Kashmir is one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever visit, and that’s why it is quite rightly known as “Heaven on Earth”. When you do visit Kashmir, you might find yourself visiting places such as Dal Lake, Sonmarg, and Pahalgam.
While they are indeed beautiful and worth visiting, here are 9 offbeat places in Kashmir that you can explore if you are not a fan of crowds and want to experience something new and refreshing.
The 9 Best Offbeat Places In Kashmir:
1. Astanmarg
Astanmarg is a viewpoint on the outskirts of Srinagar city from which you can get a panoramic view of the city, including the beautiful Dal Lake.
While visiting Astanmarg during the day has its perks since you can watch the city in a better light, we recommend visiting during the night when the entire place is still and silent, and you can observe the twinkling lights of the city from here. Astanmarg is one of the best offbeat destinations in Kashmi,r you must not miss.
The Best Places To Visit In Astanmarg:
1. Nishat Bagh And Shalimar Bagh
2. Paragliding
3. Fakeer Gujri Meadows
The best time to visit is March–September.
2. Aru Valley
Closer to Pahalgam, Aru Valley is surrounded by mountains and breathtaking scenery that will truly refresh your soul. The air is so clear and cool, making it a perfect respite from the summer heat and the bustle of city life.
You can spot the local tribes that live in mud houses and some animals, such as goats, sheep, cows, etc. You’ll most probably find no network here, so it is the perfect way to give yourself a refreshing break from life.
The Best Places To Visit In Aru Valley:
1. Visit Tulian Lake And Sheshnag Lake
2. Thajiwas Glacier
3. Betaab Valley
The best time to visit is May–October.
3. Verinag
Verinag is a place in the Anantnag district of Kashmir that is famous for its spring and beautiful Mughal Garden. It is considered one of the most unexplored places in Kashmir. I
It is the main source of water for the Jhelum River, which flows through the heart of Srinagar city. The spring is surrounded by tall trees that look extraordinarily beautiful during autumn when they are crisp and brown. It’s a wonderful place to chill with the sound of the water flowing along with some lofty trees to shelter you.
The Best Places To Visit In Verinag:
1. Visit Mughal Garden
2. Warwan Valley
3. Betaab Valley
The best time to visit is October–December.
4. Pulwama
Located in South Kashmir, Pulwama is a beautiful district that you must visit in Kashmir. It is famous for its rice and saffron production, so you can find big fields here that are especially beautiful during October and November.
The saffron blooms into an amazing purple color that fills the entire place with its scent and beauty. For those who enjoy the beauty of nature and trekking, Pulwama’s twin lakes, Tarsar and Marsar, are a must-see.
The Best Places To Visit In Pulwama:
1. Aharbal Waterfall
2. Tarsar And Marsar Lake
3. Jamia Masjid In Shopian
The best time to visit is March–October.
5. Lolab Valley
This oval-shaped valley is found in northern Kashmir’s Kupwara district. The valley is affectionately referred to as the “Land of Love and Beauty”.
It is renowned as one of the best offbeat places in Kashmir. Its natural beauty will make you fall in love with the mountains. You will find beautiful green pastures, floral fields, a variety of fruits, and lots of hospitable people here.
The Best Places To Visit In Lolab Valley:
1. Kalaroos Caves
2. Nagmarg Meadow
3. Chandigam
The best time to visit is May–September.
6. Gurez Valley
Gurez is one of the most unexplored places in Kashmir and was once a spur of the Silk Road. There is so much that you can find here, like waterfalls falling down twisted slopes that are covered in emerald meadows, while the snow-capped peaks rise far into the distance.
The floodplains are covered in hand-tended fields of maize and potatoes and are bordered by brilliant wildflowers. You will feel like you have been transported to a place of magic!
The Best Places To Visit In Gurez Valley:
1. Doodhpathri Hill Station – Horse Riding
2. Neelam River
3. Wular Lake
The best time to visit is April–September.
7. Naranag
Naranag is one of the most important archaeological sites in the country, where you can find the ruins of ancient temples amidst beautiful scenery.
It has everything that you’ll look for in a wonderful place—water, mountains, greenery, and much more. Although it is quite deserted, this village is truly a delight for all trekkers who come from all places to heighten their spirits and catch a glimpse of this beauty.
Things to do: see the temple ruins, go trekking, try camping
The Best Places To Visit In Naranag:
1. Gangabal Lake
2. Dumail Trek
3. Vishansar Lake
The best time to visit is March–October.
8. Dachigam National Park
Dachigam is the best place to visit Kashmir’s wildlife without getting killed. Lame joke? Never mind. It is home to the hangul, or Kashmir stag, and many other animals like Musk deer (Roose kat), Snow Leopard, Himalayan bear, etc.
While you plan your visit, do keep in mind that you need permission to enter this park, which can be obtained by applying online.
The best time to visit is March-August.
9. Chatpal
Untouched by crowds and commercialization, Chatpal is a very beautiful place in the Shangus district that can be reached by a short trek from Anantnag – Chitergul roads.
The journey to this enjoy is beautiful, as the scenery is filled with farms, orchards, traditional Kashmiri homes, and horses grazing in the open. It also has a thick forest cover, beautiful mountains, and serene rivers. Chatpal always has a romantic vibe.
The Best Places To Visit In Chatpal:
1. Achabal Garden
2. Kokernag
3. Daksum
The best time to visit is May–September.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, if you are someone who doesn’t like to go to places that are crowded, then this list will give an idea of the best offbeat places in Kashmir. Do try to visit most of these places in the summer since the weather is pleasant, you can also go in the winter to witness a snowy heaven.
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