Places to Visit Near Srinagar

Known For : Gulmarg Gondola Alpather Lake Apharwat Peak

Situated at an altitude of 2730 m above sea level, Gulmarg is a popular skiing destination in the Pir Panjal Range of the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Surrounded by snow-covered lofty Himalayas, meadows of flowers, deep ravines, and evergreen forested valleys, Gulmarg also has the world's second-highest Gondola ride. Among one of the top honeymoon locations, Gulmarg boasts of being a beautiful town without crowds like Manali and Shimla.

Distance from Srinagar: 49 km

Best Time: October to June

30 Gulmarg Attractions

Known For : Thajiwas Glacier Baltal Valley Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Sonamarg is a town in Jammu and Kashmir, with snow-laden fields, surrounded by majestic glaciers and serene lakes which casts subtle spells on the visitors. Translating into 'the Meadow of gold', Sonamarg is a picturesque town located 80km north-east of Srinagar at an elevation of around 2800 km from sea level. Nilagrad, a colony of the Baltics, is a picturesque location that one can always visit. Various mountain lakes such as Gangabal, Vishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Kishansar are situated in and around Sonamarg.

Distance from Srinagar: 79 km

Best Time: May to October

17 Sonamarg Attractions

Considered by some as the best place in Jammu and Kashmir, mostly because of its undisturbed landscape, a less frequented but extremely beautiful hill station, Yusmarg is now connected by a very good motorable road. With the government working on its roads and connectivity, Yusmarg too, will soon become a tourist hub. At the moment, for those who enjoy trekking long distances and in the remotest of area, Yusmarg has forests with maple trees in them.

Distance from Srinagar: 47 km

With lush green environs, beautiful flora and some of the rarest fauna, Dachigam National Park, in Jammu and Kashmir is a natural treasure. Dachigam stands for 'ten villages', which is kept in memory of the ten village communities that had to be relocated to create the catchment area and the park. ituated 22km from the main town of Srinagar, the national park is India's most elevated forest reserve at an altitude of 1700m to 4300m above sea level and is spread over a sprawling 141 sqkms.

Distance from Srinagar - 22.5 kms

Best Time: April to October

Doodhpathri, nestled in the picturesque hills of Jammu and Kashmir, is a hidden gem to explore. Located approximately 42 kilometers from Srinagar, this serene destination offers breathtaking views of lush green meadows, towering pine trees, and gushing streams. The key reason to visit Doodhpathri is its unparalleled natural beauty, making it an ideal retreat for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

Distance from Srinagar: 43 km

Best Time: April - September

Khilanmarg is miniature valley set at a 6 km walk and 2000 feet above one of the most sought after tourist destinations in J&K - Gulmarg. vOne of the most delightful place to be in, Khilanmarg is surrounded by panoramic glimpses of some of the tallest Himalayan peaks. This place is the perfect incorporation of natural beauty couple with adventure sports, making it a favored destination for thousands of visitors.

Distance from Srinagar: 53 km

Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is the largest tulip garden in Asia which is set in the foothills of the Zabarwan mountain range in Srinagar. Formerly known as Model Floriculture Center, it overlooks the mesmerising Dal Lake. The Tulip Garden is home to flowers like roses, daffodils, hyacinths, iris amongst 48 varieties of tulips. The Tulip Festival held here is the highlight which attracts tourists from the world over.

Distance from Srinagar: 10 km

Known For : Martand Sun Temple Amarnath Ji's cave Kishtwar National Park

Anantnag is one of the most beautiful cities in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, with gushing streams and sights and sounds that make Kashmir the heaven that it truly is. Located at a distance of 53 km from Srinagar, Anantnag is regarded as the commercial and financial capital of the Kashmir valley. It is a large business and trading centre of the valley. Near Anantnag exists the confluence of three streams, Arapath, Brengi and Sandran, and the resulting river is named Veth or Jhelum.

Distance from Srinagar: 57 km

Best Time: May to October

19 Anantnag Attractions

Previously known by the name of Hagan Valley or Hagoon, the Betaab Valley in Pahalgam is a breathtaking combination of picturesque surroundings that is encircled by mountains full of tall deodar trees and pine forests, with the Lidder River flowing right through it. The valley is located at a distance of 15 kilometres from Pahalgam in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir in northern India.

