Jammu & Kashmir tourism has been described as a paradise so many times that one feels it is the ultimate homage you could pay to it. But somehow, there is a vagueness in it which does not do justice to this part of the country.
What is paradise in Jammu & Kashmir? It is its alpine meadows, crystal clear lakes, amber hues of the trees during autumn, boathouses, gondolas, apple orchards and everything else that is a part of its landscape.
Check out: All Inclusive Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Packages
There is a timelessness to its beauty, as if nature decided to stretch her imagination to the fullest to create it. In this blog, we bring you the 12 top tourist places that show you the timeless beauty of Jammu & Kashmir.
List of 12 Best Places to Visit in Jammu & Kashmir
- Yusmarg
- Gulmarg
- Sonmarg
- Pahalgam
- Gurez Valley
- Srinagar
- Vaishno Devi
- Patnitop
- Doda
- Kishtwar
- Sanasar
Recommended Tour Packages
Yusmarg
Yusmarg is a hill station in the western part of the valley of Kashmir. The Ahmadiyya Muslim community believes it to be the place where Jesus once lived. The landscape here is more beautiful than anything you will ever see.
There are plenty of options for sightseeing and trying out activities like trekking and horse riding.
Sightseeing Attractions in Yusmarg
- Pakherpora Shrine
- Charar-e-Sharif
- Doodhganga
- Nilnag Lake
- Sang-e-Safed
Top Things to Do in Yusmarg
- Trekking
- Horse riding
- Trout fishing
Also Check out: Top Things to do in Jammu & Kashmir
Gulmarg
Gulmarg has everything going for it: snowdressed mountains, greenery, lakes, pine & fir forests and different types of flowers. It is snug in a valley in the Pir Panjal Range. Its name means, the meadows of flowers, and you will come across a lot of meadows decorated with daisies. Most of all though, Gulmarg is the best skiing destination in Asia, has the highest green golf course in the world as well as the highest cable car project.
Top Sightseeing Attractions in Gulmarg
- St. Mary’s Church
- Baba Reshi Shrine
- Maharani Temple/Shiva Temple
Popular Things to Do in Gulmarg
- Play golf at the highest golf course in the world
- Enjoy a gongola cable car ride
- Go skiing at Shark Fin, the best skiing slope in Gulmarg
Check out: All Inclusive Gulmarg Tourism Packages
Sonmarg
Sonmarg means a “meadow of gold”, is one of the best tourist places in Jammu and Kashmir for sightseeing & adventure. Its landscape is marked by a glacier, forests and snow capped mountains.
The three Great Lakes in Kashmir: Kishansar, Vishansar and Gadsar, can be visited from here. Camping & trout fishing are some adventure activities that are popular. Sonmarg is also the starting point for the trek to Amarnath Cave, a major Hindu pilgrimage destination.
Top Sightseeing Attractions in Sonmarg
- Thajiwas Glacier
- Baltal Valley (close to Sonmarg)
- Amarnath Cave
- Naranag
- Kishansar Lake
- Vishansar Lake
- Gadsar Lake
Best Things to Do in Sonmarg
- Whitewater rafting
- Trekking
- Camping
- Trout fishing
Also Check out: All Inclusive Sonmarg Tourism Packages
Pahalgam
Any tourist visiting the top 10 places in Jammu and Kashmir will always visit Pahalgam. Located in the Anantnag district, it is located on the banks of the River Lidder.
It is a visual treat with its meadows, forests and pristine environment. Aru Valley, Betab Valley and Baisaran are some of the places which make Pahalgam the best in Kashmir for a sightseeing tour.
Top Sightseeing Attractions
- Aru Valley
- Betaab Valley
- Baisaran
- Sheikhpora
Best Things to Do
- Trout fishing
- Pony ride
- Enjoy a picnic
Also Check out: All Inclusive Pahalgam Tourism Packages
Gurez Valley
For six months, the Gurez Valley is cut off from the rest of the world, and that enhances its appeal as a famous tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir. The people who live here are one of the oldest tribes in Kashmir called the Dard Shin Tribe and speak a language called Shina.
The picturesque valley is surrounded by snow capped mountains, meadows clothed with lindens, walnut and willow trees and the raging river Kishan Ganga.
Top Sightseeing Attractions
- Peer Baba Shrine
- Habba Khatoon Peak
Best Things to Do
- Trekking
- Trout fishing
- Mountain climbing
Check out: Popular Trekking Trails in Kashmir
Verinag
Verinag is a town in the district of Anantnag, where the Verinag Spring is a must see attraction. The stone basin & arcade surrounding it were built by Jahangir, while the beautiful garden next to it was built by Shah Jahan.
The spring is the main source of the River Jhelum. A Mughal Garden also stands right in front of this spring.
Top Sightseeing Attractions
- Verinag Spring
- Mughal Gardens
Check out: Must Visit Gardens in Jammu & Kashmir
Srinagar
Srinagar finds a place on this list because it is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir as well as the top honeymoon destination.
The presence of many Mughal Gardens, religious & historical sites as well as Dal & Nageen Lakes has led Srinagar to being called the “Land of Gardens and Lakes.” Among the other things that will surprise you, one is the floating vegetable market on Dal Lake. The largest Tulip gardens in Asia are also in Srinagar.
Top Sightseeing Attractions
- Mughal Gardens
- Tulip Gardens
- Hari Parbat Fort
- Pari Mahal
- Kahnqah Shah-i-Hamadan
- Hazratbal Shrine
- Shankaracharya Temple
- Kheer Bhawani Temple
Best Things to Do
- Take a shikhara ride on the Dal Lake
- Enjoy a houseboat stay on Dal & Nageen Lakes
- Visit the floating vegetable market on Dal Lake
Check out: Affordable Srinagar Kashmir Tour Packages
Vaishno Devi
Those who are spiritually inclined should not miss out on visiting Vaishno Devi, a major Hindu pilgrimage destination in India. The temple stands on the Trikuta Hills in Jammu. The Mother Goddess, who is the main deity, is believed to fulfil the wishes of her devotees.
