The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has various famous tourist attractions that are filled with people enjoying themselves. They go on sightseeing tours at these destinations as well as experience high-speeding adventures. All this sounds fun but there is a downside of all this. If you are in the Kashmir valley that is known for offering a peaceful climate, then you can’t achieve tranquility at these places.

For a more calm ambience, you have to move to Northern Kashmir, the remotely located regions of the valley. Due to their offbeat locations, they present the best opportunity to soak in the beauty in the lap of nature. In some grasslands, not a single soul can be seen for a large distance. You can sit or lie under a tree and remain like that uninterrupted. It seems like time stands still here. It surely does not mean that there are no activities here. If you want to blend the peace with some thrills, you are at the right spot. You can pick these Kashmir tour packages to explore these places.

Top 7 Places to Visit in Kashmir:

Below, we have listed down such places on your Kashmir trip that are totally unmissable if you are looking for peace and quiet. Do include them in your itinerary. 

1. Gurez Valley:

Gurez Valley
Surrounded by Snow-Capped Mountains

When in Kashmir, you just can’t miss this ever gorgeous beauty. called Gurez. undoubtedly the most ethereal offbeat locations of the valley, the place breathes culture and traditions.Though it is still limited in case of modern services, the timeless beauty presented here is enough to capture your heart. Some of the must visit places here include the Kishanganga river which divides the Gurez region between India and Pakistan. The river is a serene one and is an ideal place for strolls, camps and much more. you can trek to the Habba Khatoon peak. More places to explore here are Tulail Lake, Wular Lake where fishing and angling is very popular. From June to September, you can plan your trip to Gurez valley.

It becomes hard to visit here in the freezing months of winter. Before visiting Gurez, it is important to know that it is in close proximity to the India-Pakistan border and so that you can see the cities on the side of the border. get the required permission and then visit. 

2. Yusmarg:

Yusmarg
Hill Station in the western part of the Budgam district

The very serene region of Kashmir, Yusmarg also called “Valley of Jesus”, is the first place to visit. It is believed that Jesus himself visited this place, flabbergasted by its beauty. 

It is located in the Budgam district of Kashmir, which is approximately 50 kilometers from the city of Srinagar. You can easily find cabs and taxis taking you there.

The meadows here are the most lush ones. With soothing grasses to walk on, it is one of the most calming places that you can visit on your Kashmir trip. Other than the nature walks and strolls you can take here, you get to experience many outdoor activities as well such as pony rides, fishing and angling and much more. The places here are very stunning so you must get your camera to click pictures. The best time to visit Yusmarg is in the Summer season with pleasant weather and mild temperatures. 

3. Daksum Valley:

Daksum Valley

Daksum Valley is another unmissable place to visit on the Kashmir trip. It is nestled by the Pir Panjal range and is located in the Anantnag district of the Kashmir valley.

The place is known to accommodate dense forests consisting of towering coniferous trees.

you can trek in between them and walk around.

The main highlight of Daksum valley is the gushing Bringhi river where you can go for strolls in morning and evening. sit comfortably on the shores of the river and that alone will give a lot of comfort and calmness.you can also go fishing here after obtaining the required permit from Jammu and Kashmir Fisheries Department. Many other places to explore near Daksum include Achabal, Kokernag, Sinthan top etc. With clear skies and tolerable climate visit the valley in the balmy months of summer but don’t forget to pack woolen clothes as well.

4. Warwan Valley:

Warwan Valley

Warwan Valley is the retired gem of Kashmir valley and is one of the most breathtaking offbeat locations. When you see this valley for the first time, you feel like you have come back to the old times. It is that antique. located in the Kishtwar district, it can only be visited via w drive through Anantnag. Some of the popular activities to do here are sightseeing, river rafting, fishing, hiking etc. Many migratory birds visit here all the time so it is a heaven for bird-watchers.

The valley is known to give tough competition to the famous spots like Gulmarg, Pahalgam etc. The famous Warwan Valley trek is one of the most challenging treks in Kashmir but the final destination is worth the effort. Don’t come here in winters as it is completely covered in snow. Summer is the most appropriate time to visit. 

5. Doodhpathri:

Doodhpathri

Doodhpathri is one of the most exotic places to be. famous as a honeymoon destination in Kashmir, the place is known to offer a calm atmosphere. it is a lesser-explored region of the valley. It is located in the Budgam district and is only 45 kilometers away from Srinagar. The Shalinga river flows in the whole valley through rocks and pebbles and that turns the water milky and hence the place got the name Doodhpathri. It is an ideal decision to sit and spend some time near the lake. The surroundings here are panoramic. 

Some of the recreational activities to do here include ATV rides, trekking, photography, pony rides etc. Camping is indispensable here. pitch a tent in any meadow or near the shores of the river and you will wake up to some unparalleled views. 

It is at a short distance from Srinagar and a road trip of an hour or two will be enough. you can either book a cab or share a taxi. 

6. Watlab:

Watlab

Situated in the Baramulla district of Kashmir valley, Watlab is a captivating remote village. You must have heard the name of Wular Lake, the largest freshwater lake of India and this scenic village is located on the west side of it. The Village is just 55 kilometres from Srinagar and then 11 kilometres later,falls the Wular Lake. Here, you can have some peace and spend some time with nature. More places to explore here in Watlab are Apharwat Peak, Gangabal Lake, Alpather Lake etc. Dachigam Wildlife sanctuary is separated by 33 kilometres from Watlab and if time permits, you can surely go there for a wildlife tour. The sanctuary is known to be home to lakhs of rare animal species.

Visit the sacred Shrine of Baba Shukurddin where you can offer your prayers and seek blessings. May to September is the ideal time to visit the village of Watlab.

7. Keran Valley:

Keran Valley
Tehsil in Kupwara District

After Gurez, Keran Valley is another military sensitive area of Kashmir due to its close proximity to the India- Pakistan border. It is an exhilarating feeling to visit the border and get a sneak peek into the other side of the border. Visit the Cobra post also the last post of India. The location of the valley is quite remote and it must be one of your must-visit places in the Kashmir itinerary. The valley shows you an amalgamation of various hidden places like Villages of Pathran and Mundiyan.

Kishanganga river is the prime highlight of Keran Valley where you can go camping and fishing. 

Here the available accommodation option includes some guest houses and cottages. The most popular is homestays where you live with a local family and experience the traditional Himalayan life and its culture.  

Conclusion:

Lastly, wherever you go, enjoy yourself. don’t hasten your plans that would not benefit your plans of achieving peace in Kashmir. Since services at these locations are quite scarce. Keep all the essentials that you may need there. 

Have a fun trip!

Photo Credit: Wikimedia

By Krushna Rathi

Architect, Academic, and mother to two, passionate about travel, literature, and the transformative power of experiences.

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