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Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, is well-connected to various hill stations in the region. The city has efficient public transportation: bus (Chalo app), shared taxi, and a bicycle-sharing system (Chartered bikes app) making travel convenient.

Weather

Temperature: 15.4°C, Humidity: 18%, Wind Speed: 1.46 m/s. (Updated on 2024-11-01 14:20:11)

Air Quality Index

Sightseeing

Lal Chowk (1.26 km, 3.5 ), Jama Masjid (3.26 km, 5 ), Gurudwara Chati Patshahi (3.86 km, 5 ), Hari Parbat (4.63 km, 5 ), Pari Mahal (10.12 km), Dachigam national park (21.91 km), Manasbal lake (30.66 km), Pulwama (32.56 km), Doodhpatri (42.89 km), Yusmarg (47.58 km), Gulmarg (52.12 km), Sonmarg (80.96 km), Baltal (94.34 km), Pahalgam (96.05 km, 4.5 ), Baisaran Valley (97.44 km), Betab Valley (101.63 km, 4 ), Aru (106.52 km), Sinthan pass (126.42 km), Patnitop (164.71 km), Sanasar (184.32 km)

Hiking

Tulian Lake (97.44 km), Shesnag Lake (110.76 km), Warwan Valley (141.32 km), Tarsar lake (59.63 km), Marsar lake (59.63 km), Pahalgam (96.05 km, 4.5 )

Description

Aru

Aru serves as a base for several treks, including the trek to the Kolahoi Glacier and the beautiful meadows of Lidderwat. Adventure enthusiasts can enjoy activities like trekking, camping, and horse riding. Reference: https://www.holidify.com/collections/places-to-visit-near-srinagar

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Baisaran Valley

Start Point: Pahalgam. It can be reached either by a vehicle or on foot. Hike Time: 4-5 hours. Length: 10-12 kms (roundtrip). Difficulty: Moderately easy. Elevation: 2,438 meters (8,000 feet).

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Baltal

Baltal is an ideal stopover for pilgrims visiting the Amarnath Cave. Located just 14 kilometres from Amarnath, it serves as the base camp for devotees, offering sufficient arrangements for pitch tents for overnight stays. Altitude: 2743 m.

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Betab Valley

Start Point: Pahalgam. It can be reached either by a vehicle or on foot. Length: 14-15 kms (rountrip). Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. Entry fees: Rs. 100. One can also reach close to the river for free through a nearby village.

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Dachigam national park

The Alpine pastures, conifers, meadows, and waterfalls are home to the endangered Himalayan brown and black bears. Deep within the park lies Marsar Lake, a secluded mountain lake that attracts trekkers passing through Dachigam. Reference: https://traveltriangle.com/blog/places-to-visit-near-srinagar/

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Doodhpatri

Doodhpathri is a charming hill station located at an elevation of 9,000 feet above sea level. It features stunning green meadows set against snow-capped peaks. The hills are adorned with pine and deodar trees, and in summer, the valley bursts with colorful flowers like buttercups and forget-me-nots.

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Gulmarg

Noted for its extensive ski sports. It also features the historic St. Mary’s Church from the British era. The French-built gondola here is among the highest in the world. Gulmarg Golf Course is recognised as the highest green course globally.

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Gurudwara Chati Patshahi

A place of worship for Sikh community in Srinagar. They provide free food (Langar) and tea to everyone as a community service. One should donate to support their generosity.

Hari Parbat

Hill with a bird-eye view of Srinagar city. Entry fees: Rs. 50

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Jama Masjid

A mosque in Srinagar. Entry is allowed for both men and women.

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Lal Chowk

A local market in Srinagar. There are lots of shops for textile products and an abundance of restaurants.

