Kashmir Valley is the land of nature. It is also known as "Paradise on Earth" because of its wide range of landscapes and rich cultural heritage. It is surrounded by the northern part of Jammu and Kashmir.
It presents a breathtaking view of sunset and sunrise along with the scenic beauty it holds.
The morning here feels fresh and healthy due to the rich meadow and lush landscapes.
If you are fond of natural beauty, love adventures and are a culture explorer, then Kashmir is a must-to-go place. Explore the geography, climate, cultural heritage and travel tips to experience the best of your travel experience ever.
What is the Geographical Representation of Kashmir Valley?
You often hear Kashmir Valley as the "vale of Kashmir". This valley was formed when the huge Karena lake drained due to tectonic uplift. It covers an area of about 15,520 sq km, that stretches approximately 135 km in length and 32 km in width.
This Valley is famous for its thick landscape and varied ecosystem. The maximum height of its surrounding mountains is over 3000 meters. The whole valley is 1850 meters high above the sea level. Its unique geographical features result in a climate variation across different regions within the valley.
Climate Variations in Kashmir Valley
The climate in Kashmir Valley is generally moderate with different seasons. You will see its summers, mild and quite dry. Whereas, winters are tough due to snowstorms.
Summer: With a temperature range of 16°C to 32°C, the warmest month in the Kashmir Valley is July.
Winter: The temperature drops to -15°C, covering the months of January and December.
Many commercial afforestation projects are undertaken to enhance nature. This resulted in a huge increase in humidity and precipitation levels throughout the region.
Why should you visit Kashmir Valley?
It covers a wide range of attractive spots. Its traditional cuisine, historical temples, snow-capped mountains and thick meadows capture huge crowds. Some of the reasons you should go are as follows:
Natural Beauty: It is known for its diverse ecosystem, lush landscapes, ancient rivers, alpine meadows, and dazzling lakes. These features adorn its beauty. The floating garden that surrounds the Dal Lake adds more beauty to its scenic view.
Adventure: Hiking trails in Pahalgam and Gulmarg add adventure for tourists. Gulmarg is famous for Asia's one of the top winter spots for skiing. Gulmarg is in the westernmost part of the Himalayas and pir panjal.
Pir Panjal lies in the harsh Western Disturbance and makes Gulmarg to be the first to hit by most of the humidity.
Enriched Culture: It is a blend of different cultures like Central Asia, Buddhism, Persia, Hinduism and Sufism. It is famous for its shawls, carpets, tapestries, intricate wood carvings and Papier mache. People love their music, dance, deep poetry and unique cuisine.
What is the Cultural Heritage in Kashmir Valley?
Over many years, different ethnic groups shaped the Kashmiri culture. There are individuals from Semitic, Mongoloid, Aryan, Persian, Turkish, and Arab descents. The language and traditions followed by its locals are shared below:
Language: Kashmiri, Urdu, and Punjabi are famous among its locals.
Traditions: Local craftsmen produce elegant items like Pashmina shawls and complex wood carvings.
What are things to do in Kashmir Valley?
Kashmir shares plenty of activities for its visitors. It is a must option for people looking for adventure and breathtaking views.
Below are some highly recommendable activities:
Visit Dal Lake: Take a ride in Sikhara (wooden boat). It is a floating market.
Explore Pahalgam: Pahalgam is well-known for its rich green meadows and natural landscapes. Betaab Valley and Aru Valley are the best options to visit.
Hiking: Pahalgam is good for hiking. You can enjoy breathtaking views there.
Kashmiri Cuisine: Kashmiri Harissa is a traditional dish. It is popular and uniquely prepared with Lamb, rice and spices.
Ancient History: Parihospara is an ancient town. It was the capital of Kashmir during the reign of Lalitaditya Muktapida. It showcases remarkable archaeological ruins.
Meadows of Gulmarg: Yousaf Shah Chak, ruled Kashmir from 1579 to 1586. He renamed it "Gulmarg" (meadows of flowers). 21 different wildflowers were collected by Mughal emperor Jahangir, for the gardens here in Gulmarg. It is the hub for skiing and gondola rides.
What are the Travel tips for visiting Kashmir Valley?
When you plan to visit Kashmir Valley Consider the following:
Best time to visit: Pleasant weather to visit Kashmir Valley is Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May)
Local transport: Remember to hire local guides for smooth navigation to remote areas.
Safety precautions: Be aware of the local conditions and respect cultural norms.
FAQs
What is the best time to visit Kashmir Valley?
March and September are the best months to go there.
What are the best places to visit in Kashmir Valley?
Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Srinagar are the best places to visit.
Is Kashmir on India or Pakistan?
India administered the territories of Jammu and Kashmir.
Pakistan administered the territories of Azad Kashmir.
Is Kashmir safe for tourists?
Security conditions in Kashmir have improved significantly. Stay updated on travel advisories before planning to visit.
What are some valleys in Azad Kashmir?
Some Valleys in Azad Kashmir are:
Gurez Valley: It starts in Kel and ends in Taobat, and is known as the "Jewel of Azad Kashmir".
Neelum Valley: Neelum Valley includes Spoon Lake or Shounter Lake. It is a high-altitude lake surrounded by alpine meadows and the Hari Parbat mountains.
Jhelum Valley: It includes the Jhelum River.
Leepa Valley: It is a valley in Azad Kashmir with natural beauty.
Some other are:
Sudhan Gali Valley, Mehmood Gali Valley, Devi Gali Valley, Ganga Choti Valley, Rawalakot Valley, Banjonsa Valley, Valley Binah, Khoi Ratta Valley, Tata Pani Valley, Samahni Valley, Mangla Lake Valley, Baghsar Valley
Conclusion
Kashmir Valley beautifies your journey making it memorable throughout your life. The thick meadows to historical and cultural enrichment, all adorn its beauty. They give all the tourists a mesmerizing experience. Local artefacts and lush landscapes bring more traction to the vale of Kashmir.
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About Author
Author is an IT graduate with B.ed from a virtual university. She is a certified digital marketer from Max Business School. She has also completed her certification in SEO from AI SEO Fusion. She is a passionate content writer and have skills on seo content creation and semantic SEO.
