OFFBEAT PLACES

Unexplored Places in Kashmir

Gurez

Gurez Valley exemplifies a lovely, calm alpine valley that  stretches along the river’s edge. It contains all of the characteristics that make a person fall in love with it.

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. One should visit Razdan Pass, Dawar, Tulail Valley, Harmukh,  Habba Khatoon and many other beautiful spots in the Gurez Valley during your visit. 

Daksum

Daksum, one of the notable unexplored places in Jammu & Kashmir is a lovely picnic place in Jammu and Kashmir, located at an elevation of 2,438 metres above sea level, around 40 kilometres Anantnag and 98 kilometres from Srinagar

It’s a trekker’s paradise, with coniferous forests, bubbling streams, and hidden grassy meadows, all set against the  melodious backdrop of the rushing Bringhi River.

Daksum is a trekkers’ paradise, surrounded by evergreen forests, bubbling streams and secluded grassy meadows with the sound of the rushing Bringhi river and the occasional shepherd tending his sheep for company. 

Yusmarg

Yusmarg, also known as the ‘Meadows of Jesus,’ is located 48 kilometres away from Srinagar amidst 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. 

According to the Ahmadiya Muslim Community, Jesus once walked across the verdant  meadows of Yusmarg, hence the name.The villagers go on to state that Jesus died here and that his tomb is also here, however this is a  contentious issue.Yusmarg is a gorgeous location in Kashmir that offers  an unrivalled holiday destination for nature enthusiasts. 

Watlab

A trip to Watlab is a must for everyone who wants to see the real  Kashmir. Slowly and steadily, as you get out from the valley’s  well-travelled sections, you’ll begin to experience Kashmir like you’ve  never seen it before. Watlab is located 30 kilometres away from Bandipore and 58 kilometres away from Srinagar.
Watlab in Kashmir is known for its hilltop  Muslim shrine, in addition to its natural beauty. The shrine was  established in honour of Muslim mystic Baba Shukurddin.

This location provides a stunning view of Wular lake that stretches as far as the eye can see. The lovely villages that  surround the lake add to the beauty of the landscape.The neighbouring  paddy fields also provide a splash of colour to the backdrop. In terms  of lodging in Watlab, there is a Forest Rest House nestled amongst  gorgeous apple orchards. 

Karnah

Karnah is one of the unexplored places in Kashmir, offers  spectacular and marvellous areas to witness nature’s surreal beauty. It is located 85 kilometres from Kishtwar and 290 kilometres from Srinagar. 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.

This lovely location has a lot to  offer visitors looking for the greatest tourist attractions in Karnah  for sightseeing or city tours with their families and friends. There are a number of well-known tourist sites where you may go and participate  in some exciting outdoor adventure sports and activities. This is  without a doubt one of India’s best and most popular tourist attractions, especially among honeymooners and young people eager to  enjoy the outdoors. 

Breng Valley

Breng Valley, located at a distance of 15 kilometres from Anantnag and 73 kilometres from Srinagar, is one of Kashmir’s most spectacular and offbeat  places in Kashmir, with an incredible natural landscape and a calm and  charming setting.

It is the epitome of ultimate tourism, with  snow-capped mountain peaks, fresh water springs and streams, vast  meadows, never-ending pine forests, herbal jungles with medicinal flora,  Rhododendrons, high altitude freshwater lakes, Mughal gardens, historic  and religious sites, archaeological sites, and trekking routes to  Ladakh, Kishtwar, and Marwah-Wadwan among its many attractions.

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. 

Warwan Valley

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. It lies at a distance of 103 kilometres from Anantnag and 160 kilometres from Srinagar.

The path winds through some of Kashmir’s most secluded and  beautiful areas, allowing you kilometres of unspoiled beauty to savour. The path, which stretches for more than 20 kilometres, passes through  frozen masses, moraines and tight deceiving edges.

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. 

