The valleys in Kashmir are known for their spectacular charm. Attributed to as 'Heaven on Earth, Kashmir is considered as a place of a fairy tale with Lush Green Meadows Surrounded by a Dense Forest, Snow-capped Mountains, Glacier Fed Streams with Turquoise Colour Water, Ancient Temples and Picture Perfect Valleys. All these welcome you to one of the most stunning places on this Earth.
Top 5 Meadows and Valleys in Kashmir that Every Tourist Must include while planning for a Kashmir tour package.
5. Gulmarg (Meadow of Flower)
Gulmarg Meadows
A popular hill station and holiday hotspot for adventure lovers, Gulmarg is also known for its magnificent meadows. Gulmarg lies in a cup-shaped valley in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas, at an altitude of 2,650 m (8,694 ft), 56 km from Srinagar. The marvellous meadows of Gulmarg, which remain covered with snow in winter, allow wildflowers like Daisies, Forget-me-nots and Buttercups to bloom throughout spring and summer. The meadows are juxtaposed with enclosed parks and small lakes and are encircled by dense forests of pine and fir. Skiing along with other winter sports are taken place on the grades of Apharwat peak at a height of 4,267 m (13,999 ft). Many points on Apharwat peak and Khilanmarg offer a scenic view of Nanga Parbat and Harmukh Peak.
4. Sonamarg (Meadow of Gold)
Sonmarg Valley
Situated at an altitude of 2730 m, Sonamarg Valley is a picturesque little village in Kashmir. Actually meaning the meadow of gold, it boasts of beautiful lush meadows surrounded by Snow-capped mountains and interspersed with rivers fed by the sky-blue glacier meltwater. The Sindh River passes through the valley and brings life to the vegetation of the area. Tourists can have a trip up to the Thajiwas glacier which is a major tourist attraction during the summer months. Sonamarg Valley is also the base of some major treks to Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar, Gangabal, and Amarnath Cave.
3. Doodhpathri (Valley of Milk)
Doodhpathri Valley
Doodhpathri is a bowl-shaped valley located in the Pir Panjal Range of Kashmir at an altitude of 8957 feet. Having beautiful grassy meadows surrounded by pine, fir and cedar trees with views of towering snow-clad mountain ridges, Doodhpathri offers the true essence of the mesmerizing landscapes of Kashmir. The valley of Doodhpathri remains drenched with snow in winter and turns into a flower-strewn meadow during spring and summer. It is the union of two meadows named Parhace Maidan and Doodhpathri. The Shaliganga river gushes through the rocky riverbed of Doodhpathri and makes the water of the streams look like milk. This could have been the reason why this place is known as the Valley of Milk. The famous Tosamaidan meadow is located in the west of Doodpathri.
2. Chiranbal Meadows
Chiranbal Meadow
Snow-capped peaks of Bramha Sakli Mountain overlooking the landscape of lush green meadows interspersed with dense forests of Pine and the Zajinar river flowing across make the Most Expansive Sub-Alpine Meadow of Kashmir, Chiranbal one of the most fascinating and attractive meadows of Kashmir Valley. Chiranbal Meadow is divided into twin pastures named Haer (Small) Chiranbal and Bon (Big) Chiranbal situated at two different glades in the meadow. Bon Chiranbal placed at the higher glade of the Chinarbal Meadow is unique as it offers an unbelievably vast area of grasslands and pastures inspiring a sense of boundlessness. Its unique ecosystem with distinct biodiversity along with its ideal setting will surely win the heart of every visitor to the region. The Zajinar river offers fishing and swimming for enthusiasts. Chinarbal also leads to a vast range of alpine meadows like Kadalbal, Zajimarg and Hakwas, Kachoi, Bardalow, Manzpal, and Hapatnad. Tourists can visit the famous Aharbal Waterfall which is just a few kilometres away from Chiranbal. Chiranbal can be accessed from Manzgam which is about 70km away from Srinagar via Pulwama and 90 km away via Awantipura.
1. Gurez Valley
Gurez Valley
Situated in the High Himalayas of the Northernmost region of Kashmir, at an altitude of 2400m and at a distance of 123 Km from Srinagar, Gurez Valley is a less explored valley in Kashmir. With the scintillating view of surrounding snow-clad mountain ridges, turquoise-coloured streams of the Kishanganga river flowing across the emerald green meadows in the backdrop of the amazing pyramid-shaped rocky peak named Habba Khatoon, Curved wooden huts and gleaming wildflowers interspersing the lush landscape, the Gurez valley creates the impression of an idyllic place of a folktale. During the winter months (November to May) Gurez remains cut off from the rest of the places of Kashmir Valley due to heavy snowfall.
A vacation to Kashmir must be mapped according to the kind of experience you want to have.