Naranag is located almost 50 kilometers from Srinagar in Ganderbal district on the road to Kargil in Jammu and Kashmir. It’s a place blessed with such beauty that it belongs in your dreams. Tucked cozily in the mountains and encircled by dense forests, it is the kind of place that photographers are always on the lookout for. One of the famous tourist attractions of Naranag is the Naranag Temple built in the 8th century, much of which lies in ruins today but is great for sightseeing.
The village here serves as a base camp to Mount Harmukh, Gangabal & Satsar. River Wangath, a tributary of River Sindh, flows through the village, and right beside it is a glacier. Coming across this sight will relieve you from all your inner worries and stress.
You can hire a private vehicle from Srinagar to Naranag, which is located about 50 kilometers away. Another option is to catch a bus ride from Srinagar, which will drop you at Kangan, a town located about 14 kilometers from Naranag. A shared car can be taken from Kangan. Remember however, that the last shared car from Kangan to Naranag leaves around 4 pm.
May to October is the best time to visit Naranag.
Gadisar Lake is a picturesque alpine lake situated about 13,750 feet, about 8 kilometers from Sonmarg in Ganderbal district of Jammu & Kashmir. The bluish-green waters of the lakes are so crystal clear that the clouds, mountains & surroundings are perfectly reflected in it. In the local language, Gadisar means, “the lake of fishes”, and it is aptly called so since it abounds in brown trout. For anglers & fishing enthusiasts, this is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy fishing.
Gadsar Lake is also a part of the famous Great Lakes Trek, which is arrived at after crossing the Gadsar Pass. If you love photography, this is a beautiful sight to capture in your camera.
There are two ways to reach Gadsar Lake. The first one is, hiring a private vehicle from Srinagar to Naranag via Ganderbal, a distance of about 45 kilometers. From there, trek for about 15 kilometers towards the lake, or hire a horse to do so. The other trek, about 25 kilometers along, starts from Sonamarg via the Vishansar Lake. This route crosses the Nichnai Pass, located about 4,100 meters before bringing you to the lake.
June to September is the best time to visit Gadsar Lake when the weather is pleasant & great for trekking & sightseeing. Remember to carry warm clothes & rainproof jackets as the weather can change anytime.
The holy shrine of Amarnath Ji, or Amarnath Temple, is located at an elevation of 3,888 meters approx, about 29 kilometers from Pahalgam. Inside the cave is a Shiva Lingam (a phallus shaped formation made of ice), considered to be the most holy symbol by Hindus all across the globe. Devotees visit it in large numbers from June to August, with the pilgrimage tour famously known as Amarnath Yatra, which begins from Chandanwari.
It is considered to be one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas, or the holiest shrines in Hinduism. Besides seeking blessings at the Amarnath Temple, the views surrounding it are extraordinary.
There are two ways of reaching there, one is by taking a helicopter from Srinagar and landing at Panjtarni, which is 2 kms away from the cave or by travelling by car upto Baltal from which it is a 13.5 kms journey, traversable only by foot upto the cave.
Amarnath Cave and Temple is not accessible to tourists for the most part of the year. The Amarnath Yatra is for a specific period and is announced each year. It usually begins on the auspicious day of Skandshasthi (as per the Hindu calendar) in July and ends of Shravan Purnima (Raksha Bandhan) in August. So, the best time to visit Amarnath is July to August.
Meadows, hill towns, rivers, lakes, and parks all play a significant role in the picturesque beauty of Kashmir. Sites like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg are usually bustling with tourists, but while these locations are in the spotlight, many others have gone unnoticed. One such instance is Shrunz Fall.
The waterfall, which is situated on the Nallah Ningli near Nagbal Baba Reshi and is about 5 kilometers from the Baba Reshi Shrine, has long been a popular draw for visitors to Tangmarg and Gulmarg tourist inner-destinations.
To reach the waterfalls, you can hike. The villages of Saterseeran, Nagbal, Dandoh, Nilsar, Chotipathri, and Baldaji are located in a magnificent woodland area next to the Shrunz waterfall
The months of April through October are the best for visiting Shrunz Waterfall. During this season, April or September would likely be the best times to visit.
