Are you searching for a perfect summer getaway? Look no further than Kashmir! Located in the northernmost part of India, Kashmir is a nature lover’s paradise that offers breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, serene lakes, snow-capped mountains, and lush green valleys. With summer 2023 fast approaching, it’s time to plan your visit to this incredible region and explore its hidden gems. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through some of the best places to visit in Kashmir during summer 2023. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, adventure seeker, or history buff, there’s something for everyone in Kashmir. So, get ready to soak up the beauty of this enchanting region!
Here is a list of Best Places to Visit in Kashmir in summer 2023:
Srinagar
Have you ever heard of Srinagar, the charming summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir? If not, then it’s time to add it to your travel bucket list! Srinagar is a beautiful city that boasts of several natural wonders, including the iconic Dal Lake. This picturesque lake is spread over 22 kilometers and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, lush green gardens, and floating houseboats that add to its charm.
One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Dal Lake is through a shikara ride, which is a traditional wooden boat that takes you on a leisurely tour of the lake. You can soak up the mesmerizing views of the lake and the surrounding landscapes, which are sure to leave you spellbound. You can also witness the unique floating markets and indulge in some souvenir shopping from the local vendors.
Apart from the Dal Lake, Srinagar is also famous for its Mughal gardens, including Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh. These beautifully manicured gardens are a perfect place to relax and unwind amidst the natural beauty of the region. So, if you’re planning a visit to Srinagar, make sure to include a shikara ride on Dal Lake and a visit to these stunning Mughal gardens in your itinerary!
Pahalgam
If you’re visiting Srinagar, you cannot afford to miss Pahalgam, a beautiful town situated about 90 kilometers away from Srinagar. Pahalgam is surrounded by picturesque mountains, dense forests, and glistening streams, making it a haven for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
The town is known for its scenic beauty and offers several opportunities for trekking, horse riding, and fishing. One of the most popular trekking routes from Pahalgam leads to the famous Amarnath Cave, which is a revered shrine for Hindus. If you’re not in the mood for trekking, you can take a leisurely walk along the Lidder River, which flows through Pahalgam and is a popular spot for picnics and camping.
Pahalgam is also home to several filming locations, and you might recognize some of the places from popular Bollywood movies. One such location is the Betaab Valley, which is named after the Bollywood movie “Betaab” that was shot there.
In addition to its natural beauty, Pahalgam is also known for its rich culture and history. The town is home to several ancient temples, including the Mamleshwar Temple and the which is worth a visit.
Gulmarg
Gulmarg is a popular tourist destination situated about 50 kilometers away from Srinagar. The town is known for its scenic beauty, adventure activities, and winter sports. Gulmarg’s gondola ride, the highest cable car in the world, is a popular attraction that takes you to the top of the mountain, offering stunning views of the snow-covered peaks. The town is also famous for skiing and snowboarding during the winter season, and golfing during the summer season. Additionally, Gulmarg is a great place for trekking and mountain biking, and it is surrounded by beautiful meadows and forests.
Also read: A complete guide to Kashmiri Wazwaan
Sonmarg
Another must-visit destination near Srinagar is Sonmarg, a picturesque town located about 80 kilometers away. Sonmarg, which translates to “Meadow of Gold,” is known for its breathtaking landscapes, snow-capped mountains, and pristine glaciers.
The town is situated at an altitude of 2800 meters above sea level and offers several trekking trails, including the popular trek to Thajiwas Glacier. The glacier is located about 3 kilometers from the town center and can be reached by a pony ride. The trek to Thajiwas Glacier takes you through beautiful meadows, dense forests, and glistening streams, offering a truly magical experience.
Sonmarg is also famous for its serene lakes, including the Gangabal Lake and Krishnasar Lake, which are popular spots for camping and fishing. The town also offers several adventure activities, including white water rafting, skiing, and snowboarding.
One of the most unique experiences in Sonmarg is the Gondola ride, which takes you to the top of the mountain and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. The ride is divided into two phases, and you can choose to take either one or both depending on your time and budget.
Bangus Valley
Bangus Valley is a lesser-known gem located in the Kupwara district of Kashmir, about 190 kilometers away from Srinagar. The valley is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, dense forests, and glistening streams, making it a paradise for nature lovers. The valley is also known for its rich cultural heritage and is home to several ancient temples and shrines. Bangus Valley is an offbeat destination that offers trekking, camping, and fishing opportunities to adventure enthusiasts. If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway away from the crowds, Bangus Valley is definitely worth a visit.
Khodgu-Monglu Sopore
Khodgu-Monglu is yet another exclusive combination of lake and hills, something special to Kashmir. Located in Baramulla district around 30-35 km away from Sopore, the area offers breathtaking views of Wullar Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Asia, visible from every observation point on the hills.
To start the journey towards Khodgu-Monglu, one needs to head towards Watlab, a village located around 15 kilometers from Sopore town. On the right-top side is Baba Shukruddin’s shrine atop a plateau overlooking the Wullar Lake, which is visited by thousands of devotees every year.
The journey to Khodgu-Monglu is challenging yet rewarding. On the sides of the road towards Khodgu-Monglu, ascending the foothill, craftily pruned apple trees are seen in countless rows.
The twin villages of Rampur and Rajpur have been in existence for around five centuries. Trimakh mountain, visible from there, is a daylong trek to reach its peak that has three faces, one each towards Kupwara, Bandipora, and Baramulla districts. The famed Lolab Valley is on the other side of the mountain, and from Trimakh, around 50 villages of Lolab Valley can be seen. The villages of Diver, Sogam, or Lalpora are so clearly visible that they can be counted.
Khodgu-Monglu is an offbeat destination that offers a perfect blend of adventure and nature, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Please note that In 2020. The village had no or little mobile connectivity.
Further reading: A complete guide to Kashmiri Wazwaan.
Disclaimer: While we have taken utmost care in presenting accurate information about the best places to visit in Kashmir in summer 2023, please note that circumstances and conditions may change. Therefore, it is highly recommended to double-check the information before planning your visit. We are not responsible for any inconvenience, loss, or damage caused by the use of the information presented in this blog post.