Distance from Srinagar: 94 km

Juxtaposed against the snow-covered Himalayan peaks, Aru Valley is an enthralling village in Kashmir. One of the most popular valleys in Kashmir, it is the base camp for visits to the huge number of lakes, meadows and peaks around it like the Kolhoi glacier and the Tarsar lake. The village of Aru lies beside the Aru river, a tributary of the Lidder river. The Aru valley is noted for its scenic meadows. Most tourists come here for areas of peace and quiet in the lap of nature.

Distance from Srinagar: 100 km

A trek that gives you a thrill of adventure and a glimpse of nature’s beauty, so spellbound is one of the most memorable trips of Tarsar Marsar Trek. Nestled in the lap of the Aru Valley of Kashmir, the trail is magnificent and adorned with various landscapes. A riot of colors of flowers dotting the vast valleys is a sight to behold, while the gushing streams falling to create small swimming pools bounded by grassy mounds account for a sheer sight of beauty.

Distance from Srinagar - 18 kms

Known For : Aharbal Waterfall Tarsar and Marsar Lake Kungwattan

Pulwama is a small town in Pulwama district in the northern state of Jammu and Kashmir. Situated 25 km from Srinagar, Pulwama is the 6th largest city in the state. Popularly known as the "Anand of Kashmir," loosely translated to the delight of Kashmir, this place has apple orchards, waterfalls, natural springs, and scenic valleys.

Distance from Srinagar: 28 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

10 Pulwama Attractions

Known For : Amarnath Yatra Amarnath Cave Sonamarg

Set at an altitude of 2743 m, Baltal suffices as a halt destination just about perfectly for all the religious Amarnath Cave pilgrims. At a distance of 14 kms from Amarnath, this place serves as the base camp for devotees with adequate arrangements of pitch tents to spend the night. Apart from this, Baltal is also renowned for its absolutely picturesque environment. It is in close proximity to renowned towns like Srinagar, Pahalgam and Sonamarg.

Distance from Srinagar: 93 km

Best Time: May to September

5 Baltal Attractions

Known For : Kargil War Memorial Minamarg Matayen

Dras, a town of the Kargil district in the state of Jammu and Kashmir is at a distance of about 60 km from the Kargil district and is often called the 'Gateway to Ladakh'. It is located at the height of 3230m and is the second coldest place (the first being Siberia) inhabited in the world, with temperatures dropping to as low as -45 degree celsius. The three famous pinnacles tiger hills, the three pimples and Tololing can be viewed from Dras.

Distance from Srinagar: 142 km

Best Time: June to September

7 Dras Attractions

Known For : Nathatop Skiing in Patnitop Naag Mandir

With endless meadows and panoramic views of the snow capped peaks of the Himalayas, Patnitop is a perfect place to experience nature at its picturesque best and widest. Along with the widespread abundance in sceneries, the area is accessorized with activities like skiing and trekking as well as water springs, all together making it a popular tourist destination. Sanasar, located 17 kms away is also popular for a paragliding base, golf courses along with extended sightseeing options.

Distance from Srinagar: 184 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

13 Patnitop Attractions

Known For : Paragliding Wilderness Adventure Camps(WAC) Naag Mandir

One of the lesser-known hill stations in Jammu-Kashmir region, Sanasar is an adventure enthusiasts' haven offering various activities such as paragliding, rock climbing, abseiling and trekking. The area is built in a cup-shaped meadow surrounded by gigantic conifers. Sanasar is named after two local lakes and will offer you a quieter side of Jammu and Kashmir infused with adventure and excitement on demand.

Distance from Srinagar: 202 km

Best Time: April to June

10 Sanasar Attractions

Known For : Mulbekh Monastery Kargil War Memorial Kargil main street

Usually a stopover for people travelling towards Leh or Padum, Kargil is a tourist hotspot that's small enough to be explored by wayfaring. Situated close to the line of control, Kargil is also a volatile region, owing to the terrorism prevalent from the other side of the LOC. However, apart from its glorious past, bestowed with natural beauty and adventure, Kargil is the place to be for intrepid travellers.

Distance from Srinagar: 202 km

Best Time: June to September

9 Kargil Attractions