Jammu and Kashmir are one of the most gorgeous states in India. It will not be wrong to say that there is something exquisite to see and experience in every corner of this majestic union territory. It is very natural then that there must be an unending number of hill stations in Jammu and Kashmir, most of which are popular as being on the bucket list of tourists from around the world. Jammu and Kashmir include busy hill stations like Srinagar and Jammu that always opens large crowds of tourist with open arms, but it also includes those tiny, unknown valleys which are almost uninhabited and take you right to the heart of Himalayan nature and natural vegetation.
Most Popular Hill Stations in Jammu and Kashmir That Are Worth The Hype
1. Srinagar
Obviously, the summer capital of this picture-perfect union territory has to be the most famous of all hill stations in Jammu and Kashmir. Srinagar is always busy with something or the other and there is no end to the places that you can visit while in this city. From therapeutic Mughal Gardens like Chashmeshahi and Nishat, to ancient archaeological preserved temples like the Shankaracharya Temple – almost every magical place is to be found here. There is a majestic tulip Garden which is a famous photography spot for most tourists officially known as the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden. From the premises of the medieval fort Pari Mahal, you can catch the Skyline of the entire city surrounded by high-rising mountain peaks.
Entry fee: No Entry fee
Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours
Time taken to visit: 9 to 10 days
2. Jammu
From the summer capital, let us now move to the winter refuge of Jammu and Kashmir. One of the most famous hill stations of Jammu and Kashmir, this place is after all mentioned in the very name of the union territory. From elaborate forts and museums to pilgrimage sites like Mata Vaishno Devi Temple and Raghunath Temple, this hill station is for those who truly enjoy visiting historical locations and exploring ancient monuments. Some famous foods of Jammu are the Bhimgarh Fort, Bahu Fort and Gardens, Akhnoor Fort, Dogra Art Museum etc. Jammu is relatively warmer than other hill stations of this union territory which is why it is best for those tourists who cannot journey into much colder places.
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours
Time taken to visit: 8 to 9 days
3. Gulmarg
Do you want to visit the Siberia of India? Mark is the number one among all famous hill stations in Jammu and Kashmir for Indian tourists who want to explore snow-related sports like skiing, ice skating etc. Gulmarg is also famous for the highest ropeway car in the world known as the Gulmarg Gondola. It is a famous place dedicated simply to tourism and remains completely covered in snow during the strikingly beautiful winter months. At the same time you get to experience the inherently fascinating culture of Jammu and Kashmir, and feel at home in the traditional but exotic wooden cabin resorts that dot this hill station through and through.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours
Time taken to visit: 8 to 9 days
4. Pahalgam
This relatively new addition to the hill stations of Kashmir is a one-stop solution to all cravings for short treks, hidden meadows and alpine lakes. If you want to get as close to the high peaks of Jammu and Kashmir as possible while also exploring rare flowers and birds among the tickets of coniferous forests, you can find it all here in Pahalgam. Many important treks and camps start from here. Some of the most famous meadows of Jammu and Kashmir are also here at Pahalgam. Pahalgam Valley by itself is characterized as being full of sunlit days, fresh grass, open woods and amazing adventurous activities that anyone and everyone can try.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours
Time taken to visit: 8 to 9 days
5. Patnitop
This place is the perfect guide for those who want to experience every aspect of Jammu and Kashmir – culture, nature and adventure. Patnitop is mostly known for the three freshwater springs that exist within the valley all of which are known to have medicinal properties because of the water itself as well as the medicinal herbs that grow around these springs. The valley itself is steeper and more mysterious than Pahalgam or Sonmarg, but at the same time it is filled with open spaces in the form of meadows and lakes. The Sanasar Lake is the most famous lake in Patnitop. This place is also famous among tourist for housing some ancient temples like the Naag Mandir and the Sudh Mahadev temple.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours
Time taken to visit: 6 to 7 days
6. Anantnag
The region of Kashmir is indeed filled with surprises. Technically, Anantnag is not a valley but an entire district in Kashmir. Some very important tourist places are located in and around the capital city of this district – the city of Anantnag itself. Nag, in Kashmiri, means a mountain spring. Anantnag, Kokernag, Verinag and Achabal all are important hill stations in Jammu and Kashmir that have been famous ever since the time of emperor Jahangir. Jahangir has built extraordinary Mughal Gardens around these springs. The majestic Aharbal waterfall is also located in Anantnag. In fact, the birthplace of The mighty river Jhelum is none other than the tiny stream in Verinag.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours
