8 Fantastic Offbeat Destination in Kashmir to add to your Bucket List
Kashmir holds some of the most diverse landscapes in India – valleys, lakes, lively markets, tiny remote villages, tall mountain ranges, and even a dangerous yet adventurous mountain pass. With such stunning scenery and rich cultural history, Kashmir offers some unusual or unique places. From hiking across the lakes to camping at the foot of mountains, and fishing in the turquoise waters of Vishansar Lake – a trip to Kashmir can be a truly unique experience. With so many popular destinations, attractions, and historic sites to explore we thought it would be a great idea to list some of the most unique places to visit in Kashmir all in one place. Below are some of the most remarkable attractions available in Kashmir, which will take you off the beaten track to a side of the valley that you’ve probably never seen before. Lidderwat Village Chatpal Yusmarg Lolab Valley Daksum Karnah Warwan Valley Gurez 1. Lidderwat Village Photo by Flickr One of the most stirring villages in the region, Lidderwat is a location adorned with beautiful meadows, thick forest, and lush green heaths. Lidderwat is set at a distance of 22 km from Pahalgam. With an elevation of 3048m above sea level, Lidderwat serves as an ideal spot for camping. Another charm of Lidderwat village is the Lidder river that flows through the extent of the village which gives the place a virtually storybook definition of what fairytale villages must appear like. Lidderwat is the maiden point for the trekking passage to Kolahoi glaciers. The immersing vista of the hills, its open grasslands, and the forest lined with maple trees and pine will surely refresh your mind and soul. Best Time to Visit: April to October. 2. Chatpal Photo by Whatsnot DelhiNCR Traced by valleys along the Southern part of Kashmir, Chatpal is a village of imperial beauty. An authentic sanctuary of tranquillity and peace, this beautiful village has so much to offer to travelers looking for something placid. The village is girdled by thick forest, meadows adorned with wildflowers, and profound luxuriant mountains contoured by expanses of pine forests, serving as a perfect break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Chatpal village is regarded an experience of heaven on earth with flocks of sheep grazing the meadows, an energetic river rushing by, mud houses sitting on gracefully, and the modest lifestyle of the native Gujjar community bringing the village to life with a calm demeanor. Best Time to Visit: March to June. 3. Yusmarg Photo By Tour My India One of the least visited places in Kashmir, Yusmarg village offers a stunning vista of hefty wooded alpine forest and luscious green meadows of Pine and Fir. The term Yusmarg which means “ Jesus Meadow ” is located 45 Km from Srinagar in Kashmir’s Budgam district. Yusmarg, a hill station is girdled by snow-capped mountains. regarded to be the jewel of the Budgam district, Yusmarg harbors numerous picture-perfect sites. The mighty natural slopes of Yusmarg give skiing openings to adventure enthusiasts. Away from the confines of the mundane, Yusmarg is a little heaven in its own right. Best Time to Visit: October to February 4. Lolab Valley Photo by Kashmir Rootstock Also known as Wadi-e-Lolab, or the Land of Love and Beauty, Lolab valley is one of Kashmir’s best-kept secrets and a sheltered gem. The vale and its surroundings are graced with paddy fields, springs, and beautiful apple farms. The valley is also known as “ the fruit bowl of Jammu and Kashmir ” since fruit trees like apple, cherry, apricot, walnut, and peach are found here. This pristine piece of Earth is roughly 170 Km from Srinagar. Lolab is a conflation of three valleys- Kalaroos Valley, Putnam Valley, and Brunei Valley. It’s possible to witness the Lahwal River and the springs of Lavnag and Gauri from this place. Best Time to Visit: April to September 5. Daksum Photo by go2kashmir One offbeat destination that will surely prove to be a delight for anyone visiting the place, Daksum is a trekker’s paradise. Situated at an altitude of 2438m above sea level, the destination will make anyone fall for its charm. The village is enclosed by the snow-covered Pir-Panjal range in Kashmir. Daksum is covered with coniferous forests, babbling streams and grassy meadows with the melodious sound of the gushing Bringi River. Daksum offers everything from the beauty of natural springs to rural simplicity. It is a great place for adventurers and nature lovers. The calm and serene surroundings, densely clad hills, the invigorating mountain air, and the snow-capped mountains in the background all make Daksum a memorable experience. Best Time to Visit: April to June in Summer, November to February in Winter. 