One of the relatively unknown areas of Kashmir with vast tourism potential is the valley of Bangus. Lying within the Trans-Himalayan area Bangus is a unique ecological combination comprising a mountain biome, which includes grassland biome with flora at lower altitudes; and Taiga or Coniferous forest. The valley which lies at an altitude of around 10,000 ft. above sea level is in the northern part of district Kupwara within the Handwara sub District. Occupying an estimated area of 300 sq.kms (20x15km) the principal valley locally known as Bodh Bangus (Big Bangus) consists of a linear elliptical bowl aligned along the east-west axis.
The valley is surrounded by Rajwar and Mawar in the east, Shamasbury and Dajlungun Mountains in the west and Chowkibal and Karnah Guli in the north. A smaller valley known as Lokut Bangus (Small Bangus) lies on the north-eastern side of the main valley. Both the valleys have level green meadows surrounded by low-lying mountains covered with dense Coniferous forests (budloo) and a stream flowing through them.
You can reach Bangus valley via road from Srinagar. Srinagar airport is the nearest airport to Bangus. From there hire a cab. There are no shared taxis available for this valley. Cliffhangers India can arrange all your travel requirements which include cab services. Srinagar to Bangus distance is 128km and most of the drive is via national highway and mountains.
Anyone visiting Bangus will be able to witness its beauty all year long. Seasonal changes bring in different shades and colours to the valley, with its lush greenery at its peak during the months of April to September. During these months, weather conditions are also relatively favourable for travel. The winter months marked by relatively harsh weather conditions paint the valley in a sheet of white turning it into a snowy winter paradise for every explorer!
Situated at almost 4,000 meters in close proximity to Sonamarg, Kishansar Lake is overlooked by snow capped mountains and surrounded by lush meadows, and a haven for nature lovers & photography enthusiasts. It is interesting to note that the colour of the lake depends on the time of day. Just adjacent to it lies the Gadsar Pass which is a popular trekking spot. winters.
Trout fishing and angling are also popular here. The lake is frozen during
Kishansar Lake is located less than 1 kilometer from Vishansar Lake. You can hire a taxi from Srinagar Airport up to a village called Shitkandi. From there, trek for about 35 kilometers, or hire a pony. The trek takes you past Nichnai Pass, located about 4,100 meters, right after which the lake is situated.
June to August is the best time to visit Kishansar Lake, as the lush surroundings during this time are great for trekking & sightseeing. During the winters though, the lake remains frozen.
Once known as the “ Diamond City “ of Kashmir Hirpora (or Heerpora) is the gateway of the historic Mughal road , situated in the district shopian at a distance of about 62 km from srinagar , It is the second largest village in the district, after Devepora It is situated on the Mughal Road, 12 km (7.5 mi) west of Shopian town, which is its district headquarters; and 64 km (40 mi) from Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, via the Srinagar-Pulwama Road. To the west of Hirpora is the Peer Ki Gali mountain pass over the Pir Panjal Range.
Most of Hirpora's area is occupied by thick forests. The Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary was established between 1987 and 1989. The spiral-horned Markhor goat is a notable part of this wildlife.
Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Shopian district of Kashmir. This wildlife sanctuary is about 70 kilometers south of Srinagar. It spreads over an area of 341 square kilometers.
April through October ,tourists may participate in a range of activities such as trekking, bird viewing, and wildlife photography. This sanctuary is also a significant place for endangered species study and protection.
Lolab valley, named after Maharaja LOLO, is known for its lush green forests and pastures, stretching across nearly 25 kms from north-west to south-east, varying in breadth from a few yards to 5 kilometers. It is traversed by a stream known as Lalkul (Lahwal).Water to Lalkul is contributed by numerous tributaries flowing from surrounding hills, which are clothed by dense forest of Deodar, the valley that have an average depth of 7 to 15 feet and are unique in them. It is also known for the Sat Barran (Seven doors) and a cave in the jungles of Madmadav. The famous Lov-nag is located in Anderbaugh village.Apart from natural beauty, Lolab Valley is also historically important as Varnow village, a small settlement in the region, is the birthplace of Allama Anwar Shah Kashmiri.
Today, Lolab Valley has a well developed infrastructure and good connectivity with the rest of the region. It provides road connectivity to Machil which is known for the water fall, Rangil.Lolab Valley has not only been the area of attraction for the Bollywood fraternity but has been appreciated by saints, poets and philosophers for centuries together.Some of the other renowned places having tremendous potential are Chandigam, Dooruswani, Khurhama, Krusan, Khomrial, Nagsari and Cherkoot.
