1) Gulmarg : Srinagar to Gulmarg is a 2 hours journey and so it is usually a full day trip to Gulmarg. Gulmarg boats of being a beautiful town surrounded by snow covered mountains,lush green meadows. Gulmarg is my personal favorite,as even in March this place was covered with snow,enough snow for me to build my own snowman. When visiting Gulmarg you must definitely try the famous gondala ride. Gulmarg Gondola is world's highest operating cable car. The price of the ticket is Rs. 740 for phase-1 ( Gulmarg to Kungdoor) and Rs.950 for Phase-2 (Kungdoor from Aparwath). The view from the Gondola is absolutely breathtaking,from that height it appears as if someone has painted the entire valley with white paint.
Jammu And Kashmir Travel Guide
Plunge Into The Divine Beauty Of Kashmir In The Depth Of Winters
Jammu & Kashmir is the northern most state of India and is also known as the crown of India. Due to the impeccable natural beauty Kashmir is called the Paradise on Earth.Despite the occasional political disturbances,this marvelous state is a treat to the eye.The Kashmiri people at large have a wonderfully welcoming aura which immediately makes you feel safe and welcomed as you enter this valley.Kashmir still remains one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in India. Kashmir has everything to offer to a nature-lover, from snow-capped mountains,to gushing streams,to lakes and lush green gardens, Kashmir has it all. Kashmir throughout the year looks beautiful and impressive. But winters in Kashmir is an experience of another kind. Some places in Kashmir Valley witness snowfall in winters and the entire snow-clad mountains of Pir Panjal makes winters the best time to visit Kashmir. January to March is the best time to enjoy the winter beauty of Kashmir. During this time you will be able to find enough snow in places like Gulmarg and Sonmarg. In spite of the chilling weather,this experience is indeed my warmest.
Snow covered mountain in Gulmarg.
Avantiswami temple ruins in Awantipora.
Hazratbal mosque.
Shopping in Kashmir : There are an array of items which are unique to Kashmir. Kashmir is famous for its Pashmina shawls and stoles. So make sure you get one for your loved ones. A spice-lover should visit Maharaja bazaar to get hold of some authentic Kashmiri spices and red chillies. Kashmir is one of the few places in the world which grows saffron,so you can buy some pure saffron. Lal Chowk,the main market in Srinagar has a number of bakeries. Mughal Darbar bakery is my personal favorite,they make excellent cookies and cakes. Visit the bakery on the last day of the trip so that you can pack some cookies for home.
Adventure in Kashmir : Adventure junkies can try skiing in Gulmarg and white water rafting Pahalgam and can enjoy sledging in Sonmarg.
Evening sky in Gulmarg.
Reaching Kashmir : By air - To fly into Kashmir by air one needs to reach Srinagar Airport which is well-connected to major Indian cities.
Day 2
1) Gulmarg : Srinagar to Gulmarg is a 2 hours journey and so it is usually a full day trip to Gulmarg. Gulmarg boats of being a beautiful town surrounded by snow covered mountains,lush green meadows. Gulmarg is my personal favorite,as even in March this place was covered with snow,enough snow for me to build my own snowman. When visiting Gulmarg you must definitely try the famous gondala ride. Gulmarg Gondola is world's highest operating cable car. The price of the ticket is Rs. 740 for phase-1 ( Gulmarg to Kungdoor) and Rs.950 for Phase-2 (Kungdoor from Aparwath). The view from the Gondola is absolutely breathtaking,from that height it appears as if someone has painted the entire valley with white paint.
Day 3
2) Sonmarg : Sonmarg valley which means the 'meadows of Gold' is about 80 kms from Srinagar and it is the second most visited place in Kashmir after Gulmarg. Some places to visit in Sonmarg are the Baltal Valley,the Zoji La pass,and Kheer Bhawani temple. The Zoji La pass is situated on the National Highway that connects Srinagar to Leh. There are a number of dhabas and shops on the highway where you can have some delicious food and the best maggi of your life.
