Jammu and Kashmir sightseeing can feel overwhelming because the highlights are spread across very different regions. Grouping them by region makes planning far easier.
Key takeaways
- Group sights by region to avoid long back-and-forth drives.
- Srinagar works as a base for most of the valley.
- South Kashmir's springs and gardens are underrated.
- Jammu deserves a day if you're arriving there anyway.
Jammu region
- Raghunath Temple, Jammu: a large temple complex in the city centre.
- Bahu Fort: fort and gardens above the Tawi river.
- Vaishno Devi, Katra: the major pilgrimage shrine.
- Patnitop: pine forests and meadows on the Srinagar road.
- Shiv Khori: a cave shrine popular with pilgrims.
Srinagar
- Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake
- The Mughal gardens: Shalimar, Nishat, Chashme Shahi, Pari Mahal
- Shankaracharya Temple
- Hazratbal Shrine
- Old city: Jamia Masjid and Khanqah-e-Moula
The hill stations
- Gulmarg: Gondola and snow
- Sonamarg: Thajiwas Glacier
- Pahalgam: Betaab, Aru and Chandanwari
South Kashmir
- Pampore: saffron fields
- Awantipora: ancient temple ruins
- Achabal and Kokernag: spring-fed gardens
- Verinag: a spring often described as the source of the Jhelum
- Aharbal: a powerful waterfall
North and west
- Gurez Valley: remote and beautiful
- Doodhpathri and Yusmarg: quiet meadows
Combining them
Base yourself in Srinagar for most of the valley, and add Pahalgam for the south. Read our Jammu and Kashmir itinerary for a 10-day plan, or browse places to visit in Kashmir. Official information: J&K Department of Tourism.
Last updated:
About the author: Written and checked by the Travel Wiki planning team, who arrange Kashmir and Ladakh trips every week from Srinagar and Bijbihara.