To reach the temple, you will have to take a trek of nearly 14 kilometers which starts from the Ban Ganga bridge. Other options are battery operated cars, ponies, palkies and helicopter rides to Mata Vaishno Devi Temple.
Top Things to Do
- Seek blessing at Mata Vaishno Devi Temple
- Visit Ardhkuwari and Bhairo Temples
Recommended Tour Packages
Patnitop
The hill station of Patnitop is included among the popular tourist places in Jammu and Kashmir for its meadows, gorgeous views & lovely views of the Himalayan peaks. If you are looking for winter getaways in Jammu, this is where you should be.
You can enjoy skiing & paragliding at Madhatop, which can be reached by a 5 kilometers from Patnitop. During your stay, don’t forget to taste Patisa, the local delicacy.
Top Sightseeing Attractions
- Bilo ki Powri
- Kud Park
- Shiva Ghar (almost 11 kilometers from Patnitop)
Popular Things to Do
- Enjoy a picnic at Kud Park
- Try paragliding & skiing at Madhatop (almost 5 kilometers from Patnitop)
Check out: All Inclusive Patnitop Holiday Packages
Doda
Doda is a district located in the eastern part of Jammu and has plenty of opportunities for sightseeing and even adventure. Those who are spiritually inclined should certainly visit Doda, since there are plenty of temples and a splendid mosque too.
Adventure enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of sports like snow skiing, mountain biking, trekking and paragliding.
Top Sightseeing Attractions
- Vasuki Naag Temple
- Gupt Ganga Temple
- Jamia Masjid Bhaderwah
- Shitla Mata Roshera
- Ziyarat Bangla Nallah
- Lakshmi Narayana Temple
- Bhog Taraq
- Devi Gol
- Nagni Mata
Best Things to Do
- Snow skiing
- Mountain biking
- Paragliding
- Trekking
- Camping
Check out: Popular Hill Stations in Jammu & Kashmir
Kishtwar
Kishtwar is a sleepy peaceful town and a top tourist spot in Jammu and Kashmir as much for its waterfalls and numerous trekking routes as for its rare blue sapphire and high quality saffron that is found here.
It is home to the biggest mosques, a national park home to rich flora & fauna, an old fort, traditional Kishtwari craft and unique Kashmiri vegetarian dishes like Aloo (Potatoes) in yoghurt.
Top Sightseeing Attractions
- Jamia Masjid
- Shrine of Shah Asrar-ud-Din
- Shrine of Shah Farid-ud-Din Bagdadi
- Sarthal Devi Temple
- Kishtwar National Park
- Dishes like Lotus root curry
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Sanasar
Sanasar is named after the villages of Sana and Sar, and can be counted among the most beautiful places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir. It is a meadow situated in Jammu, and has the appearance of a cup.
You will come across coniferous forests, meadows clothed with flowers and heart winning views of the Himalayan Ranges. It’s a good place for trekkers, with plenty of trekking trails. If you are travelling with your family, there are also opportunities for camping including lighting a bonfire.
Top Sightseeing Attractions
- Sanasar Lake
- Nag Temple
- Shank Pal Temple
- Suri Kund
- Golf Course
Best Things to do
- Paragliding
- Trekking
- Camping
- Golfing
- Rock climbing
- Rappelling
Check out: Complete Travel Guide for Sanasar
Timeless beauty of Jammu and Kashmir, cultural richness, scope for adventure, a lot in store for families as well as couples. Sights that draw a relaxed sigh within you! Which of these 12 places appeals to you the most, or which of them have you visited? Share your experiences with us.
Other Important J & K Tourism Resources
Latest Tourism Update – Jammu and Kashmir bags two awards for promoting adventure and offbeat tourism.
After witnessing a turnaround in tourism after two years of the pandemic, Jammu & Kashmir Tourism also bagged two awards by Outlook Traveller this year. The first one is in the category of offbeat destinations and the Tourism Department of Jammu & Kashmir has been awarded for promoting Gurez. Another is the category of adventure tourism, where Gulmarg tops the list. Sarmad Hafeez, Secretary of Tourism took the awards from G Kisan Reddy, Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, India at an event in Delhi on August 24th.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q.What is the best time to visit Jammu and Kashmir tourism?
Jammu and Kashmir is a year round destination, and can be visited throughout the year. It depends on the kind of experience you are out for, as both summers and winters offer varied experiences.
Q.When can I enjoy snowfall in Kashmir?
Snowfall in Kashmir can be enjoyed from November to February.
Q. Do you need a separate visa/permit to travel to Kashmir?
Foreigners have to fill out a form once they land at the airport in Kashmir.
Q.What are the top places in Kashmir for families with kids?
Some of the best places in Kashmir for families with kids are Srinagar, Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Kishtwar in the Jammu region.
Q.What are the top destinations in Jammu and Kashmir for a honeymoon trip?
The best places in Jammu and Kashmir for a honeymoon trip are Patnitop in Jammu region, and Sonmarg, Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Budgam and Kupwara.
About the author
Writing, for me, is an artistic expression of the countless thoughts flooding my mind. For now, travel content writing is what keeps me going! In my spare time, I like nothing better than immersing myself in a book, along with a cuppa! A classic movie helps too! I define traveling as a process of self-discovery. Hailing from Darjeeling, my ultimate desire is to escape to the hills, with the mountain air and solitude as my constant companions!
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