6. Karnah Photo by Kashmir Life Karnah is an attractive scenic track in the western corner of the Kashmir valley in between the mountainous ranges of Qazi Nag and Nanga Parbat. Many small traditional villages add to the charm of Karnah Valley. This area is full of natural splendor and comprises high mountains, snowy peaks, forests, scattered houses, and habitations on the slopes of mountainous ranges, with favorable climatic conditions. Karnah village reveals the memories of the past through its forts, palaces, statues, weapons, and utensils found hereafter excavation. An ideal place for an adventurous soul, one can enjoy thrilling activities like rock climbing, skiing, and snowboarding. Best Time to Visit: March to July. 7. Warwan Valley Photo by Kashmir Treks A charming tourist destination, Warwan Valley is located 150 Km away from Srinagar. A tranquil place, immune to the harmful effects of modern life, the Warwan Valley in the Kishtwar district is a paradise for trekkers. Warwan valley has towering lush green buttes which are astounding and the waterfalls, clear sky, and cool breeze which amaze you every passing minute. The beautiful and melodious gushing of Warwan River, the source of which is the mighty Kanital Glacier provides a whole new experience of bliss and tranquillity to
Cozy Caravan Trip to Sikkim
A detour to the “Valley of Rice” on your wheels leading to the foremost eastern state bound by the beauty of the Himalayas. Check-in to caravan to endure a slow-paced drive along with a homestay feel on your journey. Pack your bags for an offbeat vacation from busy streets to the cleanest village Sikkim. A drive across the alpine meadows, rugged valleys, river meandering, and milky white snow will unreel all the tensity of life and loads you with the best movements to cherish. The city looks lush and fertile at dawn and is arid and snowy at dusk with patchy drizzles. Morning alarm with bird chirpings, appetizing self-cooked brunch, evening walk on terrain with deciduous trees, and a night stay and campsites with gushes waves excite travelers more for this fun-filled, solace and adventure trip of Sikkim. An epic journey with a perfect setout plan and your home on wheels. Best pitstops and locations to explore in Sikkim. A pic from avanti page. Gangtok On the first day, arrive at the capital city and take a tour of the Tibetology Museum, shop for souvenirs on MG road and enjoy the savor food of Sikkim like momos, and tupka. Gangtok is the pitstop for other tourist destinations located east and west of Sikkim. The capital city is a mix of traditional tribe culture, hooping cafes, shrines, and glittery nightlife. It would leave with an ultimate foreign tour experience during the stay. A pic from holidayindia.com Gangtok to East Sikkim After exploring the Gangkot, head toward the east you get some notable attractions. Offer prayers and seek blessings from the most venerated Monasteries like Rumtek Monastery and Ganesh Tok of Sikkim. Trail a trek to Tashi viewpoint, white hall, Himalayan zoological park, and halt at night to see the moonlit mountains from your windows. Enjoy the Yak safari at Tsomgo Lake in the summer. The East Sikkim has many trek points Natula pass to ride along with the glaciers for a panoramic view of the highest peaks. A pic from holidayindia.com Gangtok to West Sikkim: Heading to the west you can visit the famous World Heritage site Kanchenjunga National Park and the park built for the exploration of species like Leopard, Red, Panda, Musk deer, etc. West Sikkim has forests, monasteries, sacred lakes, river valleys, rock gardens, and waterfalls. Pelling, Yuksom, Goecha la, Geyzing, and Darap villages are popular tourist destinations. A pic from Halfsamosa.com North Sikkim: Heading to the North you get deep into nature with freezing lakes, snowy mountains, and genial tribes. North Sikkim is the hub for stunning landscapes, lush green valleys, and pristine lakes. Tiny villages like Lachen and Lachung, are known for their orchards, monasteries, and stunning views. Lachung could be your base to explore the beautiful Gurudongmar Lake and the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary. On your way to Lachen see the beauty of chopta valley, Mt Katao, crow’s lake, and the species flocking near the Teesta River. In winters you can witness the most celebrated color festival of nomadic tribes. A pic from the holidayindia.com website On the flip side of the coin, a campervan puts you into trouble refusing to budge, stuck in puddles, and mostly the permits for a staycation at the borders. Deal with them using these tips and tricks to be no hiccups on the way. If you are self-driving, take turns at the wheels as the terrains are rugged. Get Ecards and state permits handy. Pack your camping kits like foldable chairs, tents, sleeping bags, battery lights, hammock, and cooking essentials. A first aid kit with all necessary medicines according to your health history. Carry all your sanitary essentials. Jordon the list of various campsites to park and camp in different locations. Plan your stuff according to the trip duration. A manual route map is essential as google maps don’t work in remote places. Traveling with pets, get equipped with their essentials as well. Post-covid kit like sanitizer, masks, and test kit.
