Jammu and Kashmir trip planner

Jammu and Kashmir Holiday Planning Guide

India's northernmost state, Jammu and Kashmir boasts many notable temples, yet the region's claim to fame remains its natural splendor. A tour of Jammu and Kashmir takes you across a mountainous landscape at the foothills of the Lesser Himalaya, with abundant skiing and hiking opportunities. Despite its natural appeal and a wealth of cultural attractions, this border area remains off most tourists' itineraries because of enduring tensions between India and Pakistan. The few foreign visitors who make it here usually head to Ladakh, a trekkers' paradise that's also considered one of northern India's safest places.

Places to Visit in Jammu and Kashmir

Destinations in Jammu and Kashmir

Srinagar: The summer capital invites visitors with its mesmerizing gardens, lakes, river, and temples blending traditional and modern architectural styles.

Jammu City: Srinagar's counterpart, Jammu City, known as the winter capital, is dotted with notable religious sites, forts, and charming local marketplaces.

Leh: A center of trade, Leh boasts quaint architecture, bustling markets, and the Himalayas as its backdrop.

Gulmarg: Incorporating Gulmarg on a Jammu and Kashmir itinerary means having a chance to try a variety of winter sports and ride one of the world's highest gondolas.

Pahalgam: With its fresh air and pristine nature, Pahalgam remains a major destination for outdoorsy tourists--the surrounding temples and shrines appeal to visitors looking for a bit of culture.

Katra: Most visitors to Katra begin a religious pilgrimage from the town--the hike, or helicopter flight, to a nearby cave shrine draws an astounding 5 million annual pilgrims.

Popular Jammu and Kashmir Tourist Attractions

Dal Lake: A peaceful spot, Dal Lake offers visitors calm boats rides and a chance to enjoy fine views of the surrounding scenic gardens.

Gulmarg Gondola: One of the highest cable cars in the world, this Jammu and Kashmir tourist attraction will allow you to observe the region's iconic snowy slopes and a village beneath them.

Pangong Tso: This salty lake freezes during the winter--visitors come to walk on water (sort of) and ice skate.

Shankaracharya Hill: Climb this hill during your Jammu and Kashmir vacation for outstanding views of Srinagar and the surrounding slopes.

Thiksey Monastery: Admire the architecture of Thiksey Monastery, which at 3,600 m (11,800 ft) above sea level showcases memorable pieces of art and a giant statue of the Buddha.

Hall of Fame: Learn a little history at Hall of Fame, where you can pay respect to the fallen warriors of the India-Pakistan wars and see numerous military artifacts and educational films.

Betaab Valley: At this base point for exploring the surrounding nature, the river water is drinkable, and the views colorful and calming.

Vaishno Devi: Different from most other religious sites, Vaishno Devi is a place without any idols or statues, inviting worshipers and regular tourists to enjoy its peaceful atmosphere without any crowds or noise.

Magnetic Hill: See with your own eyes the gravity-defying phenomenon at this Jammu and Kashmir attraction, which can't be explained, but only enjoyed.

Confluence of the Indus and Zanskar Rivers: The merging of these two rivers demonstrates a colorful natural spectacle you won't see anywhere else--once the river waters mix, the visual effect is highly pleasing, and photogenic.

Planning a Jammu and Kashmir Vacation with Kids

Places to Visit in Jammu and Kashmir with Kids

On your family Jammu and Kashmir vacation, you'll want to try as many interesting and fulfilling activities that include kids.

All of the cities offer plenty of things to do and see--Srinagar features lakes and a river, and Gulmarg appeals with a variety of snow sports.

Things to Do in Jammu and Kashmir with Kids

For an active family-oriented Jammu and Kashmir trip, visit Shankaracharya Hill, an exhilarating hike with outstanding views.

Children's Park is a great green area with a number of slides and other facilities for kids, where they can play in a safe environment and enjoy some fresh air.

For some extracurricular history lessons, try Hall of Fame, or Bahu Fort.

Tips for a Family Vacation in Jammu and Kashmir

Before visiting this high-altitude region, make sure none of your family members suffers from respiratory problems that could spoil your Jammu and Kashmir trip.

Bring lots of warm clothes and adequate shoes suitable for rugged terrain and changing weather conditions.

If planning to spend time in remote areas, bring diapers, wet wipes, and other necessities for babies or toddlers.

Dining and Shopping on Holiday in Jammu and Kashmir

Cuisine of Jammu and Kashmir

During your Jammu and Kashmir vacation, you'll discover many regional dishes based on fish, chicken, or mutton, with vegetables and spices added in.

Some of the most famous local dishes include "rogan josh" (lamb with yoghurt , caramelized onions, and spices), "yakhni" (lamb cooked with yoghurt and mint and served with rice), and "matschgand" (cooked minced meat with a red pepper gravy).

As far as sweets are concerned, "modur pulav" will probably more than satisfy your craving for a nice desert. This rice delicacy is well sweetened and prepared with cinnamon and saffron.

The locals also cherish the culture of tea drinking--herbal and fruit teas remain the most common options. To try something a bit more exotic, consider sipping a cup of butter tea, a salty drink often made with yak butter.

Shopping in Jammu and Kashmir

In a region that doesn't offer large, shining malls, you can expect lots of colorful and aromatic markets. Make some space on your Jammu and Kashmir itinerary for at least a few of them, and you'll be astonished with the variety of items the local people sell.

From wool shawls, handmade carpets, and wooden artworks, to textiles, clothing, spices, and jewelry, the region's markets have it all.

Some of the largest and most famous marketplaces in this part of the country are Hari Market and Raghunath Bazaar, both located in Jammu City.

Know Before You Go on a Trip to Jammu and Kashmir

Interesting Facts About Jammu and Kashmir

* The region has two capitals, Srinagar and Jammu City

* You can hear up to nine different local languages on your Jammu and Kashmir vacation

* The region has its own flag and constitution

Holidays & Festivals in Jammu and Kashmir

Possibly the best way to experience the area's heritage during your Jammu and Kashmir trip, local festivals display the region's rich culture and interesting history.

Many of the region's events, especially those celebrated across the state, mark notable religious occasions and involve the worship of various deities.

Most major Hindu festivals are marked in Jammu and Kashmir. Some prominent examples of local events include Spitok Gutor Zanskar, celebrated in January to mark a sort of general victory of good over evil, and Matho Nagrang in Matho Monastery, held during the first month of the Tibetan calendar.

If you're looking for non-religious events, consider the springtime Tulip Festival in Srinagar, the city that boasts one of the largest tulip gardens in all of Asia.

Useful Jammu and Kashmir Travel Tips

Climate of Jammu and Kashmir

With a varied topography, Jammu and Kashmir experiences a range of weather conditions throughout the year.

In the south, the weather is often monsoonal, with the hottest part of the year experiencing temperatures of up to 40 C (104 F).

Avoid July or August for your trip to Jammu and Kashmir, as those months bring in enough erratic rainfall and high temps to spoil your vacation.

In September, the rainfall declines significantly. By October, possibly the best month for your visit, the conditions are dry and temperatures around 29 C (84 F).

Transportation in Jammu and Kashmir

Possibly the easiest way to get around during your Jammu and Kashmir vacation will be minibuses and taxis.

Both work well for local sightseeing and long excursions. Many minibus operators also maintain regular lines along fixed routes, both throughout cities and across urban areas, which makes them a reliable option for both locals and foreign visitors.