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TRAVELLING Places To Explore In Kashmir
SONAMARG LANDSCAPE the "Switzerland of India" for nothing!). The Kashmir Valley lies between two major mountain ranges -- the Pir Panjal Range to the southwest, and main Himalayan range to the northeast. It's filled with flowers in spring and snow in winter. Pretty Kashmiri villages with traditional wooden houses and colorful rooftops dot the region. Read on to discover the best places to visit in the Kashmir Valley on side trips from Srinagar. The easiest way of getting around is to hire a car and driver. Your hotel or houseboat owner will visit to Srinagar wouldn't be complete without exploring the glorious countryside of the Kashmir Valley (after all, Kashmir isn't called be able to readily arrange tours. Otherwise, if you're on a budget, the state bus company runs day trips. Tickets can be booked from the Tourist Reception Center in Srinagar.
SINTHAN TOP Sinthan Top is an uninhabited mountain pass that connects the Kashmir Valley with Jammu at 12,500 feet above sea level. The main attraction there is snow -- it's one place in Kashmir that has snow all year round, even when the meadows of Gulmarg have turned green. Sinthan Top is yet to be developed though, so there's an absence of facilities for tourists. If you want to stay in the area, there are some accommodations at Daksum or Kokernag. They're marvelous destinations to experience the great outdoors, including Rajpari Wildlife Sanctuary. A nature trail leads all the way up from Daksum to Sinthan Top. Location: About 3.5 hours southeast of Srinagar via Anantnag and Kokernag, and 2.5 hours south of Pahalgam. Travel Tips: Stop at Daksum, downhill, where there are tourist facilities. The road from Daksum to Sinthan Top has many sharp curves, which may be an issue for people who get car sick.
DOODHPATHRI Doodhpathri ("Valley of Milk") is a secluded and undeveloped bowl-shaped valley that only recently opened to tourism. This makes it perfect if you're looking for an offbeat destination to enjoy pristine nature near Srinagar. The valley's name is often attributed to the legend of Kashmiri saint Sheikh Noor din Noorani, who is said to have been looking for water to wash himself with. When he broke the ground with his stick, milk came rushing out and later changed to water. Some say the river has a milky appearance. Location: About 2 hours southwest of Srinagar. Travel Tips: It's possible to trek between Yusmarg and Doodhpathri over a couple of days. There's also a little-known route between Doodhpathri and Yusmarg, via Budgam and Chadoora, that will enable you to visit both places on the same day trip from Srinagar if you leave early enough.
VERINAG The Jhelum River that runs through Srinagar originates from Verinag, the entry to the Kashmir Valley at the foot of the Pir Panjal mountain range. Mughal Emperor Jehangir and his son Shah Jahan transformed the pool from which the water flows into a magnificent Mughal-style garden in the 17th century. Such gardens can also be seen at Humayun's Tomb in Delhi and the Taj Mahal. Location: About 2 hours southeast of Srinagar via Anantnag. Travel Tips: Verinag is one of the top spots around Srinagar to witness the stunning crimson fall foliage of the chinar trees in mid November.
GULMARG Gulmarg ("Meadow of Flowers") is India's version of a ski resort. The ski season runs from mid-December to mid-March there. If you're not into skiing, you may still want to let the gondola whisk you more than 12,000 feet up Mount Apharwat for outstanding views. Apparently, it's the world's highest cable car/aerial tramway. If you feel like splashing some cash, treat yourself to a couple of nights at the Khyber Himalayan Resort and Spa, one of the top Himalayan Spa Resorts. Location: About 2 hours west of Srinagar. Travel Tips: The gondola is very popular, so do buy your tickets online to avoid long queues. Unfortunately, you'll still have to wait to board it though.
GREAK LAKES TREK Most people will say that the real beauty of the Kashmir Valley lies in the hidden parts that are inaccessible by road. The Great Lakes Trek is often labeled as the most beautiful trek in India. This moderate, seven-day trek will transport you to a magical world filled with sparkling turquoise alpine lakes, vibrant flowering meadows, and craggy mountains patched with snow. Adding further interest are the names of the lakes, which are associated with Hindu gods and tales from Hindu mythology. The challenge of long high-altitude trekking days, with steep ascents and descents, is so worth it! Location: The trek starts out from Sonamarg and ends at Naranag. Travel Tips: The best time to go is from July through early September. This area, on the other side of the Pir Panjal mountain range, receives much less monsoon rain that the rest of India. Summer showers encourage the flowers to explode into bloom. It's an ideal offbeat (although harder) trek instead of The Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand.
PAHALGAM Pahalgam ("Valley of Shepherds) is a popular destination for trekking and adventure tourism. Visitors commonly head to Betaab Valley (the Bollywood movie "Betaab" was shot there), with its fresh flowing Lidder River and surrounding snow-capped hills. However, do note that you'll only be allowed to take your vehicle up to a certain point to reach the Valley. After that, you'll need to hire a prepaid vehicle provided by the local transport association or walk. Entrance to the Valley is regulated and costs 10 rupees. Other possible activities around Pahalgam include golfing, trout fishing, and river rafting.
