Travellers’ Choice 2019, 2020, 2024, 2025
Kashmir…the Paradise on Earth. It’s not just another state or hill station you visit in India. It’s nature’s beauty personified. The silence of cold mornings, the slow life by the lakes, the way mountains suddenly open into wide valleys.
Looking for the best places to visit in Kashmir? You have landed in the right place. This guide covers 20 places to see in Kashmir. From the Instagram hyped places to the lesser-known gems, we have covered all the Kashmir tourist destinations.
Table of Contents
Top 20 Tourist Places to Visit in Kashmir (2026/2027)
So, let’s get started.
1. Gulmarg
Kashmir tour without Gulmarg? That makes no sense. Gulmarg is one of the most iconic and best places to visit in Kashmir. Known as “the meadow of flowers,” Gulmarg is a cup-shaped region surrounded by peaks and meadows that explode with wildflowers.
The main tourist attraction here is the Gondola, one of the world’s best ski destinations. Gondola has 2 phases:
Phase 1: Gulmarg to Kongdori Station. Views of the valley, forests, and distant peaks open up as you climb. It is suitable for all age groups.
Phase 2: Kongdori to Apharwat Peak. Nanga Parbat becomes visible on clear days. K2 ranges in the distance. Endless white peaks. People with breathing issues must go at their own risk.
Entry: Town entry is free. Phases 1 and 2 are chargeable.
Another tourist attraction in Gulmarg is the Maharani Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Small, peaceful, overlooked by most tourists.
You must also check out the Gondola Golf course – the world’s highest green golf course. Even if you don’t golf, walking through the course in summer is one of the best things to do in Kashmir.
Best time to visit Gulmarg: December to March is ideal for skiing and snow sports lovers. Otherwise, May to August is the best time to visit Gulmarg.
How to reach:
- By Road 51 km from Srinagar (2-hour journey)
- Nearest Airport: Srinagar International Airport, 56 kms away
- Book customized India tour packages as per your convenience now and enjoy the beauty of Kashmir.
2. Dal Lake
Dal Lake is one of the places to visit in Kashmir in Summer if you want to do water activities, stay in a houseboat, and take a shikara ride. You glide past floating vegetable markets where vendors paddle up selling kahwa, saffron, walnuts, and shawls. You can literally spend your evenings shopping here on the boat without stepping into a store.
Also, fun fact – The world’s only floating post office is here in Dal Lake, and it’s been operational since the colonial era.
- Entry: Free entry. You need to pay for a shikara ride. Try to bargain as they may charge high for tourists.
- Best time to visit: April-October for pleasant weather. December-February if you want to see the lake partially frozen.
How to reach:
- By Road: 10 km from Srinagar city center.
- By Rail: Srinagar Railway Station, 22 km away
3. Sonmarg
Next on the list of top Kashmir tourist destinations is Sonmarg valley. When sunlight hits this valley, the grass and flowers glow golden. Hence, it is also known as the ‘meadow of golden light.’
Some of the popular tourist places to see in Kashmir’s beautiful hill station, Sonmarg are:
- Thajiwas Glacier
- Zoji La Pass
- Baltal Valley
- Gadsar Lake
Sonamarg is also the base for the holy Amarnath Yatra. From April to October, the place buzzes with pilgrims and trekkers. People usually take a pony ride and go sightseeing.
Entry: Free. Pony charges apply if you choose to ride.
Best time to visit: May to September is the best time to visit Sonamarg. Meadows are green, roads are open, and rivers flow freely. Avoid traveling in winter as this place gets closed due to heavy snowfall or avalanches.
How to reach:
- Nearest Airport: Srinagar International Airport
- Nearest Railway Station: Srinagar Railway Station
- By Road: 80 km from Srinagar via NH-1. Approx 2.5 to 3 hours
4. Sri Shri Shankaracharya Temple
After valleys and lakes, this is where Kashmir slows you down.
Shankaracharya Mandir is one of the most revered & spiritual places to visit in Kashmir. This temple sits on Shankaracharya Hill at 1,100 feet, overlooking the south-east of Srinagar city.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is believed to be one of the oldest temples in Kashmir. Locals believe that Adi Shankaracharya supposedly attained enlightenment here in the 9th century. The temple is small, octagonal, and built with massive stone blocks.
There are around 240 steps to climb. Carry ID for security is strict because it’s on a strategic hill.
Best time: March-October. Early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds.
