INTRODUCTION: 

Jammu and Kashmir tourism has been described as a paradisiac place so many times, it feels like the greatest compliment you can give it. It is however, a bit cloudy and does not give credit to the region.

Jammu and Kashmir is truly paradise. It’s its alpine meadows and crystal clear lakes, fall colours of the trees, boathouses.

Its beauty is timeless, as if it were created by nature. This article will highlight 12 top tourist attractions in Jammu & Kashmir, which will showcase the state’s timeless beauty. You can also visit tarsar marsar trek.

Yusmarg

Yusmarg, a hill station located in the western part of Kashmir’s valley is called. It was believed to be the original home of Jesus by the Ahmadiyya Muslim sect. This is a stunning view unlike any other.

You can take in the sights and try out new hobbies such as horseback riding and hiking.

Sightseeing Attractions

* Pakherpora Shrine

* Charar-e-Sharif

* Doodhganga

* Nilnag Lake

* Sang-e-Safed

Things to Do

* Trekking

* Horse riding

* Trout fishing

Gulmarg

Gulmarg has it all: snowcapped mountains, rich flora and lakes, pine and cedar forests, and a variety flowers. It can be found in a valley of the Pir Panjal range. Its name means “flower meadows”, as daisies are often used to decorate the meadows. Gulmarg is home to the highest-quality skiing in Asia, the longest cable car project and the highest green golf course.

These are the top sights in Gulmarg: Baba Reshi Shrine (St. Mary’s Church), Maharani Temple (S Shiva Temple)

Enjoy the best golf courses in the world, ride the gongola cablecar, and ski at Shark Fin, Gulmarg’s highest slope.

Sonmarg

Sonmarg, which translates as “golden meadow”, is a popular tourist spot in Jammu & Kashmir. It offers both sightseeing and adventure. The landscape includes a glacier and woods as well as snowcapped mountains.

From here, you can travel to any one of the three Great Lakes in Kashmir: Kishansar or Vishansar. Popular adventure sports include camping and trout fishing. Sonmarg is also where you will start your hike to Amarnath Cave (a popular Hindu pilgrimage destination).

Thajiwas Glacier: Sightseeing Attractions

* Baltal Valley

* Amarnath Cave

* Naranag

* Kishansar Lake

* Vishansar Lake

* Gadsar Lake

Things to Do

• Whitewater rafting
• Trekking
• Camping
• Trout fishing

Pahalgam

Pahalgam is a must see for anyone visiting Jammu & Kashmir’s top ten destinations. It can be found in Anantnag, on the banks the River Lidder.

The meadows and forests of Pahalgam are a visual treat. Pahalgam is a great place to spend a sightseeing vacation in Kashmir due to the Aru Valley and Betab Valley.

Sightseeing Attractions

* Aru Valley

* Betaab Valley

* Baisaran

* Sheikhpora

The Best Things to Do

* Trout fishing

* Pony ride

* Have a picnic

Gurez Valley

Gurez Valley is isolated from the outside world for six month, adding to its appeal as a tourist destination in Jammu & Kashmir. The Dard Shin Tribe is one of Kashmir’s oldest and most populous ethnic groups, as well as their Shina-speaking neighbors.

This stunning valley is surrounded with snow-capped mountains, meadows full of walnut, linden, and willow trees and the gushing Kishan Ganga

Sightseeing Attractions

* Peer Baba Shrine

* Habba Khatoon Peak

Things to Do

* Trekking

* Trout fishing

* Mountain climbing

Verinag

Verinag Springs is a must-see attraction within the Anantnag region. Jahangir constructed the stone basin and arcade around it, while Shah Jahan created the stunning garden next to it.

The main source of the River Jhelum is the spring. A Mughal Garden is just in front of the spring.

Sightseeing Attractions

* Verinag Spring

* Mughal Gardens

Srinagar

Srinagar is included in this list as it is both a popular honeymoon destination and one of Jammu & Kashmir’s most visited tourist attractions.

Srinagar is the “Land of Gardens and Lakes” because of its abundance of Mughal Gardens. The floating vegetable market at Dal Lake is one of many surprises.Srinagar is home to Asia’s biggest tulip garden.

Sightseeing Attractions

* Mughal Gardens

* Tulip Gardens

* Hari Parbat Fort

* Pari Mahal

* Kahnqah Shah-i-Hamadan

* Hazratbal Shrine

* Shankaracharya Temple

* Kheer Bhawani Temple

Things to Do

* Enjoy a shikhara on the Dal Lake

Enjoy a stay in a houseboat on Dal & Nageen Lakes

* See the floating vegetable market at Dal Lake

Vaishno Devi

People who are spiritually inclined should not miss a visit to India’s Vaishno Devi. This popular Hindu pilgrimage site is a must-see for anyone. On the Trikuta Hills in Jammu, it is situated. According to legend, the primary goddess, also known as the Mother Goddess is said to grant all requests made by her followers.

To reach the temple you will need to hike for 14 kms starting at the Ban Ganga Bridge. You can also hire ponies, horses, or helicopters to take you to the Mata Vaishno Devi Temple.

Things to Do

* Ask for blessings at Mata Vaishno Devi Temple

* Visit Ardhkuwari & Bhairo Temples

Patnitop

One of the most popular tourist spots in Jammu and Kashmir is Patnitop Hill Station. It is known for its beautiful views, meadows and stunning views of the Himalayan mountains. If you are looking for winter vacations in Jammu, this is the place to visit.

Distance from Patnitop and Madhatop is 5 kms. Here you can ski or paraglide. While you are there, don’t forget the Patisa local delicacy.

Sightseeing Attractions

* Bilo ki Powri

* Kud Park

* Shiva Ghar

Things to Do

Kud Park offers a picnic opportunity

* Try paragliding & skiing at Madhatop