Top-rated places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir

It is a state in northern India, often denoted by the acronym J&K. It is located mostly in the Himalayan mountains and shares borders with the states of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab to the south. Here, we present to you the top 10 places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir.

1. Pangong Tso, Ladakh

Many films have been shot on this location. During summer, the Bar-headed goose and Brahmini ducks are commonly seen here. The region around the lake supports a number of species of wildlife including the Kiang and the Marmot.

During winter the lake freezes completely, despite being saline water. It is not part of the Indus river basin area and geographically a separate landlocked river basin.

2. Vaishno Devi, Katra

Also known as Mata Rani, Trikuta and Vaishnavi are a manifestation of the Hindu Mother Goddess Mahalakshmi. The Holy Cave attracts millions of devotees every year. In fact, the number of Yatris visiting the Holy Shrine annually now exceeds one crore.

3. Dal Lake, Srinagar

The shoreline of the lake is about 15.5 kilometers (9.6 mi), is encompassed by a boulevard lined with Mughal era gardens, parks, houseboats, and hotels. Scenic views of the lake can be witnessed from the shoreline Mughal gardens, such as Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh built during the reign of Mughal Emperor Jahangir.

4. Shalimar Bagh, Srinagar

Also known as Shalimar Garden, Shalimar Bagh, Farah Baksh, and Faiz Baksh. The Bagh was built by Mughal Emperor Jahangir for his wife Noor Jahan, in 1619. The Bagh is considered the high point of Mughal horticulture. It is now a public park.

5. Thiksey Monastery, Leh

It is located on top of a hill in Thiksey village, approximately 19 kilometers (12 mi) east of Leh.

It is noted for its resemblance to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet and is the largest gompa in central Ladakh, notably containing a separate set of buildings for female renunciates that has been the source of significant recent building and reorganization.

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6. Gulmarg Gondola, Gulmarg

Gulmarg boasts Asia's highest and longest cable car project, the Gulmarg Gondola. The two-stage ropeway ferries about 600 people per hour to and from Kongdoori Mountain, a shoulder of nearby Afarwat Peak (4,200 m (13,780 ft)).

The ropeway project is a joint venture of the Jammu and Kashmir government and French firm Pomagalski.

7. Kupwara - Undeniably, The Crown of Kashmir

Acclaimed for natural beauty and charm, Kupwara is undoubtedly an important part of Jammu & Kashmir tourism. The lush grassy fields, alpine cliffs, and the gushing clear water make Kupwara a noticeable tourist attraction in the state. The place is beautified with soaring mountain peaks like Shamsbari (12000ft above sea level), Nastachun (10273ft above sea level) and Dajalonjun (16000ft above sea level). This district epitomizes the beauty of Kashmir. The Ainch Mountain gives you the opportunity to get a panoramic sight of the Vale of Kashmir from its peak. There are also several other historic villages which allow history lovers to consider Gushi (made by Kashi Shah), Karnah (mentioned in Raj Tarangini written by Kalhana) and Keran. However, the Lolab Valley snatches the spotlight and Kheer Bhawani Asthapan, Hazrat Mehmood Shah Shrine, Shaloora Shrine and many other contributes in great options for sightseeing in Kupwara.

8. Budgam At Its Nature’s Best

Badgam is glorified with exotic locales that excite the visitors and locals alike. The place is reflection and imagination of authentic Kashmir. You'll be confused in the choices when it comes to tourist attractions in Jammu & Kashmir, particularly in the Budgam district. It is the centre of attraction of dozen of breathtakingly beautiful places like Yusmarg, Sang-e-safed, Pehjan and Khag. You can visit the amazing Nilnag lake located 4kms down the hill from Yusmarg. Another great place to explore here is the Doodhpathri for nature lovers in Budgam district. In this area, there are a number of natural trails that offers good opportunities for trekking. Adventure fans can go to Sang-e-safed (base for Mount Tatakutti) Doodhpathri, and Mount Tatakutti.

Also Read: Be An Eyewitness Of 11 Best Things To Do In Ladakh

9. Kargil…The Brave and Beautiful

Braveheart Kargil is situated at an altitude of about 2800 meters above sea level on Indo-Pak border. Connected to Zojila Pass, Kargil maintains an important place in India's history. Established in the state of Ladakh, Kargil is one of the most interesting places to see in Jammu and Kashmir. It offers great opportunities for trekkers, camper, rafters, and climbers. Nun Mountain allows mountaineering expeditions, while Kargil offers excellent options for trekking to the Pensi-La Lake and Suru Valley. Tours can be seen in Drass and see facilities such as Tolo-Ling, Mushkoh Valley, and Tiger Hill. Goma Kargil gives you breathtaking views at a walking distance. Mulbekh Gompa, Shergol, Urgyen Dzong, and Wakha Rgyal are the main attractions of Kargil.

10. Rajouri - Rural And The Unsophisticated Beauty

The refuge of many Gujjars and Bakerwalas, Rajouri is located approximately 154 kms from Jammu. This district shares the border with Pakistan and thus remains a complicated travel destination. Rajouri is adorned with many attractive places to visit; Dehra Ki Gali, Thanamandi and Kotranka Budhal are some places that are perfect for sightseeing. One can immerse themselves at these remote locations in summer because the weather is pleasant here throughout the year. The splendid Rajouri Fort, Balidan Bhavan, Dhanidhar Fort, and Rama Temple are some places which can be seen in the vicinity of Rajouri. An ultimate joy for the amusement of travel and adventure, Rajouri is one of the top places to visit in Jammu Kashmir.

11. Udhampur - Evoke the Dazzling Past

In the name of King Udham Singh, Udhampur city is the second largest city in the Jammu region. Surrounded by lush green surroundings and bordered by Eucalyptus trees, Udhampur is one of the best tourist attractions in Jammu and Kashmir. It is a pleasure for historians, the city offers many remnants related to the time of the epic of the Mahabharata. It is said that the Krimachi group of temples is known to be the oldest structures in the city. Udhampur is also famous for the underground river Devika, which is considered as the sister of the Ganga. Take a tour of Ramnagar fort, built about 40 km from Udhampur and built by Ram Suchet Singh. The Moungri Cave Temple, Pingala Mata, and Sudh Mahadev Temple are the other major places to visit in Udhampur.