Top Things to do in Jammu and Kashmir
What to do and see in Jammu and Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir: The Best Things to do Good for Adrenaline Seekers
Discover the best top things to do in Jammu and Kashmir, India including Tso Moriri, Vaishno Devi Mandir, Pangong Tso, Apharwat Peak, Amarnath Temple, Zanskar Valley, Amarnath Cave, Yousmarg, Gurez Valley, Baisaran.
Restaurants in Jammu and Kashmir
1. Tso Moriri
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 343 reviews
Reviewed By SavvyFernwehBlog - New Delhi, India
Tso Moriri is mountain lake in Ladakh, little less popular than Pangong, and at a height of 4595m above sea level. It is said to be the largest high-altitude lake, being entirely in India. The lake and surrounding area are protected as the Tso Moriri Wetland Conservation Reserve. So, pitching tents/ camps right along the lake is not allowed. But a little far and with a view of the lake, some camps are set up, which can be booked for accommodation. The lake is surrounded by snow clad mountains all around and the lake is mostly felt by the snow meting from this mountain top and some springs. The pristine waters of the lake have blue colors and it is surprisingly calm and serene. There is reflection of snow-clad mountains and clear blue sky in this beautiful lake. Tso Moriri is relatively untouched and experiencing this breathtaking beauty is totally worth the very long drive from Pangong or Leh to Tso Moriri. It is not ideal for a day trip. It is more popular to drive from Leh to Tso Moriri. We drove from Pangong to Tso Moriri (240 kms) through the Changtang region which is quite remote. It is often said to be one of the most beautiful drives in entire Ladakh. So imagine, how breathtaking it could be! We did not see any petrol pump in the route and less toilets/ food stops. To visit Tso Moriri, an Inner Line Permit (ILP) is mandatory. Ask your travel agency or driver to arrange the permit for you. We stayed in Korzok village which is in a highland on the shores of Tso Moriri. Korzok is quite remote but has some simple and traditional homestays and guest houses. We stayed with Goose homestay and absolutely had a great experience. At the same time, much of the places nearby to the lake is army area and in my opinion there are lot more restrictions in Tso Moriri than in Pangong.
2. Vaishno Devi Mandir
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,218 reviews
Vaishno Devi, also known as Mata Rani, Trikuta and Vaishnavi, is a manifestation of the Hindu Mother Goddess of MahaKali, MahaSaraswati and MahaLakshmi.
Reviewed By sandeep62
Visiting Mata Vaishnodevi on the Trikut mountains is a very memorable experience - especially when you do it on foot. One must visit this place at least once in lifetime. The shrine board has made excellent facilities for the devotees - the accommodation, eateries, the newly made cemented route etc. makes it much easier for the devotees to visit the place even on foot. There are other modes to reach the top, such as palkhis (palanquins), ponies, pithooos, helicopter. All in all, it is a great experience.
3. Pangong Tso
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,466 reviews
Reviewed By LataV - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
This is one of the few endorheic basins in India...i.e the water does not naturally flow as a outlet to another water body like a river etc. This is also a salt water lake which lies in India and China and no prize for guessing why it does not have any kind of marine life or flora habituating its waters. In fact a line of control also lies within the lake...While this part of the review takes care of some hard facts pertaining to the lake...now comes the amazing magical part. No visit to Leh can be complete without a visit to this mesmerising lake. The colour of the lake is a reflection of the sky at any point of the day. The water is always calm and peaceful with little gentle waves touching the shores silently. Its so still that you can actually hear your own breath when the man made noise around you comes to a stop. The best way to visit this place is to stay overnight as one then gets to see the lake in its various moods and time....in the afternoon under the blazing day sun, in the evening while the sun is setting , the early morning sun-rise. Each of these bring a different facet of this beautiful water body and should not be missed. There are many camps lining up the Pangong Tso and its worth its while to stay back at one of these.
4. Apharwat Peak
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 606 reviews
Reviewed By ramandeeps213
This has to be heaven on earth. The snow and the mountains and the clouds make you feel like you are walking in heaven. The main attraction here is the skiing. A must must must visit place. I was in trance because of the beauty of this place.
5. Amarnath Temple
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 49 reviews
Yatra to Baba Amarnath Holy Cave for which one has to trek a height of about 14,500 ft is full of thrill and joy .The feeling of divine which is always beneath ones' heart , burst out and one realises 'Moksha' as one attends the Cave and perform the prayer before the Shivlinga . Surrounded by beautiful valleys, mountains , one will always feel His presence on the paradise of the earth, the memory of which hardly vanishes with time A journey which will rediscover the nature and its love which is always inside but one has never felt.
6. Zanskar Valley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 88 reviews
This region is almost totally cut-off from the rest of the world for 9 months a year.
