Referred to as Heaven on Earth, Jammu and Kashmir happen to be the most stunning places to visit not just in India but the world. Offering some of the greenest pastures, beautiful snowcapped peaks, mesmerizing lakes, and rugged terrains, Kashmir is truly a nature lover’s paradise. The already stunning Kashmir valley comes alive with the onset of winter when the entire locale is covered in a white sheet of snow. Traveling to Kashmir in January is among the best things one can do as reasons to spend winter in Kashmir are countless. Book cheap flights to India and come enjoy exploring some of these stunning places in Kashmir.
Srinagar
One of the top places in Kashmir, Srinagar is great to visit any time of the year and not just in winter. But it is undeniable that the locale turns even more scenic in this season. A shikara ride on the mesmerizing Dal Lake in winter is one of the absolutely must-do things in Srinagar. You will see awesome sights of the scenic surroundings as your boat wades through partially frozen water. There are spectacular gardens you can explore that will leave you spellbound such as the Shalimar Garden, Nehru Garden, Tulip Garden, Nishat Garden, and Chashme Shahi Garden among others.
Gulmarg
Famed for being Asia’s seventh and India’s number one skiing destination, Gulmarg is an exceptional place to visit on cheap last minute flights. This is the best place to head to if you happen to be an avid skier as you will find scores of scenic slopes, steep and otherwise, right in the middle of fantastic mountain views. The ski area at Gulmarg Ski Resort is popularly believed to be the finest powder destination in the world and one you must try for sure. Apart from skiing, cable car riding and hiking are other fun things one can do in Gulmarg. The Khyber Himalayan resorts and spa is a fantastic option when it comes to accommodation.
Pahalgam
One of the most beautiful hidden gems of Kashmir, Pahalgam is primarily a popular gateway for the famed Amar Yatra pilgrimage. Popularly called the “Valley of Shepherds,” Pahalgam is blessed with bountiful green pastures, mesmerizing lakes, stunning rivers, dense forests, and pine trees all around. Placed at the confluence of the stunning Sheshnag Lake and the beautiful Lidder River, the landscapes you will see here seem something out of a fairytale. This is one of the most picturesque places you can visit in winter on cheap business class flights.
Zanskar
The beauty of Zanskar region, especially during winters, cannot be described in enough words! The frozen Zanskar River becomes a path that permits access to the pristine Zanskar Valley and is the popular venue of the renowned Chadar trek. Also popularly called the Frozen Zanskar Trek, this is one of the most beautiful but challenging trails ever as it involves having to dangerously cross a frozen river. This is one of the best places to visit in Kashmir during winter owing solely to the trek. Best left to the experts, the trek takes an estimated 20 days to be completed.
Sonamarg
With its name meaning the Meadow of Gold, can the place be anything but breathtakingly beautiful! Placed at an incredible height of about 2700 plus meters, Sonamarg is among the most scenic places to explore in Kashmir. It serves as a base for a major trekking route that passes along several scenic mountain lakes such as Gadsar, Kishnasar, Satsar, Vishansar, and Gangabal. Animal lovers can visit the Dachigam National Park here which is home to the critically endangered Hangul popularly known as the Kashmir Stag. This is a versatile place to visit whether it is a walk amidst picturesque nature you seek or a thrilling trekking trail to conquer.
Hemis
Famed for its monasteries and wildlife, Hemis is a place every animal lover must visit unfailingly. While summers are generally considered ideal to visit Hemis, the place holds its own charm in the winter as well. This is a good time to try your luck at spotting the exotic and rare snow leopard and bharals that take shelter in the Hemis National Park. To watch these exotic animals in their natural habitat is a chance that one gets rarely and one that we must not miss.
—–x—–
Author Bio:
Traveling became one of Rupali’s passions when she went on her first trip as a child with her family. She has not looked back since and has clubbed her love for traveling with her love for writing. She now works for Indian Eagle – one of the best travel agencies around. Go through her blogs to see the exciting world she lives in.
