Kashmir is a beautiful and enchanting destination. It offers a wide range of experiences to tourists. It is a paradise for offbeat travelers, with many hidden gems waiting to be explored. The offbeat places in Kashmir are often located in secluded and peaceful surroundings. They are away from busy tourist spots.
These places in Kashmir offer unique experiences that cannot be found in crowded tourist destinations. Tourists can experience the local culture, and traditions and interact with the locals. They can also indulge in various activities like trekking, camping and hiking.
Chatpal which is considered to be one of the Unexplored Places in Kashmir is located in the Shangus area of south Kashmir happens to be unquestionably a spot to disconnect and get lost amidst mountains and lovely green fields covered with wildflowers. When it comes to the best offbeat places in Kashmir, Chatpal is a serene and beautiful valley. It is located in the Anantnag district of Kashmir. Known for its snow-capped mountains, picturesque landscapes, gushing streams and green meadows, it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind.
Untouched hills and woods, a virgin spring snaking through the valley and the crisp cold mountain air almost make Chatpal a close cloning of Pahalgam, but only better! If you plan to vacation in this little bit of paradise, you’ll feel like the only inhabitants of the valley, and isn’t that just what we need at times? Chatpal remains an untouched and isolated place, where commercialization is absent and has some interesting nearby places to visit as well like Aharbal waterfall, Sonmarg, Lolab valley, Gulmarg, Martand temple and Kishtawar National Park.
Scenes of fresh green tints of the trees is one of unequalled loveliness. It is one of the best place to spend some quality time with family and friends in the lap of nature away from the hustle bustle of city life. Also, a short trek in the woods around Chatpal will be a delightful experience to the adventure lovers.
Read also: Top Tourist Places in Kashmir
Gurez is another beautiful valley in Kashmir. It is known for its breathtaking beauty, serene surroundings and unique culture. Located in the heart of the Himalayas, the valley is surrounded by lush green meadows, crystal-clear streams, and snow-capped mountains. Gurez is 150 kilometres from Srinagar and 85 kilometres from Bandipora, the nearest major town. Gurez sits at an elevation of 8000 feet above sea level, surrounded by the snow-capped Himalayas, and the KishanGanga river runs through the valley.
It’s one of the must-visit places in Kashmir to escape into the wilderness for a peaceful and relaxing vacation. Due to heavy snowfall Gurez is absolutely cut from the world from November to May. By this time Razdan Pass will be completely snowed out. The tourism department of Kashmir provides Gurez Helicopter services for tourists to promote tourism. You should visit Razdan Pass, Dawar, Tulail Valley, Harmukh, Habba Khatoon, and many other beautiful spots in the Gurez Valley during your visit.
Gurez is renowned for its untouched beauty, with the Habba Khatoon mountain range providing a breathtaking backdrop to the scenic views. The quaint villages in Gurez allow visitors to experience the local culture and hospitality of the warm-hearted residents. Apart from its natural splendor, Gurez also offers opportunities for activities like trekking, hiking, and camping, making it an ideal destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in the serenity of Kashmir’s wilderness.
Located in the Kokernag district, about 100 kilometres away from Srinagar, Daksum is a hardly inhabited, virginal spot surrounded by Pir Panjal Mountain ranges. Surrounded by natural beauty, Daksum is known for its lush green forests and panoramic views. It offers plenty of opportunities to capture stunning landscapes. It is an ideal destination for photographers and nature lovers.
Located in the Kokernag district, about 100 kilometres away from Srinagar, Daksum is a hardly inhabited, virginal spot surrounded by Pir Panjal Mountain ranges. This offbeat place to visit in Kashmir is situated in Brengi or Bringhi River valley and houses a wide grassy meadow (part of which was covered in snow when we visited in March), several nomadic shepherd cottages, and an ever-green coniferous forest. The Indian hill trout fishes spawn and thrive in the fresh and cold-water streams of Bringhi River.
It is a perfect place for camping and trekking. The path that leads to the Simthan Pass is decked with exquisite beauty. It’s a combination of thrill and serenity in itself. The wooden slopes on either sides of Daksum are covered with grass coating makes the view picturesque.
Read also: The Best Places To Go Trekking In Kashmir
Located in the Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir, Karnah is a small, beautiful valley with dense green meadows and undulating mountain peaks. Many small traditional villages adds to the charm of Karnah Valley. Karnah village reveals the memories of the past through its forts, palaces, statues, weapons and utensils found here after excavation.
Karnah is one of the unexplored places in Kashmir, offers spectacular and marvellous areas to witness nature’s surreal beauty. In Karnah, you will be spellbound by the lovely climate, natural beauty, spectacular scenery, and striking views. Those who want to be engulfed by nature’s splendour should travel and visit the top tourist attractions in the Karnah area.
Karnah Village, initially known as Karnav, was ruled by many emperors. According to studies, the village has been the perfect hiding spot for many defeated emperors. Located in Kupwara district, it is one of the offbeat places which rarely few know of. This pristine hamlet is surrounded by abundant green meadows, valleys, and rolling mountain peaks. Here are approximately 58 villages which are spread across the region. Karnah lies near to the line of control between India and Pakistan.
Yusmarg, also known as the ‘Meadows of Jesus,’ is located in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas. It is thought to be the location where Jesus once resided. Yusmarg is a fantastic tourist destination for all those wishing for a quiet and refreshing vacation amidst nature, sitting by the enchanting River Doodhganga and overlooking the magnificent Sunset and Tatakooti Peaks.
