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Wahipora, Tangmarg, Gulmarg, Kashmir – 193402, India

Shiny Adventure Tour & Travels logo – crossed lime-green skis over a mountain sketchShiny AdventuresKashmir
Thajiwas glacier valley in Sonamarg with green slopes and rocky peaks

Kashmir destination guide

Kashmir destinations, from Dal Lake to Gurez Valley

Thirteen places across central, north and south Kashmir – what to expect, how far each is from Srinagar, the best season and which packages include it.

4 places

Central Kashmir

Srinagar and the meadows within a short drive of the city.

Colourful shikara boats gliding across Dal Lake with houseboats and green hills behind, SrinagarFirst-time visitors

Dal Lake, houseboats and Mughal gardens

Srinagar

Srinagar is where most Kashmir trips begin and end. The city wraps around Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake, and a night on a traditional houseboat is one of the most requested parts of any itinerary. Early-morning shikara rides pass the floating vegetable market, while the terraced Mughal gardens of Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh and Chashme Shahi are an easy afternoon.

From Srinagar
Arrival point – Srinagar airport and the city's hotels and houseboats
Best time
March to November
Explore Srinagar
Thajiwas glacier valley in Sonamarg with green slopes and rocky peaksDay trips

Glacier views on the road to Ladakh

Sonamarg

Sonamarg, the 'meadow of gold', lies along the Sindh River on the highway towards Zojila and Ladakh. Jagged peaks rise directly above the meadows, and the Thajiwas Glacier is reached on foot or by pony. It is usually visited as a full day trip from Srinagar.

From Srinagar
Approx. 80 km
Best time
May to October
Explore Sonamarg
Traditional hut with a grass roof on the meadows of DoodhpathriOffbeat travellers

Quiet meadows and the milky Shaliganga

Doodhpathri

Doodhpathri, the 'valley of milk', is a broad grassland in Budgam district crossed by the white, foaming Shaliganga stream. It is far less crowded than the better-known resorts and has only basic facilities, which is exactly why many travellers enjoy it as a peaceful day out with a packed lunch.

From Srinagar
Approx. 45 km
Best time
May to October
Explore Doodhpathri
Wide green meadow of Yusmarg with a few cottages and a line of pine forestDay trips

Open meadows and the Doodh Ganga stream

Yusmarg

Yusmarg is a broad meadow in Budgam district, edged by pine and fir forest, with the Doodh Ganga stream running nearby. It is quieter than the main resorts and makes a relaxed day out from Srinagar. Visitors with more energy can walk or ride a pony to the small Nilnag lake.

From Srinagar
Approx. 47 km
Best time
April to October
Explore Yusmarg

5 places

North Kashmir

Gulmarg, Tangmarg and the remote valleys of the north.

Gulmarg Gondola cabins above snowfields and white peaksSnow lovers

Gondola rides, snow and alpine meadows

Gulmarg

Gulmarg is a high meadow ringed by pine forest, known for the Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest cable cars in the world, which climbs towards Mount Apharwat. In winter it becomes Kashmir's snow destination, with skiing and sledging on the slopes; in summer the same meadows turn green and are ideal for walks, pony rides and photography. Our office is in Wahipora, Tangmarg, on the road up to Gulmarg.

From Srinagar
Approx. 50 km
Best time
December to March for snow
Explore Gulmarg
Turquoise water winding between green mountain slopes in GurezOffbeat explorers

Remote log villages beside the Kishanganga

Gurez Valley

Gurez is a remote valley north of Srinagar, reached over the high Razdan Pass. Wooden log houses, the Kishanganga River and the pyramid-shaped Habba Khatoon peak give it a character quite different from the rest of Kashmir. Dawar is the main village, and the Tulail area further up the valley rewards travellers who have an extra day.

From Srinagar
A long day's drive via Bandipora and the Razdan Pass
Best time
June to September
Explore Gurez Valley
Roadside stop in Tangmarg surrounded by tall pine trees, on the road up to GulmargGulmarg travellers

Pine forests at the gateway to Gulmarg

Tangmarg

Tangmarg is the small town on the road from Srinagar to Gulmarg, where the plains give way to pine-covered slopes. It is where our office is based, in Wahipora. Most travellers pass through on the way up to Gulmarg, but the area is worth a stop of its own: the Drung waterfall, which often freezes in winter, and the Ferozpora stream are both close by.

From Srinagar
Approx. 40 km
Best time
Year-round
Explore Tangmarg
Cloud-covered forested mountains above the flat green floor of Lolab Valley, KupwaraOffbeat travellers

Orchards, forests and village life in Kupwara

Lolab Valley

Lolab is a long, green valley in Kupwara district, known locally as Wadi-e-Lolab. Fields, walnut and apple orchards and dense forest fill the valley floor, and village life here moves at an unhurried pace. The Kalaroos caves are among the places visitors explore in the area.

From Srinagar
Approx. 110–120 km
Best time
May to October
Explore Lolab Valley
Vast open meadow of Bangus Valley with a winding stream and a ring of pine forestOffbeat explorers

A vast high meadow in north Kashmir

Bangus Valley

Bangus is a wide, high-altitude meadow in the Kupwara area, ringed by pine forest and crossed by small streams. It sees far fewer visitors than the well-known resorts and has only basic facilities, which makes it appealing to travellers who want open space and quiet.

From Srinagar
Roughly 4–5 hours by road via Handwara
Best time
June to September
Explore Bangus Valley

4 places

South Kashmir

Pahalgam, Mughal springs and waterfalls of Anantnag and Kulgam.

Yellow mustard fields and poplar trees near Pahalgam in springNature lovers

The Lidder River and pine valleys

Pahalgam

Pahalgam sits where the Lidder River runs through a wide, pine-covered valley. It is a relaxed place to stay for a night or two, with short drives to Betaab Valley, Aru Valley and Chandanwari. Riverside walks, local pony trails and quiet evenings make it a favourite with families and couples alike.

From Srinagar
Approx. 95 km
Best time
April to October
Explore Pahalgam
Aharbal waterfall dropping through a rocky gorge on the Veshaw riverDay trips

A powerful waterfall on the Veshaw river

Aharbal

Aharbal in Kulgam district is known for its waterfall, where the Veshaw river drops through a narrow rocky gorge surrounded by pine forest. The roar of the water and the forest setting make it a popular stop on a south Kashmir day trip.

From Srinagar
Approx. 70 km
Best time
April to October
Explore Aharbal
Willow tree and lawns in the Kokernag botanical garden with forested hills behindFamilies

Botanical garden and freshwater springs

Kokernag

Kokernag in Anantnag district is known for its freshwater springs and a large botanical garden laid out among willows and chinars, with forested hills all around. A trout fish farm nearby is another stop many visitors enjoy.

From Srinagar
Approx. 80 km
Best time
April to October
Explore Kokernag
Turquoise octagonal spring pool at Verinag surrounded by the arched Mughal arcadeHeritage lovers

The Mughal spring at the source of the Jhelum

Verinag

Verinag is a deep, turquoise spring traditionally regarded as the source of the Jhelum river. The Mughal emperor Jahangir enclosed it in an octagonal stone tank with an arched arcade, and a Mughal garden extends from it. It is one of the most atmospheric heritage stops in south Kashmir.

From Srinagar
Approx. 80 km
Best time
April to November
Explore Verinag

Not sure which places to combine?

Tell us how many days you have and the kind of trip you enjoy. We will suggest a route that avoids long, rushed drives.

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