Time taken to visit: 5 to 6 days
7. Katra
If there is any hill station in Jammu and Kashmir that is completely dedicated to the well-being and service of pilgrims, it is this little town further north of Jammu. The Mata Vaishno Devi Trek starts from here in Katra, and so do the journeys to Gauri Mandir and Bhaironath Temple. Katra has all types of accommodations so that every pilgrim can find a community for themselves. You can find facilities like helicopter rides and pony rides to Mata Vaishno Devi from the town of Katra. Many tourists go further north from this little hill station to reach the Amarnath caves. Alternatively, you can move towards Bhaderwah and visit the famous Chandi Mata Mandir.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours
Time taken to visit: 4 to 5 days
8. Bhaderwah
We have already said that the Chandi Mata Mandir is a holy location that cannot be missed while you are in Jammu and Kashmir. In fact, Bhaderwah is an underrated name among the hill stations of Jammu and Kashmir which has so much to offer to both pilgrims as well as nature lovers. Some unknown gems of this hill station are the Padri and Seoj Meadows. Close to Bhaderwah is the Jai and Chinta valleys. Vasuki Nag Mandir of Bhaderwah is the most cherished location for devotees of Lord Shiva and Vasuki Nag – this place is also the starting point of the famous Vasuki Kund, also known as the famous Kailash Kund.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours
Time taken to visit: 6 to 7 days
9. Leh
For most visitors the experience of exploring Ladakh is completely different from any other place in the country. Ladakh is located surprisingly close to Tibet and the unique mix of Indian and Tibetan Buddhism can be observed in this part of the union territory. It is natural that the capital city of Ladakh should be one of the most famous hill stations in Jammu and Kashmir. Youngsters like to go on a bike journeys from Manali or Sarchu to Leh. This is without a doubt the most phenomenal way to reach this legendary city, which feels as if it has come alive from the pages of an Arabian Nights storybook. The most famous attraction in this hill station is definitely the Leh Palace. The Shanti Stupa bettings to Buddhist pilgrims not only in India but also China, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, Japan and South Korea.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours
Time taken to visit: 8 to 9 days
10. Sonmarg
literally translated, this valley can be called “the meadow of gold”. Sonmarg is easily accessible from Srinagar and lies somewhere between the lower altitude settlements like Srinagar and Jammu and the higher altitude settlements like Gulmarg. This means you will find adequate vegetation here and the rivers will be broader, while the banks will be filled with pebbles. The most important treks like the Thajiwas Glacier Trek and the Narang Gangabal Trek all start from this famous hill station of Jammu and Kashmir. The Baltal Valley – a well-known sightseeing spot for movie lovers – is also close to Sonmarg.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours
Time taken to visit: 8 to 9 days
11. Lamayuru
If we were to point out one more underrated hill stations in Jammu and Kashmir, it will undoubtedly have to be this. We have all perhaps heard about the beauty of Himalayan monasteries in India inspired by the ancient Tibetan culture. Lamayuru Monastery is a monastery with an extended complex, around which a tiny town has sprung up over the centuries. Praying and spending some soulful moments meditating in this little village will lead you to rediscover yourself in interesting ways. Lamayuru is known as the backpacker’s Leh because it has everything that a traditional village in Ladakh will have, stripped of the glamorous glory of Leh. This hill station is known as the Moonland of Ladakh – the interesting Rock Formations in this part of the desert makes one feel like they are walking on the moon!
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours
Time taken to visit: 5 to 6 days
Frequently Asked Questions?
A. Gulmarg is one of the most famous hill stations in Kashmir and it is famous for adventurous activities like skiing and paragliding.
A. It can take up to 9 days to explore Srinagar properly.
A. Lamayuru is a natural hill station in Ladakh that revolves around the ancient Lamayuru monastery. It is a rugged and underrated but gorgeous hill station that very few tourists visit.
Conclusion
Hill stations in Jammu and Kashmir are divorced and each of them has a different topography as well as culture. Each kind of place attracts a separate fan base and yet, most true travel lovers have the desire to explore all available Kashmir travel packages so that they can cover every inch of this majestic state. Have you visited any hill stations in Kashmir before? Let us know what your experience was in the comments below!