Tickets: Free entry
Best time to visit:
- March to October for clear views and easy climbing
- Early morning or just before sunset for fewer crowds
How to reach:
- By Road: About 11–13 km from Srinagar city centre
- Nearest Railway Station: Jammu Tawi, 247 kilometres away
Hire the best India tour operator to visit Kashmir.
5. Tulip Garden
Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kashmir. The garden sits on the foothills of the Zabarwan Range with Dal Lake on one side.
Known as the largest tulip garden in Asia, this garden comes alive for a short window (roughly 3-4 weeks in spring). From red, pink, purple, white & orange…you can find 50+ varieties of tulips here. Along with tulips, you’ll also spot daffodils, hyacinths, muscari, irises, roses, etc.
Best time: Late March to mid-April for the tulip festival.
Entry: ₹50 for Indians, higher for foreigners.
How to reach:
- By air: Srinagar International Airport, 20 km away
- By road: Lal Chowk, Srinagar, 8 km away
6. Pahalgam
Pahalgam sits where the Lidder River meets mountain streams. The water’s so clear you can see stones at the bottom. Pine forests climb the hills. Meadows stay green even in late summer.
The town itself is small and touristy now. But the valleys around it? Still untouched. Some famous tourist spots in Pahalgam are Aru Valley, Baisaran Hills, Betaab Valley (we will check this one next), and the Lidder River.
Best Time to Visit: April to June for green meadows and pleasant weather. September to November for autumn colors and clear skies. December to February if you want snow, but it gets very cold.
Entry & Fees: No entry fee for Pahalgam town. Aru Valley has a small vehicle fee (₹50-100).
How to reach:
- By Road: 95 km from Srinagar (2.5 hours). Taxis and shared cabs available from Srinagar’s TRC bus stand.
- Nearest Airport: Srinagar Airport, 95 km away. Pre-book a taxi from there.
7. Betaab Valley
Betaab Valley is where Kashmir turns soft and cinematic, without trying. Open grasslands, shallow streams, and mountains that don’t feel aggressive.
Families picnic here. Kids play in the stream. Couples take those cliché Bollywood-style running-through-meadows photos. And honestly? It works. The place is pretty enough to make clichés feel fresh.
You can hire horses. Or just walk around. There’s not much “to do” here. That’s the point.
Best Time to Visit: May to October.
Entry & Fees: Betaab Valley: ₹20-30 entry. Vehicle parking extra.
How to reach:
- From Pahalgam: Betaab is 15 km (30 minutes by taxi).
8. Wular Lake
Wular Lake doesn’t show off. It just exists, wide and still, surrounded by villages and mountains. It’s one of Asia’s largest freshwater lakes, but that’s not what you feel when you’re there.
You’ll see fishermen casting nets the same way they have for generations. Migratory birds rest here in winter. The lake changes colour through the day, from steel grey mornings to soft blue evenings.
Unlike Dal Lake, Wular isn’t polished for tourists. No houseboats. No shikaras selling saffron. No tourist chaos. And that’s the appeal.
If you want to see how Kashmiris actually live around water, this is one of the most authentic Kashmir tourist attractions.
Best time to visit: October to March for birdlife. April to June for calmer weather.
How to reach:
- By Road: 65 km from Srinagar (1.5-2 hours). Head toward Bandipora, then follow signs to Wular Lake.
Nigeen Lake
Nigeen Lake is Dal Lake’s quieter sibling. Yes, you still get houseboats. You still get shikara rides. But fewer in number.
Locals call it “The Jewel in the Ring” because of the tall trees circling it. The water here is deeper and cleaner. It’s connected to Dal Lake but separated by a causeway, which filters some of the tourist traffic.
Many travellers skip Nigeen, but it is easily one of the most peaceful places to visit in Kashmir in summer.
Entry & Fees: No entry fee for the lake. Houseboat stays and shiraka rides are chargeable.
Best Time to Visit: April to October.
How to reach:
- By Road: 10 km from Srinagar city center (20-25 minutes).
- From Srinagar Airport: 28 km (45 minutes). Pre-book a taxi or arrange pickup through your houseboat.
10. Thajiwas Glacier
Thajiwas Glacier sits above Sonamarg. It’s where you go to touch snow in the middle of summer. Unlike most glaciers in Kashmir that require serious trekking, Thajiwas doesn’t. Kids and families all can go.
There are several small waterfalls near the glacier. Most tourists miss them because they stop at the main glacier and turn back.
