Did you take that trip to Australia we suggested, and use the itinerary we laid out? It’s okay if you didn’t, because there’s still more than a month left in this “summer of adventure” and there are other destinations you can check out. This week’s installment is all about giving you the ultimate travel guide to Ladahk and Kashmir, to must-see spots in India.
The Best Time to Visit Kashmir and Ladakh
Often called “heaven on earth,” Jammu Kashmir is an undeniable paradise. The region has lush green valleys, snow-capped mountains, beautiful lakes, and other breathtaking landscapes. To enjoy and witness heaven in Kashmir, locals recommend tourists visit the place from March to August.
Depending on when they visit, tourists can experience Kashmir in two different seasons: spring and summer. Spring, from March to early May, offers guests a view of the landscapes in full blossom. Meanwhile, summer in Kashmir, from May to late August, has cool weather that makes the trip bearable.
Ladakh, the land of high passes, is the highest plateau in India, nestled between the Karakoram mountain range and the Himalayas. Best known for its rich cultural heritage and remote mountain scenery, locals encourage visitors to come by during summer due to its cool climate and fun festivities.
In addition, tourists should also note the geography of the places. Due to Ladakh’s high altitude, locals recommend acclimatizing for at least a day in Leh before heading to the plateau. Some areas in Ladakh also require permits. It’s best to get all necessary documentation sorted before going to Ladakh, which visitors can arrange with the help of local travel agencies.
Srinagar: Houseboat Heaven
The summer capital of the Jammu Kashmir region, Srinagar, is one of the most popular tourist destinations, especially for newlyweds. The city sits on the banks of the Jhelum River and is notable for its stationary houseboats and shikaras, gondola-style rowboats.
In addition, Srinagar has numerous Mughal gardens and the Dal and Nigeen Lakes, earning them the title “Land of Gardens and Lakes.” Most of the infrastructure in the city is on the water, including Srinagar’s floating vegetable market on Dal Lake, making the entire trip an adventure. Tourists can also observe the Mir Bahris, a vibrant community living on the lakeside.
Srinagar holds India’s most beautiful Mughal gardens, like the Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, and Chashm-e-Shahi Garden. But the summer capital’s garden doesn’t stop with the Mughal gardens- they also hold Asia’s largest tulip gardens.
Other noteworthy destinations tourists can add to their Srinagar travel itinerary are the Hari Parbat Fort, Pari Mahal, the Hazratbal Shrine, and the Shankaracharya and Kheer Bhawani Temples.
Yusmarg: The Meadow of Jesus
Yusmarg is a hill station in the western part of the Kashmir Valley. Yusmarg, also called “The Meadow of Jesus,” is home to the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, which believes that the place is where Jesus once lived.
Located 47 kilometers from Srinagar, Yusmarg offers several breathtaking sceneries for local and international tourists, like the Sang-e-Safed Valley. The oval-shaped meadow that divides the stream of Doodh Ganga is a perfect picnic spot during spring and summer. In addition, it’s also the base for treks or hiking trips up Mount Tatta Kutti and Sunset Peak, the highest peaks in the PirPanjal range. En route, people can stop at other meadows like Liddermar and Haigin to spend the night.
Yusmarg also has the holy shrine of Charar-e-Sharif, which the locals believe blesses the entire region and safeguards it from all misfortunes. Tourists have plenty of sightseeing options and activities to try, like trekking and horse riding. People can also go skiing on the town’s slopes during winter.
Nubra Valley: The Desert in the Mountains
Ladakh has many sights for tourists to see and experience, but one of the most notable destinations is Nubra Valley. Tourists can access the place through the world-famous Khardung La Pass. At 18,380 feet, Khardung La is one of the highest motorable roads in the world. The drive itself is an adventure, with stunning vistas at every turn. Descending into the Nubra Valley, visitors can enjoy the surreal scenery of dunes set against the backdrop of snow-clad mountains.
Tourists can spend an afternoon riding a Bactrian camel in the village of Hunder, which is well-known for its dunes and double-humped camels. The experience was otherworldly, all thanks to the perfect blend of the thrill of the ride with the serene beauty of the desert landscape.
Pangong Tso: The Jewel of Ladakh
No trip to Ladakh is complete without visiting Pangong Tso, a high-altitude lake that stretches from India to Tibet. The drive to Pangong Tso takes tourists through dramatic landscapes, with the turquoise waters standing out from the surrounding rugged terrain. The changing hues of the lake, ranging from deep blue to aquamarine, depending on the time of day, are a visual feast for everyone.
Visitors in Pangong Tso can camp overnight by the lake and enjoy a bonfire under the starry night skies during summer. The tranquility of Pangong Tso, combined with the pristine air and stunning views, makes it one of the highlights when visiting the northern regions.
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