Offbeat Places in Kashmir

Daksum lies 14 km south east of Kokernag on the Anantnag- Kishtwar highway. It is considered a perfect getaway for trekkers and nature lovers owing to its altitude of 2438 m above sea level. You can hike to the Sinthan Pass, a popular attraction in Daksum which is a cozy spot for trekkers to rest and catch their breath on their way to the top. This offbeat place in Kashmir, has a lot of freshwater lakes where you can fish for trout or treat yourself to a long nature walk. While the ideal to visit Daksum is throughout the year, it is best to avoid the peak winter months of December through February, when heavy snowfall covers the area.

Gurez is a remote hill station in the Bandipora district of Kashmir, and is one of the hidden places in Kashmir. Once a Silk Route from Europe to Kashgar, offers a peaceful environment as you get to sit on the banks of Kishanganga river. Admire the scenic vistas of Harmukh mountain along with Habba Khatoon Peak, and soak in the stunning views of lush greenery and valleys of blooming flowers. One of the major attractions of the quaint town is the three-day Gurez festival which is considered a gem of this hidden place in Kashmir. Indulge in the celebration of tradition and creativity of the locals, and enjoy the diverse dance performances, live music, and a collection of handicrafts. 

The Aru Valley is located in the Anantnag district of Kashmir which has open skies, freshwater streams and an abundance of wildflower meadows. You can enjoy the winters of this hidden place in Kashmir by skiing and heli-skiing through the snow covered lands. Sit and watch the Lidder River curve gently through the forest as you bask in the sun. The wildlife of the valley is home to rare, endangered species. The valley is popular amongst trekkers as it is a stop on the trail to Kolahoi Glacier and Tarsar-Mansar. This offbeat place in Kashmir is a must visit for all adventure seekers out there.

The Karnah Valley is situated 86 km away from Kishtwar, on the foot of the Shams Bari and Kranii mountains. This offbeat place in Kashmir was once the biggest tehsil of the Wazarat of Muzaffarabad. Here you get to enjoy stunning views of the snow capped mountains of Qazi Nag and Nanga Parbat that are amongst the unexplored places in Kashmir. Owing to the valley’s rich history, you will get to see ruins of palaces, statues, weaponry, and antique utensils. There are a lot of Pahari people, and Gujjar Tribes residing in the area whom you can spend time and connect with.

Breng Valley located in the Anantnag district of Kashmir is aptly referred to as the ‘Golden Crown of Kashmir’. Despite having a lot of mesmerizing landscapes to offer, this place is considered an offbeat place in Kashmir . This valley is named after the famous Jhelum River tributary, and stretches over 40 km on either side of the river. Breng has a lot of attractions waiting to be discovered including one of the largest botanical gardens in Asia. This unexplored place in Kashmir also offers breathtaking views of the trekking routes to Ladakh, Marwah-Wadwan and Kishtwar. 

If you are seeking a traditional Kashmir experience, then Watlab should be on your list of destinations to visit. You will bear witness to scenic elements of nature in this hidden place in Kashmir. The valley is home to some of the rare bird species including the pheasant native Himalayan Monal, and the Wild Rock Doves, making it a popular spot amongst bird watchers. While you are there, take a moment to visit the Muslim Shrine of Baba Shukurddin, one of Sufi Saint Nundresi's four pupils. Another attraction of this valley is the Wular Lake, Asia’s largest freshwater lake, only at this unexplored place in Kashmir.

Visit the Tulail Valley, a sub-valley of Gurez which is considered one of the remotest valleys of Kashmir. The valley is an amalgamation of cultures and traditions where you can witness the colorful lifestyle of Dardic people. The valley transforms into a wonderland of flowers during the summer months, making it the best time for your visit. This hidden place in Kashmir valley has 20 quaint villages including Sheik Pora, located 3 km away from Budgam. You can join in on the favorite pastime of the village boys as they play Leeteh (hide& seek), Theeley (Gulli Danda) and Kabbadi or try your hand at fishing brown trout, Snow trout, and Brook trout in the Kishanganga River.

The Lolab valley lives up to its title of ‘fruit bowl of Jammu and Kashmir’, as it offers fresh apples, cherries, peaches, and walnuts all year round. The valley is named after Maharaja LOLO and is located in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir. You can visit Lolab, which is a combination of Potnai valley, Brunai valley, and the Kalaroos valley. One of the popular spots of this unexplored place in Kashmir is the caves of Kalaroos ( also known as Qila-e-roos) that translates to a ‘Russian fort’. This valley is also home to a variety of wild animals such as Himalayan black bear, snow leopard, ibex, markhor, and musk deer. Come along with your family and friends to explore this offbeat place in Kashmir.

The Chatpal Valley is located in the Shangus district of Southern Kashmir and offers idyllic scenery, sounds of water gushing down, and pollution free air so that you can reset your mind and body. Although the valley does not offer any major tourist attractions, the simplistic approach of the locals is something worth witnessing. Trek along the mountains of Chatpal with your family and friends that connect the small town to the rest of the Kashmir valley. Come to this hidden place in Kashmir and surround yourself with sun kissed trees that will compel you to digitally detox. 

Take a chance on the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek that is 75 km northeast of Srinagar that takes a total of six days to complete. Here you will witness the lush green surroundings with an abundance of pine and maple trees. The valleys are filled with the aroma of wildflowers that grow in abundance around the Satsar Lake. In this trek, you will come across six lakes and five valleys, each more pristine than the other. Since the steep hills and slopes of the trek put the fitness level of expert trekkers to the test, we do not recommend this trek for beginners . The best time for Kashmir great lakes trek is from July to August when the flora and fauna are in full bloom.

The Tarsar Marsar Trek is considered as a sister trek to Kashmir Great Lakes. You will get a chance to camp beside the brilliantly blue lakes, in the heart of Kashmir. You can explore the picturesque village of Aru and the pine trees in Lidderwat as you move along. Hear your voice echo on the mountain top of Shekhawas and witness the beautiful alpine lakes on this trek. On your route, you will get a chance to sit and relax beside the popular Marsar Lake which can change colors and remain veiled under a sheet of clouds most of the year. Come for this trek with your family and friends to one of the prettiest Lakes in India.

The Warwan Valley Trek is one of the oldest and most popular treks in the Trans Himalayas.

Warwan Valley – Panikhar trek is a high altitude alpine trekking trail of about 92 kms. Your route begins from Mungli, peaks at Bhatkol Pass (4390M), and ends at Panikhar village of Kargil. In this trek, you can marvel at the contrasting beauty of Kargil and Kashmir as you reach the valley, located in Kishtwar district. Although this trek falls under the ‘difficult’ category, the end result of scenic views and pristine nature makes your hard work worth it.