Yusmarg is another popular offbeat destination in Kashmir that you must visit. Known for its religious and historic significance, this place is filled with serene surroundings and natural beauty that will leave you mesmerised. From the dense forests and lush green meadows to the snow-capped mountains and more, Yusmarg is the perfect destination to relax and unwind.
If you are a nature lover then visit Yusmarg as a weekend gateway among offbeat places to visit in Kashmir. The major attractions of this place are the alpine lakes and green meadows. Dudhganga River will not let your eyes take off from the high altitude. Adventure seekers can start trekking from Kashmir tourist stop. The major activity of this place is trout fishing. The main trekking route of Kashmir tourist stop includes Doodhpatri and Tosa.
The Breng Valley is situated at an altitude of around 9,000 feet above sea level. It is a beautiful valley located in Kashmir. Known for its natural charm and scenic beauty, the valley is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and is famous for its apple orchards, walnut trees and apricot trees. The valley is also home to several ancient temples and monasteries that you can visit on your trip.
The Bringi River flows from the Sinthan Top, Margan Top, Famber, and Mawar glaciers and is vital to life in the Breng Valley, providing drinking water, irrigation for the crops, and powering the mill stones. Breng Valley is home to a number of tourist attractions, some of which are still undiscovered. Achabal, Kokernag, Fatan, Dandipura, Sinthan Top, Poshwan, Bamb Pather, Daksum, Lihinwan, Zalangam, Margan Top, Mawer Nag, Chohhar Nag, and others are some of these locations.
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The rugged, hilly landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, as well as the verdant parts of Kashmir Valley, support Warwan Valley! It is brimming with greatness and excitement, neither of which can be found anywhere else. The entire expedition is 100 kilometres long and includes nine days of tough hiking. Despite the fact that the trek’s rough terrain may appear to be overpowering, the awards are more than just cosmetics for all of the uniforms.
Warwan Valley is located in the Kishtwar district of Kashmir. It is known for its breathtaking landscapes, stunning waterfalls, and mesmerising views. It is home to several alpine lakes, including the famous Marsar Lake. Apart from its natural beauty, Warwan Valley is also famous for its rich culture and heritage. If you are looking for a peaceful getaway in the lap of nature, then Warwan Valley is a great choice.
The charm of Warwan valley consists in its deep clear water coming from splendid waterfalls, huge Cidar trees which looks sombre in this scenic atmosphere and mysterious thickly wooded forests. Beautiful and melodious gushing of Warwan River, the source of which is the mighty Kanital Glacier provides whole new experience of bliss and tranquillity to the tourists. The villages of Warwan Valley gives a picture perfect setting.
Lolab valley also known as Wadi – e Lolab is one of the most serene and blissful destinations in Kashmir. is comparatively more famous than the other place and is easily accessible by Road.
Lolab is known among the tourists for its beautiful apple orchards, lake, springs and shaded paddy fields. Lolab comprises of three enigmatic valleys called Kalaroos valley, Potnai valley and Brunai valley. Lolab valley is 120 kilometres from Srinagar in the Kupwara district. Lolab is formed by the combination of three valleys: Potnai, Brunai, and Kalaroos. It is bounded to the south by the Kashmir Valley and to the north by the Neelum Valley, and it is separated from Bandipora to the east by the Nagmarg meadows.
The valley has several natural landmarks and tourist spots, such as the caves of Kalaroos , Diver, Warnow and Chandigam. Sogam, Kalaroos, Kigam, Lalpor, Tekipora, Chandigam, Kandi, and Muqam are the main towns in the Lolab Valley.
The path from Gurez to Tulail runs through the Kishanganga River’s picturesque scenery. You will pass via the villages of Barnai, Chakwali, Kashpat, and Zargai on your way to the Purani Tulail Village. In the summer, the virgin valley blooms and is great for picture sessions. The ever-alluring beauty of this valley is enhanced by the play of foggy clouds over the green mountains, floral fields, and unfettered horizon.
En route you will cross the villages of Barnai, Chakwali, Kashpat, Zargai and finally you can get to see the Purani Tulail Village. The scenic landscapes are a visual treat to the eyes and senses. Houses of Tulail region built with interlocking logs without any nails. The virgin valley keeps flourishing in summer and is ideal for photography sessions. His area is also very famous for its fresh water trout.
Read also: Best Adventure Activities To Do In Pahalgam
A hidden and untapped place with some charming views which will leave you enthralled. A relatively unknown place which doesn’t much attention from tourists but the J&K tourism has been actively working in making it fully functional as an active tourist location. It is located in the north of Kashmir in the Kupwara district and lies within the Handwara sub-district. The valley is positioned close to the line of control between India and Pakistan. The valley has some really interesting ecological areas surrounded by green grasslands, meadows and springs.
Lost in the mists of obscurity Bangus Valley is one of the most unexplored tourist destinations in Kashmir. Bangus Valley is located in the scenic Kupwara District. If one looks at Bangus valley, the sight and sounds of this heaven are wonderful in their boldness. Cradled high in rich and exquisite flora and fauna, it is perhaps one of the most beautiful spots in the world.
The pine trees in the forests are breath-taking; the mountain ridges reflected in blissful streams of Tilwan Kul, Douda Kul, and Roshan Kul as in a mirror are grand and exquisite.