With expansive meadows, apple orchards and shimmering streams, Kashmir is heaven situated on the grounds of Earth. Kashmir is a surreal landscape marked by high-rise mountains, frozen lakes and snow-clad trails that offer an experience not remotely imaginable by the usual non-mountainous city dwellers. Kashmir has innumerable places to visit and relish.
It has a serene landscape to spend time in tranquillity and peace. At the same time, there are bustling tourist spots where you can see people from all over India and the world. From trekking to skiing, bird watching and sightseeing, it has a plethora of activities to do and thousands of reasons to visit. Make sure your Kashmir tour package must include these places.
Places to Visit Near Kashmir
Gulmarg
Gulmarg is an excellent location for tourism. Situated in the Pir Panjal, Gulmarg is a cup-shaped Valley that is best known for skiing. It has snow-capped mountains, glittering lakes, a large variety of flowers and lavish foliage. There are several sites to visit such as Khilanmarg, Tangmarg and Ferozepur Nallah.

There are places for spiritual experience as well like St. Mary’s Church, Baba Resii Shrine and Maharani Temple. Gulmarg is like a buffet in terms of recreational activities. It also has an 18-hole Golf Course. Besides, it is known as the best destination for skiing and has a fair share of thrill and adventure.
Leh

Leh is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and famous places to visit in Kashmir. Leh has all the blessings of nature from lofty mountains to quaint villages and alpine lakes. It is one of the most coveted routes for bike rides around the Ladakh region. With its dynamic and dry terrain, it becomes an extremely grateful view for the bikers. Nestled in the beauty of nature, Leh also has several places for tourists to visit like Zanskar Valley and Pangong Tso Lake.
Sonamarg

Sonamarg is literally ” Meadow of Gold”. It is a picturesque hill station located in the Kashmir valley. Situated at a height of 2800 m, it is adorned with glaciers, snow-clad mountains, meadows and dense forests which are a delight to behold. The best time to visit it is from June to October for pleasant weather and December and January for witnessing snow. One can enjoy trekking, camping and nature walks in the beautiful ambiance of Sonamarg.
Srinagar
Srinagar, the capital city of Kashmir, is one of the most beautiful places to visit in India. The landscape is marked by mountains, flora and fauna, water bodies and vibrant cultural heritage. One can enjoy several activities from water skiing to trekking, bird watching and boating. It is the largest city in Kashmir and is enclosed by green glorious mountains.

Not only its natural beauty but the richness of culture is a jewel on the throne of Srinagar. You must visit from June to October for convenient weather but if you wish to cherish the snow-clad landscape, you do not need to think twice before choosing December or January for your visit.
Kishtwar

Kishtwar is home to National Park which houses several species of birds and animals. It attracts wildlife enthusiasts. It also hosts two significant pilgrimage circuits: Machail Yatra and Sarthal Yatra. Kishtwar National park is a must-visit to capture the sight of musk deer and Himalayan beer. Besides, you will also find a black and brown beer to greet. The national park is situated on a plateau above the river Chenab and just below Nagin Sheer glacier. The landscape is blessed with lush green verdure and varieties of flora and fauna.
Aru Valley
Aru valley is located 12 km from Pahalgam and is juxtaposed against the snow-clad peaks of the colossal mountains of the Himalayas. It is the base for several treks and trails and leads to beautiful lakes such as Tarsar Lake and Kolahoi glacier. It also houses a tributary of the Lidder River and offers some enthralling tracks for horse riding and hiking.

During winters, it is covered with expansive sheets of snow which paint the entire landscape numbing white. It is the most serene and tranquil place to spend your day, a marked difference from city life. One can only imagine such a place and experience from miles away.
Kathua
Kathua is a lesser-known and explored gem in the treasures of Kashmir. It is also known as the city of Sufis and has an abundant presence of Sufi shrines. Kathua is also painted in colors of history and hence is an admired location for history lovers.