Kashmir is mostly about scenery- and how incredible it is: alpine meadows, mountains reaching ever upward and, in the right season, entire valleys of flowers. More than this though there’s the people, who are so welcoming and happy to welcome visitors to their land.

There’s something in Kashmir to appeal to families, honeymoon couples, pilgrims and adventure-oriented tourists as well. There are mountains and lakes, hiking, shikara (small circular boat) rides, gondola trips, and plenty of lovely parks from which to take in the scenery.

Splendid - Srinagar

The capital city and the Summer capital

Srinagar is the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir and lovely for many months of the year. In winter though it can be very cold! The Mughals had a special love towards this beautiful land and their influence is evident in the form of gorgeous Mughal gardens spread widely around Kashmir. The largest and perhaps the most beautiful of these gardens, is the Shalimar Bagh which is located in Srinagar along the famous Dal Lake. A shikara ride between the twin lakes of Dal and Nigeen, close to the centre of Srinagar, is a lovely way to enjoy the city and its environs.

If you don’t mind the cold, the transformation of Srinagar during winter sees the city at its best with mountains covered in glistening snow offering some breath-taking views of the landscape. You’ll want to bring clothing which is seldom necessary in the rest of India- layers of wool and at least one very warm hat!

Aside from Dal Lake and the Shalimar Bagh other important sights around the city are Nishat Bagh, Pari Mahal, and the Shankaracharya Temple. A newer addition is the Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden, reputedly the largest of its kind in the world- a Tulip Festival is held here annually during April.

Glorious -Gulmarg

The capital city and the Summer capital

Gulmarg, situated high in the mountains at an altitude of over 2600 metres, takes on a variety of personas according to the season. When snow covers the valley in winter it is a glorious sight, and again in summer, but this time rather than an all-white landscape, a vibrant palette of colours is on display as the valley floor blooms with daisies, bluebells, buttercups and dozens of other flowers.

Gulmarg is one of Asia’s highest and best ski resorts with runs to rival those anywhere then the snow is good. In summer you can play golf on the world’s highest course- the thin air at this altitude should make the ball fly a lot further than at sea level!

If you have a head for heights, there’s also the famous gondola ride, one of the highest cable car rides in the world. There’s also trekking, paragliding, sled rides and horse treks among the many things you can do around Gulmarg.

Paradisal Pahalgam

The Valley of Shepherds where everything turns out to be green

Imagine tall deodars, pine trees and fir set along the banks of a glistening glacial river, surrounded by high mountains- this is what awaits in Pahalgam. A popular setting for countless Bollywood movies thanks to its stunning beauty, the town is set at the confluence of the two glacial rivers originating from the Kolhoi glacier. Pahalgam is also the getaway for pilgrims visiting the famous Amarnath Cave Temple.

During winter the town hosts a 2 day snow festival which sees visitors from all over the world. It is a great opportunity for adventure travellers to indulge in skiing, snow sledging and white-water rafting, the later of which can be undertaken year-round, although needless to say it gets pretty cold in the winter. Pahalgam also serves as a base point for many famous trek routes as well.