Offbeat Places

ARRIVAL IN SRINAGAR AIRPORT TO SONAMRG

SONMARG TO GUREZ

Journey through the breathtaking Razdan Pass, a high–altitude gateway to the Himalayas, standing at over 3,000 meters. This scenic mountain pass offers spectacular views of snow–capped peaks, vast meadows, and untouched wilderness, making it a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. It also serves as an entry point to numerous trekking routes and outdoor activities.
Continue towards Dawar Village, a charming settlement that reflects the traditional essence of Gurez Valley, surrounded by stunning landscapes and a peaceful ambiance.
Discover the serene beauty of Tulail Valley, nestled between towering mountains. With its lush green meadows, glistening streams, and dense forests, this valley provides the perfect setting for a leisurely walk or a moment of solitude amidst nature’s splendor. The crisp mountain air and tranquil surroundings make for a rejuvenating experience.
Visit the Kishanganga River, which winds gracefully through Gurez Valley, offering a mesmerizing sight. Take a stroll along its scenic banks, enjoy a relaxing picnic, or try trout fishing for a truly immersive experience in nature.
Make your way to Habba Khatoon Peak, named after the revered Kashmiri poetess. Rising to an altitude of 4,380 meters, this majestic peak offers panoramic views of Gurez Valley. Capture breathtaking photographs, embrace the stillness, and witness the landscape transform with the setting sun.
After a day of exploration, return to your hotel for a relaxing evening and a restful night.

Lolab Valley, nestled in Kupwara district, is one of Kashmir’s most breathtaking yet unexplored destinations. Surrounded by snow–clad mountains, flowing streams, and vast meadows, it offers a serene retreat into nature.
Known for its natural beauty, ancient ruins, and temples, the valley is perfect for those seeking peace and adventure. Must–visit sites include the mysterious Kalaroos Caves and the historic Khumriyal Temple, adding a touch of history to its stunning landscape.
For bird watchers, Lolab Valley is an ideal spot, home to local and endangered species like the Himalayan Monal, Lammergeier, Himalayan Golden Eagle, and Kashmir Flycatcher. The best time for birdwatching is summer, particularly in areas like Lahwal River, Chickar Meadows, and Satbaran Forests, where early mornings offer the best sightings.
Camping in Lolab Valley is a must for adventure enthusiasts. The lush meadows and the serene banks of Lahwal River provide the perfect setting for an overnight stay under the stars. Stargazing, bonfires, and shared conversations make camping here a truly magical experience.
For photography lovers, the valley is a paradise, offering stunning landscapes filled with snowy peaks, lush meadows, and scenic grasslands. Every corner presents an opportunity to capture breathtaking shots of Kashmir’s untouched beauty.
One of the most intriguing sites in Lolab Valley is the Kalaroos Caves, an archaeological marvel that has long been surrounded by mystery. Some local legends even suggest that these caves lead to Russia, though no evidence confirms this. Found atop a mountain, the caves attract history buffs and adventure seekers alike. You can trek or go horseback riding to reach them, and hiring a local guide is recommended to uncover the fascinating history and stories behind these ancient caves.
After a day of exploration and adventure, relax with a comfortable night’s stay at a hotel in Lolab Valley, surrounded by the serenity of this untouched paradise.

Bangus Valley is one of Kashmir’s most pristine and offbeat destinations, located in the Kupwara district. This untouched valley is renowned for its grassy meadows, rolling landscapes, and the serene Mawri River, making it a paradise for nature lovers.
The valley offers numerous outdoor activities, including trekking, with trails like the Bangus Trek and Lolab Valley Trek, which take you through breathtaking high–altitude landscapes. Camping is another popular experience, with scenic sites offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks and rivers.
For wildlife enthusiasts, Bangus Valley is home to species like the Himalayan black bear, snow leopard, and musk deer. A wildlife safari through its dense forests offers a rare chance to spot these magnificent creatures. Fishing in the valley’s pristine rivers, known for trout and mahseer, is another relaxing activity, provided you have the necessary permits.
After a day of exploration, continue your journey towards Wular Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia.

Begin your journey with Rampur Rajpur, also known as Khadgu Manglu, a serene destination that offers a glimpse into the rich cultural and natural beauty of Kashmir. Surrounded by scenic landscapes and traditional villages, this area provides a peaceful retreat, allowing visitors to explore authentic Kashmiri life and enjoy breathtaking views of the valleys.
Continue towards Wular Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia, with origins dating back to prehistoric times. Once part of an extensive lake system, it has been shaped over millennia by tectonic shifts and natural processes. Fed by the Jhelum River and numerous mountain streams, the lake undergoes seasonal changes, expanding into a vast turquoise water body during the monsoon season and partially freezing in the winter, creating a mesmerizing sight. Unlike the bustling Dal Lake, Wular Lake offers a more tranquil experience, perfect for soaking in nature’s beauty.
Visitors can enjoy a peaceful Shikara ride, gliding over the calm waters and admiring the stunning reflections of the surrounding mountains. The lake is also a paradise for bird watchers, home to a diverse range of migratory and local bird species. For those who love nature, leisurely walks along the lake’s banks provide a refreshing escape into the breathtaking landscape. Additionally, nearby village explorations offer an opportunity to interact with locals and experience the traditional lifestyle of Kashmir.
After a day of exploring the timeless beauty of Wular Lake, continue your journey, carrying unforgettable memories of this pristine and untouched paradise.

Located 30 km north of Srinagar, Manasbal Lake is often referred to as the "supreme gem of all Kashmir lakes." Surrounded by the villages of Kondabal, Jarokbal, and Gratbal, the lake is renowned for its abundant lotus blooms, particularly in July and August. It is the deepest lake in the Kashmir Valley and the only one that develops stable summer stratification.
Historically significant, the lake is home to 17th–century Mughal fort ruins along its northern shore, once catering to trade caravans traveling from Punjab to Srinagar. To the south, the Ahtung hillock is used for limestone extraction, while the northern plateau, Karewa, consists of ancient lacustrine and fluviatile deposits. Unlike other lakes in the region, Manasbal has no major inflow channels and is primarily fed by spring water and precipitation, with its outflow artificially regulated through a channel connected to the Jhelum River.
The lake plays a vital role in local livelihoods, serving as a source of water, fishing, and lotus root harvesting, a delicacy in the region. However, increasing tourism pressures have impacted its terrestrial ecosystem, leading to eutrophication and submerged weed overgrowth, especially in summer.
Water skiing is a popular activity at Manasbal Lake, with its calm, mirror–like surface making it an ideal spot for water sports. From May to August, the lake remains pleasant for recreation, and tourist huts and bungalows are available for those wanting an overnight stay. After a day of exploration and adventure, return to Srinagar for an overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, embark on an excursion to Yusmarg, also known as the "Meadow of Jesus." Located in the Badgam district, this alpine valley is surrounded by snow–clad mountains and lush meadows of pine and fir, offering breathtaking natural beauty. Yusmarg is a perfect retreat for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts, with activities such as horse riding, fishing, and skiing during the winter months. After spending a memorable time in this serene valley, return to Srinagar for an overnight stay at the hotel.

SRINAGAR AIRPORT DROP