Kashmir Valley
“Going to Kashmir has turned me into a romantic!” – Rohit Warekar
Introduction
Enough has been said about the ethereal beauty of Kashmir, and yet, so much remains unsaid. Over
1 million tourists visit Kashmir every year, to be overwhelmed by the snow-capped peaks of Pir
Panjal, frolic in apple orchards, take dreamy shikara rides, ski and snow-board, and experience
Kashmiri warmth and hospitality. The adventurers make a beeline for Ladakh (mostly on their Royal
Enfields) while peace-seekers bask in the silence of Kashmir’s Tibetan Monastries.
Weather in July
Ask any native Pahadi, about the weather in Kashmir and the standard retort is, “There is no
guarantee”. This is the region’s summer-time and sees temperatures go upto 30 degrees,
interspersed with a few showers. Yet, this is when the valley’s beauty puts on a spectacular show –
The orchards brim with delectable fruits, meadows turn emerald, and rivulets of melted snow run
down mountain slopes. It’s a good idea to carry some rain gear, but we recommend frolicking about
in mountain rain just the same! July weather is best enjoyed by visiting some of the more wooded
areas of Kashmir like Gulmarg or Pahalgam, as populated locales like Srinagar or Sopore may be
hotter and more humid.
Must-See Places
The landscape is Kashmir is sure to enthral anyone, regardless of where you choose to go or even if
you choose to stay put. From legendary tourist attractions in bustling towns to less known scenic
spots tucked away in valleys, here’s what you should see in Kashmir
Srinagar
Whether you choose to arrive by air, rail or road, Srinagar will be your first glimpse of Kashmir.
Called the Venice of the East, Srinagar is known for its lakes, gardens and houseboats. The most
popular of these is of course, Dal Lake. A trip to Kashmir is incomplete without a romantic shikara
ride or even better, a houseboat stay on Dal lake. In July particularly, the floating gardens of Dal Lake
bloom with louts flowers, adding a whole new dimension to its appeal. On the periphery of the lake
you will also find Srinagar’s famous Mughal gardens: Nishat, Shalimar and Chashme Shahi as well as
the Shankaracharya Temple and Hazratbal Mosque. Other popular tourist attractions are
Off the beaten track, you can visit Wular Lake – one of Asia’s largest freshwater lakes and Hokersar
Lake. Both of these will are highly cherished locations of bird-spotting and a large number of exotic
migratory are seen nesting here all year round. Wular Lake also offers some good water sporting
activities. About 50 kms away lies the scenic hill station of Yusmarg. An as-yet unexploited locale,
Yusmarg offers great scenic beauty and offers many trekking trails. Another popular hill station close
to Srinagar is Sinthan Top, that offers majestic views of the entire J&K region as well as loads of
mountaineering challenges. Wildlife enthusiasts will also savour a visit to the Dachigam National
Park known for sightings of Musk deers, leopards and bears.
Pahalgam
Many Bollywood films swear by the overwhelming beauty of Pahalgam. Well known as the starting
point of the Amarnath Yatra, it is a favourite amongst leisure tourists and trekkers alike. Blessed with
abundant natural beauty Pahalgam offers everything – fir lined mountain slopes, snow capped peaks
rolling green valleys, still lakes, gushing rivers and silent glaciers.
A visit to ‘Betaab’ valley is practically on every traveller’s list.
Gulmarg: Gulmarg Gondola, Khilanmarg
Sonmarg: Nilagrad, Krishnasar Lake, Baltal, Kolhoi Glacier
Other than these, Kashmir boasts of quite a lesser known, yet gorgeous gems:
Yousmarg, Chatpal, Sinthan Top, Lolab Valley, Shopian, Kishtwar, Gurez
You Gotta Try
Shikara, Gondola and Pony rides notwithstanding, if your health permits, one of the things you must
absolutely do while in Kashmir is trek! Add to that, Houseboat stay, a Kashmiri Homestay, full
fledged Kashmiri meal, Camping, Mountain biking
Popular Trails:
From Yusmarg: To Nilnag lake, and Sang-e-Safed Lake (day trips). Expeditions to Tatakooti and
Sunset Peaks.
Dig In!
Meat, particularly mutton features predominantly in Kashmiri cuisine (a la Rogan Josh or Yakhni) but
their vegetarian fare, and desserts in particular can tempt anyone! Get invited to a Wazwan. Slurp
the kahwah or noon chai
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