Kashmir, in the north of India, is a multi-ethnic, multi-religious, multicultural region. The majority of Kashmiri people are Muslim, with a Hindu minority. The region has an area of about 222,236 km2 (85,806 sq mi), and its population is mostly in Jammu and Kashmir. The region has been the site of political unrest and violence for over 70 years and has been the subject of numerous international disputes. The western parts of the region are administered by Pakistan and the eastern part by India. The northernmost territory of Kashmir is the Siachen Glacier, the world’s second-largest glacier, and the largest in India. Kashmir has a rich history and culture, and the region’s people are known for their craftsmanship, music, and cuisine. Kashmir is a beautiful place with a lot of scenic beauty and is also known as the “Switzerland of India”. Kashmir is also home to some of the most beautiful lakes in the world such as Dal Lake, Wular Lake, and Anchar Lake. The climate of Kashmir is mostly cool in summer and very cold in winter. Snowfall is common in the higher reaches of the region.
The Kashmir problem dates back to the formation of the Indian Union on15 August 1947. India was partitioned into two sovereign states, India and Pakistan, on the basis of religious divisions. The Muslim-majority states of the northern part of the subcontinent went to Pakistan, and the Hindu-majority states of the southern part went to India. The state of Jammu and Kashmir in the northwest was a Muslim-majority state with a Hindu ruler, Maharaja Hari Singh. He was offered the option of joining either India or Pakistan, but he chose to remain independent. Pashtun tribesmen from the northwest frontier province of Pakistan invaded the state in October 1947. The roots of the Kashmir conflict can be traced back to the period of British rule in India. whenever you go to Kashmir, you find people who are very gentle and Soft spoken.
How to reach Kashmir
By Air:
The Srinagar International Airport is the only airport in Kashmir. It is connected to all cities of India, including New Delhi and Mumbai.
By Rail:
There are no direct trains to Srinagar. The nearest railhead is Jammu Tawi, which is 314 km from Srinagar.
By Road:
Srinagar is connected to all parts of India by road.
Climate of Kashmir
The climate of Kashmir is temperate and ranges from cool and humid to alpine and arid. The valley of Kashmir is surrounded by the Himalayan mountains. The valley is relatively sheltered from the cold winds that blow across the plains of northern India. The climate in Kashmir is temperate with cool winters and warm summers. The average temperature in summer is around 27°C and in winter it is around 10°C. However, the temperature can drop below freezing point in winter, especially in higher altitude areas. Kashmir receives rainfall from the southwest monsoon from July to September. The average annual rainfall is around 1,000mm.
During the summer;
the valley is warm and humid, with temperatures often reaching 40°C (104°F). The monsoon rains occur from July to September and can bring heavy rain and severe flooding.
During the winter;
the valley is cold and snowy, with temperatures often dipping below freezing. Snowfall usually occurs from December to February.
Best time to visit Kashmir
The best time to visit Kashmir is during the months of March to August. Tourists come to Kashmir valley so they too can witness this ‘heaven on earth and enjoy all that it offers. During this period two seasons are covered in Kashmir. Spring (March to early May) and Summer (early May to late August).
Summer in Kashmir (March to May)
Summer is the best time to visit Kashmir as it is neither too cold nor too hot and the climate is quite suitable for sightseeing. The daytime temperature ranges from around 15 °C to 30 °C. Early morning hours are usually the best time to explore this place. Explore and see the melting snow over the valley, a sight to behold. Do not miss visiting Pahalgam, Srinagar, and Gulmarg in the summer.
Monsoon in Kashmir
begins from June to September. Though monsoon season is generally considered a shoulder season or off-season, visiting Kashmir during monsoon, is an experience in itself. Also, during this off-season, you will find a good amount of discounts on flights and hotels. The temperatures during these months range from 15°C to 30°C. Another added advantage is to go for the apple-picking activity. There are many visiting places in Kashmir to explore. Do remember to carry your jackets, sturdy boots, rain gear, and raincoats while traveling to Kashmir.