Reviewed By Alienalouis - Northern Poland, Poland
It was an amazing experience. Thank you for such an amazing trip to zanskar valley. Being Solo i enjoyed alot and it was an adventurous experience. I'm looking forward for more such experiences.
7. Amarnath Cave
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 148 reviews
Reviewed By travtk - Bengaluru, India
Trek up, take the helicopter and trek remainder distance - in any case this will be a once in a lifetime, arduous journey. Feel accomplished at the end of it. The cave itself and the ice linga is unique and mesmerizing. Trek can be cold, slippery (melted snow, frozen ice, narrow two-way path shared by humans and ponies.
8. Yousmarg
9. Gurez Valley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By Tanzamathias - Mumbai, India
3 years ago during my search for Offbeat places to travel in India I happened to stumble upon this place named Gurez, which I finally managed to visit now - Sept 2020 Gurez - A place unknown/unexplored. Location : Gurez is a beautiful valley located in the northern district of Bandipora in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The valley is located 123 km from the state's summer capital Srinagar and 8,000 feet above sea level in the high Himalayan range Weather: Summer - May to September. Autumn sets in October onwards. Winter - November onwards Population - about 45,000. The area is full of forests and pastures and the beautiful scenery makes it a paradise on earth. The valley awaits tourists in summer (May to September). The place is cut off from the rest of Kashmir in winters due to heavy snowfall. Transportation becomes difficult in winter. How to reach Gurez : One can either hire a cab from Srinagar. Else travel in a local bus from Srinagar to Bandipore/ shared taxi from Parimpore to Bandipore. From Bandipore there are shared vehicles that take you to Dawar via the Razdaan pass. Razdaan Pass is the highest point Enroute Gurez and the views from there are breathtaking. On a day with clear skies one cannot miss the sight of Mount Harmukh. Cross the Razdaan pass (11700 ft) and you enter into the land of the Dards. Gurez also known as Dardistan the land of Dards with Shina as the local language. The river Kishen Ganga which originates from Pakistan, known as River Neelum, runs through Gurez and returns back to Pakistan. One finds multiple Army checkposts as you enter Gurez. Do remember to carry a valid Identity Card issued by GOI Dawar is an important town in Gurez where most of the offices and hospitals of Gurez are located. The moment you enter Dawar, you cannot miss the famous Habba Khatoon which looks beautiful and much more at sunset when the last of the sun rays kisses its peak. Around Dawar there are smaller towns like Khandiyal, Wanwore, Achhora, Chorwan. Chorwan is the last village on the Indian side where the Indian Army has its checkpost. From Dawar..the road forks in 2 directions..while one road takes you to Chorwan the other road takes for further into the Tulail valley. Brunei, Kashpat, Purana tulail, Badugam, Baduaab, Sheikpora,Neeru are few small towns in Tulail Valley. The last Indian town in Tulail is Chakwali. One needs to have the necessary permits to visit Chakwali. To visit these places one can either travel in the shared sumos that are also used by the locals to commute. The other alternative is to book a Sumo for the day to move around. There are a couple of stay options at Dawar with basic amenities. Additionally there is also a PWD stay option at Sheikpora where the rooms are big,spacious and clean. One can opt to stay at Sheikpora to get away from the hustle bustle of Dawar.. And to enjoy the serenity of the place. Further up from the guest horse you can also visit the village. People there love to speak to you and share stories of the place. They are all ears to what you have to share with them too. Overall the place is like a dreamland. The big mountains,the flowing blue river, the hamlets that look so tiny against the mighty mountains, the greenery that greets you, the changing autumn colors..It's all so magical. While the place is blessed abundantly with natural beauty, the locals of Gurez - the Dards - are Warm and kind hearted people who will immediately make you feel at home. While you walk around or visit the towns, you are sure to be invited for a cup of tea, at times even being offered a meal. There is always a twinkle in their eyes and smile on their face when you see them. The kids run around with pink cheeks and ruffled hair. The school kids, walking up to school seemed amused to see a traveller in their place . Some even gather courage to flash a smile or approach you to find out from where you are and how long you would be staying I so miss Gurez.. the love it has to offer, the beautiful vistas, the warm nature of the locals, the simplicity of the place, the beautiful Habba Khatoon. My heart goes out to all of it and last but not the least to our jawans posted there,far away from their loved ones, guarding and protecting the people and our country Just 1 visit to Gurez is not enuf..once you visit there your heart belongs to that place which longs to return back.
10. Baisaran
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 214 reviews
Reviewed By swap8587 - Mumbai, India
It is must visit during your pahalgam trip. All pony owners will take you here. Tourist call it as "Mini Switzerland". 45-60 min pony ride from pahalgam can take you here. Return time is 30 mins. This valley is surrounded by peaks from all sides and has great meadow in center. As we have visited in March first week, grass was yet to turn bright green. Still this place offered us views of snow mountains. Here locals also run few huts which provide tea, maggie etc. Do proper bargain with pony owners.
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