By Air: The nearest airport is the Srinagar airport which is very well connected to major cities of India like Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, etc. From the Srinagar airport book a cab/taxi kilometers and the drive will take you around you 3 hours to reach the final destination.
By Train: Jammu Tawi Station is the nearest railway head which is also very well connected to major cities of India. From the Jammu railway station book a cab/shared cab direct to Srinagar, After reaching Srinagar book another can direct to Lolab Valley and it will take you around a 3 3-hour’ drive to reach.
By Road: Jammu and Kashmir have good road conditions. If you are coming from Jammu take National Highway 1A and follow the directions to Srinagar. From Srinagar take the road to Trehgam which is 20 kilometres from the Lolab from Kupwara.
The temperature and climatic conditions in and around the region of Lolab Valley remains favourable throughout the year; hence, it is a year-round destination. Due to the presence of a cool and pleasant atmosphere, Lolab Valley is best savoured when explored during the summer season as during this period, the temperature remains optimum, which in turn, helps in maintaining an average weather.
Gurez, or Gurais (Guráai in the local Shina language), is a valley located in the high Himalayas,about 86 kilometres (53 mi) from Bandipore and 123 kilometres (76 mi) from Srinagar, to the north of the Kashmir valley. At about 2,400 metres (8,000 ft) above sea level, the valley is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It has diverse fauna and wildlife including the Himalayan brown bear and the snow leopard. The Kishanganga River flows through the valley.
The valley lies near the Line of Control, which separates it from the Astore and Neelum districts of Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Being situated very close to the Burzil Pass, which leads into Astore, the inhabitants are ethnic Dards/Shins. They speak the Shina language and have the same styles of dress and culture as their kinsmen in Pakistani-administered Gilgit-Baltistan.
Dawar is the central township in the area. The population of the area is estimated to be about 30,000, and is scattered among fifteen villages. Tourism industry is emerging , hotels like Gurez knights, kaka Palace, woodvibes provide service to tourists.
By Air: The nearest airport to Gurez Valley is the Srinagar International Airport, located approximately 140 kilometres away. From major Indian cities, regular flights connect to Srinagar, making it a convenient entry point for travellers. Once you arrive in Srinagar, you can hire a private cab or join a group tour to proceed to Gurez Valley. The drive takes around 5 to 6 hours, winding through scenic mountain passes and charming villages. For safe and easy travel, we advise you to rent a cab and go at your own pace.
By Road: Gurez Valley is accessible by road from Srinagar, which is well-connected to other major cities in the region. Travellers can opt for a private taxi or a shared minibus from Srinagar to Bandipora, the nearest town to Gurez. The road journey from Bandipora to Gurez Valley is a picturesque experience, as it runs alongside the pristine Kishanganga River, offering awe-inspiring views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The best time to visit Gurez Valley is during the summer months, from late April to early November This period offers the most favourable weather conditions. It has pleasant temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C, providing a comfortable environment for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The valley comes alive during this time, adorned with vibrant wildflowers blooming across the meadows, creating a kaleidoscope of colours. The snow has melted, and the roads are accessible, allowing travellers to explore the region’s hidden treasures without hindrance. Moreover, the summer season is perfect for trekking. The trails are clear and the picturesque landscape beckons adventurers to immerse themselves in nature’s embrace.
The Drung Waterfall is an extremely popular tourist attraction located in the Tangmarg tehsil of Gulmarg, Baramulla. A cascading waterfall set amidst majestic mountains, it freezes completely during winter due to the extremely low temperature. This frozen waterfall is a must-visit in the area.
The cascading waterfall mixes with the water that originates from the magnificent glaciers and makes for an unforgettable sight. During the summers, one can spend some quiet time here while enjoying views of the waterfall, lakes, streams, surrounding greenery as well as explore the caves.
The area is even more breathtaking during the wintertime when everything is frozen; the waterfall freezes as it comes down, forming icicles. Even the lake and streams freeze, though they remain accessible, and one can have some fun in the ice-cold waters if brave enough! There are stalls around that serve tea and snacks for people to have while they take in the magnificent scenes. There is also a small temple in the vicinity.