Best Time to Visit: April to October. May-June has the most snow. July-August brings crowds (Amarnath season). September-October offers clear skies and fewer people.
Entry & Fees: Small entry fee at the base (₹10-20). Pony rides extra (₹600-800 round trip). Sled rentals cost around ₹50-100.
How to reach:
- From Sonamarg Town: 7 km trek or pony ride from the main market area. It starts from Thajiwas parking point.
- From Srinagar to Sonamarg: 87 km (2.5 hours by road). Taxis and shared cabs available from Srinagar’s Batmaloo stand.
11. Lal Chowk
Lal Chowk is Srinagar’s commercial heart. This is where locals shop, eat, and go about their daily lives.
The area has markets selling everything—Kashmiri shawls, saffron, dried fruits, handicrafts, carpets, wood carvings, papier-mâché items. Major tourist attractions here are Ghanta Ghar (clock tower), Polo View Market, and Residency Road.
What used to be a place associated mainly with political rallies and curfews now often hosts national flag hoisting events, cultural ceremonies, and festivals. The Indian Independence Day ceremony at Lal Chowk is a treat to the eyes.
Entry: Free
Best time to visit: Any time except very early morning or late evening.
How to reach:
- By road: Lal Chowk bus stand
- By Airport: Sheikhul Aalam International Airport
12. Pari Mahal
Pari Mahal translates to “Palace of Fairies.” And honestly? The name fits.
It’s a seven-terraced garden perched above Dal Lake. Built in the mid-1600s by Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Back then, it wasn’t just a pretty garden. It was an observatory and teaching center for astrology and astronomy. Now it’s in ruins. But beautiful ruins.
But the real reason locals come here? Sunset.
From the top terrace, you see all of Srinagar. Dal Lake catches the last light. The Zabarwan mountains turn shades of purple and orange. The city starts twinkling below. It’s the kind of view that makes you forget you’re standing in a ruin.
Most tourists skip Pari Mahal. They hit the big Mughal gardens and call it done. Which means you get this place almost to yourself.
Best Time to Visit: April to October works best. Late afternoon is ideal if you want that sunset view everyone talks about.
Entry: ₹10-20 for Indians. And ₹100 to ₹300 for foreign tourists.
13. Hazratbal Dargah
Hazratbal has a different kind of calm. Located on the banks of Dal Lake, it’s one of the most important religious places to visit in Kashmir for Muslims.
Fridays see the biggest crowds. People come from across the valley to pray. Islamic festivals like Eid turn the place into a sea of devotees. But even on regular days, there’s a steady flow of locals coming to pay respects.
Entry: Free. Dress modestly and respectfully.
Best time to visit: Morning or evening
How to reach: By road: 10 km from Srinagar
14. Gurez Valley
Gurez Valley is Kashmir’s hidden secret. It’s remote, pristine, untouched by mass tourism. The valley stays cut off from the world for six months every year. No entry, no exit. The people here live through the Himalayan winter completely isolated.
But come May, when the road reopens. You understand why people make the five-hour drive from Srinagar.
Gurez isn’t for everyone. The road is rough. Facilities are minimal. You can’t just show up expecting comfort.
But if you want to see Kashmir before it became “Kashmir the tourist destination”? This is it. Raw mountains. Traditional villages. People living close to the land.
Entry: Inner Line Permit needed
When to Visit: May to September only. The road closes for the rest of the year due to snow.
How to reach: By road: 125 km from Srinagar
15. Dachigam National Park
Are you a wildlife adventure freak? Then you cannot miss out on Dachigam National Park.
It’s home to the Hangul deer, which is an endangered species (only about 200 left in the wild). Besides Hangul, you might spot Himalayan black bears, leopards, musk deer, and over 150 bird species.
Best time: April-October. September-November for Hangul.
Entry: Permits required (₹50-100), arrange in advance.
How to reach: 22 km from Srinagar (45 minutes).
16. Apharwat Peak
Apharwat Peak (4,390m) in Gulmarg is Asia’s longest ski slope. This is the best place to visit in Kashmir in winter. The snow-capped mountains are just perfect for skiing and snowboarding.
From the top, you see Nanga Parbat, the K2 range, and endless Himalayan peaks. On clear days, it’s overwhelming.
Entry: Yes, for the cable car ride.
Best time: December-March for skiing. June-September for trekking and views.
From Gulmarg: Gondola Phase 2 + short trek.