Winter in Kashmir (October to February)
Winter in Kashmir
is another peak season. The temperatures range from 0 °C to 10 °C. Most of the activities that you can enjoy during other months such as visiting Mughal gardens and shikhara rides on Dal Lake may not be feasible during winter. The best time to visit Kashmir for snowfall is during this season. There is snowfall from December to March, wherein the whole valley gets covered in a blanket of snow, and the view is similar to that of Yash Chopra films. Thus Kashmir honeymoon packages are quite popular during the winter months. Apart from honeymooners, adventure activists too would love to enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and skating.
Best Places to visit in Kashmir
Chatpal
Chatpal is a very beautiful, unexplored hill station in Kashmir. It lies in the Anantnag district of South Kashmir. It is located at a distance of 85 km from Srinagar. It is surrounded by beautiful mountains and a beautiful white river runs through it. This place has not been discovered by tourists yet. So, Chatpal provides you with ample serenity amidst nature. It also has JKTDC-run cottages for you to stay comfortably. This place is ideal for the workstation. This is truly the undiscovered, hidden paradise of Kashmir.
How to reach:
You need to drive through the Anantnag-Chitergul road. A local shared jeep from Achabal will take you to Chitergul. From here you need to hire a special jeep for Chatpal.
Where to stay:
A fully furnished tourist bungalow maintained by the Jammu and Kashmir government is the best option.
Yusmarg
Yusmarg is a hidden gem and quite an underrated hill station in Kashmir! It is located at a 2 hours drive from Srinagar and definitely is a must-visit! I visited Yusmarg in April. In this video, I’m sharing my complete experience of the trip to this beautiful destination!
Yusmarg or Yousmarg means meadow of Jesus in Kashmiri.
How to reach:
By road – There are regular buses plying to Yusmarg from Srinagar. You can either take a bus or book a cab.
By train:
The nearest railway station to Yusmarg is Jammu Tawi. You can take a bus from here to Srinagar and then from there to Yusmarg.
Daksum
Daksum is a small village in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is situated on the banks of the Lidder River at an altitude of 2440m. Daksum is surrounded by pine forests and is a popular tourist destination. Daksum is known for its trout fish, which are found in the Lidder River. The village has a small hydroelectric power plant which provides power to the surrounding villages. The village has a scenic view and is a good place for trekking. There are a number of treks that start from Daksum and lead to various places like Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Gulmarg, etc.
Where to stay:
JKTDC bungalows are the sole option for food and lodging in Daksum.
Doodhpathri
Doodhpathri is a beautiful place situated at a height of 2,730 meters above sea level in Kashmir. It is famous for its lush greenery and scenic landscapes. The place is covered with dense forests of pine and fir trees. There are several streams and waterfalls in the area which make it a perfect place for trekking and hiking. The place is also known for its trout fishing. Things to Do in Doodhpathri: There are several things to do in Doodhpathri which include trekking, fishing, and bird watching. One can also enjoy horse riding and boating in the area.
How to go:
There is no proper road to get to Doodhpathri so one has to book a cab or hire a taxi to reach this place from Srinagar.
Where to stay: There are multiple hut-shaped igloos for you to stay in Doodhpathri. Though you can book a stay in Srinagar as the basic amenities in these huts are not up to the mark.
Warwan Valley
situated at an elevation of 1,950 meters (6,400 ft) and is surrounded by the Himalayan mountain ranges. The valley is drained by the Warwan River, a tributary of the Chenab River. The Warwan Valley is accessible from the town of Katra in the Jammu region. The Warwan Valley is home to several villages, including Dharamsala, Banihal, Ramban, and Anantnag. The valley is also home to the Warwan Hydroelectric Power Plant, which is operated by the Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Corporation. The Warwan Valley is a popular destination for trekkers and hikers. The valley offers scenic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges and the Warwan River.
