local folklore about the place and toiling women with baskets add to the beauty of Dras. The town also hosts polo contests at the top of the mountains every year.
Location: Kargil, Ladakh
How to reach: Dras is situated on NH1 on the road to Srinagar. It is 142 kilometres from Srinagar which will take 4 hours to reach. Cabs and buses are available from Srinagar to Dras
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Kargil
Known for its cultural and historical significance, Kargil is a small city in Ladakh on the banks of Suru or Indus River. Kargil rose to importance and recognition during the Kargil war between India and Pakistan in 1999. The locals were mainly Tibetan Buddhists till 19th century after which they converted to Islam.
Kargil is now a peaceful city with a scenic view of the mountains and pristine waters of the river. The weather here is harshly cold with the minimum temperature dropping to -45°C during winter. With so much magnitude in Indian history, Kargil should be visited before other tourist places near Srinagar. For those exploring places to visit in Kargil, the city offers a mix of historical landmarks, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural experiences that make it a destination worth discovering.
Location: Ladakh, India
Activities to do: Trekking in Kargil, River Rafting and Camping.
How to reach: The distance between Srinagar and Kargil is 203 kilometres which takes 4 hours of drive on road via NH1
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Pulwama
Pulwama is a small town regarded as the delight of Kashmir. Pulwama, meaning ‘Anand of Kashmir,’ is truly enchanting, as the town brims with the blessings of Mother Nature. With its apple orchards, waterfalls, natural freshwater springs, and quaint valleys, it offers breathtaking scenery. Among the many places to visit in Pulwama, Aharbal Waterfall, Kounsarnag Lake, Avantishwar Temple, Jama Masjid Shopian, and Kungwattan stand out as must-visit attractions.
The town’s scenic beauty, lush greenery, and serene environment make it a perfect getaway for travellers seeking tranquillity. Its breathtaking landscapes and cultural heritage add to its charm, making Pulwama one of the most picturesque destinations near Srinagar.
Location: Centrally located in the valley of Kashmir
Activities to do: Trekking, Camping, and more.
How to reach: Pulwama is 30 kilometres to the south of Srinagar and can be driven in one hour or you can take the bus.
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Patnitop
Patnitop is a small yet famous hill station near Kashmir known for its alluring scenic views. The never-ending green meadows and white snowy mountain peaks offer an array of photographing opportunities. Hence, Patnitop is also called the ‘Photographer’s Paradise’.
Among the many places to visit in Patnitop, the town is also known for thrilling activities like paragliding, skiing, and trekking. A short trek to Nathatop, Madhatop, and Shiva Ghar offers an exciting adventure. If you are looking for tourist places near Srinagar that are an adventure hub without the hustle, Patnitop is the right choice.
Location: Ramban, Udhampur district, Jammu and Kashmir.
How to reach: Patnitop is 120 kilometres from Srinagar and can be reached in 3.5 hours by bus or taxi. The nearest railway station and airport to Patnitop in Jammu. You can also take the train or flight from Srinagar to Jammu and then hire a taxi to Patnitop.
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Khilan Marg
Khilan Marg is an offbeat destination located 6 kilometres from Gulmarg, known for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. It offers the perfect blend of energizing serenity and thrilling sports activities. The aromatic flowers blooming in spring provide a warm welcome to visitors, while winters are all about snow sports like skiing. This hidden gem is one of top attractions in Gulmarg that nature lovers and adventure seekers should not miss.
Khilan Marg is a secluded destination among all the tourist places near Srinagar, as reaching here requires either a walk or a pony ride from Gulmarg. The breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and meadows make it a perfect getaway for nature lovers and adventure seekers looking to experience Kashmir’s untouched beauty.
Location: Outer Gulmarg Rd, Gulmarg, 193403
How to reach: Khilan Marg is 6 kilometres from Gulmarg and 49 kilometres from Srinagar which will take 1.5 hours by road. The nearest airport is Srinagar while the nearest railway station is Jammu.