17. Doodhpathri
Doodhpathri means “valley of milk.” The stream flowing through is so white and frothy it resembles milk. This place is less touristy than Gulmarg or Pahalgam. Horse riding, short treks, sitting by the stream, or having a picnic is what people do here.
It’s a day trip from Srinagar. Carry some food because there are limited options available.
Best time: May-September.
How to reach: 42 km from Srinagar (1.5 hours).
18. Anantnag
Anantnag is a historic town with a rich history. The main Kashmir tourist places here are:
- Martand Sun Temple: Built in the 8th century, now in ruins. It was a Hindu temple dedicated to Surya (Sun God)
- Verinag Spring: A Mughal garden built around an octagonal spring. The garden has chinar trees, pathways, and a small canal feeding into the Jhelum River.
- Achabal Gardens: Another Mughal garden with natural springs, terraces, and fountains.
Entry: Mostly free
Best time to visit: April to October
How to reach:
- By road: 60 km from Srinagar
19. Drung Waterfall
Located in the Tanmarg tehsil of Baramulla district, Drung waterfall is one of the most underrated tourist places to visit in Kashmir. It is not far from Gulmarg, and yet many people skip it. It’s Kashmir’s hidden gem that even many locals don’t visit.
In summer, the waterfall is alive. Cold water rushes down rocky cliffs, pine trees surround the area, and the air feels sharp and clean.
But winter is when Drung surprises you. The waterfall freezes almost completely, turning into thick layers of ice and long icicles hanging from the rocks. Locals have built a small café nearby serving kahwa and snacks.
Best time to visit: January-February is when Drung is at its best. July-September for flowing waterfalls.
Entry: Small fee (₹10-20).
How to Reach:
- Chain taxi from Tanmarg bus stand (3 km)
- 44 km from Srinagar, 7 km before Gulmarg.
20. Chashme Shahi
Also known as Chashme Sahibi, this is a beautiful garden in the Zabarwan range of Srinagar. It was built during the rule of Mughal governor Mardan Khan under the rule of Shah Jahan.
The highlight of the garden is a water spring here, which was discovered by Saint Rupa Bhavani. The spring water is believed to have medicinal properties. The garden has three terraces with fountains and water channels.
The location is elevated, offering views of Dal Lake and the Zabarwan Range. It’s a quick visit of 30-45 minutes. Combine it with Pari Mahal (they’re close).
Entry: Nominal fee of INR 20-30.
Best time to visit: April-October. In spring, the weather is pleasant, and the flowers are in full bloom.
How to reach:
- By road: 9 km from Srinagar city center.
- 20-25 minutes via Boulevard Road.
Wrapping it up
Kashmir is one of those places that stays with you. Long after you’ve left, you’ll remember the way mountains looked in morning light, how kahwa tasted in freezing weather, how silence felt in empty valleys.
So, if you are planning a trip to Kashmir, make sure to check out all these best places to visit in Kashmir while customising your itinerary.
Best Tourist Places to Visit in Kashmir in Summer
- Best time to visit Kashmir in Summer: April to June
- Temperature: (ranging between 15°C and 30°C)
1. Srinagar (Summer Capital & Heart of Kashmir)
Top Attractions: Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden (If visited in April), Shankaracharya Temple, Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh.
2. Gulmarg (Meadow of Flowers)
Top Attractions: Gondola Ride (second-highest cable car in the world), Alpather Lake, Strawberry Valley.
3. Pahalgam (Valley of Shepherds)
Top Attractions: Betaab Valley, Aru Valley, Chandanwari, Baisaran, Lidder River, Tarsar Lake Trek, and horse riding.
4. Sonamarg (Meadow of Gold)
Top Attractions: Thajiwas Glacier, Vishansar Lake (via trek), Zoji La Pass.
5. Yusmarg and Doodhpathri (The Hidden Gem)
Top Attractions: Nilnag Lake, Doodh Ganga, Tosa Maidan
- What to Pack for Kashmir in Summer: Light woolens, Comfortable walking shoes, Sunscreen and sunglasses, Valid ID proofs, Rain gear, and Basic medicines.
Best Tourist Places to Visit in Kashmir in Winter
- Best time to visit Kashmir in Winter: December to February
- Temperature: ranging between 0°C and – 10°C
1. Drung Frozen Waterfall, Gulmarg
2. Dal Lake, Srinagar
3. Aru Valley, Pahalgam
4. Betaab Valley, Pahalgam
5. Thajiwas Glacier, Sonamarg
6. Ratti Gali Lake, Kupwara