Where to Stay:
Inshan Village has a couple of official accommodation options. But it’s better if you return to Kokernag. You can book your stay in Srinagar as Yusmarg is merely a 2-hour drive from Srinagar.
Lolab Valley
Lolab Valley is a valley situated in the Lolab area of the Kupwara district of north Kashmir, India. It is about 110 km from Srinagar city. It is one of the most beautiful places in Kashmir. It has high mountains, streams, pastures, and dense forests. Lolab valley is encircled by snow-capped mountains. Lolab valley is one of the most beautiful valleys of Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated in the Kupwara district of north Kashmir. It is about 110 km from Srinagar city. The Lolab valley is encircled by snow-capped mountains. The valley is full of green meadows, streams, and dense forests. The climate of the Lolab valley is cool in summer and cold in winter. The main towns in the Lolab valley are Kupwara, Lolab, and Karnah. The Lolab valley is famous for its fruits and flowers. The main fruits grown in the valley are apples, apricots, cherries, pears, plums, and walnuts. The main flowers grown in the valley are roses, lilies, and daisies.
Where to Stay:
Jammu and Kashmir Government Accommodations in Chandigham, ahead of Lolab.
Kokernag
Anantnag is a town and a municipality in the Anantnag district in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is the headquarters of the district. It is a large market town and the largest town in the Anantnag district. It is situated at an elevation of 1,841 meters (6,045 ft) above sea level. Kokernag is a town and a notified area committee in the Anantnag district in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Kokernag is about 22 km from Anantnag and about 80 km from Srinagar. Kokernag is also a popular tourist destination as it is home to Kokernag Wildlife Sanctuary. Daksum is a village in Kokernag tehsil in the Anantnag district of Jammu & Kashmir, India. The village is located on the banks of the Lidder River at a height of 2,438 meters (7,999 ft) above sea level.
How to Reach:
Kokernag is located at a distance of 76 kilometers from Srinagar airport. You can either take a bus or book a cab to reach this breathtaking place.
Where to stay:
There are a number of hotels and guest houses available to select from for your stay in Kokernag.
Bhaderwah
Bhaderwah is a hill town and a notified area committee in Doda District in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The town is also the headquarters of the Bhaderwah Development Block. Bhaderwah is popular among tourists for its scenic beauty and is known as the mini Switzerland of Jammu and Kashmir, it is also home to the world’s largest cricket bat and ball, which is situated at the main entrance of the town. The town is also the home of the Bhaderwah campus of the University of Jammu. Climate The climate of Bhaderwah is temperate with hot and humid summers and cold and dry winters. The average temperature in summer is between 24-37 °C and in winter is between 0-16 °C. The average rainfall is about 1000 mm. Bhaderwah is an ancient town, which was founded by Raja Bhader Ban. The town was formerly known as Bhadarwah, which means “valley of flowers. The town was an important center of trade and commerce in the Mughal period.
Where to stay:
There are both private and Government run accommodation options in Bhaderwah which include hotels like Bagwan Guest House, Trc Bhaderwah, Winners Guest House, Snow Valley Guest House, etc.
Where to stay:
There are both private and Government run accommodation options in Bhaderwah which include hotels like Bagwan Guest House, Trc Bhaderwah, Winners Guest House, Snow Valley Guest House, etc.
Pahalgam
Pahalgam is a very beautiful place. It is located in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Pahalgam is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. It is also a base camp for the Hindu pilgrims going for the Amarnath Yatra. Pahalgam Kashmir is also known as the valley of shepherds. Pahalgam is situated at an altitude of 2130 m above sea level. Pahalgam Kashmir is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and beautiful lakes. Pahalgam Kashmir has many tourist attractions like Betaab valley, Aru Valley, Baisaran meadows, Lidder River, Sheshnag Lake, Tullian Lake, etc. Pahalgam Kashmir is also a base camp for the Hindu pilgrims going for the Amarnath Yatra. Pahalgam Kashmir has many tourist attractions like Betaab valley, Aru Valley, Baisaran meadows, Lidder River, Sheshnag Lake, Tullian Lake, etc.