Drung waterfall can only be accessed through ATV or the chain taxis that are available in Tangmarg. It costs around 2000-2500 to hire a cab for Drung Waterfall and Gulmarg.
Note: It is not required to hire these taxis during summer.
The best time to visit Drung Waterfall is the months of January and February. This is when the waterfall is frozen solid, receives plenty of snowfall, and looks like a white wonderland. The waterfall remains open for all 12 months for tourists. It is just that it may not look as great during the rest of the year as it does in the winter season.
Aharbal is a small village in Kashmir Valley, located about 70 kilometers from Srinagar and 15 kilometers from Shopian. The place is best-known most for its spectacular waterfall which in recent times has started to get referred to as the Niagara Falls of Kashmir.
The Aharbal waterfall is named after this village and is formed at a spot where the Veshaw River or Nallah Veshaw flows through a narrow gorge of granite boulders. The water falls about 25 meters at 3 different places before it flows down the valley.
The first fall is a smaller one through huge rocks and is hardly noticeable. More than a waterfall, it looks like the water is just flowing through the rocks.
The second one is slightly higher and the water forms a pool-like area immediately after it, as you can see in the image above. The third fall is the highest and the noisiest one.
The river that the waterfall is on is known by a few different names like Veshu River, Veshaw River, or Veshaw Nallah. Once the water of the river freezes in the winter season, the waterfall starts to look even more beautiful. Take a look at the short video below to know what I am talking about.
Aharbal Waterfall can be reached only by road from Srinagar. The best way to travel is by your private vehicle or a taxi. Public transport is also available on the route in the form of buses and shared cabs.
In order to reach Aharbal, you will first have to reach Srinagar of course which is fairly easy. For people traveling by their own vehicle, you can just drive to Srinagar city by the regular Jammu – Srinagar highway NH44.
If you were however not traveling by your own vehicle, then Srinagar is well connected to the rest of the country by Air, Train, and Bus service. No matter which part of the country you live in, you can easily reach the city by either flying or boarding a train.
The best time to visit Aharbal Waterfall is between April and October. The place looks really gorgeous in autumn (September and October).
The Kashmir Valley, also known as the Vale of Kashmir, is an intermontane valley in northern Jammu and Kashmir, a region administered by India as a union territory and part of the larger Kashmir region, which has been the subject of a dispute between India and Pakistan since 1947, and between India and China since 1962.
The valley is surrounded by ranges of the Himalayas, bounded on the southwest by the Pir Panjal Range and on the northeast by the Greater Himalayan range. It is approximately 135 km (84 mi) long and 32 km (20 mi) wide, and drained by the Jhelum River.] It forms the bulk of the Kashmir Division of Jammu and Kashmir.
The valley is 100 km (62 mi) wide and covers 15,520.3 km (5,992.4 sq mi) in area. It is bounded by sub-ranges of the Western Himalayas: the Great Himalayas bound it in the northeast and separate it from the Tibetan Plateau, whereas the Pir Panjal Range in the Lesser Himalayas bounds it on the west and the south, and separates it from the Punjab Plain.
By Air: Srinagar airport is an international hub, it primarily handles internal flights from places including as Delhi, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Bangalore, and Mumbai. It’s critical to realise that Srinagar Airport follows strict security protocols. To get there, you must travel beyond a 1.2km security barrier. Despite the fact that the airport is not far from the city, arriving early is recommended because there are often long lines for luggage and body screening. IndiGo, Spicejet, Go Air, and Air India all fly to Srinagar on a regular basis.
By Road: To get to Kashmir, mainly Srinagar, you can take a taxi or rent a car. Both Jammu and Srinagar have good road connections. To go to Kashmir, you can use a taxi or a jeep. Please keep in mind that the drive from Srinagar to Jammu is over ten hours long. Old hands in Kashmir travel typically suggest that you leave at least 5 hours for traffic on the highways, which may affect your trip schedule.
By Train: If you want to get to Kashmir by train, take a train to Jammu Tawi Railway Station in Jammu, which is the only railway station in Kashmir. While Srinagar has a railway station in Nowgam, some 10 kilometres outside of town, it only serves a few cities, including Baramulla, Anantnag, Qazigund, and Banihal. It is not yet linked to India’s railway network. Because it is well-connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow, Kanpur, Udaipur, and Pune.