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Manasbal lake

This lake inspired Nur Jahan to create a garden around it, with few sights in the valley rivaling the beauty of its lotus groves. The lotus stems are harvested for the famous Kashmiri dish nadru, which you should try. Traditionally, the lake attracts various waterbirds, making it a popular spot for bird watchers. Along the northern shore, you can find the ruins of a 17th-century Mughal fort and the terraced garden known as Daroga Bagh. Manasbal is one of the best places to visit near Srinagar. Reference: https://traveltriangle.com/blog/places-to-visit-near-srinagar/

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Marsar lake

This secluded lake is known for its pristine beauty and tranquil atmosphere. Typically this lake is visited along with Tarsar lake. Alternate name: Marsar sar. Reference: https://www.holidify.com/collections/places-to-visit-near-srinagar

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Pahalgam

Hill station near Srinagar at a distance of 90 kms. Till the end of June, hiking in the vicinity of this area is difficult due to Amarnath pilgrimage. After mid-November till March, temperature drops below freezing point. Therefore, expect bucket-based water facility in the hotel or homestay around this time.

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Pari Mahal

Terraced garden with a view of Dal lake in Srinagar.

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Patnitop

Patnitop is a picturesque hill station located in the Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir, situated at an altitude of about 2,024 meters (6,637 feet). It is known for its lush green meadows, dense forests, and stunning views of the Himalayas. Reference: https://www.holidify.com/collections/places-to-visit-near-srinagar

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Pulwama

Pulwama is surrounded by apple orchards, verdant meadows, and serene lakes, making it a popular destination for nature lovers. The region is also home to historical sites, such as the Avantishwar Temple, and offers opportunities for adventure activities like trekking and skiing. Pulwama beautifully blends natural beauty with cultural significance. Reference: https://www.holidify.com/collections/places-to-visit-near-srinagar

Sanasar

Sanasar is a haven for adventure enthusiasts, offering activities like paragliding, rock climbing, abseiling, and trekking. Nestled in a cup-shaped meadow surrounded by towering conifers, it is named after two local lakes. Reference: https://www.holidify.com/collections/places-to-visit-near-srinagar

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Shesnag Lake

Start Point: Pahalgam or Chandanwari. Length: 26 kms (roundtrip) from Chandanwari. Time: 6-7 hours. Difficulty: Moderate.

Sinthan pass

Located along NH 244 from Srinagar to Kokernag, this pass is quickly gaining popularity among tourists. It separates the Kashmir valley from the Jammu region and features a 360-degree point, offering views of both Kashmir and Jammu. At an elevation of 12,300 feet, the pass is always snow-covered, making it a remarkable tourist spot near Srinagar. Reference: https://traveltriangle.com/blog/places-to-visit-near-srinagar/

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Sonmarg

Sonamarg, situated at 9,200 feet above sea level, is renowned for its stunning skyline dominated by the imposing Sirbal, Kolhoi, Machoi, and Amarnath peaks, rising above 5,000 meters. From Sonamarg, you can easily access Baltal, a picturesque valley at the foothills of the Zojila Pass. Reference: https://traveltriangle.com/blog/places-to-visit-near-srinagar/

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Tarsar lake

Located in the Aru Valley of Kashmir, the trail is stunning and features a variety of landscapes. Reference: https://www.holidify.com/collections/places-to-visit-near-srinagar

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Tulian Lake

Start Point: Pahalgam. Length: 11 kms (round trip). Time: 5-6 hours. Difficulty: Moderate. Best Time to Visit: June to September. Reference: https://indiahikes.com/tulian-lake

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Warwan Valley

Start Point: Inshan, Warwan, or Panikhar. Reference: https://indiahikes.com/warwan-valley, https://www.kashmirtreks.com/srinagar-warwan-panikhar-trek/

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Yusmarg

The green meadows are a sight to behold. If you go a further 14 km, you will get to the Sang-e-Safed Valley, a frozen lake, even during summer. Reference: https://traveltriangle.com/blog/places-to-visit-near-srinagar/

Photo Gallery for Yusmarg

Author

• Anurag Gupta is a frequent traveller and an advocate of eco-tourism and sustainable living. He believes in opensource technology, and wants to promote technology for eco-living. He is an M.S. graduate in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Cornell University. He also holds an M.Tech degree in Systems and Control Engineering and a B.Tech degree in Electrical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay.

Acknowledgement and Collaboration

I want to thank everyone who shared their travel plans and itinerary to make my life easier. If you want to add/correct something on this webpage, write an email to anuragg@in2eco.com, or message Anurag Gupta on instagram. Many images have been used from internet. Refer to image name for details. Proper credits will be added soon.