By Air:
The nearest airport to Pahalgam is in Srinagar, which is well-connected to the rest of the country by regular flights.
By Rail:
The nearest railway station to Pahalgam is in Jammu Tawi, which is well connected to the rest of the country by regular trains.
By Road:
Pahalgam is well connected to the rest of the country by an excellent network of roads.
Drung
Drung (Drong) is a very small village in the Anantnag district in the Indian province of Jammu and Kashmir. The village is situated at an altitude of 8,857 feet (2,699 meters) above sea level and is located at a distance of 68 km from the district headquarters, Anantnag. It falls in the vicinity of the famous lakes of Wular and Manasbal. Drung itself is a beautiful village in Kashmir with a population of just around 3,500 people. The village is blessed with a lot of natural beauty and has a lot of scenic sights around it. The village is well-connected to the other parts of the valley by road and is easily accessible from all the major towns and cities of Kashmir. The villagers of Drung are very friendly and hospitable. They are mostly involved in agriculture and horticulture. The village has a lot of orchards and fields. The villagers grow a variety of crops like rice, wheat, maize, pulses, vegetables, and fruits. The village also has a lot of livestock. The villagers of Drung are also involved in the tourism industry. There are a lot of homestay options available in the village.
How to reach Drung By air: The nearest airport to Drung is Leh airport. It is located at a distance of about 167 km from the village. By road: Drung is well connected to major cities and towns by road. Regular bus and taxi services are available to reach here. By train: The nearest railway station to Drung is the Kargil railway station. It is located at a distance of about 80 km from the village.
How to reach Drung
By air:
The nearest airport to Drung is Leh airport. It is located at a distance of about 167 km from the village.
By road:
Drung is well connected to major cities and towns by road. Regular bus and taxi services are available to reach here.
By train:
The nearest railway station to Drung is the Kargil railway station. It is located at a distance of about 80 km from the village.
Aru Valley
The Aru Valley is a valley located in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is situated at an elevation of 3,000 m (9,843 ft) above sea level. The Aru Valley is located at a distance of about 100 km from the district headquarters at Poonch.
The valley of a thousand colors, the valley of Kashmir is a popular tourist destination in India. It is located in the northern part of the country and is famous for its scenic beauty. The valley is surrounded by the Himalayan mountains and is home to many glaciers. The valley is also home to the Indus River which flows through it. Kashmir is also known for its lakes, which are major tourist attractions. Some of the popular lakes in Kashmir include Dal Lake, Wular Lake, and Nagin Lake.
Gurez
Gurez is a valley situated in the northernmost part of Indian-administered Kashmir, located at the northeastern edge of the Kashmir Valley. This is the second area of Kashmir to open for tourists, after Sonamarg and the only place in the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir where tourism is allowed throughout the year. The valley is situated at an altitude of 2,438 meters (7,999 ft) and is home to the Gujjar and Bakarwal tribes. Gurez valley is connected to the rest of the world by road via Bandipora and by air via Srinagar International Airport. There are also two helipads in the valley – one at Dawar and the other at Razdan panchayat. The Gurez valley is situated at the confluence of the Kishenganga and Neelum rivers. The valley is spread over an area of 1,000 square kilometers (390 sq mi). The average elevation of the valley is 2,438 meters (7,999 ft). The climate of Gurez is similar to that of the Kashmir Valley. The valley experiences a cool and pleasant climate in summer and a cold and snowy climate in winter.
