Offbeat places in Kashmir offer an enchanting alternative to the well-known tourist hotspots. While Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam attract the majority of visitors, offbeat places in Kashmir provide a chance to experience the region’s true essence away from the crowds. These lesser-known destinations highlight the hidden beauty and unique charm of the area, showcasing landscapes and cultures that remain largely undiscovered. By exploring these offbeat places in Kashmir, travelers can uncover serene retreats and authentic experiences that promise to make their journey truly memorable.
Aru Valley is a less-crowded alternative to the popular tourist destination of Pahalgam. It offers stunning landscapes, and meadows, and is the base for various trekking routes.
Gurez Valley: Tucked away in the high Himalayas, Gurez Valley is known for its dramatic landscapes, wooden houses, and the Kishanganga River. It offers a glimpse into the traditional Kashmiri way of life.
Yousmarg: mesmerizes tourists with its scenic meadows, sparkling reservoir, and mountains comparable to European Alps. In the district Budgam, situated amidst Sang-e-Safed valley, Yousmarg is reputed for some of the highest peaks in the Pir-Panjal range like Tatakoti 4725, Romesh Thong 4700 m, and sunset Peak 4746 m.
Doodh Pathri: 42 km from Srinagar in the District Budgam, Doodh Pathri is a marvelous bowl-shaped valley. The shepherds from different areas travel to this place along with their cattle and stay here for days together. It is believed that the cattle grazed in the meadows of Doodh Pathri produce rich milk in large quantities, for this reason, it is called the “valley of milk” Doodh (milk) Pathri (valley).
Margan Top: situated at an altitude of 14,000 ft, has lately become a tourist attraction as one of the most beautiful mountain tops in southern Kashmir in the Himalayan region. This mountain pass, situated approximately 35 km from Kokernag, is the gateway to a secret valley called Warwan.
Mamneth Top: is a popular trail for backpacking, birding, and camping, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of the day. Dara to Mamneth top (Height 3500 meters Srinagar to Dara Distance 22 KM, total trekking time 2 hours) is situated among the western Himalayas.
Habba Khatoon Peak: is the dominant peak in Gurez Valley. The people of Barnoi collect one of the most expensive cumin seeds in the world, known as Gurezi Kala Zeera, from the mountain’s outskirts. The mountain is one of many indistinct and grand structures in Gurez; to the locals, however, it echoes the incredible and legendary story of a woman. A woman only remembered the verse of loss and the lost quest for love through her voice.
Tosamaidan: Located at an altitude of 10170.6 feet, 3100 mt, Tosamaidan is a breathtaking gem in the heart of the Pir Panjal Mountain ranges. A summer meadow frequented by the shepherds and herders with their flock of sheep and cattle, this verdant landscape leaves even Gulmarg far behind in scenic beauty. It is said that Tosamaidan is one of those pastures that the shepherds of other neighboring countries also used to visit in ancient times. The Mughals used to go to Poonch using this route. It is said that they had constructed a seven-storeyed building Dam-Dam – there.
