Srinagar
Surrounded by picturesque Mughal gardens, sparkling lakes, mammoth mountains and eye-catching flowers, Srinagar has its very own position in every heart. Each nook and corner of Srinagar offers serene sceneries despite of the season. This summer capital lies in the Kashmir valley as a clifftop on the Jhelum River with charming beauty. The popular Dal and Nagin lake is decorated in colorful Shikkaras and has house boats roaming around with eye-catching handcrafts and flowers. Visitors setting off to Srinagar from noisy urban areas melt in this tranquility and mesmerizing beauty. The place and its kind locals welcome all with a twinkle to rejuvenate in the paradise of mother Earth.Visitors ride in Shikkaras to feel the serenity of the Nagin Lake, see the floating markets with traditional handcrafts, flowers, vegetables and get to know the livelihood of Kashmiri people living at the lake side. There are vernacular architectures of old mosques, Kashmiri houses which remind us about the amazing skills of ancient craftsman.
Pahalgam
Pahalgam, popularly known as the “Valley of Sheperds” is a must visit destination in Jammu & Kashmir. Surrounded by lush meadows, pine trees, glorious mountains and amazing Lidder river, Pahalgam is infinitely beautiful. This is the base point of the annual pilgrimage Amarnath yatra. Every year there will be a grand snow festival for two days that exhibits antique artworks, handcrafts, cuisines, traditional dance and music. They also showcase adventurous sports like skiing, snow sledging, ice climbing for entertaining visitors. Adventure enthusiasts in an upbeat mood go for trekking, camping, white water rafting, etc. The tourists also go for sightseeing in Betaab valley, Chandanwari valley and Aru valley to immerse in the breathtaking views.
Gulmarg
Ideally located in the Pir Panjal range of the western Himalayas, adventure enthusiasts across the world rush to Gulamrg every year to glide on the snow surrounded by the world’s largest peaks. In Gulamarg you can enjoy snow ball fights, skiing, gondola cable car rides, trout fishing, visiting religious sites and a lot. During the gondola car ride, the dazzling view of snow-capped mountains and verdant trees takes the riders to heaven. A three-day winter fest conducted every year in Gulmarg is the most exciting wish in many people’s bucket list.
Sonmarg
Sonmarg, popularly known as “Meadow of Gold” because of the appearance of its majestic hills during winter. The green conifer trees when half covered by snow is definitely a jaw-dropping view. Trekking enthusiasts can have an amazing ride to adjacent lakes and valleys, sonmarg also serves as the base point for the annual pilgrimage Amarnath yatra. The Thajivas glacier, Zoji-La-Pass, Vishansar lake, Krishnasar lake, Nilagrad river are some of the major attractions of Sonmarg. Visitors also go for an adventurous white rafting ride from Baltas to Shutkari bridge in Sonmarg. A trip to Sonmarg is much worthy and unmatchable agreed by people across the world.
Katra
Katra, a small town in Reasi district is known for the holy shrine of Vaishno Devi and is located in the foothills of the Trikuta mountains. The range of tourist’s footfall in this town has increased a lot in the past years. Along with spirituality, visitors also get many sightseeing opportunities from the peak of Trikuta. There are lots of markets in Katra offering handcrafts, edibles, leather goods, wooden items, dry fruits, textiles, etc. Handmade embroidery clothes of Kashmir are somewhat unique and most wanted by many. Devotees of Vaishno Devi temple can buy their offerings to the deity from the shrine’s shop itself. There are many guest houses, hotels, budget rooms available in Katra.