Karnah
Kashmir Karnah is a town in Jammu and Kashmir, India. The town is located in the Kupwara district of the state and is about 35 kilometers from the Line of Control. The town is located on the banks of the Kishanganga River and is surrounded by mountains. The town is home to a number of temples and shrines, including the Karnah Mata Temple, which is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus. The town is also home to a number of schools and colleges, including the Government Degree College, Karnah. Karnah is a town and a tehsil in the Kupwara District in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Karnah Tehsil is located at 34°22′N 74°25′E. It has an average elevation of 1,530 meters (5,020 ft). As of the 2001 India census, Karnah had a population of 16,614. Males constitute 60% of the population and females 40%. Karnah has an average literacy rate of 36%, lower than the national average of 59.5%; with male literacy of 48% and female literacy of 20%. 14% of the population is under 6 years of age.
Famous food for Kashmir
Rogan josh
This dish is cooked in a yogurt-based sauce. The ingredients that are used in this dish are lamb meat, onion, and a variety of spices. This dish is very popular in Kashmir and the Pahari region. It is a very nutritious dish and you can have it with rice or roti.
Wazwan
Wazwan is a traditional Kashmiri dish. It is prepared from a variety of vegetables and lamb meat. The dish is cooked in a yogurt-based sauce. You can have it with rice or roti.
Goshtaba
Goshtaba is a traditional Kashmiri dish. It is prepared from lamb meatballs. The dish is cooked in a yogurt-based sauce. You can have it with rice or roti.
Yakhni Pulao
This pulao is nothing but a rice dish and is a traditional dish of Kashmir. It is prepared with rice, saffron, yogurt, garlic, ginger, bay leaves, and other spices. Kashmiri
Chicken Korma
This dish is prepared with chicken, yogurt, and saffron. It is a very famous dish of Kashmir and is served with rice.
Haak
This dish is prepared with turnip greens. It is a healthy dish and is a very famous dish in Kashmir.
Kashmiri Bread
A staple in every Kashmiri household, this is a famous bread called Tsochvoru. These small round balls are made from wheat and are deeply fried, served with tea.
Kashmiri Aloo
Potatoes are used in Indian cuisine in a variety of dishes all over the country, but the Kashmiri Aloo, which is a dry potato dish, has a twist to it. It is prepared with a variety of spices and is served as a side dish with rice.
Kashmiri chicken curry
It is a very popular dish. It is a chicken dish made with a variety of spices, and usually served with rice or roti.
Kashmiri Dum Aloo
Dum Aloo is a very popular Indian dish, but the Kashmiri version has a twist to it. It is a potato dish made with a variety of spices, and usually served with rice or roti.
Kashmiri Pulao
Pulao is a very popular rice dish all over India, Pulao or Pilaf is a rice dish made with rice, spices, and either meat or vegetables. It is usually served as a main dish or side dish.
Things to do in Kashmir
Go on a houseboat tour of Dal Lake.
Visit the Mughal Gardens at Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh.
Take a cable car ride up to Gulmarg.
Visit the Jamia Masjid in Srinagar.
Take a shikara ride through Wular Lake.
Visit the Pahalgam and Sonmarg valleys.
Go trekking in the Himalayan mountains.
Visit the Amar Mahal Palace Museum.
Shop for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts.
Taste some traditional Kashmiri cuisine.
Passport and Visa:
Be sure to bring your passport and visa with you when you travel to Kashmir. If you are a citizen of India, you do not need a visa to enter the country.
Travel Insurance:
Kashmir is a volatile region and it is advisable to get travel insurance before you travel.
Clothing:
Kashmir is a Muslim-majority region and it is advisable to dress conservatively. Women should cover their heads and avoid wearing revealing clothing.
Money:
Kashmir is a cash-only economy and it is important to bring enough cash with you to cover your expenses. There are ATMs in some major cities, but they may not always be reliable.
Food:
Kashmiri cuisine is very spicy and it is advisable to bring your own food if you are not used to spicy food.
Maps:
Be sure to bring a map with you as Kashmir is a large and remote region.