Aru Valley

Aru Valley is one of the most sought after offbeat places in Kashmir, located 12 kilometres from Pahalgam and 103 kilometres from Srinagar in the Anantnag region of Jammu and Kashmir, is a renowned tourist destination. Visitors are drawn to the area by the  picturesque meadows, clear lakes, and mountains, and it also acts as a  base camp for climbs to the Kolahoi Glacier and Tarsar Lake.

It is a popular tourist attraction in Kashmir, not only because of stunning scenery, but also because of the wide range of activities available. When it gets very cold in the winter, it’s really a popular ski and  heli-ski destination. 

Lolab Valley

The Lolab valley is one of the best offbeat places in Kashmir,  named after Maharaja LOLO, and is famed for its beautiful green trees and grasslands. The entrance to the valley lies 9 Km north of Kupwara town, and the centre of the valley lies 114 Km north-west of Srinagar. It stretches over 25 kilometres from north to south, with widths ranging from a few yards to 5 kilometres. A brook known as Lalkul runs through it (Lahwal). Numerous streams flow into Lalkul from the surrounding hills, which are covered in deep Deodar forest and the valley, which has an average depth of 7 to 15 feet and is unique among  them. It’s also famous for the Sat Barran (Seven Doors) and a cave in Madmadav’s forests. 

Anderbaugh village is home to the well-known  Lov-mag. Apart from its natural beauty, the Lolab Valley is  historically significant since Allama Anwar Shah Kashmiri was born in  Varnow hamlet, a small community in the region. Lolab Valley now has a  well-developed infrastructure and is well connected to the rest of the region. Dooruswani, Chandigam, Krusan, Khurhama, Nagsari, Kamrial, and  Cherkoot are some of the other well-known sites with great potential. 

Tulail 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. The Valley lies 120 kilometres northeast of Bandipora and 200 kilometres from Srinagar.

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 

Shina Cultural Centre

The centre is a unique tribute to preserve and promote the glorious  artistic heritage of Dard-Shin tribal community and to provide glimpses  of its rich culture to the world. India’s first museum for Dardis traces the journey of Shina culture, languages and Gurezi way of life. It is located in Dawar which lies 83 kilometres away from Bandipore and 137 kilometres from Srinagar

Perhaps Shinon Meeras will become the centre of attraction for travelers visiting this best off-beat destination of India. Also, an open air Amphitheatre having a capacity of 150 people has been constructed on the banks of Kishanganga River for performances by the local cultural dance groups during weekends. 

Chatpal

Chatpal is an unexplored place near Jammu and Kashmir and is well hidden from all the commercialisation and offers to calm all your senses and make you experience heaven on earth. It lies 29 kilometres from Anantnag and 86 kilometres from Srinagar. Apart from the splendid beauty  of the valley, the number of tourists who visit the valley are very few  and hence the location is very clean and relaxing. 

Chatpal is a romantic getaway that is perfect for honeymooners and can be explored  with loved ones. You will simply fall in love with glorified nature at  the Chatpal valley. In the heart of Chatpal valley, you can experience  life away from the mundane city life, engage with the localities and  experience their culture to experience the best out of this magnificent  place. 

Kishansar Lake

Situated at almost 4,000 meters in close proximity to Sonamarg,  it lies 80 kilometres north east of Srinagar.  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. Trout fishing and angling are also  popular here. The lake is frozen during winters. 

Vishansar Lake

Vishansar Lake, located in close proximity to Sonmarg is a  high-altitude lake blessed with breathtaking natural beauty and pristine  surroundings. Vishansar Lake is located less than one kilometer southeast of Kishansar Lake. It is surrounded by lofty jagged mountain peaks on one  side and lush green meadows on the other. 

What attracts tourists towards it, apart from its beauty is the opportunities for trout and mahseer fishing in summers. During the winters, the lake remains frozen. To re-energize your soul and soothe your inner mind, visit the Vishansar Lake.